mobile-navigation

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Click to Call
STARS Insurance

251 N Milwaukee Ave, Ste 138
Buffalo Grove, IL 63366

Get Directions
Illinois Insurance Blog

FAQs about home insurance

Posted on by admin

Home insurance is something that everyone who owns a home needs. It protects you from quite a few hazards and offers liability coverage. At STARS Insurance in Deerfield IL, we do the work for our customers, finding the right carrier and getting the best deal. As independent agents, we have access to the top carriers in the field. 

Home Insurance: What You Need To Know

How much liability coverage do I need?

Liability coverage depends a lot on what your assets are and your financial worth. Basic coverage may not be enough if you have considerable assets and you may even want to consider an umbrella policy. 

How is my content covered?

You have two options for content coverage. You can cover it for what it is worth today, which means it has depreciated or you can cover it at the cost of replacing it today. It is your choice, but current worth is the less expensive option. 

Is my engagement ring covered if it gets stolen?

Yes, but depending on its value, maybe not completely. Jewelry is one of the coverages that have a limit to the amount you can claim. It makes sense to get an appraisal and add a jewelry rider to your policy to protect your valuable jewelry. 

Is my laptop covered if I take it away from home?

Yes, your personal property is covered both at home and when it travels with you. However, electronics may also have limits, so read your policy to make sure it covers what you need it to. 

Does my policy have any exclusions?

Yes, home policies do have exclusions. Flooding is not covered, earth movement like earthquakes is not covered, owner neglect is not covered and if your sewer backs up, the cleanup is on you. 

Give Us A Call

Contact STARS Insurance in Deerfield, IL with your home insurance questions and to get a free no-obligation quote. 

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Boat Insurance?

Posted on by admin

If your boat insurance cost is high, you might be forced to give up some coverage to make it more affordable. This would result in your boat not being sufficiently insured, which can be detrimental. However, this doesn’t have to be since you understand what factors impact the cost of your watercraft insurance; you can manipulate them to make your boat insurance more affordable. STARS Insurance in Deerfield, IL provides this guide on factors impacting your boat insurance cost.

Boat Insurance: What You Need To Know

1. Boat Ownership Experience

If you are a newbie boat owner, your watercraft insurance rates will be higher than those of an experienced boat owner. This is because the insurance company will see your lack of boat ownership experience to mean you are more likely to get into an accident, injure people, and damage property.

2. Driving Record

Even though you are an experienced boat owner, the insurance rates for your vessel can be high if your driving record indicates that you are reckless. The insurer will charge you higher watercraft insurance rates assuming that you will drive recklessly again, cause an accident, and make a claim. At Stars Insurance, we advise that you do your best to maintain a clean record, as it can be challenging to turn a tarnished driving record clean.

3. Storage Location

If you store your vessel in a locked garage, the insurer will assume that it is less likely to be vandalized, stolen, or damaged by a natural disaster like a severe hailstorm. Therefore, they will make your boat insurance more affordable. However, if you store your vessel at a marina or on your driveway, the insurance company will believe that it’s at a greater risk of being stolen or damaged. This increased risk will cause your boat insurance rates to go up.

Contact Us Today

Do you need more info on boat insurance in the greater Deerfield, IL community? The insurance experts at STARS Insurance are ready to help you.

5 Ways to Prepare for a Flood

Posted on by admin

Floods are one of the most destructive natural disasters, capable of causing billions of dollars in damage and leaving communities reeling for months or even years afterward. While it’s impossible to completely protect your home from flood damage, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk. STARS Insurance in Deerfield, IL provides you the following guide.

Here are five ways to prepare for a flood

1. Get Flood Insurance

If you live in a flood-prone area, flood insurance is a must. Even if you’re not required to have it by your mortgage lender, it’s still a good idea to get coverage. Flood insurance will help cover the cost of repairs to your home and possessions after a flood. Remember, standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so you’ll need a separate policy.

2. Clear Gutters and Drains

One way to reduce the risk of flooding is to make sure your gutters and drains are clear. Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to back up and overflow, flooding your home. Likewise, clogged drains can prevent water from draining properly, causing it to pool around your home. Regularly clear leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters and drains to help reduce the risk of flooding.

3. Have a Flood Plan

You should have a plan in place in case of a flood. Know how to safely turn off your home’s electricity and gas, and have a list of emergency phone numbers handy. Have a bag packed with essential items like food, water, and medicine in case you need to evacuate. And be sure everyone in your family knows where to go in the event of a flood.

4. Store Valuables and Important Documents

If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s a good idea to store your most valuable possessions and important documents in a safe, dry place. This could be a waterproof storage container, a safety deposit box, or even a high spot in your home. That way, if your home does flood, you won’t lose everything.

5. Stay Informed

Monitoring conditions in your area can help you be prepared for a flood. Keep an eye on the forecast and watch for flood warnings. If a flood is expected, take steps to protect yourself and your possessions.

Floods can be devastating, but there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk. Unfortunately, even if you take all the necessary precautions, you can’t always prevent flood damage. That’s why it’s so important to have flood insurance. STARS Insurance in Deerfield, IL can help you find the right policy to protect your home. Give us a call today to learn more.

 

Life Insurance Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on by admin

Life insurance is one of the most important types of insurance services you can buy. At STARS Insurance, serving Deerfield, IL, we are here to help you make smart insurance choices.

Life Insurance Do’s and Don’ts 

Don’t Procrastinate 

It is so easy to ignore the need for life insurance because we always think that our passing is in the far distant future. Preparing now for the future, though, is the best way to protect your family’s financial security. 

Do Talk With Your Family

The best way to determine the amount of life insurance you will need is to have open and honest conversations with your family. Many families find this to be a difficult topic to discuss. Sometimes it is helpful to have an insurance agent sit down with everyone in the family so that questions can be answered professionally. An insurance agent is also trained to help families feel more comfortable when having these conversations. 

Do Set Realistic Goals

It is very important to set realistic goals for your life insurance investment. If you want your life insurance policy to provide financial security for your family after you have passed, you will need to talk with an insurance agent to discuss realistic benefit amounts that can accomplish this. 

Don’t Get Scammed

There are many life insurance scams around. It is very important that you check any insurance company with your local Better Business Bureau. They will be able to tell you if a company is reputable or not. 

If you would like to learn more about life insurance, or any of our other insurance services, please contact us at STARS Insurance, serving Deerfield, IL, and the surrounding areas. 

 

Important Parts Of Auto Insurance Policies

Posted on by admin

STARS Insurance is an independent agency. We are committed to helping our clients obtain the necessary coverage to protect what matters most. We work with multiple carriers in the Buffalo Grove, IL area. We provide a wide array of options so that our clients can make the best decision for their long-term futures.

Important Parts Of Auto Insurance Policies

Auto insurance helps you stay covered as your complete basic tasks around Buffalo Grove, IL. Operating a vehicle leaves you exposed to some risks. Auto insurance is designed to cover you in emergencies. Here’s a look at some key parts of auto insurance policies.

Liability coverage

Liability coverage protects you if you accidentally injure someone with your car or cause property damage. The coverage assists with the injured party’s medical treatment and any potential repairs. If you have a passenger in the vehicle, liability coverage takes care of their medical treatment if they are injured in the accident.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects you if your car is damaged in unique situations. Perhaps you’re out on the road, and high winds cause flying debris to crack your windshield or mirror. Comprehensive coverage protects you in that situation. You’re also covered if your car is vandalized or if you’re a victim of theft. If you’re traveling through rural parts of the state, you may encounter a deer. Comprehensive coverage protects you if your vehicle suffers damage from a deer collision.

Towing Service  

If you’re traveling out of state and your battery starts having trouble or your car suffers a flat tire, things may become stressful. You can add towing service to your insurance policy for immediate service if an emergency arises.

STARS Insurance Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Contact us today to learn more information about auto insurance.

How to Know If You Should Have Business Interruption Insurance

Posted on by admin

When you own a business, you know how important it is to pay attention to your finances and the various property you own. You don’t want any of it to be at risk. Business interruption insurance coverage is just one part of this, and it’s not a necessity, but you might consider it to be worthwhile. Discuss with an agent from STARS Insurance of the Buffalo Grove, IL area if this would be ideal to have for your company. 

Why Have Business Interruption Insurance? 

One of the major benefits of having business interruption coverage is that it protects your business if it’s impacted by a disaster or some other type of loss. When you have this insurance and need to shut down for a while, it will protect you from lost earnings. This may be just what you need to keep your business from going under entirely. 

How Much Coverage Do You Need? 

The amount of coverage you should have depends heavily on the type of business you have since different companies will have different coverage considerations. For instance, a small business will have needs that differ from a larger retail operation. It would help to sit down and have a talk with an independent agent.

Before you do this, think of certain things that relate to your company such as if the building is well-protected, if you have a sprinkler system that’s up-to-date and working, and if there’s a location close by that’s available for you to use when you can’t use your current location and how long it would take to move operations to this space. This will give you a solid idea about whether you’re prepared for when a disaster strikes. 

Business interruption insurance may not be necessary, though by now you can see why it probably is a good thing for your company to have. Contact us at STARS Insurance of the greater Buffalo Grove, IL area. 

Creating and storing a home inventory

Posted on by admin

Making a home inventory is time-consuming, there is no way around it. However, it is time well spent. In the event you ever need to file a claim, and statistically, the chances are good you will file a claim, you will be grateful that you have it. At STARS Insurance in Buffalo Grove, IL, we are independent agents and offer our customers the top carriers in the business. We will make sure you get the best at the best price. 

Most homeowners will file a claim with their insurance company at some point. You will need to prove what you lost. Your home inventory will provide the information that you need if you have one. It is much easier to create a home inventory when you can see your content rather than trying to create it from memory when it is gone. 

Start by going to every room in your home and making a record of what is in that room. Open the drawers and closets to make sure you don’t miss anything. Take pictures as you go through from different angles. If you have sales slips or receipts, attach them. Be as detailed as possible in your description. Don’t just say a TV. Give the brand and model number and serial number if possible, you will thank yourself later. 

Go through all the rooms in your home and don’t forget the basement, attic, and garage. Once you have completed the inventory, you need to store it safely. Away from the residence is a good idea to make sure it survives intact. If you must store it at home, make sure it is in a water and fireproof container. Having a copy in the cloud is a good idea. You have access to it no matter where you are.

Contact STARS Insurance in Buffalo Grove, IL for all your insurance needs. 

What Should You Know About Commercial Insurance?

Posted on by admin

The purpose of commercial insurance, that is also known as business insurance, is to protect a business and investments from property damage, bodily injury claims, cyberattacks, and other liabilities, Therefore, if you are a business owner and you care about your business and employees, it is a smart decision to get commercial insurance. If you are currently shopping for business insurance, here is a list of things you should know: 

What Is Covered By Standard Commercial Insurance?

Generally, business insurance protects businesses and assets from standard risks and liabilities, including property theft and damage, client lawsuits, customer and employee injury, and other unexpected events. Even though commercial insurance cannot protect you from everything, it can become a lifesaver in expensive situations. 

What Are The Types Of Commercial Insurance?

There are several types of business insurance, including:

  • Errors and omissions insurance (also known as professional liability insurance)
  • A business owner’s policy (BOP)
  • Cyber liability insurance
  • General liability insurance
  • Fidelity bonds
  • Workers’ compensation insurance
  • Commercial auto insurance

What Are The Factors That Have An Impact On The Cost Of Commercial Insurance?

The cost of your business insurance is determined by certain factors, such as the type of your business, number of employees you have, location, and prior claims history. 

STARS Insurance – Our Mission Is To Help You Protect Your Business

If you operate your business in Buffalo Grove, IL or any other nearby town in Illinois and you are currently shopping for commercial insurance, STARS Insurance is an insurance company you can trust. We serve clients in Buffalo Grove, IL and other surrounding areas. We will help you find an insurance policy you need based on your budget limits and individual needs. If you have any questions, or you need more information, do not hesitate to call us  – our agents are always ready to help.

Extra Types of Home Insurance That You May Need

Posted on by admin

Though all homeowner’s insurance can be different, there are some things that are covered. Most of the time, your home and the contents in it will be covered by your policy. It may also include liability, which covers medical bills if someone gets hurt on your property. 

That being said, you may want to look into some extra insurance, just to make sure that you are fully protected. These may include: 

Flood. If you live in an area that sees flooding, you are going to want to protect yourself. Damage from flooding can cost you tens of thousands of dollars, making it worth the extra few dollars a month! 

Earthquake. Just like flood insurance, you are going to want extra insurance if you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes. 

Personal Umbrella Liability. If you want to make sure that you are fully protected against any injuries that may occur on your property, you are going to want to purchase some extra liability insurance. 

Personal Valuables. If you own some expensive jewelry, art, furniture, or other pieces, you may want to get some extra insurance to cover your loss. Though the content of your home is included in your policy, it may not be enough to cover your expensive pieces. 

In order to make sure that you are fully protected, you need to talk to a professional insurance agent in your area. In Buffalo Grove, IL, don’t hesitate to contact us today at STARS Insurance. We will be happy to sit down to make sure that you have all of the insurance that you need.  

How Does Boat Insurance Protect Me?

Posted on by admin

Boating takes many forms. But whether it’s sailing, fishing, kayaking, or cruising in your beloved boat, you can be sure of limitless fun whenever you are in the water. And speaking of boating, there is no better state to spend your day in the water like Illinois. Featuring water bodies like Lake Michigan, Chicago, and the Mississippi River, Illinois is the perfect destination for boaters. 

However, as you have your best life in the water, don’t forget about boat insurance from STARS Insurance of Buffalo Grove, IL. Investing in boat insurance protects you in the below areas:

Liability protection

Boat insurance covers liabilities such as bodily injury and property damage for accidents you are deemed responsible for. Besides, boat insurance covers legal costs if the third party sues you for accidents you cause. Given that liability claims can be astronomical, boat insurance saves you out-of-pocket expenses, which can severely dent your pocket.

Physical damage protection

What would happen if your boat were involved in an accident? You could face expensive boat repairs that could soar into thousands of dollars. Worse yet, if the accident was severe, your boat could be totaled. Now think about the cost of replacement!

Thankfully, you don’t have to undergo such nightmares when you have invested in boat insurance. Collision and comprehensive coverages compensate you for loss or damage to your boat caused by various perils, including theft, fire, vandalism, accidents, falling objects, and other risks.

Medical payments coverage

Boat insurance covers medical costs for you and your passengers following a boating accident. This coverage pays for medical expenses, including first aid, hospitalization, surgery, x-rays, and medications, regardless of the party responsible for the accident.

Get boat insurance today!

Boat insurance ensures that you float with confidence wherever the fun takes you. Are you ready to get started with boat insurance in Buffalo Grove, IL? All you need to do is to contact STARS Insurance to start the conversation.