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What’s Considered a Natural Disaster, and Am I Covered?

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Natural disasters happen. Homeowners insurance provides a safeguard for unforeseen circumstances, though the timing of such events cannot be guaranteed. First, however, it is essential to understand what qualifies as a natural disaster under the terms of your policy. Homeowners insurance covers a vast range of natural disasters, including those caused by fire, tornadoes, hail, explosions, windstorms, volcanoes, hurricanes, and extreme cold. That said, homeowners insurance does not cover some natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and mudslides.

Examples of Natural Disasters Homeowners Insurance May Cover

It would be best if you didn’t have to guess about which natural disasters a homeowners insurance policy covers, so be sure to ask questions and consult with your agent to clarify these points. In addition, you should be clear about the coverage limits of your policy. Without adequate coverage, you might end up having to foot the bill for something you did not expect to pay.

Here are some examples of natural disasters and how your homeowners insurance policy can be applied:

  • Hurricanes: A hurricane can cause severe structural damage to your home, and you may also lose some cherished personal items. While damage and losses caused by wind and hail are usually covered, flood damage is separate in most cases. You will likely need a different policy to cover these events, so be sure to ask your insurance agent to ensure your property is protected.
  • Fires: Unless you live in an area particularly susceptible to wildfires or when a fire was set on purpose, your homeowners insurance policy should cover fire-related damage. Additionally, if you have very valuable items in your home, such as fine jewelry, you should have them appraised for a scheduled personal property endorsement. Otherwise, they will have little or no coverage.
  • Extreme cold: Homeowners insurance policies typically cover damage caused by extreme cold. For example, if your home or personal belongings are damaged from the weight of ice or snow, they will likely be covered. On the other hand, if ground snow melts and seeps into your home, resulting in water damage, this is likely not covered unless you have a separate flood insurance policy.

The coverage your homeowners insurance provides can help ensure that no matter when the unexpected happens, you will not have to worry about the costs. When you work with an agency that is committed to serving the community, you can expect personalized service, and assistance in finding the best insurance with the most reasonable rates.

Keep Your Home and Property Protected with Homeowners Insurance

A natural disaster could potentially cost you everything, but homeowners insurance can help cover these losses, so you can protect what matters most to you. Our agency will work with you to understand your needs, ultimately finding the most effective policies to protect your home and belongings at a price you can afford. With our team at your side, you can rest easy knowing that you will be prepared whenever nature strikes.

Connect with us today for the personalized attention and fast service you deserve.

Can I Lower My Life Insurance Premiums?

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A life insurance policy provides a financial safety net for your family in the event of your unexpected passing, offering them a degree of economic security. Unfortunately, many people put off this critical task, in many cases due to concerns about cost. A major factor affecting your premiums is the rating the insurance company assigns you based on an assessment of your health and lifestyle. There are steps you can take to lower your premiums.

How Are People Rated for Life Insurance Purposes?

Insurance companies typically use certain risk categories, or rating classes, to determine life insurance premiums. In order of higher risk to lower risk, those ratings are:

  • Standard
  • Standard Plus
  • Preferred
  • Preferred Plus

How Can You Lower Your Life Insurance Premiums?

A better rating means lower premiums. The following are some tips on how to reduce the cost of life insurance.

Apply for a Policy As Soon As You Can

The longer you wait, the older you will be, and the more likely it will be that you will have some type of health condition. Your premiums will only increase if you wait to apply. Insurance companies offer lower premiums to applicants who are younger and healthier. Our knowledgeable agency can help you find a life insurance policy to suit your needs at the best available rates.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being obese or overweight is linked with higher mortality rates and a higher risk of developing certain serious diseases and medical conditions. To determine whether you are a healthy weight, most insurance companies will use a standard table of height to weight. Maintaining a healthy weight over time can help you get life insurance for less.

Do Not Smoke or Use Nicotine Products

Smokers have a higher risk for a wide range of health issues, which is reflected in their life insurance premiums. If you are not a smoker, do not start. If you are a smoker, quit as soon as possible. The longer it has been since you last smoked or used tobacco, the better your rating for life insurance will be. For example, you may be assigned the worst rating (Standard) if you have not smoked in a year. If it has been five years, you may qualify for the best rating (Preferred Plus).

Get Regular Medical Treatment for Existing Health Issues

If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, or a similar chronic health condition, it does not necessarily mean that you will not qualify for a better rating. You may still qualify for lower life insurance premiums provided you follow your doctor’s advice, take your prescription medications as directed, and see your doctor regularly for your condition.

Avoid Hazardous Hobbies

Actively engaging in rock climbing, scuba diving, skydiving, hang gliding, skiing, white water rafting, hot air ballooning, or other high-risk activities can increase your life insurance premiums. If you are involved in a recreational activity that increases your risk of injury or death, be prepared to pay a little more for life insurance.

5 Winter Driving Mistakes That May Increase Your Premium

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Yesterday was Car Insurance Day. The first day of February serves as a yearly reminder of the comfort brought by our services. As we face the last several weeks of winter, it is the perfect time for an insurance policy review to check that your policy still meets your needs. Safe driving is the best strategy to keep your premiums as low as possible.

Not Clearing All the Snow Off Your Vehicle

While you may be tempted to quickly sweep the snow off the windshield when you are in a hurry to get somewhere, failing to clear the snow from the top or front of your car can have disastrous consequences. Sudden stops, starts, or turns can result in snow from your roof sliding down and covering your front or back window or the snow on the hood of your car sliding upwards, dangerously obscuring your view.

Staying Bundled Up While Driving

Brr—it’s cold outside! You need to wear layers when you are outdoors and need to stay warm. While you need warm clothing outside, wearing mittens and a thick coat in the driver’s seat can be a liability, reducing your ability to grip the wheel and control the car. Bulky snow boots can make it hard to feel the pedal position and wide boots can make pressing one pedal at a time difficult. Leave your bulky winter clothes in the back seat and use the car’s heating system to stay warm when driving.

Driving Too Fast for Weather Conditions

The posted speed limit is the maximum speed under normal conditions. Remember that snow, ice, and other winter weather hazards can add minutes, if not hours, to your travel time. Always head out with time to spare. Fast driving in snowy, icy, or rainy conditions or exceeding the speed limit in winter conditions puts you and others at risk should the vehicle go out of control. If you cause a crash by driving unsafely in winter weather conditions, it signals to your policy provider that you are a higher-risk driver; your insurance premium will increase.

Following Too Closely on Slippery Roads

Tailgating and following another car too closely is always illegal. When the roads are icy, braking requires even more distance. Tailgating is more than unpleasant to your fellow drivers; it is dangerous driving behavior that can lead to a fender-bender or worse. In good weather, the rule is to leave three seconds of roadway space between you and the vehicle ahead. In winter road conditions, coming to a complete stop takes even longer. You will need five to eight seconds to stop on snowy roads and 10 to 14 seconds on ice. Adjust your driving, leaving a longer distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Stay safe and keep your insurance rates lower.

Lack of Vehicle Winter Maintenance Check

When the cold hits, it is time to get your car’s tires, brakes, and wipers checked for damage and replaced if needed. It’s much better to fix problems ahead of time than to discover them when navigating through a howling storm. Regular car maintenance can extend the life of your vehicle and improve its performance in rough weather.

Stay Safe This Winter with Car Insurance You Can Trust

No one can predict every hazard, but it pays to be prepared. Now is the time of year to review your insurance and ensure coverage. Talk with one of our agents today to see what new policies are available with better coverage at a lower cost. We are happy to review your current policy and help you have greater peace of mind, knowing you have the coverage you need.

Retirement Safety Net: How Life Insurance Can Support Your Golden Years

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When most people think of life insurance, they picture a safety net for loved ones after they’re gone. Life insurance can do much more than that and can serve as a powerful financial asset in your retirement years. As one aspect of a long-term planning strategy, life insurance can help provide supplemental income, protect your legacy, and offer peace of mind during a time when financial stability is key.

Life Insurance for the Living

Life insurance isn’t just about what happens after death. Permanent life insurance policies, such as whole life or universal life, accumulate cash value over time. This cash value is available to the policyholder during their lifetime. It can be borrowed against or even withdrawn, often without triggering immediate taxation.

This feature makes life insurance a valuable financial resource for retirees who may need additional funds to cover unexpected expenses, long-term care or to supplement other sources of retirement income like Social Security or pensions. In times of market downturns, having access to a non-market-correlated asset like life insurance can help retirees avoid drawing from investment accounts during poor performance years.

Tax-Deferred Growth Explained

One of the key benefits of permanent life insurance is the tax-advantaged growth of its cash value. As long as the funds remain in the policy, they grow on a tax-deferred basis. That means you won’t pay taxes on the gains as the value accumulates, allowing the policy’s value to grow more efficiently over time.

Additionally, policyholders can borrow against the cash value of their policy through a policy loan. If structured properly, these loans are not considered taxable income and do not need to be repaid during the policyholder’s lifetime. However, any unpaid loans will reduce the death benefit.

This tax-deferred structure allows retirees to access funds without increasing their taxable income, which is especially useful for managing tax brackets and preserving eligibility for income-based benefits like Medicare or Social Security.

Supporting Your Heirs and Estate Plans

Life insurance also plays an important role in legacy planning. The death benefit is typically paid out to beneficiaries tax-free, providing a simple and efficient way to leave an inheritance. For those with larger estates, life insurance can be used to offset estate taxes, ensuring that more of your assets pass directly to your heirs.

By using life insurance as a funding tool, you can provide financial stability for your loved ones, donate to charitable causes, or even establish a family trust to preserve wealth for future generations.

The Importance of Early Enrollment

The younger and healthier you are when you purchase life insurance, the more affordable and flexible your options will be. Locking in coverage early can secure lower premiums and maximize long-term cash value growth. Waiting until later in life often results in higher costs or limited coverage due to health conditions.

How Life Insurance Supports a Diversified Retirement Plan

A well-rounded retirement strategy includes more than just a 401(k) or IRA. Life insurance adds another layer of stability and flexibility. It acts as a non-correlated asset, offers liquidity through loans or withdrawals, and provides guaranteed benefits regardless of market fluctuations.

Plan Now, Relax Later

Life insurance can be a powerful tool in securing your retirement lifestyle and protecting your legacy. Whether you’re decades from retirement or already making withdrawal plans, our team st Trail’s End Risk can help you understand how life insurance fits into your financial future. Reach out at to explore your options with one of our experienced advisors.

What is Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)?

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Employment Practices Liability Insurance, commonly called EPLI, is a crucial business insurance that safeguards companies against employee claims alleging rights violations. In today’s complex employment landscape, even small businesses face exposure to potential lawsuits related to hiring, firing, workplace conduct, and management decisions. Having EPLI coverage can provide

EPLI 101: A Shield Against Workplace Lawsuits

EPLI policies typically cover legal defense costs and settlements associated with a range of employee claims, including:

  • Discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, or other protected categories
  • Wrongful termination
  • Sexual harassment or other forms of workplace harassment
  • Retaliation for whistleblowing or reporting misconduct

These claims can arise from current, former, or job applicants. With legal fees and settlements often reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, the cost of defending your business without EPLI coverage can be devastating.

Who Needs EPL?

Many business owners mistakenly believe EPLI is only necessary for large corporations. In reality, any business with employees can be at risk. Smaller businesses may be more vulnerable as they may not have in-house legal or HR departments focusing on labor laws. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), nearly 55% of employment-related claims are filed against companies with fewer than 100 employees.

Whether you employ five people or fifty, EPLI can shield your business from the financial fallout of an employment-related claim. The more employees you have, the greater your risk, but even a single disgruntled worker can file a lawsuit that disrupts operations and drains resources.

What EPLI Doesn’t Cover: Know the Boundaries

Like all insurance policies, EPLI has limitations. Common exclusions include:

  • Wage and hour disputes, such as unpaid overtime or misclassification of employees
  • Criminal acts or intentional wrongdoing by the employer
  • Workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance claims
  • Violations of labor regulations not specifically covered under the policy

Understanding these exclusions is crucial. Some risks may be managed through other insurance policies or better internal practices.

Real Claims and How EPLI Responds

Consider the case of a small restaurant sued by a former server who claimed she was fired for complaining about inappropriate comments from a manager. The EPLI policy covered the legal defense costs and a negotiated settlement, saving the business over $80,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.

In another instance, a tech startup was sued by a rejected job applicant who alleged age discrimination. Without EPLI, the company paid over $30,000 in legal fees before the case was dismissed. EPLI coverage would have helped absorb those costs.

HR Best Practices That Support EPLI

EPLI works best in tandem with strong human resources practices. Implement clear anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. Train all employees, especially supervisors, on appropriate workplace behavior. Keep detailed documentation of employment decisions, disciplinary actions, and employee complaints. These steps not only help reduce the risk of claims but may also lead to more favorable EPLI policy terms and premiums.

Cover Your Business From the Inside Out

Workplace claims can happen to any business, regardless of size or industry. At Trail’s End Risk our advisors have helped businesses in Oklahoma assess employment-related risks and guide them toward the most suitable Employment Practices Liability Insurance. Let’s work together to protect your business from the inside out. Call us at (918) 770-4391 to get started.

Home Sweet Home: Insuring Your Property and Belongings

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Your home is more than just a place to live. It’s your most valuable asset and the center of your everyday life. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your investment, your belongings, and your financial stability. Many homeowners aren’t sure what their policy covers or where the gaps could exist. Understanding your coverage options is the first step to ensuring your home and everything inside it is truly protected.

The Home Base: Understanding Your Homeowners Policy

A standard homeowners insurance policy typically includes four main types of coverage: dwelling, personal property, liability, and additional living expenses.

Dwelling coverage protects the physical structure of your home, including the roof, walls, flooring, and built-in appliances. Coverage usually extends to attached structures, such as a garage. Many policies also include detached structures, such as sheds or fences.

Additional living expenses coverage, sometimes referred to as “loss of use,” pays for temporary housing, meals, and other incidental costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, such as a fire or severe storm. This ensures you aren’t paying out of pocket during an already stressful situation.

What Personal Property Coverage Really Means

Personal property coverage refers to your belongings inside the home. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and more. However, how you’re reimbursed depends on whether your policy uses actual cash value or replacement cost.

Actual cash value takes depreciation into account, so your 5-year-old couch will be worth less than what you originally paid. Replacement cost coverage, on the other hand, reimburses you for the current cost of buying a new, similar item. Although replacement cost policies tend to be slightly more expensive, they offer stronger protection when you need to replace damaged or stolen items.

Be aware that valuable items such as jewelry, fine art, or collectibles may have sub-limits. In those cases, you may need to purchase additional scheduled personal property coverage.

Natural Disaster Coverage Explained

Homeowners insurance typically covers damage from fire, hail, wind, lightning, and certain types of water damage, including some burst pipes. However, many natural disasters are not covered by a standard policy. Floods and earthquakes are typically excluded, and you would need to purchase separate flood or earthquake insurance.

If you live in an area prone to specific weather-related risks, it’s essential to talk to your agent about supplemental policies that fill those gaps in coverage.

When Accidents Happen on Your Property

Personal liability coverage is another essential part of homeowners insurance. It protects you financially if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, legal fees, and settlements. If you have pets, kids, or a pool, increasing your liability coverage or adding a personal umbrella policy may be a smart move.

Why a Home Inventory Is Key

In the event of a major claim, a home inventory can help ensure you are reimbursed accurately and quickly. You can create one by walking through your home and taking videos or photos of each room. Record the value, brand, and purchase date of each major item. Keep this inventory in a secure cloud storage or external drive that can be accessed when needed.

Protect Your Castle Without the Headache

Whether you’re buying your first home or reviewing your current coverage, at Trail’s End Risk in Oklahoma we can help ensure your homeowners insurance meets your needs. Our team is here to guide you through the process, explain your options, and help you find the right policy for your home and your budget. Call us at (918) 770-4391 for a custom quote.

Understanding the Basics: Types of Life Insurance and How They Work

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Life insurance is a cornerstone of a sound financial plan. It helps protect the people you care about by providing financial support in the event of an unexpected occurrence. Beyond that, some policies offer additional benefits you can use during your lifetime. Whether you’re just starting a family, buying a home, or preparing for retirement, understanding how life insurance works can help you make confident decisions for the future.

Life Insurance at a Glance: Why It Matters

At its core, life insurance provides a death benefit to your chosen beneficiaries after you pass away. This payout can be used to cover funeral expenses, pay off debts, replace lost income, or fund future needs like college tuition. Without life insurance, your loved ones may be left financially vulnerable during an already difficult time.

Life insurance also offers peace of mind. Knowing that your family would be protected from financial hardship allows you to focus on living your life today while securing their tomorrow.

Term vs. Whole: Which Is Right for You?

There are several types of life insurance, but the most common are term life insurance, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance.

Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period, usually 10, 20, or 30 years. It’s often the most affordable option and is ideal for temporary needs, such as covering a mortgage or raising young children. If you outlive the term, the policy will expire without paying out.

Whole life insurance offers lifelong coverage and includes a savings component known as cash value. Premiums are typically higher than term policies but remain level over time. The cash value grows over the years and can be borrowed against or withdrawn, although doing so may reduce the death benefit.

Universal life insurance is another permanent policy that combines life coverage with investment flexibility. Policyholders can adjust premiums and death benefits as their needs change, and the policy also builds cash value based on market interest rates.

Living Benefits: It’s Not Just About After You’re Gone

Some life insurance policies offer living benefits—features you can use while you’re still alive. This may include:

  • Accessing the policy’s cash value through loans or withdrawals
  • Accelerated death benefits for terminal illness
  • Coverage for chronic or critical illness under specific riders

These options make life insurance a valuable tool not just for protection but for long-term financial flexibility.

What to Expect When You Apply

Applying for life insurance generally involves the following:

  • Completing a health questionnaire
  • Undergoing a medical exam (for some policies)
  • Providing financial and lifestyle information
  • Waiting for underwriting approval

Simplified issue and no-exam policies are also available, especially for those looking for smaller coverage amounts or faster approvals.

Life Stages, Life Policies: Matching Insurance to Milestones

Your life insurance needs to evolve as you do. Here’s how:

  • Young adults may start with affordable term life to cover student loans or cosigned debt
  • Married couples often buy policies to protect shared income and mortgage obligations
  • Parents typically increase coverage to secure their children’s future
  • Retirees may use life insurance to manage estate planning, legacy gifts, or final expenses

Matching your policy type and coverage amount to your current stage of life ensures you’re protected at every stage of life.

Secure Their Future—And Yours

Life insurance is more than just a safety net. It’s a proactive step in securing your financial future and supporting the people who matter most to you. Our team at Trail’s End Risk can help you find a policy that meets your goals today and grows with you into the future. Reach out at (918) 770-4391 to start the conversation.

Exclusions in Business Insurance Policies: What’s Not Covered?

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When purchasing business insurance, many policyholders focus on what is covered. But just as important is understanding what is not. These uncovered situations, known as exclusions, can leave your business vulnerable if you’re not careful. Knowing how exclusions work can help you choose smarter coverage and avoid costly surprises.

What “Exclusion” Actually Means

An exclusion is any situation, condition, or type of damage your insurance policy states are not covered. These clauses are in the fine print of your policy. They are essential for understanding your actual level of insurance protection. Exclusions exist to limit the insurer’s risk, clarify the scope of coverage, and often reduce premium costs. Failing to account for exclusions can result in denied claims when you need help most.

Common Exclusions

Most business insurance policies include several standard exclusions. These can include:

  • Wear and tear: Damage from normal use over time is usually not covered.
  • Intentional acts: Deliberate damage or criminal activity by the business owner or employees is typically excluded from coverage.
  • Cyber incidents: Many standard policies do not include coverage for data breaches, ransomware, or other cyber events unless cyber liability insurance is purchased separately.
  • Contract disputes: Breaches of contract are generally excluded unless specifically addressed with endorsements.

These exclusions can affect general liability, commercial property, and even professional liability policies. Always read the exclusions section to understand the limitations of your coverage.

Industry-Specific Exclusions to Watch For

Some exclusions vary based on your industry. For example:

  • Construction: Exclusions may apply to work performed by subcontractors or damage resulting from poor craft.
  • Healthcare: Claims related to malpractice or HIPAA violations often require specialized medical liability coverage.
  • Retail: Shoplifting losses or customer data breaches may be excluded unless specifically covered in the policy.
  • Technology: General business policies may not cover errors and omissions in software development or system implementation.

Every industry has unique risks, and your policy must be tailored to address them.

Riders and Endorsements Explained

Fortunately, many exclusions can be addressed through riders or endorsements. These are policy add-ons that provide additional protection for risks not included in a standard policy. For instance:

  • A cyber liability endorsement can help cover expenses related to data breaches.
  • A contractual liability rider can extend coverage to specific agreements.
  • A pollution endorsement may cover environmental damage, which is often excluded from standard policies.

Ask your insurance provider about available riders that may help close critical gaps in your coverage.

The Fine Print Checklist: Questions to Ask Your Broker

When reviewing your business insurance, consider asking:

  • What exclusions apply to each policy I hold?
  • Are there any risks in my industry that are not covered by this policy?
  • What riders or endorsements can I add?
  • Are there bundled options that better suit my business?
  • Can you provide examples of claims that would be denied under this policy?

These questions can help you uncover coverage limitations and make informed decisions.

Build Smarter Coverage for Your Business

Don’t let hidden exclusions derail your protection. Our agency can help you identify potential gaps and build a policy that fits your business needs. Contact us at Trail’s End Risk to schedule a review of your current business insurance and ensure you’re protected where it counts most.

Managing Premiums: Tips for Getting Lower Personal Insurance Rates

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Insurance is vital to protecting the value of your home, car, and other personal assets. That doesn’t mean that the premiums should break the bank! Whether you’re trying to lower your monthly expenses or want to ensure good value, understanding what drives the cost of your premiums is the first step. Let’s take a closer look at how personal insurance rates are calculated and what you can do to keep costs in check.

What Goes Into Your Insurance Costs

Several key factors influence the cost of your personal insurance. While the exact formula varies by provider and policy type, insurers evaluate the following factors:

  • Age: Younger and older drivers often face higher auto insurance rates due to increased risk profiles. Homeowners of varying ages may also see rate variations.
  • Location: Living in a neighborhood with higher crime rates or prone to weather-related incidents can increase premiums.
  • Credit score: In many states, insurance companies use a credit-based insurance score in risk assessment. A lower score means higher premiums in many cases.
  • Claims history: If you’ve filed multiple claims in recent years, insurers may view you as being a higher-risk client.
  • Coverage limits: Choosing higher coverage amounts or additional insurance protection, such as personal liability insurance, increases premiums but provides higher levels of protection.

Being aware of these factors allows you to make informed decisions when purchasing insurance.

Combining Policies to Save More

Bundling policies is one of the easiest ways to reduce overall insurance costs. Many insurers offer multi-policy discounts when you combine auto, home, renters, or other personal insurance coverage. Aside from convenience, bundling can save you up to 25% in many cases. It is advised that you find out about options to include additional types of coverage, such as umbrella insurance or recreational vehicle insurance, to access more potential savings.

Deductibles and Your Bottom Line

Your deductible is what you will pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible can result in a lower monthly premium. For example, increasing your auto insurance deductible from $500 to $1,000 could result in a 10% to 20% reduction in your premium. Ensure you are financially prepared to cover that higher amount if you need to file a claim.

How Your Score Impacts Your Rate

It may come as a surprise, but your credit score can play a significant role in determining your insurance rates. Insurers often use credit-based scores to evaluate risk. A higher score typically means lower premiums. If you want to improve your credit and potentially lower your insurance rates, consider these tips: pay bills on time, keep balances low on credit cards, and review your credit report regularly for errors.

Discounts You Might Be Missing

Many overlook discounts that could lead to real savings on their personal insurance. Here are a few to consider:

  • Good driver discounts or savings for completing a defensive driving course
  • Smart home features such as smoke detectors or water leak sensors
  • Anti-theft devices installed in your vehicle
  • Low annual mileage or participation in usage-based programs
  • Loyalty or multi-year customer discounts

Your insurance agent can help you identify which discounts are currently available from reputable insurance providers that could help reduce the cost of your insurance policies.

Let’s Lower That Rate Together

If you’re looking for ways to trim your premiums without sacrificing coverage, our agency can help. At Trail’s End Risk, we’ll walk you through options tailored to your lifestyle and budget—from bundling to policy reviews to unlocking every available discount. Let’s work together to find personal insurance coverage that protects what matters most at a price that makes sense. Give us a call at (918) 770-4391.

Choosing Your Life Insurance Beneficiary

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Selecting a beneficiary for your life insurance policy is a decision that demands careful consideration. As your choice determines who will receive the funds when you pass away, it is a critical factor in financial planning. The following information can help you make an informed decision.

What Is a Beneficiary?

A beneficiary is the person or entity you designate to receive the death benefit from your policy. You have the option to name multiple beneficiaries and specify the percentage of the payout each will receive. You can name individuals, trusts, charities, or even your estate as beneficiaries. The choice depends on your financial goals and the individuals you want to have financial support when you pass away.

Beneficiaries fall into the following two main categories:

  • Primary beneficiary: This is the first person in line to receive your life insurance death benefit.
  • Contingent beneficiary: If the primary beneficiary dies before you or is unable to receive the payout, the funds will go to the contingent beneficiary.

What Are the Key Considerations in Choosing a Beneficiary?

The following information should be evaluated when you choose a beneficiary:

  • Family dynamics: It is essential to consider family relationships and dynamics. If you have children from a previous marriage or dependents with special needs, your beneficiaries can be structured accordingly.
  • Minor children: Until they reach the age of majority, minor children cannot directly receive a life insurance payout. If you have minor children you want to name as beneficiaries, a solution may be to set up a trust and name a trustee to manage the funds.
  • Trusts as beneficiaries: Naming a trust as your beneficiary allows you to control how death benefits are used, even after you are gone. This may be particularly useful if you want to manage distributions over time or if your beneficiaries are minors or have special needs.
  • Contingency planning: Always name a contingent beneficiary. If your primary beneficiary predeceases you or is unable to claim the death benefit, the proceeds will go to your contingent beneficiary instead of going through probate.

What Are Some Common Mistakes?

The following are common mistakes to avoid when naming beneficiaries of a life insurance policy:

  • Failing to update the policy: Major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, birth, or death, should prompt a review of your beneficiary designations. If they are outdated, the death benefit could go to someone you no longer intend to support.
  • Vague designations: Avoid using terms such as “my spouse” or “my children” without specifically naming each person. Legal complications can arise from ambiguity in identifying beneficiaries.
  • Naming your estate: If you name your estate as the beneficiary of your policy, the proceeds must go through probate. This can delay distribution and reduce the amount your loved ones receive.
  • Ignoring tax implications: If your estate is substantial and the insurance payout is included in your estate, it could push the value over the federal estate tax exemption limit, triggering significant tax liability. An effective way to avoid this is to name an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) as the beneficiary to exclude life insurance proceeds from your estate for tax purposes. An ILIT allows you to control distributions and avoid estate taxes on the policy’s value.

For help with designating a beneficiary for your life insurance policy, speak with one of our helpful local agents at Trail’s End Risk to guide you in this critical estate planning issue. Give us a call today at (918) 770-4391.