The Benefits of Bundling Home and Auto Insurance

Posted on by Katie Schisler

Also known as multi-policy or multi-line insurance, bundling home and auto insurance is when you purchase your home and auto insurance policies under the same provider. At Ashley Insurance, we strive to supply our customers with the best policies for their budget and lifestyle. Discover the benefits of combining your home and auto insurance with our team!

Why Bundle Home and Auto Insurance?

There are many benefits of bundling home and auto insurance. Here are just a few of the perks to the approach:

  1. Cost Savings/Multi-Policy Discounts – One of the primary benefits of bundling home and auto  insurance is the potential for you to save money. Insurance companies often offer various discounts to customers who bundle their policies. These discounts can vary but are generally substantial and can result in significant cost savings over time.
  2. Simplified Management – Managing your insurance becomes more convenient when you bundle policies. Instead of dealing with multiple insurance providers, policies, and billing cycles, you’ll have a single point of contact for both your home and auto insurance needs. This can make the process smoother and more efficient.
  3. Enhanced Coverage Options – Bundling may offer you access to enhanced coverage options that are only available to customers with multiple policies. These options could include higher coverage limits, additional endorsements, or better protection in certain scenarios.
  4. Reduced Coverage Gaps – When you have different policies with different providers, there’s a potential for coverage gaps or overlaps. Bundling multiple policies with a single provider can help minimize these gaps and ensure a more comprehensive coverage strategy.

How Much Does Bundling Home and Auto Insurance Save?

The amount you can save by bundling home and auto insurance policies varies depending on several factors, including the insurance provider, your location, your coverage needs, and your personal circumstances. On average, many insurance companies offer discounts ranging from 10% to 25% as a benefit for bundling home and auto insurance. However, these percentages can differ significantly based on the aforementioned factors.

How Do I Bundle Multiple Insurance Policies?

Get a quote and purchase more than one policy from the same insurance provider. Our agents can help you find the right one so you can start reaping the benefits of bundling home and auto insurance!

What Else Can I Bundle with Home and Auto Insurance?

According to your provider, you can often bundle home, auto, boat, motorcycle, renters, and other types of insurance into one plan. Ask your Ashley Insurance expert to explain all your options.

Get A Quote

Interested in further discussing the benefits of bundling your home and auto insurance? Get in touch with our team to get a free quote today!

Why You Need Boat Insurance

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You know how much goes into boat ownership if you’re a boat owner. There’s a lot to do to take care of your boat. One of these is to get a boat insurance policy and keep it for as long as you own your boat. Getting a policy as soon as you buy your boat is a good idea. This policy will protect you as well as others. If you don’t yet have a boat policy, call us at Ashley Insurance in Easton, MD. 

Boating Accidents

Like auto accidents, boating accidents are common and can have devastating results. They can cost you massive amounts for the injuries and damages they cause. If you are judged at fault for a boat accident, you are responsible for all those costs plus expenses like lost wages and legal fees. All of this can be extremely difficult to handle financially. The best course of action is to have a boat insurance policy to pay these bills. Paying just the property damage and medical bills alone can be extremely expensive, and there may also be more bills to pay. When you have boat liability coverage, this will pay for an accident you caused, so you won’t have to.

Other Coverage

Like auto insurance, it’s essential to have liability coverage, but that isn’t the only type you need. There are also comprehensive and collision coverages for boats. Comprehensive coverage pays for the problems that happen out of the water. Collision pays for the damage done to your own boat in an accident. Getting both plus liability is the best way to stay protected. 

Get Boat Insurance

If you’re a boater, don’t go without this insurance. To get started, call us at Ashley Insurance in Easton, MD. 

Can You Be Required to Purchase Flood Insurance?

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One of the questions that we at Ashley Insurance, in the greater Easton, MD area, are often asked is whether you can be required to purchase flood insurance. 

Flood insurance is a type of coverage specifically designed to protect property owners from the financial consequences of flood damage. While homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover various perils, such as fire and theft, they often exclude flood-related losses. Whether individuals can be required to purchase flood insurance depends on several factors, including location and regulatory guidelines.

In certain situations, the purchase of flood insurance may be mandatory. For instance, if you live in a high-risk flood zone, as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), your mortgage lender may require you to obtain flood insurance as a condition of getting a loan. This requirement aims to safeguard the homeowner and the lender from potential losses resulting from flooding. Furthermore, some local jurisdictions may enforce mandatory flood insurance for properties within designated flood-prone areas. These regulations aim to mitigate the financial burden on communities and promote responsible development practices in flood-risk regions.

It is crucial to note that flood insurance requirements vary by jurisdiction, and it is advisable to consult with local authorities, insurance providers, or legal professionals to determine the specific obligations in your area. Even if flood insurance is not mandatory, it is often recommended for homeowners in moderate to high-risk flood zones. Flood damage can be devastating, and recovery costs can be overwhelming without proper insurance coverage. Therefore, purchasing flood insurance voluntarily can provide significant peace of mind and financial protection in the face of potential flooding events.

If you want flood insurance, Ashley Insurance, serving the greater Easton, MD area, would love to help you. Contact us today to learn more.

Three things you shouldn’t assume when it comes to life insurance

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There is a lot of misinformation out there about life insurance. If you want to meet your family’s financial needs, you shouldn’t believe misinformation and make inaccurate assumptions about life insurance. We can help you meet your life insurance needs in Easton, MD at Ashley Insurance.

The following are three things you shouldn’t assume regarding life insurance. 

Buying life insurance is not worthwhile.

Just about every family can benefit from life insurance. Without life insurance, your family’s financial security cannot be guaranteed. 

If you neglect to purchase life insurance, your dependents can face financial difficulties if you pass away unexpectedly. Plan for the unexpected with life insurance coverage. 

Life insurance is not for accumulating savings.

Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that does not accumulate cash value. However, other types of life insurance, like whole life insurance, get cash value.

Whole and universal life insurance offers both a death benefit and a savings component. Therefore, they allow you to accumulate savings while ensuring that your dependents will have financial support if you pass away. 

Only old people need life insurance.

You don’t have to be elderly to benefit from having life insurance. Anyone can benefit from carrying life insurance if they support dependents.

If you invest in a life insurance policy, you’ll have more peace of mind because you’ll know that your dependents will have money to live on if your income is no longer there to provide support.  

Ashley Insurance can give you a quote on a life insurance policy. Consumers in Easton, MD can contact our insurance company today to secure their family’s financial future.

Protecting Your Small Business: The Importance of General Liability Insurance

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The Importance of General Liability Insurance

As a small business owner, it’s crucial to protect your hard work and investment. One essential tool in your risk management arsenal is general liability insurance. If you need a team to help you understand your risks and obtain the right insurance, you’ve come to the right place. Ashley Insurance is here to provide a bit of insight into the importance of general liability insurance. If you’re looking to add general liability insurance to your Maryland small business, get a quote to start working with our local agents.

General Liability Insurance For Small Businesses

Do I Need General Liability Insurance in Maryland?

General liability insurance is not a requirement in Maryland, but it can be good to have in order to protect your business from risk. Here’s why you may want to consider obtaining this coverage:

1. Safeguarding Against Accidents and Injuries

General liability insurance provides financial protection in case someone is injured or their property is damaged due to your business operations. Whether it’s a slip and fall accident on your premises or accidental damage to a client’s property, this coverage helps cover medical expenses, legal fees, and potential settlement costs.

2. Mitigating Lawsuits and Legal Expenses

In today’s contentious society, even the smallest incident can lead to a lawsuit. Defending your business in court can be costly and time-consuming, potentially jeopardizing your finances and reputation. General liability insurance helps cover legal expenses, including attorney fees, court costs, and settlements or judgments against your business.

3. Building Trust and Credibility

Having general liability insurance in Maryland demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and responsibility. Clients and customers often prefer working with businesses that are adequately insured, as it instills confidence and reassurance. It becomes a competitive advantage, especially when bidding for contracts or competing against larger companies.

4. Protecting Your Business Assets

Your business assets, including physical property and equipment, are vital to your operations. In the event of a covered incident like fire, theft, or vandalism, general liability insurance can help repair or replace these assets, minimizing disruption to your business and ensuring continuity.

5. Addressing Product and Advertising Liability

If your business manufactures or sells products, you face the risk of product liability claims. Should a product cause harm or injury to a consumer, general liability insurance can cover the resulting legal costs. Additionally, this coverage can also protect your business from claims related to false advertising, copyright infringement, or libel, providing a safety net for your marketing efforts.

6. Meeting Contractual Requirements

Many contracts, including lease agreements, vendor agreements, or client contracts, often require small businesses to have general liability insurance. By obtaining this coverage, you ensure compliance with contractual obligations, thereby securing vital business relationships and opportunities.

Get General Liability Insurance For Your Small Business

Insure Your Business

Obtaining general liability insurance in Maryland could save your business from costs associated with accidents, injuries, lawsuits, and property damage. Safeguard your business by investing in this vital coverage and build credibility with your customer base along the way. Don’t wait until it’s too late – get a quote from Ashley Insurance.

How To Choose the Right Car Insurance Plan

Posted on by Katie Schisler
How to Choose the Right Car Insurance Plan

At Ashley Insurance, we understand that choosing the right car insurance plan can be a daunting task. With so many policies and plans available, it can be overwhelming to decide which plan is best for you and your vehicle. That’s why we’ve put together a reliable guide on how to select the right car insurance plan. By following this guide, you’ll be able to compare your options, research insurance companies in your state, look for discounts and incentives, and much more. With the right car insurance plan, you can enjoy driving with peace of mind knowing that you’re protected from unexpected financial loss.

Find the Perfect Car Insurance Plan

1. Compare your options:

Before you make any decisions on which car insurance plan to choose, it is important to compare your options. Don’t just settle for the first or cheapest car insurance plan you come across. Instead, take a bit of extra time to research and compare different plans to determine which one best meets your needs.

2. Research the insurance companies that offer car insurance in your state:

When searching for car insurance, it is essential to research the insurance companies that offer car insurance in your state. We work with reputable insurance providers that offer comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price, ensuring that you get the best deal possible. By partnering with multiple insurance companies, we can provide you with a variety of coverage options, allowing you to choose the policy that meets your needs and budget.

3. Look for discounts and incentives:

Most car insurance companies offer discounts and incentives to their customers, which can help you save money on premiums. Look out for discounts for good students and good drivers who maintain a safe driving record. You can also receive discounts by driving a safe car equipped with features such as anti-theft devices, backup cameras, and lane departure warnings. Additionally, bundling your car insurance with home insurance can provide you with significant discounts. You can save even more on your auto insurance by paying your premium in full. Read our guide to buying car insurance for the first time for more tips.

Get the Car Insurance Coverage You Need

4. Get the coverage you need:

When deciding on the right car insurance plan, it’s important to get the coverage you need. This means understanding the different types of coverage available and determining which ones you need. Some common types of coverage include liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. Our agents can help you figure out which types of coverage best suit your driving style.

5. Read the fine print before you buy:

Before you purchase a car insurance plan, it’s important to read the fine print. Make sure you understand what is covered and what is not covered. Don’t just focus on the premium. Pay attention to exclusions or limitations that may impact your coverage. Keep an eye out for restrictions on coverage, claims, and deductibles. Ask your Ashley Insurance agent if you have any questions about the fine print in your policy.

Get A Quote

At Ashley Insurance, we are committed to helping our customers find the right car insurance plan for their needs. We offer a wide range of auto insurance coverage options and discounts to help you save money on your premiums. Get a free quote on our website or contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the right car insurance plan for you.

What could happen if I do not have auto insurance in Maryland?

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If you are in the Easton, MD area, owning a car would likely make a lot of sense. When you are a vehicle owner here, you will have an easier time getting around the community and completing all of your tasks. Along with a car, you must ensure you are adequately insured. If you do not have an auto insurance plan, you could experience several consequences. 

Penalization

One of the issues that could arise if you are not insured is that you could face penalties. Carrying auto insurance is necessary for anyone who drives a car in Maryland. If you do not have at least the minimum level of liability coverage, you can face various consequences. This can include being hit with monetary penalties or even losing your license to drive a car. 

No Financial Protection

Another consequence of not having auto insurance is that you will not have financial protection. One of the main benefits of having this coverage is that you will receive financial support if you are liable in an accident or if you incur a covered loss, such as accident damage, vandalism, or theft. If you do not have this insurance, you will not have any of this support. This could mean you will have to face significant costs to pay restitution or repair your car. 

You will always want to ensure that you have the right insurance when buying a car in the Easton, MD area. If you would like to get a car here, calling our team with Ashley Insurance would be helpful. Our dedicated professionals with Ashley Insurance will offer the guidance you need to get properly insured. 

Place to Go Boating in Maryland and Safety Tips

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When you live in or near Easton, MD the best places to go boating are on the Tred Avon River, Miles River, or Choptank River.  They are a reasonable distance from Easton.

Whether you’re thinking about buying a boat for fishing or pleasure, the Ashley Insurance Agency in Easton, MA has  insurance that protects you from accidents, liability, equipment damage, and expenses. Boat insurance provides you with peace of mind.

Where To Go Boating In or Near Easton    

There are several boat launch ramps along the Tred Avon River near Easton. The Bellevue Park Boat Launching Ramp near Easton offers docks and 12 parking spaces for boat trailers. Permits must be displayed on vehicles. The Easton Point Boat Launching Ramp runs along the Tred Avon River and offers docks, paved parking for 22 boat trailers, and portable restrooms. Vehicles must have a ramp permit or face limitations on the type of boat that can be launched. The Kingston Boat Launching Ramp in Easton is for smaller boats. It has five paved parking spaces, docks, and a 13-foot launch. 

The Neavitt Landing Boating Ramp is on Broad Creek, which provides access to many points along the Choptank River. It has a wide launching lane, paved parking for 8 boat trailers, and portable restrooms. The Windy Hills Boat Launching Ramp is near the Choptank River, it has a narrow launching ramp, and five paved parking spaces suited to smaller boats.

Wye Landing Boat Launch is a good access point for the Miles River. It has a large parking lot, docks, and portable restrooms. They installed solar lights for the evening in the warm weather. 

Ocean City, about 62 to 72 miles away from Easton has many state parks and beaches that allow boating on the Atlantic Ocean. Our agency can assist with recommending boating locations,  and marinas  depending on where you live, the type of boat,  and how far you want to drive. 

Safety Requirements for Boats In Maryland

Personal floatation devices must be on motorized and unmotorized boats for the safety of passengers, including life jackets and throwable PFDs. Boats must have day and night  distress signals,  lights, fire extinguishers,  ignition safety switches, registration, permit, a certificate for safety courses, ventilation muffler, horn, and license. This depends on the type of commercial boat you operate.

Reach Out To Us!

Contact Ashley Insurance in Easton, MD to learn about the type of boat insurance that can protect your property and family and friends. 

First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Home Insurance

Posted on by Katie Schisler

You’re buying your first home? Congrats! Now put the stress ball down, because the experts at Ashley Insurance are here to help with all-things insurance. We have a full-transparency policy, meaning we don’t hide anything from you. Our team created this guide to make buying home insurance for the first time as easy as possible. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll have all the information you should know before buying homeowners insurance for the first time, and OUR SECRET TO SAVING YOU MONEY! Let’s jump right in.

What’s Included in Homeowners Insurance?

The majority of first-time homeowners purchase single-family homes. That means your policy will likely be an HO-3. This standard policy protects your home and personal belongings, as well as your liability as a homeowner. An HO-3 policy typically includes:

  • Dwelling coverage – To protect the main structure and attached structures, such as a porch or garage.
  • Other structures coverage – To protect any detached structures, such as a shed or pool.
  • Personal property coverage – To protect your personal items, such as clothing and furniture.
  • Liability coverage – To protect you from legal liability and fees if someone gets injured on your property.
  • Medical payments coverage – To help pay for medical expenses if a guest gets injured on your property.
  • Additional living expenses – To help pay for lodging, food, parking, and other expenses in the event of a covered peril damage.

Open Perils vs. Named Perils

There are two different losses covered by home insurance: open perils and named perils. Your home and structure are both ‘open perils,’ meaning coverage is included for any disaster, unless your policy states otherwise. Named perils include coverage for losses specifically listed in your policy. 

If you have an HO-3, your personal property is on a named-perils basis. Common perils include:

  • Fire damage
  • Water damage
  • Ice & snow damage
  • Wind damage
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Freezing Pipes

There may be some exclusions depending on where you live, but an Ashley Insurance expert will let you know in-advance so there are no surprises. Additional policies, such as flood insurance, may be able to cover some of these exclusions.

Cost of Home Insurance For First-Timers

Everyone’s insurance rates are different. It all depends on your location and risk level. Insurance.com reported the average cost of homeowners insurance in Maryland at $1,694 a year or $141 a month. The national average is $2,777 a year. Get a quote from Ashley Insurance to find out how much it will cost you to buy home insurance for the first time.

When To Buy Homeowners Insurance

Your home insurance should begin immediately after closing on your first home. Your risk begins as soon as the home is in your name. Keep in mind that while your home insurance policy will not be effective before your closing date, it should be put into effect on that date. Provide your mortgagee clause and closing date to your Ashley Insurance agent, and we’ll help you get everything in place.

Get All Your Questions Answered

These are just a few things to keep in mind before you purchase home insurance for the first time. When you work with Ashley Insurance, your agent will ensure that you have everything you need and explain every aspect of your policy in detail. If you have any questions or concerns, just ask your agent. If you are ready to buy homeowners insurance for the first time, click the link below to get a quote!

How Flood Insurance Works

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If you have ever thought about getting flood insurance, you may have wondered whether you really need it. Many people believe that they don’t because their area doesn’t flood often. However, it’s a good idea for everyone to have this insurance in case the worst should happen. A flood can destroy a home, so it’s never good to be without it. If you have questions about flood insurance, you can give us a call at Ashley Insurance in Easton, MD.

Flood Insurance Coverage

Floods are one of the most destructive forces on Earth. They can and do destroy homes completely. Even when they don’t, they can cause a lot of very expensive damage that will require repairs. When you have flood insurance, it pays for things like water removal, mold inspections, and damaged building materials and possessions.

There are certain areas that are designated as flood zones because they have regular floods at certain intervals such as 10 years or 50 years, etc. When there are claims for flood damage, only about 80% of them come from these flood zones. The other 20% came from outside them. That makes it important for everyone to have this essential insurance. 

Flood Insurance Backing

A government program called the National Flood Insurance Program handles flood insurance. It provides backing for the insurance claims, and it takes care of the administration of this insurance type. It also keeps the price of this insurance type constant. So, no matter where you go to buy this insurance policy, the price will be exactly the same. That makes it easier to get this insurance and make sure that you’re protected. 

Get Flood Insurance

When your home isn’t protected by flood insurance, it’s time to get a policy of your own. To get started, call us at Ashley Insurance serving Easton, MD and surrounding areas.