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Illinois Insurance Blog

Tips for Storing a Boat

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If you want to maximize a boat’s lifespan, it is essential to know how to properly store and winterize the watercraft. Proper storage will help proactively prevent potential damage to the boat when not in use during the off-season. If you are a boater or boat owner in the greater Deerfield, IL, area, the insurance specialists at STARS Insurance offer these essential tips for storing your boat as the summer boating season begins to draw near.

Tips for Storing a Boat

Remember to keep all boat-related paperwork (insurance, registration, and maintenance records) in a safe, conveniently accessible location and –

Clean the Inside/Outside of the Boat

Before storing, remove all debris and dirt on the inside and the hull and deck. Clean compartments to prevent mold/mildew growth.

Change the Oil & Flush the Engine

Consider changing the watercraft’s oil and oil filter before storing the boat. If the boat has an inboard or stern-drive engine, flush it with fresh water to remove any salt/contaminants. Add antifreeze to the cooling system and a fuel stabilizer to the boat’s fuel tank to prevent the gas from breaking down.

Drain Water Systems

Drain all water from the boat’s systems to prevent the freezing of pipes, pumps, etc.

Disconnect Batteries

Disconnect the boat’s batteries and store them in a dry, cool location.

Elevate the Boat & Cover Properly

Use a cover that fits properly/snugly, as this offers the best protection from harsh elements. Elevate on blocks, as this keeps moisture away from the hull. Be sure if the boat is stored indoors that, there is proper ventilation to avoid mold/mildew.

We Are Here To Help!

For more information on the many ways to protect your boat, contact the Deerfield, IL-based STARS Insurance. We can assist you with all your boat insurance needs. 

How Flood Insurance Works and Why You Need It Now

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If you live in a flood plain, your mortgage broker may require you to get flood insurance as a condition of giving you the loan. Your home insurance company may also require flood insurance. However, it’s not as easy as adding this to your policy. The stellar agents at STARS Insurance can help you understand how flood coverage works and what policies are available in your area of Deerfield, IL.

How Flood Insurance Works

Flood insurance protects your building and its contents up to certain limits. You can buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, not everyone is eligible for coverage under this federal program. You can also buy flood insurance from private insurers, which may offer more options. Our team is here to guide you through the process so that you understand all the related factors.

Floods rip through communities with terrifying speed. Protect your home and belongings with the right policy for you. It’s also important to understand why you need flood insurance as soon as possible.

Why You Should Get Flood Insurance 

You can protect your property and belongings in the event of a flood, one of the most frequent natural disasters throughout the US. Talk to your agent to ensure you comply with the federal requirements for flood insurance. That’s crucial if you live in a high-risk flood area. 

If you want to eliminate dependence on federal disaster assistance, consider a private insurer. At STARS Insurance, knowledgeable insurance professionals will guide you through different flood insurance options. That makes it easier to narrow down your choices.

We Can Help!

With global warming causing more and more unpredictable weather, you need flood coverage you can count on. Contact us today to make an appointment to get a flood insurance quote in Deerfield, IL.

Here’s Why Young Folks Need Life Insurance Too

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Financial preparedness can make or break many families, including younger families. Unfortunately, some younger families fail to take out life insurance policies, which could leave loved ones exposed to considerable risks. If tragedy should strike, financial constraints can make challenges more difficult to manage. As such, it’s crucial for families at any age to look into life insurance programs. Contact STARS Insurance in Deerfield, IL to learn more about the benefits of life insurance.

The Benefits of Life Insurance Policies for Younger Families Explained

Life insurance may provide payouts should a tragedy occur. Which events are covered can vary from plan to plan. However, if you or your spouse should pass away, life insurance may provide payments. The funds provided could help with burial costs and could also provide financial stability in the event of lost income.

Such payments could prove especially crucial for a spouse left behind who is caring for a dependent, such as a child. Raising kids and keeping a roof overhead can be quite expensive. With life insurance, loved ones may have an easier time making mortgage payments or paying for daycare and other services.

Life insurance premiums can vary based on what is covered and the overall health of the person(s) being insured. It’s important to consider individual circumstances and specific policies. That said, young, healthy individuals often enjoy more affordable premiums than older individuals or people who are in bad health.

Reach Out To Us

Selecting the right life insurance plan can be daunting. The decisions made now could have a big impact on people in the future. It’s wise to work with an insurance agent to understand the terms and details of individual life insurance plans. Get in touch with STARS Insurance to learn more about specific life insurance plans in Deerfield, IL.

Is auto liability insurance enough coverage for the new car that I’m leasing?

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If you have a car loan or are currently leasing your car, your insurance requirements may differ from other drivers. All drivers are required to carry auto liability insurance. However, there may be situations that require a driver to carry more than just the state minimum required auto insurance. Our STARS Insurance team is committed to helping Deerfield, IL drivers get the coverage they need.

What does Liability Insurance Cover?

Liability insurance covers any medical, legal, or property damage fees you may incur as a result of injuring someone, damaging someone else’s property, or being found at fault for some other driving-related incident. Every state requires drivers to carry auto liability coverage in order to legally drive. However, this form of coverage doesn’t cover anything else beyond other persons’ injuries, property damage, or liability claims. It will not provide any coverage for your damaged property or injuries.

Is auto liability insurance enough coverage for the new car that I’m leasing?

Typically, no. Most lenders and lease holders require drivers to carry full coverage auto insurance. Liability coverage will only cover damage or injuries that the other driver/person experiences. As a loan holder or someone that’s leasing a car, you’re not the owner.

This means that the bank or the hearse holder owns the car until you’ve either paid the car off or completed your lease term. As a result, the lender and the leaseholder require the driver to carry full coverage auto insurance in the event that something happens to damage or total the car. This ensures that the lender or leaseholder will be fully compensated for the vehicle.

Looking for Insurance in the Deerfield, IL area?

If you have questions regarding different forms of auto insurance coverage, call us at STARS Insurance. We’d be happy to help you explore your options. 

Types of Commercial Insurance

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As a business owner in Deerfield, IL, or the surrounding areas, you understand the importance of insurance coverage to protect your company’s assets. However, with so many different types of commercial insurance available, it can take a lot of valuable time to determine which policies suit your specific needs.

Our experts at STARS Insurance have put together this guide to give you an overview of the different types of commercial insurance. This way, you can make an informed decision about what type of policies you need.

Types of Commercial Insurance

Property Insurance

The purpose of property insurance is to guard your business against physical property damage, loss, or theft. This coverage typically includes your building, inventory, equipment, and other assets. If your business is damaged by a natural disaster like a fire or severe weather, property insurance can help you pay for repairs and replacement costs. Additionally, property insurance can cover losses due to theft or vandalism.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance protects your business from legal claims filed against you by any third party. There are different kinds of liability policies out there designed to suit a variety of business types. For instance, general liability insurance covers claims related to bodily injury or property damage on your business’s premises. Professional liability insurance, on the other hand, covers claims made against you for professional mistakes or negligence. 

Worker’s Compensation Coverage

Finally, worker’s comp is designed to benefit employees who are injured on the job or become ill due to their work environment. In Illinois, worker’s compensation insurance is mandatory for most employers, regardless of the business size. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, as well as rehabilitation costs. 

Reach Out To Us

At STARS Insurance, we offer comprehensive coverage options to business owners in the Deerfield, IL area to help you protect your business and your employees. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your business.

The Importance of Homeowners Insurance for Older Homes

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Founded in 1903, the Chicago suburb of Deerfield, IL has many desirable Victorian and mid-century modern-style homes. The same intricate facades and decorative architecture that makes these homes attractive to buyers can also give pause to insurance companies looking to offer coverage for homeowners. At STARS Insurance, we can help you better understand your homeowner’s insurance policy or find one right for you. Having this type of coverage in place can save extraneous out-of-pocket costs in the case of an incident.

Why Home Insurance?

Homeowners insurance aims to protect you, your home, and your belongings. It’s an essential purchase for two reasons: fortifying your property in the event of a loss and satisfying a mortgage lender. It’s a combination of coverage addressing the perils—events such as a fire, tornado, or theft that causes damage to your property—of owning a home. Some insurance companies are hesitant to provide coverage for older homes, but these often need proper coverage the most.

Typically, these older homes can be cheaper to buy but more expensive to insure. Higher replacement cost, which refers to rebuilding the house in the event of damage, often determines the insurance cost rather than the home’s market value. An older home would be more expensive to repair due to using costly or rare construction materials, labor costs, electrical wiring, plumbing systems, and the roof’s age.

Purchasing insurance from a reputable team is essential to keep you and your home safe. We will be able to guide you through finding a homeowner’s insurance plan to meet your home’s unique needs, regardless of age. Contact the homeowner’s insurance experts at STARS Insurance in Deerfield, IL.

How To Protect Your Boat From Theft

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Protecting your boat goes a lot further than simply having a great insurance policy in place. Your insurance professionals at STARS Insurance, serving Deerfield, IL and the surrounding areas, are here to help you with great boat protection tips.

Here are some ways to keep your boat safe all year long:

Use an Alarm System

Alarms aren’t just for homes and cars. They can also be helpful tools to keep your boat safe from theft. Alarms are easy to install and can be linked to local emergency services to alert them if there is a problem. 

Choose Your Marina Carefully

The marina where your boat will be docked is an important part of your security. Before choosing a marina, you should research the owners, the area, and the history of the business. Talk to other boat owners who have used them to see what their experience has been like. You might also want to talk to locals in the area to get a feel for what type of area it is and what type of crime rates there are. 

Remove Personal Belongings Before Storage

If you will be docking or storing your boat, you should consider removing all personal belongings that might attract criminals. In most cases, a boat will not be a main target if it is empty. Even if you are only leaving the boat for a short time, do not leave your personal belongings inside. 

Make Your Boat Hard To Move

If your boat is being stored or kept on land, make sure that it can not be moved easily. You can install security features that lock the boat wheels or you can keep it in a place that is not easily accessed.

Get Boat Insurance Today

If you would like to learn more about boat insurance, please contact us at STARS Insurance serving Deerfield, IL and the surrounding areas. 

How much flood insurance do I need?

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When it comes to protecting your Deerfield, IL area home and property from floods, flood insurance is an essential part of any homeowner’s safety plan. But how much flood insurance do you need?

Here are a few things to consider from us at STARS Insurance.

How much flood insurance do you need?

The answer depends on many factors. The first step is to determine the risk of flooding in your area. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides maps that identify areas at risk for flooding. You can use this information to understand the potential severity of a flood in your location. 

Next, consider the type of coverage you will need for protection against floods. Take into account the value of your property, including any family heirlooms or items that might have sentimental value, as well as the cost of replacing furniture or appliances should they be damaged by water. Make sure that your policy covers both structural damages as well as personal property damage from flooding. 

Finally, talk to an experienced insurance agent about getting quotes for different levels of coverage based on your unique needs and budget. They can provide advice about what level of coverage would best suit your needs and provide options so that you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to purchasing flood insurance. 

By understanding the risks associated with living in an area prone to flooding and understanding what kind of coverage is best suited to protect you and your belongings, you can make sure that you have enough flood insurance to cover whatever life throws at you down the road.

Give Us A Call

For more information, call STARS Insurance today. We proudly serve the Deerfield, IL area.

What is the value of having life insurance in Illinois?

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There are various important forms of insurance coverage to obtain in the state of Illinois. One type of coverage all people in the Deerfield, IL area should consider getting is life insurance.

There are various forms of value and benefits that can make this an ideal type of coverage to obtain:

Offer Financial Protection to Dependents

A primary reason that anyone in this state will want to have a life insurance plan is so they can offer financial protection and support to their dependents. If you have people that rely on you and your income, you will want to ensure they have support even if you were to pass away. A life insurance plan is a great way to do that as you can provide them with a payout that can cover any future costs that you want. 

Investment Alternative

The use of a life insurance plan is also a good option when you are looking for an investment alternative. If you are looking for life insurance coverage and want to diversify your investments, a whole life insurance plan can be an ideal option. This coverage allows you to receive life insurance support but also can help you create wealth as a portion of your payments will build into an account over time. Eventually, you are able to liquidate this account. 

Contact Us Today

Life insurance continues to be a great option for those that are in the Deerfield, IL area. When you are looking at different options, it is important to call our team of experts at STARS Insurance. There continue to be a lot of choices to make when looking for coverage and STARS Insurance can help. This will give you the guidance you need to choose an ideal policy for your situation. 

Do You Need Winter Car Insurance?

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During the winter, people drive less. The weather is worse, making it less attractive to drive for fun in the winter, and roads tend to be more slippery. At the same time, many people can’t change how much they drive during the winter, even though the road is riskier. Do you know what winter does to your driving habits? If so, you can adjust your car insurance to better fit your driving patterns over the winter months.

Do You Need Winter Car Insurance?

If you put your car away

Illinois requires a car to always be insured while it’s registered in the state. This includes when your car is stored during the winter, which is common for convertibles. A ragtop convertible isn’t very comfortable to drive during the winter, even with the top-up.

Some insurance coverages, though, are not particularly necessary if your vehicle is not going to be driven through the winter months. If you’re in this position, a talk with your family and your STARS Insurance agent, serving Deerfield, IL, is likely to reveal what you need for your stored car.

If you keep driving through the winter

Winter driving is more hazardous than the other three seasons. Roads can be icy and even a dry road will be colder. Because of this, accidents can be more common in the winter month, as can otherwise-avoidable single-car accidents.

With this in mind, it may be a better idea to increase the coverage that you have on your car, including cutting down your deductible in order to increase the number of minor repairs that can be covered by insurance during the winter months.

Contact Us Today

Both of these ideas can need discussion with a qualified professional. Call your STARS Insurance agent serving Deerfield, IL today to discuss your winter driving needs and whether changing your coverage makes sense.