'How Much Coverage Do I Need?'

This is a common question when discussing auto insurance.  Auto accidents happen every day and the resulting damage can potentially be devastating.  Its imperative that you make sure you are protected from financial loss if you cause an auto accident.  This is the reason your automobile liability insurance is one of the most important coverages you carry.

Your automobile liability insurance protects your assets when you are found to be responsible for property damage and bodily injury of others in an auto accident.  In other words, if you cause an accident, you must pay for the resulting damage.  Your auto liability coverage will pay up to the limit you purchased so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.  But if the damage amount exceeds your coverage amount, you’re still responsible for paying the rest.  So, you need to have an adequate limit of coverage to avoid paying for this loss yourself.   

So how do you what amount of coverage is enough?  Well, without knowing how much damage you will cause, we can never tell you what amount is enough.  But you will want to be sure that your assets are protected.  When choosing an appropriate limit of auto liability coverage, believe it or not your insurance agent may not be the best person to consult.  The more assets that you have, the more coverage you will need to protect them.  Your insurance agent may not be familiar enough with your financial situation to recommend an adequate level of insurance coverage.  Most likely, your financial advisor is better-qualified than your insurance agent to advise you on this, so have a conversation with him or her to discuss liability coverage, then contact your insurance agent to obtain it.

Shop Your Homeowners Insurance Rates

From the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report:

"Insurance commissioner encourages homeowners to shop around

Louisiana's rule that says a property insurer cannot drop a policyholder if the customer has been paying the premiums for three years served the state well after Hurricane Katrina, officials say. But the rule also encourages homeowners to stick with their current insurer, since people fear losing that security if they switch, and Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has lent support to that view. But now Donelon says the market is competitive enough that it's worth shopping around. "Of late, I've been telling folks they should shop, as I did, and feel free to move because we have a lot of competition," he says. New companies have begun writing policies in the state, and some companies that were here pre-Katrina have doubled their writings, including Liberty Mutual, Republic Group and Farmers, Donelon says. At worst, if another major hurricane hits and the new insurer drops you, you can always get a policy with Louisiana Citizens, the state-backed insurer of last resort. Citizens is more expensive, but the money you save in the interim could more than offset the higher cost, Donelon says. —David Jacobs"

http://www.businessreport.com/archives/daily-report/2011/jun/16/2303/
Request a quote from Insurance Network of Louisiana today.   www.lainsurance.net

Why An Independent Agent?

Here's another article that explains the benefits of working with an independent agent.

Why An Independent Agent?



 "When shopping for insurance, most people are unaware that there are different kinds of agents they can work with. Choosing the right one can make a big difference in securing the best combination of price and value.


With a captive insurance agent, you only get the guidance of one company that sells one brand of insurance. With an independent insurance agent, you might get up to eight choices.
 
This is because an independent insurance agent represents multiple brands, and can compare coverage and prices to find the best possible value for your individual circumstances. Independent agents are usually vested members of your community who are committed to doing business face-to-face and being your advocate in times of need.

They also:

• Work for you when you have a claim.
• Are not beholden to any one company. This means you don’t have to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
• Are your consultants, working with you as you determine your needs.
• Are value-hunters who look after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage, and service.
• Offer one-stop shopping for a full range of products, including home, renters, auto and business.
• Can periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
• Are committed to customer satisfaction-it's the key to their livelihood.
• Treat you like a person, not a number.
• Are licensed professionals with strong customer and community ties."

There is a difference.  To find out more about working with an independent agent, please contact us."


Information supplied by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

Independent Agents

Here's a great article I found explaining the difference between independent agents, like Insurance Network of Louisiana, and captive agents.

Are All Insurance Agents The Same?

"(NAPS)—To get the best deal on insurance, many people consult an insurance agent or broker. But did you know that there are different kinds of insurance agents and brokers—and the one you choose can make a big difference in the type of service you get and the choices you’re offered?

Here’s the difference:

Captive agents and brokers. Captive agents work with a specific insurance company, and as part of their business agreement with that company, they can offer only that company’s insurance products. They may also be required to sell other products from that company, such as annuities and investment plans.

Independent agents and brokers. Independent agents and brokers can offer products from many insurance companies. This helps them better serve your interests, as they can review multiple options to find a policy and rate that’s right for you. Insurance rates vary from company to company. Independent agents can put together a customized insurance plan.

If you’re ready to contact an independent agent to talk about saving money on car insurance, here are a few things to consider:

Has your life situation changed recently? Many factors determine auto insurance rates, not just vehicle year, make, model, body type and engine size. If you’ve recently moved, gotten married, had a birthday or experienced a similar life milestone, mention this to an independent agent or broker. You may be eligible to save money on your car insurance.


Do you have another type of vehicle that also needs cover­age? If you have a motorcycle, boat, RV or other “toy,” you might save money by having it covered by the same company that insures your car. Talk to an independent agent or broker about it.

Another plus to working with an independent agent or broker is their ability to offer guidance for all your insurance needs—auto, home, life, business and more. They can customize a package of policies just for you.

Did You Know?

Unlike captive agents, independent agents and brokers can offer products from many insurance companies. This helps them better serve your interests, as they can review multiple options to find a policy and rate that’s right for you. "


Check out our web site at http://www.lainsurance.net/ to learn more.