Why should I have a home inventory?

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Owning a home in Mount Prospect, IL comes with the usual worries. One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is whether you have the right home insurance. Having the right insurance agent can make the whole process of home insurance buying much easier. Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc has been writing policies for more than 80 years, they value their customers and treat them the same way they would want to be treated. When you need to file a claim on your home insurance policy, you want to be confident it will all go well. Having an agent you trust and a home inventory can make it a much more pleasant process. 

After an event that has damaged or destroyed your home, you will need to provide your insurance carrier with a list of the items that you lost in the event. After something bad happens, you will find that you are not thinking as clearly as usual. Trying to picture what you had and actually writing it down may be beyond your capacity at that moment. Taking the time to make a home inventory before something bad happens can save you a lot of stress.  You can make a digital inventory or a written one supplemented with photos. You want to be able to verify what you had so attaching any receipts especially for larger ticket items is always a good idea. Then you should place the inventory in a safe place so it can be easily accessed if the need arises. 

Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc in Mount Prospect, IL doesn’t work for one insurance carrier, as independent agents, they are able to put their customer’s needs first. Why not give them a call to set up an appointment to discuss your home insurance needs. They will be happy to give you a free no-obligation quote. 

How To Choose The Right Coverage For Your Car

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Buying car insurance is the best way to protect yourself as a driver and your vehicle. Moreover, it is important to know that any vehicle registered in the state of Illinois must have proper car insurance. Since many people make a common mistake and buy the first insurance they see, Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc located in Mount Prospect, IL prepared a brief guide that will help you to choose the right policy for your car. 

Choose The Right Deductible

By choosing a higher deductible, you reduce the cost of insurance. However, you should keep in mind that in case of an accident, you will have to pay a lot out of pocket. Can you handle high deductibles? If your answer is no, then it is better to pick the plan with a higher premium. 

Review Your Mileage

The amount of miles you drive on average annually is one of the main factors used to calculate the cost of insurance. If you drive less than an average driver, you may be qualified for a low-mileage discount. 

Do Thorough Research

When choosing an insurance policy for your car, it is important not to rush. Take your time to compare the available options and insurance companies to make an informed decision. It is also a good idea to call several companies to discuss the options to make sure you have all the necessary information. 

Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc is more than just an insurance company – it is a team of professionals serving the residents of Illinois and helping them to get the best car insurance based on their needs and budget. If you are a car owner from Mount Prospect, IL and you are shopping for insurance for your vehicle, give us a call today to receive help in choosing the right policy. 

Things To Consider Before Purchasing Condo Insurance

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Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc serves the Mount Prospect, IL community, as well as the surrounding states. We are committed to helping our clients find policies that will secure the futures of not only themselves, but their families as well.

Researching Condo Insurance

Staying in a condo means that you’ll have to deal with different insurance risks compared to living in a home. In order to secure your unity and all of your belongings, consider purchasing condo insurance. As you start researching different condo insurance policies, here are some things to consider.

Master Policy

Look at the condo’s master policy. The master policy should outline which parts of the condo are insured and which parts are not covered. Primarily, there are two types of policies. The bare wills in policy covers more of the outer framework. The more thorough master policy covers all of the fixtures and installations inside of the condo.

Recent Upgrades Are A Factor

Pay attention to any new amenities in the unit, such as new flooring or countertops. That should give you a good estimate of how much coverage you should purchase. If you prefer cash value, then your condo insurance policy will replace the value of a stolen item. Any depreciation is also considered when determining the cash value. If you choose replacement coverage, then you’ll be compensated so that you can purchase a new item.

Natural Disasters

In order to ensure that the content and structure of your condo is covered, make sure that you have a clause in your condo insurance policy that will cover the unit if there is a hurricane or a severe flood damages the property.

Contact Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc

Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc will guide you as you evaluate your options. Visit our website to learn more information about our Mount Prospect, IL office.

3 critical home insurance mistakes that new home owners make

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Congratulations on becoming the latest homeowner in Mount Prospect, IL. While owning a home for the first time can be fulfilling, the whole aspect of finding the right home insurance coverage and having your home adequately covered can be overwhelming. As a result, many homeowners end up making costly mistakes that they end up paying more than they had budgeted for. Seeking guidance from an insurance expert at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc can help you make wise and informed decisions and avoid these three mistakes.

First mistake: Going for cost and not value

After buying or building a home, it is almost obvious that you may not have much capital left. However, that doesn’t mean that you should pick the cheapest coverage around you. Like any other commodity in the market today, cheap is always expensive, and it gets serious when it comes to home insurance policies.

Second Mistake: Getting insufficient coverage

This is connected to the first mistake of going for cheaper policies. Cheap options are always risky as they lack essential coverages. That means that you may need to dig deeper into your pockets to replace or repair damages when your home is destroyed. If you are going to buy insurance that won’t cover the basics and help you save a substantial amount of money, then that option is not helpful. The rule of the thumb here is to treat insurance like the home itself.

Third mistake: Making assumptions without seeking clarification

New homeowners tend to make many insurance assumptions that can be dangerous. Assuming that your home insurance will cover flood damages, or your motorboat in the compound without speaking to your insurance provider can cost you more as most insurance companies do not cover floods in home insurance. Similarly, motorboats are not covered in home insurance, you may need to purchase a separate cover if you own one.

Home insurance coverage is equally important as the house itself. For queries, quotes, and new policy discussions, speak to our team at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc in Mount Prospect, IL, and we will all help you protect your most valuable asset.

What Does An Umbrella Policy Do After A Disaster At Home?

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Whether you live in Mount Prospect, IL or anywhere else, disaster can strike without warning. This is our business at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc : to help protect your financial future during times of crisis. But what happens if a regular insurance policy isn’t enough to keep you secure after a home disaster? With an umbrella policy, you will have an extra safety net to safeguard your assets.

Umbrella insurance protects you from paying out-of-pocket for legal expenses.

Let’s say someone becomes injured on your property, or a disaster such as a fire causes damage to your neighbor’s home. In both of these cases, the injured party may sue you for the cost of damages, medical expenses, lost income or more. You will have to pay to defend yourself in court, as well as cover the cost of any judgments should you be found responsible. Personal injury lawsuits can very quickly add up to an amount that exceeds your current home liability insurance. When that happens, you’ll be stuck paying out-of-pocket for the difference.

This is where an umbrella policy comes into play. Once your primary home insurance limit is exhausted, umbrella insurance steps in to cover the difference so you don’t have to. Without this type of protection, you could have assets seized or wages garnished in order to pay the remaining cost of your judgments or fees. 

Your agent can help you decide if umbrella insurance is for you.

Deciding if you need an umbrella policy and how much coverage you should have can be a tough decision alone. If you live in the Mount Prospect, IL area, please reach out to Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc to discuss the benefit of umbrella insurance today. 

Should You Insure Your Vacation House?

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Are you in the process of purchasing a vacation home, or do you have one that’s newly bought? If so, you may not know yet if you need special insurance to cover the property. The fact of the matter is that yes, you should have insurance coverage on the house. Read on to find out more, and also reach out to Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc if you’re in the Arlington Heights or Mount Prospect, IL area.

Gaps in Homeowners Coverage

It’s key that you get vacation home insurance since homeowner’s insurance alone will leave you with some big coverage gaps. The homes typically are only stayed in part of the year by the owner, part-time by rental guests, and they may go for long periods of time unoccupied. Your policy should cover all of these contingencies.

In some instances, your vacation insurance will have a rider for rental guests. Be sure to talk over this with your agent and read the fine print so you have a solid understanding of all that’s going to be covered.

Issues You May See with Vacation Home Insurance

With this type of insurance, it might turn out to be more expensive and less comprehensive. There is more of a risk of burglaries and issues arising that you won’t learn about for some time when you don’t actually reside there. Of course, the particulars will be based on your specific situation so this may not apply in your case.

Consider Bundling Insurance

If it’s a possibility, you should bundle your vacation property insurance with homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, and other policies you have from the provider. This will save you a bit of money and aggravation in the long run.

For quality insurance and knowledgeable agents who will assist you with all your unique needs in the Mount Prospect, IL area, look no further than Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. Contact us today to find out more and get started setting up your vacation home insurance policy.

 

Why Condo Insurance Is A Must

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Looking to move into a condo? It’s a great option when you want your own living space without dealing with a lawn, outdoor maintenance, and other traditional homeowner issues. However, while there are a number of benefits associated with a condo you still need to protect your home with condo insurance. If you live around greater Mount Prospect, IL, the team at Com-Co Insurance Agency can help connect you with the right condo insurance. 

Your HOA Likely Requires It

In most cases, when living in a condo there is a home owner’s association. This HOA helps determine regulations and guidelines for the community. In these instances, you’ll find most HOAs do require you to have condo insurance. Some might simply require you to have some form of condo insurance while others will require you to have specific coverage. Whatever your HOA requirements are it is important to work with an insurance provider who can fulfill these needs. 

Living In Close Proximity To Others

When it comes to living in a condo you’ll be in close proximity to other residents. This puts you at greater risk of fires and even theft because you simply have more people nearby. In order to make sure you are protected you will need to invest in proper condo insurance for your home.

Protect Your Home With Condo Insurance

When living around Mount Prospect, IL it is crucial for you to protect your home. If your home is a condo you will need condo insurance. With the help of Com-Co Insurance Agency you’re just a phone call away from talking with your local insurance provider about the right condo insurance for your property. From working with your HOA to pinpointing what works with your budget, Com-Co is here to help.

5 Ways to Prepare for a Home Insurance Claim

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There is a certain aspect of buying insurance that is putting money away in the hopes that you will never need it. But, the day has come and disaster has struck.

How do you go about filing a claim when your mind is everywhere at once?

First of all, some help from a trusted agent at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. of the Mount Prospect, IL area would be ideal. Here are 5 ways to prepare for a home insurance claim that will help you when the time comes.

Whether it is a fire or severe weather damage, there has been damage to your home and the first thing to do is to inspect the damage. It is important for the homeowner to not only take stock of what needs to be fixed or replaced, but the insurance company needs to know so that they can properly cover the costs within your specific insurance plan. 

Once an assessment has been made, begin to document any damage caused by what happened. Lists of items damaged or destroyed, pictures of what parts of your home looked like before the incident and after, and even a video that shows the damage can all be used to support your claim. Be as thorough as you can. This time can be stressful to navigate, but the details now will save you time and hassle later.

Lastly, figure out the cost of getting your home fixed, both short and long term. If there are any repairs that need to happen right away, alert your insurance company and see what is best. Be sure to include the costs of materials, repairs, and replacements.

When disaster strikes your home, Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. is there for the people of Mount Prospect, IL to make sure that you have what you need. Have questions? Give us a call and we’ll answer your questions about keeping your home protected.

Vehicle Maintenance for Older Cars

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In order to avoid costly expenses, it’s critical to maintain your vehicle, especially for older models. If you’re willing to care for your car, you’ll be rewarded with a car that can last more than 100,000 miles. Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc in Mount Prospect, IL has independent insurance agents with expert knowledge regarding caring for your vehicle starting with auto insurance.

Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations

Each vehicle comes with an owner’s manual that contains maintenance recommendations. Generally, the guidelines for new vehicles state that you should change the oil every three months or 5,000 miles. As your car ages, you’ll need more specified routines that include changing the spark plugs, replacing the fluids, and rotating the tires at specific intervals.

The First 100,000 Miles

After the first 100,000 miles, it’s important for the timing belt to be changed. The timing belt helps to rotate the crankshaft and camshaft in the engine so that the valves will open and close properly. When the timing belt is not functioning in the correct manner then your vehicle could experience severe shaking while idling, oil pan could leak, and the engine could begin to smoke.

You’ll also want to flush the coolant system. Coolant keeps your engine from overheating and helps prevent corrosion. It is recommended to flush the system every three years after 100,000 miles. 

Changing or replacing shocks, struts, oxygen sensors, belts, and hoses is also recommended after 100,000 miles. 

As long as you follow the guidelines for your vehicle, you should be in good shape when your car gets older. Consult with your insurance agents at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc in Mount Prospect, IL to get started with auto insurance. Our agents can also help you secure home, life, commercial, and umbrella insurance as well.

Safety Tips to Avoid an Accident

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According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), 32,000 people are killed in car crashes every year. To prevent yourself from becoming a statistic, there are a few tips you can use. In Mount Prospect, IL, Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. has agents that are available to help and advise you on your auto insurance needs as well as information on avoiding auto accidents.

  • Wear a seatbelt – Seatbelts have been proven to save lives. Even the impact of a fender-bender can be a jolt to your body. It can lead to severe back and neck injuries. Without a seatbelt in place, it can push you into the steering wheel or even cause you to hitting the windshield.
  • Don’t drive impaired – Even one drink or smoke can cause you to be impaired. Medical marijuana is legal in most states, but driving while you are impaired is not. Get a driver who has not been drinking or take a car service.
  • Monitor the weather – The weather can make a difference in how you drive. In the rain or snow, you have to be more cautious when the road is slicker. Make sure that your wipers are clean to keep your visual field free. Check the tread on your tires to prevent unnecessary slides.
  • Stay off your phone – Having a cell phone is a convenient way to keep in contact with your friends and family. Many people also use it as a GPS. To stay safe on the road, keep your phone hands-free. Get a cell phone holder and use the voice-to-talk feature that is available with most cell phones. If your phone does not have this feature, then you can download it from the app store.

If you need to know more or you are just interested in auto insurance, come to Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. in Mount Prospect, IL to get a quote and have your questions answered.