Welcome to the Latus Insurance blog.  We will be updating this page regularly to inform our existing clients and prospective clients about the goings-on within the insurance industry.

The Importance of Renters Insurance

February 4, 2010

A common misperception about insurance is that you only need it if you're a homeowner.  Many of my friends are still renting apartments and town homes in Chicagoland.  In fact, I am a renter myself.  Renters Insurance - like most forms of insurance - is not something you think about until the moment arises when it comes in handy.

Here are a few reasons to consider purchasing Renters Insurance:

It will allow you to have coverage if someone is at your residence and they get injured.  Maybe someone gets over excited during a big game, someone tears a muscle using your exercise equipment or cuts their finger while helping prepare a dinner.  These are instances when renters insurance could help you out.  Even if a valuable items gets knocked over - such as a lamp, vase or antique - your renters insurance policy will cover you. 

Gives coverage to your personal property if there is an incident in your residence.  If there is a break-in at your residence you will be covered.  A bad storm or natural disaster ruins some of your property - you will be covered.  Again, these are things that are never thought of until after the fact.  We're relatively safe from weather related disasters in Illinois.  But there are bad storms during the spring and summer.  The winters can bring heavy snow and ice storms.  Property can get seriously damaged and you'll be grateful that you acted in advance.

Many of us have jobs that require travel.  Items such as laptops, portable DVD or music players are some of the first things we plan on taking with us.  Should those get damaged during your travels - business-related or for pleasure - you won't have to worry about coverage.  Think of engagement rings or family heirlooms that you can't imagine living without.  If they are lost or stolen during a hotel stay or trip your renters insurance has you covered.

5 Ways to Lower Your Insurance Premium

January 23, 2010

We work so hard to make sure our clients get the lowest possible insurance premium.  The rates you get from Latus Insurance will help you save money.  In addition, there are several ways you can help lower your premium.

1. Make sure you never lapse on your insurance payments.  Mark your calendars, set up a reminder in Outlook or post a note on the fridge!  Being on time with payments is very important to keeping your insurance premium low.
2. Keep your speeding violations to a minimum.  We all lead busy lives and try to get from work to home on time to enjoy dinner with family or make the start of a game.  Sometimes we sleep in and need to make it to an important meeting.  These things happen and we're all guilty of speeding.  However, obeying the posted speed limits and not getting tickets will help you save money.
3. Make you sure purchase the correct amount of coverage.  Some insurance agents tell you to get more insurance than you actually need.  An over abundance of coverage is a common reason why people pay high premiums.  Latus Insurance will review your existing policy, listen to your concerns and promise you the correct amount of coverage.
4. Consolidate your policies under a single carrier.  Spreading your various insurance policies amongst several carriers will not save you money.  We advise you to have multiple policies with just one insurance company.  Not only will this make it easier for you to manage and communicate with insurance companies, but it will lower your insurance premium payments.
5. Have your insurance payments drawn from a credit card or a banking account.  Do not be direct billed for your insurance payments.

These tips  and some of our Insurance FAQs will help you a great deal.  Please contact us with any additional questions you have.

Reasons to Work with an Independent Insurance Agent

January 19, 2010

Several Latus Insurance clients have previously done business with large insurance agencies.  It is very common for people to assume that working with a nationally known insurance provider means they will get the best policy and the best customer service.  As an independent insurance agency, we may be biased but feel strongly that customers get a greater value working with an independent agent.  Below you will find some reasons we feel you should consider purchasing your next insurance policy through us.

1. An independent insurance agent is working for you - not a particular company.
2. You get a wider array of options.  We have the ability to look at several insurance carriers to find you the coverage you need at the lowest rate available.  Carriers we work with include Traveler's Insurance, Progressive Insurance, State Auto and more.
3. Latus Insurance will never drop you as an insured.  Our policy is to rotate you to a different insurance carrier if your violations exceed the limit on an existing carrier.
4. Even if you have high risk drivers or teen drivers in the household we can separate the policies and drivers to ensure that the lowest insurance rate is provided.
5. You receive exceptional customer service.  There are no annoying call menus when you dial our office and you don't have to worry that your emails are being thrown in a long queue. 

We welcome our customers to meet with us face-to-face and are willing to come to you.