Insuring Your Childrens Future Through Life Insurance

Some people will dismiss life insurance, stating, "I won’t be here anyway." They may say it in jest or lightheartedly, but the point is being missed. Life insurance is not for the insured. Sure, it covers the insured’s life and may provide them with peace of mind, but life insurance is really for the insured’s family, including children.

Here’s how life insurance can secure your children’s future.

It Can Assure Proper Daycare

Sufficient life insurance can ensure that there are financial resources to take care of children while the remaining parent is at work.

It Can Preserve the Quality of Life-changing

A significant amount of life insurance can help maintain the lifestyle to which the children may have become used. This may mean not having to move, providing money for food and clothing, and even extra activities the children may wish to participate in.

Education and College

A significant reason to apply for life insurance is to ensure children will be able to afford college financially. This can be a considerable expense, especially when more than one child may be involved.

When you consider final expenses, debts, and the above, it is easy to see why many insureds select a large amount of life insurance coverage.

The best time to purchase life insurance is when you are young and healthy. For families in the Niles, OH, area, Ruddy Insurance Group can help. We will discuss your goals for life insurance and help you determine a sufficient amount of coverage. We can show you options and rates. The final choice, of course, is yours. Contact Ruddy Insurance Group to get started today. We proudly serve the Niles, OH, area with exceptional service and quality insurance products.

How does remodeling affect home insurance?

Remodeling a home can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with risks during the remodeling process and often increases your home’s value. Both issues have implications for your home insurance, so it is essential that you adequately protect your investment during and after a remodeling project. At the Ruddy Insurance Group, serving the Niles, OH area, our team will work with you to structure home insurance coverage that protects your family during and after the project.

The Impact of Remodeling and Renovating

Most home insurance policies include some protection during the remodeling process. Nevertheless, we recommend (and some policies require) that you notify your insurance agent about your plans before the work begins. Due to potential hazards and injuries, modifying your home insurance coverage or acquiring an umbrella policy may be worthwhile.

Once completed, the changes often increase your home’s size, enhance its fixtures and furnishings, or add amenities that enhance your home’s value and require coverage adjustments. Some additions, such as a pool or hot tub, increase your risk and must be reflected in our policy.

On the other hand, renovations that modernize your home’s infrastructure can reduce your risk. Rewiring an old house, installing new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, or a new roof can reduce your risk and insurance premiums.

So, regardless of your planned changes, we recommend discussing them with your agent in advance to understand how they affect your home insurance coverage.

Working with Ruddy Insurance Group.

The family home is often among our most significant investments, so protecting that investment against unforeseen events is critical. The Ruddy Insurance Group proudly serves the Niles, OH area, and we are here to help you with that process. Call or stop by today to discuss your home insurance options.

What Does Classic Car Insurance Cover?

Our agents at the Ruddy Insurance Group serving the Niles, OH area are ready to help you obtain the proper amount of insurance coverage for your classic car.

Classic car insurance in Ohio, like in many other states, provides specialized coverage tailored to the specific needs you and other classic car owners may have. A classic car insurance policy is different from a standard auto insurance policy since classic cars have a unique value, and they are used and driven differently than regular vehicles.

What Does Classic Car Insurance Cover?

Similar to regular auto insurance, classic car insurance provides you with auto liability coverage as well as comprehensive and collision for the times that you are driving your vehicle out on the streets and highways. It is the amount of insurance that is different from regular vehicles because most vehicles depreciate as soon as you drive them off the car lot. This is not true of classic cars since they actually increase in value over time. If a natural disaster, fire, or vandalism occurs and destroys your classic car or is just stolen, you will receive an amount for your classic car that was predetermined and agreed upon when you created your policy.

Keep in mind that classic car insurance dictates a specific mileage restriction. In the state of Ohio, classic car insurance policies will limit the annual mileage that you can drive your classic car. This is due to the fact that your classic car should only be used for things like weekend cruises and car shows versus daily commuting or running to the grocery store.

Contact Ruddy Insurance Group

To have peace of mind when protecting your classic car with the correct insurance policy, call our classic car insurance agents at the Ruddy Insurance Group serving the Niles, OH area today!

Why Every Renter Needs Renter’s Insurance

When you’re a renter, there’s no need for you to have insurance on the home you live in. The owner of the building must have this insurance. However, other things need to be protected, and that’s where renter’s insurance comes in. Virtually all landlords will require you to have renter’s insurance when you sign your lease. If you rent and don’t have this insurance, call us at Ruddy Insurance Group in Niles, OH.

Protection for Belongings

You don’t own the home, but you do own everything inside it. When you have renter’s insurance, it protects you against losing your things. It’s essential to have this insurance in case a damaging event should happen that ruins your things. With this coverage, you know you’ll be able to replace everything later just in case the worst happens. Trying to pay to replace everything on your own could be so expensive as to be unaffordable. With this coverage, you have peace of mind that your belongings are protected. 

Liability Protection

Your renter’s insurance also protects you against liability. If someone came to your home and had an accident there and were injured, they would have a lot of medical bills that you would owe. There may even be more expenses like lost wages and legal bills. Without liability protection, all of that would be yours to pay. With renter’s insurance, the policy can pay all the bills you’re liable for. This is coverage that many people don’t think about very often, but it’s beneficial to have it in place just in case of an accident. 

Get Renter’s Insurance

To get a renter’s policy for your protection, call us today at Ruddy Insurance Group in Niles, OH to learn more.

Five Reasons to Buy an RV

Have you ever considered buying an RV, hitting the highway, and exploring the beauty and diversity of the United States? If so, before buying, consider these five reasons to buy an RV offered by the insurance professionals at Ruddy Insurance Group in Niles, OH:

An RV Offers Tremendous Flexibility

When you vacation in an RV, freedom is always an option because you don’t have to worry about finding a hotel or a rigid itinerary. This allows you to explore new places, forgetting about check-in/check-out times.

You Can Bring Along All Members of the Family

An RV vacation allows you to avoid the expense of a pet hotel while allowing the family to travel together. If you take your furry family member, consider where they will sleep and how to manage them when you engage in none pet-friendly activities.

It Has All the Comforts of Home

With an RV, your travel and sleeping arrangements offer all the comforts of home – and you can take along any size bottle of shampoo!

It Can Be Cost Effective

RVs are budget-friendly as they avoid hotel fees and the need to eat each meal out. Plus, you can likely eat healthier when cooking your own food.

You Can Take Along Other Toys on Vacation

An RV allows you to hitch a trailer with your favorite toys – a boat, four-wheeler, etc. If you tow your car, you can easily navigate cities and towns to restock food supplies.

For information on protecting your RV, the insurance specialists at Ruddy Insurance Group are ready to help if you live or work in the Niles, OH area. Give us a call at 330-652-0202 or reach out online.

Safety Tips For Driving In The Rain

Are you a motorcycle enthusiast in Niles, OH? Everyone loves to ride, but sometimes you can’t control the weather. As responsible motorists, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety when unexcepted weather conditions arrive. Ruddy Insurance Group is an insurance agency that wants to share some essential tips for driving your motorcycle in the rain. Follow these tips to reduce the chances of an accident.

Best Practices For Driving A Motorcycle In The Rain

Every rider, regardless of experience level, should follow these safety tips when it rains. Before getting on the road, check your tires to ensure they’re the correct tread depth. Compromised tires can make it easier for your motorcycle to hydroplane on wet surfaces.

  • Decrease speed– It’s essential to bring your riding speed down as the visibility worsens. It can be more challenging for other drivers to see motorcycles when it rains.
  • Avoid hard turning– Jerking the motorcycle hard, either way, can cause you to lose control.
  • Wear the right gear– Waterproof jackets and bright colors are critical for riding in the rain. A waterproof jacket will help keep you dry and prevent your body from getting too cold. Wearing bright colors can improve your visibility to other drivers on the road.
  • Maintain a safe distance– Increase the distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Wet roads often result in longer braking distances. Giving yourself ample space can prevent accidents caused by sudden stops.

Call Ruddy Insurance Group For A Motorcycle Insurance Policy In Niles, OH

At Ruddy Insurance Group, we’re here to ensure you have the right policy for your motorcycle. Don’t hesitate to call today to get an estimate or if you have questions. The safety of every client is always our main priority.

 

Common Perils that Affect Boats

While boat insurance is not required for people living in Niles, OH, your lender may require you to obtain a policy when there is an outstanding lien on your vessel. Even when your watercraft is paid off, indemnifying your investment can protect you against out-of-pocket expenses that may occur. 

Your boat can suffer loss while parked on your property due to weather events, for example, that create high winds and hurl projectiles at great speed. Falling tree branches may also cause problems, and these can also affect expensive accessories or custom features. Hail may dent the body of the vessel or can break the windshield and other vulnerable components. 

While in storage, a boat can be susceptible to burning if the building housing it catches fire. Subsequently, water damage can also be incurred through efforts to put out the flames. They may also develop rot or molding issues while kept indoors. 

It cannot be assumed that homeowners insurance will automatically extend to a boat kept at home, and your Ruddy Insurance Group representative can provide more information on what would be covered. 

Boats may be involved in traffic accidents when being transported over land. In addition, they can be wrecked while out at sea, and it is your responsibility to make provision for any repairs or medical costs another party may need as a result if you are at fault. Passengers can slip or fall while sailing, and these injuries may require attention from a professional. 

Ruddy Insurance Group Can Help

We pride ourselves on providing quality insurance packages to meet the needs of our Niles, OH clients. Contact us online or by phone today, or feel free to stop at the office to discuss your situation in detail. 

Car Insurance 101 – Eight Terms you Need to Know

Understanding insurance concepts or terms is a smart way to ensure you select the right coverage, find the most cost-effective policies, and avoid surprises. The insurance professionals at Ruddy Insurance Group can help you understand the available ways to protect your family and home in and around the greater Niles, OH, area.

Premiums

A premium is the ongoing cost of maintaining the insurance policy and coverage.

Deductible

The dollar amount the policyholder pays before the insurance company pays for related damages.  

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance pays for damages that may be caused by an accident if it results in someone’s injury or damage to their property.  

Comprehensive Coverage

This insurance protection will cover the cost to repair a car after it collides with an animal or various non-collision events, which include –

  • Car theft.
  • Falling objects.
  • Fire and more.

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance reimburses the insured for repair expenses of the insured vehicle if the insured causes a crash or is responsible for a one-car accident.

Additional Insured

This refers to the other family members covered under the policyholder’s insurance.  

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

This refers to the coverage available for medical expenses & lost wages for the driver and passengers in an accident.  

Insurance Claim

A payment request to the insurance company for medical costs or vehicle repairs.  

Contact our Office

Insurance offers adequate protection. Understanding the terms related to insurance simplifies the process and helps you get the coverage you need. The insurance professionals at Ruddy insurance group are ready to help if you live or work in the Niles, OH area. Give us a call at 330-652-0202 or reach out online.

The Role of Estate Planning in Life Insurance

Estate planning and life insurance often go hand in hand. One involves the distribution of assets after a person’s death, and the other is about providing a financial safety net for loved ones in the event of the policyholder’s passing. While they are often referred to in the same breath, they have slightly different purposes, and it’s essential to understand the role life insurance plays in estate planning.

Estate Planning and Life Insurance

Estate planning and life insurance protect your family and loved ones when you are no longer with them. Together, they secure your financial future and guarantee your assets will be distributed how you want. Therefore, you should ensure your life insurance policy and estate planning match up properly. 

Protect Your Assets and Your Loved Ones’ Financial Futures 

Your goal during estate planning is to put together a process of managing your assets in life and their distribution in death. Once it is cemented, you can use life insurance to fill in the gaps. You want a sum of money available to your loved ones to cover outstanding debts, funeral costs, and, if you have dependents, to help with their living costs. If you’re no longer here, the last thing you want is for the people relying on you financially to encounter financial hardship. 

Expert Service at Ruddy Insurance Group in Niles, OH 

At Ruddy Insurance Group in Niles, OH, our experienced agents can navigate you through this process, from choosing a life insurance plan to adjusting it over the years. We understand the role that estate planning plays in life insurance, and our focus is always on putting your needs first. 

To learn more about Ruddy Insurance Group in Niles, OH, call (330) 652-0202 today. 

How to Detect Water Leaks in Your Home

At Ruddy Insurance Group, providing homeowners in the greater Niles, OH region with homeowners insurance, we have seen many types of damage done to a home. Water can be one of the most damaging things to a home. Hidden leaks can increase your water bill, cause significant damage to a home, and lead to mold growth. As such, you want to take steps to check for water leaks in your home. Here are a few of the ways you can do that. 

Check Your Water Meter

One of the best ways to check for hidden water leaks in your home is to turn off all the faucets in your home and ensure no water appliances are being used. Then check the number on your water meter and watch the meter. If the number increases when you know water is not being used in your home, you have a leak somewhere. 

Watch Your Water Bill For Increases

Another fundamental way to detect water leaks in your home is to monitor your water bill closely. If your water bill has unexpectedly increased and you have not been using extra water or had extra guests in your home, you may have a water leak. Hiring a plumber to do a plumbing inspection is the best way to look for and find a leak in your home. 

A water leak in your home can be costly and lead to severe damage. Unfortunately, you may be unable to find and prevent all water leaks. This is where home insurance can be beneficial. Here at Ruddy Insurance Group, serving the greater Niles, OH area, our insurance agents can work with you to ensure your home and belongings are fully covered in an emergency. Contact us today, and let us help you find the best policy for your needs.