How to create and store a home inventory

Homeownership brings many risks, and about one in twenty homeowners file an insurance claim every year. When a claim relates to the home’s content, having a home inventory can make the process move along much smoother. At Fortress Insurance Agency in Overland Park, KS, we have years of experience providing a personalized assessment of your insurance needs and ensuring you have the correct protection. 

Creating a home inventory takes quite a lot of effort, but if you ever need to file a claim, you will be very grateful. You have several options for how to create your inventory. You can do it digitally, or you can do it manually with a pen and paper. Both are functional and provide the needed information. The object is to make sure you create an inventory with as much detail as possible. Go from room to room in your house and document what you have in each room. Open drawers and closets, leave nothing unturned.

When it comes to detail, add the brand name, model name or number, the serial number, and purchases. In other words, don’t say three vases, say one Lennox 18 inch vase, one eight-inch blue pottery German vase, and one hobnail milk glass bud vase. Take pictures of anything valuable. Having an appraisal or receipt really helps. Make sure backup records are attached and stored with the inventory. Don’t forget to visit the attic, basement, and garage. 

Where you store your inventory is important. Consider the possibility of your home being destroyed by a tornado or a fire. It might be tough to locate the inventory if you haven’t taken the right precaution. If possible store it off-site in a safety deposit box. At the very least, store it in a fire and waterproof box. 

Contact Fortress Insurance Agency in Overland Park, KS for all your insurance needs. 

 

When is motorhome insurance necessary for me?

Anyone that lives in the Overland Park, KS area and would like to have a way to tour the state and country should consider getting a motorhome. These can provide you with a safe mode of transportation and plenty of great memories. Along with this, you should also consider your insurance needs for this asset. 

When You took Out Financing

One common situation that will warrant getting motorhome insurance is when you have taken out financing to buy it. Anyone that purchases a motorhome will quickly find that the cost can preclude making it possible to finance with just cash. Fortunately, you can often take out a loan to buy it. While financing a motorhome makes sense for many, there are motorhome insurance rules that you will need to follow. It is important to read this section of your agreement and to comply with it.

When Needing Liability Coverage

Another situation when you will want to have motorhome insurance is when you will need liability coverage. Those that choose to drive their motorhome in the state will be required to carry proper insurance for it at all times. The state will require any motorhome operator to at least have liability coverage. This way, you will be able to pay for damages that you may cause during an accident. 

When you are shopping for a new motorhome or motorhome insurance policy in the Overland Park, KS area, you will want to get proper guidance and support. The team at Fortress Insurance Agency can help you understand your various needs and options. If you choose to call Fortress Insurance Agency, you can get insight into the unique risks that owners have. They can then help you build a new policy to mitigate these risks and concerns. 

Road safety tips for motorcycle riders in Kansas

Let’s just be honest that motorcycles are fun, cool, and fuel-efficient ways of getting around. However, it is also true that motorcycles are among the riskiest modes of transport, especially for new owners in Overland Park, KS.

Motorcycle related accidents are likely to be 30 times more fatal than car accidents, and that’s why Fortress Insurance Agency recommends buying adequate motorcycle insurance to help keep you safe. So what are the safety tips for new motorcycle riders in Overland Park, KS? Read on to find out.

Wear protective gear before heading out

Riding a motorcycle is nothing like driving a car. Your body is not only exposed to the windy and cold outdoor temperatures but also at risk of getting injured when you collide with other objects. That’s why motorcycles come with helmets with face shields to cushion your head from injuries.

Always keep distance

The rule of keeping a distance applies to all motorists. As a motorcycle rider, keeping a distance of several meters away can save you from reckless car drivers or inexperienced drivers who may underestimate their speed and knock you.

Embrace defensive driving

Never assume that other drivers can see you. Always ride defensively by keeping a good distance and staying out of a driver’s blind spot. If you need to make a move, such as changing direction, give a proper signal, and watch for direction changing vehicles.

Follow traffic rules

Not adhering to traffic rules is one of the causes of most motorcycle accidents. Many motorcycle owners tend to violate these rules, risking accidents, and putting other drivers’ lives at risk. Keep your speed low; remember, the faster you go, the longer it will take you to stop. Learn motorcycle traffic rules and regulations to avoid penalties or even jail terms.

Operating a motorcycle requires unique skills. However, traffic laws and insurance coverages apply to every rider. If you need a customized motorcycle insurance policy, contact Fortress Insurance Agency, and we will help create a policy that fits your needs.

A Guide To Help Kansas Residents Find Life Insurance

Fortress Insurance Agency serves the Overland Park, KS community, and the surrounding areas by offering residents a variety of insurance options. We strive to help our clients find the insurance coverage they need while offering excellent customer service in the process.

Life Insurance

Planning for the future is difficult for several reasons. One of the most painful things to plan for is passing away. While it may be uncomfortable, it’s important that you have a plan in place for how you would like your affairs to be handled after you pass away. With that being said, think about the benefits of life insurance. Life insurance helps you outline a plan for your assets’ future while also providing comfort to your friends and family. The policy will help alleviate some of the burdens that your friends and family may have after you pass away.

While you are researching different policies, it’s important that you analyze the differences between each one. Universal Life has flexible policy options. Whole Life provides coverage through your entire lifespan. Term life provides coverage over a specific time period. You also have the option to customize your policy into something that directly addresses your individual needs.

Obviously, your life may evolve, which should factor into the decision on which policy to choose. For example, while you are single now, that might not be the case in the future. Life insurance can help you ease your future spouse and children’s transition after you have passed away. Even if you have a policy through your employer, it is important to research your own personal coverage.

Fortress Insurance Agency Will Help You Prepare For The Future

We proudly serve the Overland Park, KS community. Contact our office to learn more information about life insurance policies.

What Does Commercial Insurance Cover?

If you’re a business owner in Overland Park, KS, then you should be familiar with commercial insurance. If you’re new to owning a business, maybe you’re not as familiar and would like to be. Luckily, Fortress Insurance Agency has your back. Learn all about the in’s and out’s of commercial insurance and how it can protect your business. 

What Can You Get from Commercial Insurance? 

Commercial insurance, or business insurance, is a type of insurance that protects you and your business in the worst-case scenario. Like any insurance, commercial insurance provides your business with financial coverage. Here are some areas in which commercial insurance can provide coverage: 

  • Worker’s Composition: One of the more popular methods of coverage, worker’s composition provides a worker financial compensation if they were to get injured on the job. 
  • Liability: If someone else’s property was damaged and your business was at fault, this coverage would protect you. 
  • Property/Equipment Damage: If any of your business’s property or equipment were damaged, repair or replacement costs would be covered. 

To know how much coverage you are eligible for, visit Fortress Insurance Agency for a consultation. 

Why Get Commercial Insurance? 

If you have a business, whether it’s big or small, you need commercial insurance. Commercial insurance protects the vital aspects that make your business thrive: the equipment, the property, and the employees. It only makes sense to protect your assets. 

Keep Your Business Covered with Fortress Insurance Agency

To help you keep your business protected, Fortress Insurance Agency wants to help you find the right commercial insurance plan for you. Our office is located in Overland Park, KS, but you can contact us online for a consultation. Don’t wait any longer and get the right coverage to keep your business protected in the worst of times!

3 Important Questions to Ask About New Home Insurance

Every resident in Overland Park, KS can appreciate that "there’s no place like home" after a long day. Most homeowners never have to file a home insurance claim, but it’s wise to ask your insurance agent these questions in case you do. Here are a few common questions our customers ask us at Fortress Insurance Agency:

1. "Is water and sewer backup damage included in Kansas home insurance?"

Most home insurance policies in Kansas don’t cover water-related damage, but you can ask your insurance agent about adding a sewer backup rider to your policy. You would still need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy under the federal National Flood Insurance Program. 

2. "Does the policy cover fine jewelry, artwork, and other highly valuable items?"

Home insurance in Kansas sometimes offers protection for high valued items, but the amount varies. Coverage may be limited in certain situations. Check with your insurance agent to determine if you need to get a separate insurance policy for adequate coverage on these special items. 

3. "What proof will I need to file a claim?"

Understanding what you need to file a claim is very important with your home insurance. Take photographs of receipts, relevant documents, and detailed parts of your home before and after the damage. Contact your insurance agent right away, and wait for the adjuster to arrive and inspect your property before you can make repairs, if possible. After that, you can make temporary repairs to prevent further damage to your home. You may be reimbursed if you submit this documentation with your claim. 

Feel free to contact us at Fortress Insurance Agency if you have questions, too. Our knowledgeable staff serves Overland Park, KS, and surrounding areas. No matter what life throws your way, we’re here for your insurance needs!