The Policy Barn

“What the heck does this mean on my policy?”

Time to talk Auto Liability Limits! What are they? How are they normally listed on your policy? How much is enough? Everyone needs Liability to legally drive on the road, but what does that really mean?

Auto Liability Limits protect others on the road if you cause Bodily Harm or Property Damage to them. It’s important to select the right limits to protect yourself and others!

 Medical Payments pay out regardless of fault to help those in need get rapid attention for their wounds so that they don’t worsen.

** What does it mean when your policy says “100 / 300 / 100”? **
– The first number is in thousands. For example, 100 = $100,000. This is the amount that you have available for Bodily Injury damage to another person in an accident.
– The second number is in thousands. For example, 300 = $300,000. This is the amount that you have available for Bodily Injury damage to other people in the WHOLE accident.
– The third number is also in thousands. For example, 100 = $100,000. This is the total amount per accident you have available for all Property Damage you cause to a third party.

Keeping this information in mind, are State Minimums in MT enough to protect you and others on the road? Likely not. Montana’s state minimum requirements only state you need “25 / 50 / 20.” This means only $25,000 per person Bodily Injury, $50,000 per Accident Bodily Injury, and $20,000 per accident Property Damage.

With most auto accident-related hospital visits ranging from $18,000 – $95,000, there is quite the margin of risk for hurting others on the road with these limits. Also, with most new vehicles costing twice as much as the state minimum requirement for Property Damage, you are exposing yourself to a lot of potential issues financially.

 What can people do if you cause more damage than what your insurance will cover? They can pursue litigation against you, and ask that you pay out of pocket for the damages not covered by your insurance. This can result in them targeting your personal assets or even garnishing your wages! 

What steps can you take to prevent mold growth in your home? 🦠

🫟 Avoid keeping spaces stuffy! Run fans while using the shower or kitchen, and open windows to provide a breeze.

🫟 Keep an eye on plumbing, roofs, and gutters often. If you have a leak, take steps to prevent water from pooling/fix the damage as best as you can within the first 48 hours to have the best chance of avoiding microbial growth.

🫟 Keep air flowing! Don’t place furniture directly against walls.

🫟 If you have a humid area of your home, use a de-humidifier. Try to keep rooms at a humidity level of 30-60%.

🫟 Do not install wall-to-wall carpet in moisture-rich areas.

🫟 Open your windows often, but NOT when it is humid outside!

Do you have a high wind/hail deductible on your home policy? We have options! 💨

There are plans called Deductible Buyback plans that pay an amount towards your deductible. These plans usually come at a yearly cost, and can help lessen the financial strain on your wallet when it comes to the out of pocket expense tied to filing a claim.

Call us today at 406-534-8008 to learn more!

Check out this guide from FEMA that details how to secure your property before sever winds occur!

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/fema_protect-your-property_severe-wind.pdf

Remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. 💙

#MemorialDay

Stay alert, prevent banking fraud before it happens!

**Beware of Phishing**

DO NOT click on links or respond to any messages that come from an unknown source. If you suspect your bank sent you a message, call or use their online portal to confirm first.

**Do not use public Wi-Fi**

Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking transactions, as it is less likely to be secure than using your mobile data.

Do not access personal information or websites on public networks.

**Be Vigilant**

Keep a close eye on your bank statements and allow for real-time notifications to be sent to you if your bank offers it.

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If you think that there is any fraud that is occurring, contact your financial institution immediately so that preventative measures can be taken.

Freeze your accounts, and consider freezing your credit with major credit bureaus.

Did you know that we offer pet insurance for your furry friends? 🐶🐱

We have plans that range in level of reimbursement/price! Give us a call today to get quotes. 🐾

#petinsurance

Is your home prepared for fire season? Read these tips to gain knowledge on proactive actions that can help minimize losses due to wildfire. 🏡🔥

🔥Store your wood pile, fuel tanks, and other combustible materials at least 30 ft away from structures.

🔥Water your grass as much as you can to keep it green, and mow it.

🔥Avoid burning refuse outdoors during fire season.

🔥Have 100 feet of garden hose attached to your home.

🔥Mow all vegetation within 100 feet of structures on your property.

🔥Trees scattered within 30 feet of structures.

🔥Clean roof surfaces regularly.

🔥Prune portions of your trees that extend within 10 feet over the opening of any chimney or stove.

🔥Landscaping should be placed 15 feet apart to keep the amount of available fuel for a fire to a minimum.

🔥In case of fire, ensure that your address is visible from your driveway.

Happy Mother’s Day to the women who are strong and make sacrifices to allow thier children to grow into the people they are today! 🌷💛

“Because of you, I am me.”

#mothersday #loveyourmama

Did you know that Safelite can do mobile repairs on your vehicles?

https://www.safelite.com

Check online for availability and to see if this is something that you’re interested in! If you have questions on Glass coverage on your insurance policy, please give us a call at 406-534-8008.