Are Property Taxes to Blame?

Allow me to introduce Jeff. He is a patriotic, white collar professional in his 30s. His favorite past time is watching his alma mater throw the pig skin and has most recently complained about what appears to be an increase in property taxes. However Jeff might be mistaken. Knowing that many individuals pay both their insurance and taxes out of escrow, insurance companies can seemingly hide increases in premium knowing that if there were also tax increases most people will not take the time to see how much their insurance has gone up. Jeff wants to speak with me because the money he'll save can buy him a ticket to the football game instead of watching it on TV. Jeff will also get a call at each renewal if his premium changes up or down!

Don't Worry Too Soon!

We periodically get calls from worried parents of 15 year olds saying, "So now that our son has his learner's permit, how much is my rate going to go up?" I luckily get to respond, "NONE!" Individuals that have their learner's permit would be covered, heaven forbid they were in an accident, by the insurance of the person supervising them in the car. Now you will experience a rate increase once they get their license, but no need to worry too soon! What should be the emphasis is for them to get good grades, because then they will qualify for a good student discount.

Surprise! Your Insurance Rate is Going Up!

Some people are cynical and says, "Of course insurance rates are going up, they ALWAYS do!" Others respond, "What?! Again?! But they did that last year!" While it is possible for any company to raise their rates, there are 3 things American Family does to keep your rates low; Insuring for Replacement Cost and not Market Value on Homeowner's Insurance, Property Inspections on All Homes, and Annual Insurance Reviews!

Market Value vs. Replacement Cost
We see many of our competitors underinsuring homes. We understand that the market value (for selling or refinancing purposes) is lower than it was several years ago, but the fact of the matter is that rebuild cost are presently up. By not properly valueing you home you are saving dollars or even just cents to have increased cost to yourself when it does come time to file a claim!

Property Inspections
You probably have a newly placed roof, while your neighboor has not replaced theirs in 20+ years and it is looking bad. Your neighbor called in a claim to his current insurance company and they denied it saying, "This is not hail damage... your roof is just old." So your neighbor switches to a new company (your company) then it rains and he files a claim with the new comapny. They subsequently replace the roof and this in turn increases your rate! American Family tries to prevent this by having me inspect every property before we insure it, saving you $ in the long run!

Annual Insurance Reviews
Remember that basement you finished, remember that jet ski you bought, oh and the new ring you got for your anniversary. All these things add up and people often forget to insure them until it is too late. Our goal is to collect the correct the right premium year after year not little by little and then ALL at once.

Don't believe your rate are going up? See what the AJC published... http://bit.ly/o2nYzg