What is umbrella insurance and why do I need it

Life can get stormy, it isn’t always blue skies and sunshine. When those storms arise having an umbrella can come in very handy. There is a good reason a well-known insurance carrier has an umbrella as its logo. An umbrella represents protection and that is what umbrella insurance offers. However, all insurance offers protection of one sort or another and most people have no idea exactly the kind of protection an umbrella policy offers and why they need it. At M8 Insurance in Salt Lake City, UT, we aim to give all of our customers the finest service possible while providing access to a great selection of carriers. 

The most basic definition of umbrella insurance is that its excess liability. It is not the only type of excess liability but it is a very valuable one. The difference is umbrella insurance can cover somethings that the primary policy doesn’t cover while straight excess liability can’t. Umbrella insurance is unique, it is not a policy you can buy unless you already have a policy with liability coverage. This includes but is not limited to home and auto insurance. Now that you know what umbrella insurance is why do you need it? 

Liability insurance protects your assets. If you are found legally responsible, judgment can be leveled against you. The judgment will be paid initially by your primary policy and if the amount is higher than the amount of your coverage limit, you are responsible for the remaining amount. If you don’t have umbrella insurance, it will come out of your pocket. If you do have the coverage, then your umbrella will take over and pay to the limit of coverage you have. 

Having an umbrella policy offers peace of mind that your hard-earned assets are safe. Give the office of M8 Insurance in Salt Lake City, UT a call to set up an appointment to discuss why umbrella insurance is right for you. 

How to report a flood insurance claim for residents of Salt Lake City, UT

If you live in an area susceptible to flooding, it essential to have your property covered by flood insurance. At M8 Insurance in Salt Lake City, UT, we will customize a policy for you to ensure that you are fully covered, protecting from the financial obligation should a property be damaged by floods. But what is flood insurance?

What is flood insurance?

This refers to an insurance policy that covers property damage as a result of flooding. M8 Insurance agents will denote risks affecting specific properties based on topographical maps, flood plains, floodways, and lowlands. A flood insurance policy will protect you as the homeowner from the financial obligation due to damage to the physical structure of your property and its contents. Floods could be a result of inland flooding, flash flooding, or overflows from seasonal storms.

What is covered by flood insurance?

  • The building and its foundation
  • Plumbing and electrical systems
  • Built appliances such as dishwashers and stoves
  • Permanent installed paneling and carpeting

 Benefits of flood insurance

  • Peace of mind

Severe weather and storms will naturally turn your thoughts to the security of your family and property. Having a flood insurance policy ensures that you go about your daily business without worry. Through our innovative insurance products, you are assured of your property’s safety.

  • Flexibility and ease

While many individuals avoid buying flood insurance because they assume the process an overly complicated, at M8 Insurance in Salt Lake City, UT, we have a straight forward process that allows ease and flexibility in registration.

Reporting a flood insurance claim

If your property has been destroyed by floods, report immediately to our M8 Insurance agents who will visit your premises to analyze the damage. Where the property can longer be accessed, speak out agents on alternative places to reside.

Kindly visit or call our agents at M8 Insurance in Salt Lake City, UT, for further information on flood insurance.

Three decisions you need to make when you purchase condo insurance

If you live in a condo, it’s important that you invest in a good condo insurance policy. At M8 Insurance, we’re here to help. We offer a variety of different types of insurance coverage- including condo insurance- in Salt Lake City, UT. We can help you to find a condo insurance policy to meet your needs.

The following are three decisions you need to make when you purchase condo insurance.

The amount of coverage you need

You should probably purchase enough coverage to compensate you for the full amount of your assets within your condo. This means it could be wise to purchase add-on coverage if you have especially valuable items like high-end electronics in your condo unit. 

Whether to purchase backup coverage like water backup coverage

There are numerous add-on coverage types that you can consider purchasing. One, in particular, is water backup coverage. Unfortunately, this type of coverage doesn’t usually come standard on home insurance and condo insurance policies. However, you should have the option to purchase it as an add-on coverage. 

The provider who you will purchase condo insurance from

There are many providers offering condo insurance policies. It’s a good idea to research a few different providers and get quotes from them. Choose a provider with a good reputation and track record of experience with condo insurance in particular. 

All of these are considerations you’ll want to take into account to get the right policy. Do you have questions about condo insurance? You can contact us at M8 Insurance via our website or by phone. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions about condo insurance in Salt Lake City, UT. 

Utah Commercial Insurance Provides Peace of Mind

Opening a business can be fraught with danger simply based on the uncertainties of opening a business, but having a commercial insurance policy set in place is a great way to protect a full range of company equipment ranging from fleet vehicles to real property, as well as a range of physical assets that can give you the peace of mind that gives you the energy to concentrate on other equally important tasks and worries.  For business owners in Salt Lake City, UT looking to protect their commercial property, we welcome you to contact us here at M8 Insurance to discuss your full range of options and protections to protect your Salt Lake City, UT business.

Commercial Insurance Protects You When You Need it Most

No two business owners have the same needs and concerns, so it is important to sit down and craft a commercial insurance policy that is designed to protect your business specifically.  Our team is standing by to listen to your concerns to better craft a policy that will not only help you protect your Salt Lake City, UT business but will give you the security to continue building your business for years to come.  Should you have questions, we have answers, and with that information, you can make the informed decision designed to help make your business thrive.

Contact M8 Insurance for Your Commercial Insurance Quote

Entrepreneurs in Salt Lake City, UT worried about protecting their company assets have a great resource in the agents here at M8 Insurance.  Duly licensed by the state of Utah, friendly, caring, and knowledgeable, our team looks forward to showing you that peace of mind is just around the corner when you come to realize the array of protections afforded by a commercial insurance policy.  Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote and discover the feeling and joys of peace of mind.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

At M8 Insurance in Salt Lake City, UT, we provide a wide range of insurance products, including renters insurance. We have decided to inform you about renters insurance because it is one of the least popular insurance products. Many people do not even know about it.

Renters insurance is meant to protect renters and their belongings. This insurance is also referred to as tenant insurance. In other words, it protects renters from theft, burglary, and guest’s injury. Basically it has three coverages.

1. Additional living expenses coverage

Your apartment may be damaged by a storm or raised by fire. This could make it unsafe. So, you may have to look for temporary accommodation while it is being fixed. Your best bet is to live in a hotel for a few days until your apartment is ready.

In this situation, your hotel expenses will be refunded by this coverage. However, there’s a limit to it. The reimbursement is to the financial limit of your policy.

2. Personal property coverage

This coverage provides the funds to replace or repair your damaged belongings. This coverage is meant for belongings like clothing, furniture, and electronics. In addition, if personal effects are stolen, you’ll be reimbursed for replacement.

3. Liability coverage

This coverage will kick in if you damage someone’s property. Imagine a situation where you forgot a pot on the fire and your food got badly burnt before you realized. And the smoke from your apartment got into another apartment. Legally, you’ll need to fix the other apartment. You only need to fall back to this coverage.

The smoke could have triggered a medical condition for the occupant of the apartment. This coverage will also pay the medical bills of those affected. So, as a homeowner, you should purchase a homeowner’s insurance policy and if you’re a tenant, you should also purchase renters insurance.

At M8 Insurance in Salt Lake City, UT, we would love to guide you on that.

Why is getting RV insurance so important?

Anyone that is in the Salt Lake City, UT area likely enjoys being near the mountains and all of the recreational activities in the nearby area. Owning an RV could be a great option for anyone that wants to explore this area. When you are looking to get an RV in this area, you also want to make sure that you get a quality insurance policy. There are several reasons why getting an RV insurance policy is so important. 

Provides Protection for Assets

Anyone that has an RV in the Salt Lake City, UT area will want to have RV insurance because it provides very valuable asset protection. An RV is not only a mode of transportation that requires a big investment but it also frequently houses a lot of personal items and fixtures. When you get an RV insurance policy, you will receive coverage for these items if the vehicle and assets are damaged or stolen.

Gives Liability Coverage

Another reason why you need RV insurance is that it can provide you with very valuable liability coverage. An RV owner is required to meet the same minimum liability insurance that anyone else in the state of Utah needs to have when driving a car. When you have an RV insurance policy, you will get this coverage, which will ensure you are covered for liability if you cause damage during an accident.

Those that are in the Salt Lake City area and own an RV should speak with the team at M8 Insurance. Choosing your own RV insurance policy can be a challenge as there are a lot of different options and considerations. The team at M8 Insurance can help you to determine what type of policy you need to provide you with the necessary and adequate protection. 

Tips for Your First Long Distance Motorcycle Road Trip

Your first long-distance motorcycle road trip can be an exciting experience, but it’s essential to be well-prepared. Whether you are traveling alone or with others, you’ll need to be prepared and organized before leaving your town to have a safe, fun trip. Traveling by motorcycle is different from traveling a long distance by car, so to help ensure your first motorcycle road trip is a success, M8 Insurance in Salt Lake City, UT has put together a few tips.

Protect Your Hearing

Riding a motorcycle means you don’t have a shield to sound while riding on the highway, and the highway can get extremely loud. So, when you leave the side roads and enter the highway, put in your earplugs to help prevent the extreme pressure on your ears. If you’re not particularly fond of earbuds, you can use headphones, or better yet wear a good, solid helmet.

Dress Appropriately

It is imperative that you dress properly while riding a motorcycle, especially on long road trips. The safest, most comfortable riding gear typically consists of long pants, a comfortable t-shirt, boots, and a helmet. You should also have a jacket handy to wear in case of rain or chilly weather.

Pack Light

The best luggage for motorcycles are saddlebags, which are easily attached from the back seat or the sides of the bike. You’ll need to pack as light as possible to avoid too much extra weight. It’s often easiest to make a list of what you’ll need for the entire trip and only pack the essential items. To help avoid taking up too much space in the saddlebags, instead of packing full-size personal items, consider using small, travel or sample size products and rolling your clothes instead of folding to take up less space.

As exciting as the trip may be, it’s important to stop and take breaks. Sitting on a motorcycle for long hours can lead to back pain and saddle sores, so be sure to stop frequently.

Residents of Utah, California, Nevada, and Colorado that are interested in learning more information about motorcycle insurance should contact M8 Insurance in Salt Lake City, UT.

Can My Children Drive My Boat?

Salt Lake City, UT residents who own boats and like to spend time on the water are often curious as to how old their children have to be before they can legally drive the family boat. The agents of M8 Insurance have the answers! They work diligently to keep up with Utah’s laws so they can provide the best possible advice to their clients. This is especially true when it comes to boating and other recreational activities.

Boat Safety Certification

In Utah, you must be at least 16 years of age and have taken (and passed) a Boater Safety Certification class that has been approved by the Utah Parks Department. When your child is driving the boat, they must have their certificate with them at all times. This allows them to provide proof of completion of the class if they are ever pulled over by a state DNR officer.

Always Know the Law

If you are unsure of what the laws are when it comes to boating in the state of Utah, call or visit your local DNR office. They can provide you with all of the information you need concerning boating safety and how you can do your part when it comes to sharing the lakes and other waterways with others. Always know the law and if you have questions, ask your local DNR officer.

At M8 Insurance, the agents serve the greater Salt Lake City, UT area. While learning the laws is essential, it is also important that you know as much as possible about your boat insurance and the coverage it provides. Call and speak to an agent today if you have questions!

 

Do I need more than basic motorcycle insurance

What could be better than getting on your motorcycle in Salt Lake City, UT and heading out to the open road? In the state of Utah, motorcycles are required to carry basic insurance. The requirements are bodily injury $25,000 for each person up to a total of $65,000 if more than two people are involved. Property damage coverage of $15,000 is also mandated. While PIP is not required on motorcycles, it is something you may want to consider since Utah is a no-fault state. These are the basic required coverages, but do you need more motorcycle insurance? Talking to the team at M8 Insurance can help you to decide.

If you have little or no assets then you may be perfectly happy and adequately covered by basic motorcycle insurance. But if you own a home or have other savings and assets you may want to consider increasing the amount of liability insurance that you choose to carry. Liability insurance can help protect you in the event that you are sued and incur both legal costs and the possibility of a judgment against you. 

If you have a newer motorcycle chances are that you have a loan and when you have a loan your lender will require that you have collision and comprehensive coverage.  Once the loan is paid off you may be tempted to go for the less expensive option of dropping collision and comprehensive. This means that if you have an accident where you are deemed to be at fault, the responsibility to repair or replace your bike will fall to you. Especially if you have a custom bike this could be a very expensive proposition.  

Why not stop in at the office of M8 Insurance in Salt Lake City, UT or give us a call. We know the laws in many states and also understand the benefits of full protection for the investment you have in your motorcycle. 

 

3 Reasons Why You Should Keep Your Boat Insurance Over The Winter

When you’re fortunate enough to own a boat in Salt Lake City, UT, you want to make sure that it’s protected year-round. While you’re probably not going to go boating in the dead of winter, that’s no reason to get rid of your boat insurance. At M8 Insurance, we’re here to tell you why you should keep it.

Protect Your Investment

You want to make sure that your boat is protected. If something happens to it when it’s not in use, you want to know that you can call the insurance company and file a claim. This ensures that the insurance takes care of the details for you.

Avoid Out of Pocket Expenses

Even though the boat may not be in the water, it can still get damaged. It may get damaged while it’s in dry dock. Someone could vandalize it, and it may even get stolen.

If you get rid of your insurance policy in the winter months, you would be financially responsible for any damages – and this can add up to a significant amount of money.

Ensure It’s Protected Where It’s Stored

Since there’s no way of knowing what could happen to your boat in Salt Lake City, UT, the best thing to do is get a policy that covers all of the worst-case scenarios. Make sure that your policy is built so that it protects your boat wherever you choose to store it over the winter. Talk to your insurance agent about riders that can be added to the policy for further protection, too.

At M8 Insurance, we’re here to help you protect your boat in the winter, and all year long. Call us today to speak to one of our insurance agents. We’ll make sure that you know why you should have coverage throughout all 12 months of the year.