The dwelling fire form(s) are used primarily to insure homes that don’t qualify, for one reason or another, for a homeowner policy. The most common use is to insure a home that is tenant occupied. If you own a home and are renting it out to a tenant, it will not qualify to be insured under the homeowner program as it is not owner occupied. The solution is the dwelling fire forms(s). I say forms as there are three available. Most policies issued are on the DP-3 form and so that is what this blog will cover.

What’s covered? The dwelling form is all about choices. The homeowner form automatically includes coverage for your house, your detached garage or other structures, you personal property, your loss of use of the home and liability for losses occurring on or off the premises. These things can also be covered with a dwelling policy but you must ask for the coverage as it is not automatic. The policy can insure:

• Your house (dwelling) which is typically covered using open perils (all events covered unless excluded) and includes anything permanently attached to the home (patio, carpeting, custom drapes, etc).

• Your other structures, which means things permanently attached to the land which are not part of the house…like a detached garage, a gazebo, a pool house, etc.

• Your stuff (personal property) which means your furniture, clothes, dishes, and your collection of National Geographic magazines. Personal property is covered for only those types of losses named in the policy. The DP-3 policy also does not cover the personal property of tenants, who require their own renter’s policy.

• Your loss of rents. Your tenant is not going to continue to pay rent if the house burns down. The policy can replace the lost rents.

• Your liability for loss on the premises

Remember however you must select the coverages you want. If you are the owner and the home is occupied by a tenant it is unlikely that you have any personal property on the premises so you would not need that coverage. If the garage is attached and there are no structures on the property other than the house you might not need other structures coverage. The liability for this property may be added here or, if you have a homeowner policy on your primary residence included in that policy.

This is just an outline of what is covered by the dwelling fire policy. For more information contact a PoliSeek licensed sales representative at 866-540-7335.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein.  No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

As with all questions regarding coverage, it depends on the language of the policy. For most policy forms used in the U.S. however the answer would be yes and both. Typically your policy would provide coverage for anyone driving your car with your permission (I’m assuming you are the policy holder) and your friends policy provides coverage for use of a borrowed (“non-owned”) auto. That begs the question; if both provide coverage, which one pays? The mantra used to sort this out is that “coverage follows the vehicle” or “coverage on the vehicle is always primary”. That means that the policy naming the vehicle (yours) pays first. If, for some reason, it will not pay or the coverage is insufficient then the coverage naming the driver (your friend’s) will pay.

Example:
Your friend, while driving your car, is in an accident which is determined to be his fault. He causes injury to the other party of $20,000.00. Your policy would pay first. Your bodily injury liability limit per person is $15,000 which your carrier pays. Your friend also has auto insurance with higher limits (bigger numbers). His policy has a bodily injury liability limit per person of $50,000. It will pay the remaining $5,000.

If you still have questions concerning this issue, please feel free to contact PoliSeek at 866-540-7335.  One of our licensed representatives will be happy to assist you.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein.  No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Inflation Guard Coverage works by adding an additional annual percentage increase to the dwelling value of your home to cover the rising costs of building materials due to inflation. It will also increase the value of other structures on your property, the amount of coverage for your personal property and the amount of coverage available for loss of use. Inflation Guard Coverage is designed to eliminate problems due to a home being underinsured and to accommodate for the fluctuation in the cost of living.

For more information regarding Inflation Guard coverage, please contact a representative at www.poliseek.com.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Did you know that you may be paying too much for your auto insurance? Many people do not realize that there are ways to save money. If you belong to certain organizations or pass certain safety courses, you may be eligible to get insurance at a discounted rate.

To get these discounts, you will need to talk to your insurance provider and you will most likely need to prove that you have completed the requirements for the insurance discount. Below are some of the more popular discounts available.

Good Student Discount – Students who do well in school may also be eligible for discounts on auto insurance. In most cases the student must maintain a “B” average to qualify.

Cycle Safety Course – If you have an insured motorcycle, you may be able to get a discount if you pass a motorcycle safety course. These classes can teach you how to become a better defensive rider.

Group Discounts – Discounts may also be available for some professional groups. It is not uncommon for teachers, doctors, attorneys and others that belong to professional organizations to get a discount on insurance.

There are many other discounts available and they should be explored to make sure that you are not spending too much money. For a more complete list please visit the discounts at PoliSeek.com

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Running a small business can be hard work. The economy is tough, competition is fierce and new customers are harder to come by. With that, business owners are looking to cut expenses in any way possible. Some may feel that cutting or reducing their business insurance may be a viable way to save money. It might seem like a savings, until an event happens that insurance would cover.

Business insurance helps to protect an owner’s investment in the event something happens to property, employees, inventory or more. Every business needs protection against a loss and specialized business insurance is what helps with this situation. Business insurance plans from PoliSeek.com can include; Commercial Property, Commercial Auto, Workers Compensation, General Liability, Directors and Officers and Commercial Umbrella.

Knowing what you need to insure is as important as the policy you purchase. If you are in need of more affordable business insurance, PoliSeek can help. We have access to dozens of different providers, so we can consider your needs and provide you with appropriate choices. Please contact us today to receive a free quote on your quality business insurance.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

With summer right around the corner, many people will be dusting off their motorcycles for some great riding. While you never forget to ride, now might be a great time to refresh your skills by enrolling in a motorcycle training course. A training course can teach you how to be a defensive rider, keeping you safer on the road and it can also save you money on your motorcycle insurance. Some companies offer a premium discount of 5-10% or even more.

Courses range from the basics and refreshers to learning the most advanced defensive riding techniques. Some programs will even provide you with their own motorcycle to train on. These training courses are even great for those thinking about buying a motorcycle, but have not yet purchased one. Each course is in a safe and closed environment and taught by professional instructors. You will ride away from these courses with more skills to navigate the roads and you will also be introduced to other riders in your area.

Upon the completion of these courses, check with your insurance company to see if you are eligible for a discount on your policy. Keeping up with motorcycle safety can make you a better rider and save you money. For more information on motorcycle insurance, please contact a PoliSeek agent about our policies.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

While the push for universal healthcare is not quite there, it is important that every person have health insurance.  Having even basic health insurance can protect you from unanticipated health bills.  Even if you have a job that doesn’t provide health insurance, you can still get it at an affordable rate.  PoliSeek will help you to find the best health insurance at an affordable rate to meet your needs.  We partner with many different providers to ensure we are giving our customers the best possible prices.  Our health insurance products include:

 •            Insurance for individuals and families
•             Short term disability
•             Health savings accounts (HSA)
•             Prescription drug discounts
•             Student health care
•             Short term health insurance 

Not having any health insurance can leave you finically liable in the event you should incur a medical expense.  When bills add up because of medical problems, this puts stress on you and your family.  The number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States is due to medical related expenses.  If you are in need of health insurance, contact one of our health insurance specialists at http://PoliSeek.com . Call 866-540-7335 or request a free quote at http://www.poliseek.com/health-insurance .

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Owning a motorhome is a great way to travel and see the country. You have the freedom to go where you want and stop where you want even if there are no hotels or other accommodations available. New motorhomes can be expensive; however, so buying a new one isn’t always possible. When this is the case, some people will turn to converting an old bus into a motorhome. 

People convert buses into motorhomes for all types of reasons. Some do it for camping and hunting, while others do it so they can travel more comfortably. The one thing they all have in common is that it can be difficult to insure these converted vehicles, especially if the bus being converted is more than 20 years old. If this is the case for your bus, you may be required to have a mechanic inspect it to verify that it is safe and operational. Older vehicles do not have the safety features or reliability of current models, so insurance companies are especially cautious. 

The best thing you can do if you have converted or are thinking about converting a bus into a motorhome is talk to your insurance company. PoliSeek is available to discuss your bus conversion insurance needs and provide you with a free quote based on your unique circumstances.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

A multi-car discount is offered by virtually all auto insurance companies.  It applies to all coverage on the policy and may save you between 10% and 20% off of your premium.  The basic requirement is that there must be more than one vehicle insured on the same policy.  Other requirements vary by company and may include:

1.  The vehicle is owned by and principally operated by the policyholder or a member of his/her family.

2.  The vehicle is garaged (kept) at the same address as the other vehicle.

3.  The qualifying vehicle is not a trailer.

There are even some carriers that will give the discount if one vehicle is a home and the other is garaged at college with a child of the policyholder.

As the definition of “family” changes in our society the insurance industry has reacted.  It has been seen where companies which previously required ownership of both vehicles by the policyholder abandon this rule and permit a multi-car discount when two adults are living together, both with their own vehicle.  In the past, not only would they not get the discount, it was difficult to find a company willing to insure them on the same policy.

While much the country is still enjoying summer like conditions, a few states in the west have already received their first snow fall of the year. So far snow has only been seen at higher elevations and drivers have not yet had to face adverse conditions. However, snow in the mountains means that it won’t be long before most of the country has to deal with winter driving and getting their car ready for snow.To help you better prepare, here are some car maintenance tips and winter driving considerations.

Car Preparation Tips

• Before the snow falls, check your tires. Ensure that you have proper tread. Also, if you have summer tires, put on your winter tires, or change to all season tires.

• During the winter, make sure you always have at least a half a tank of gas in your car. This can help it to start up more easily in the morning and can also keep you safe if you get stranded. If you get stuck and have to wait for help, your car is your source of heat.

• Change your windshield wipers and check fluid. If your windshield wipers do not clear your window appropriately, it can make it difficult to see. Also, making sure that you have windshield wiper fluid specifically for winter can help to melt ice and frost that builds up on your window.

• Always have a phone charged and readily available in case you should get stuck and need to call for assistance.

Winter Driving Tips

• Drive slower. Leaving more room between you and other cars is essential because snow makes roads slippery and you will not be able to stop as fast.

• Learn the capabilities of your car. Know how to handle your car if it is front wheel, all wheel, or rear wheel drive. Also be aware if your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS). Understanding your cars capabilities will better help you to avoid accidents.

• If your car does not have daytime running lamps (DRL) turn your headlights on when driving to increase your visibility to other drivers.