Valek Insurance & Bonds

Phone: (941) 923-1218

Serving both

Sarasota & Manatee Counties

Let Our Family Help Your Family

Frequently Asked Questions

Valek

Insurance

and Bonds

What are the advantages to using an agent to purchase insurance?

By using an agent to purchase insurance, the policyholder receives more personal service. An insurance agent with whom there is direct contact can be vital when purchasing a product and absolutely necessary when filing a claim. A local, independent agent is able to deliver quality insurance with competitive pricing and local personalized service.

What are some practical things I can do to lower my auto insurance rates?

There are a number of things you can do to lower the cost of your automobile insurance. The easiest thing to do is ask us to get quotes from several companies for you. It is not uncommon to find quotes on automobile insurance that can vary by hundreds of dollars for the same coverage on the same car. When you shop, be careful to make sure each insurer is offering the same coverage. Another way to lower the cost of your automobile insurance is to look for any discounts for which you may qualify. For example, many insurers will offer you a discount if you insure multiple cars under the same policy, or if you have had a driver education class in the last five years. Be sure to ask us about their discount plans. Another easy way to lower the cost of your automobile insurance is to increase the deductible. Simply raising your deductible from $250 to $500 can lower your premium sometimes by as much as five or ten percent.

What are some practical things I can do to lower the cost of my homeowners insurance?

There are a number of things you can do to lower the cost of your homeowners insurance. The easiest thing to do is to request a comprehensive review of your policy and needs from your local agent. It is not surprising to find quotes on homeowners insurance that vary by hundreds of dollars for the same coverage on the same home. When you shop, be careful to make sure each insurer is offering the same coverage. Another way to lower the cost of your homeowners insurance is to inquire about discounts available to qualified homeowners. For example, many insurers will offer a discount when you place both your automobile and homeowners insurance with them. Other times, insurers offer discounts if there are deadbolt exterior locks on all your doors, or if your home has a security system. Be sure to ask us about any discounts for which you may qualify. Another easy way to lower the cost of your homeowners insurance is to raise your deductible. Increasing your deductible will lower your premium, sometimes by as much as five or ten percent.

Why would I want to buy renters insurance?

If you live in an apartment or a rented house, renters insurance provides important coverage for both you and your possessions. A standard renter’s policy protects your personal property in many cases of theft or damage and may pay for temporary living expenses if your rental is damaged. It can also shield you from personal liability. Anyone who leases a house or apartment should consider this type of coverage.

How do I know if I need a personal umbrella liability policy?

It is commonly thought that the only people who need personal umbrella liability policies are wealthy individuals who have sizable amounts of personal assets that would be at risk in a lawsuit. However, in our very litigious society, even individuals with modest incomes and assets are often subjects of large lawsuits. Since they are even less able than a wealthy individual to pay large damage awards, many people recognize the need to have greater coverage limits than the amounts indicated in homeowner or auto policies.