Your credit scores help determine what you’ll pay for an auto loan – and Auto insurance.
Studies by state regulators, universities, and independent auditors show that such credit information as how often you’ve paid a bill more than 60 days late can predict your probability of making an Auto claim and its cost. Insurance companies use this data to help set premiums.
However, one study found that 96% of Americans don’t review their credit report once a year, even when they can do so for free. According to the Federal Trade Commission, one in four consumers had errors on their reports that could affect credit scores – and 5% of these mistakes could mean that they’re paying more than they should for Auto insurance and financing.
To make sure that your credit report is accurate, improve your score, and keep your Auto premiums down, experts recommend these guidelines:
- Order free reports from the three credit reporting agencies (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) throughAnnualCreditReport.com , one every four months. Correct any errors immediately.
- Pay your bills on time. Payment history counts for 35% of your score.
- Keep your credit card balances below 20% of available credit.
- Monitor your credit history. Because credit bureaus look at how long you’ve had an open and active line of credit, the worst thing you can do for your credit score is to close credit card accounts. Not only do you lose your credit history for that card, but your overall utilization ratio goes up.
- Don’t open new accounts in quick succession. This represents a greater risk, especially for people who don’t have a long credit history.
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Scurich Insurance Services was established in 1924 and has been serving the Monterey Bay Area. Our ability to meet your business needs – and go above and beyond – is what has made Scurich Insurance Services the nation’s leading Insurance Agency.
Taking care of business means taking care of you. That’s why we work hard to assist you in selecting the appropriate coverage’s whether it is business or commercial insurance.
Contact us for more details or connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn!
Scurich Insurance
320 East Lake Avenue, PO Box 1170
Watsonville, CA 95077-1170
Office: 1-831-722-3541
Toll Free: 1-800-320-3666
EMail: [email protected]
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Bundling insurance products with one company – and scoring cheaper premiums as a reward – isn’t a new concept. But, according to a recent study by J.D. Power and Associates, not only is bundling still popular among consumers, it also results in higher customer satisfaction.
The study found that nearly 60 percent of customers bundle auto and homeowners policies with the same insurer.
When customers need additional products – such as motorcycle, boat and life insurance – 77 percent of them choose to bundle. The study notes that insurance bundlers also tend to be more satisfied with their insurers overall, not just with the premium discounts they’re getting.
“It’s easier to manage insurance policies when you don’t have to work with multiple insurers. And if you have a claim, you just need to call one company.”
Take a look at all your insurance policies. If they’re not with the same insurance company, you could be losing as much as 25 percent in bundling discounts on each car, as well as on your homeowners policy. Think about including your life insurance, as well, which could result in another 2 to 5 percent in savings.
Research options for renters. If you don’t own your home, bundling may still be an option. Look into bundling a renters policy with your car insurance, which might result in as much as a 20 percent discount on your auto coverage. Because renters insurance is inexpensive, it may almost pay for itself by savings through bundling.
Scurich Insurance Services has the auto, homeowner’s, and renter’s insurance information you need to save on your insurances.
Contact us today! 800-320-3666
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According to the Life Foundation,
Brigette Hunter was just 27, and a new mother, when she was widowed. Her husband, Matt, was killed in a car accident. To compound her pain, she had to borrow money from her parents to pay for Matt’s funeral, as he had no life insurance.
Just six months later, friends introduced Brigette to Anthony. She wasn’t looking for a relationship, but Anthony was persistent. “He could sell snow to an Eskimo,” Brigette says. They married and soon opened their own electrical business. With the business and three children to support, the couple bought small life insurance policies. Lisa Rinehart, a financial professional, met them several years later, determined that they needed considerably more life insurance, and helped them through the buying process.
A year later, Anthony found a bump on his chin. He had recently walked through a spider web at a job site and assumed it was a bite. But it didn’t go away, and Anthony learned it was melanoma, a cancer he had battled as a teenager. It soon spread to his lungs, brain and bones.
Still wanting to provide for his family, Anthony invoked a provision in one of his life insurance policies that allowed for an early payout to a terminally ill policyholder, and used part of his death benefit to buy a nicer home for his family. He oversaw renovations and was able to spend a month in the house before he died at 34.
The remaining money from Anthony’s policies helped Brigette pay off medical bills and meet her household expenses. It also kept the business afloat. She could make payroll and pay vendors while she and her foreman reassured clients that the business would continue. “Without the money I would have had to close,” she says.
Scurich Insurance Services know that life insurance is a necessity for every family. Contact them today to see how a policy can fit into your budget. 800-320-3666
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According to the Insurance Journal, the California agency investigating a deadly pipeline explosion and the City of San Bruno are set to propose major fines they say Pacific Gas & Electric Co. should pay for its negligence leading up to the blast.
The City of San Bruno says the utility’s shareholders should pay no less than $1.25 billion for violations regulators say PG&E committed before the 2010 explosion.
City officials say that would let survivors know the California Public Utilities Commission is serious about preventing another pipeline disaster. The San Bruno blast killed eight people and destroyed 38 homes.
Commission investigators and consumer advocates will also file their own fine proposals Monday, and PG&E will file its proposal later this month.
A CPUC judge is expected to make a final decision about how much to fine PG&E later this year.
Scurich Insurance Services are very concerned about their neighbors and their safety. Contact them today to see how to protect your home and its contents with a policy that fills your needs.
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By Elissa Richard | Compass – Fri, May 3, 2013 1:49 PM EDT
The legendary Loch Ness Monster might have turned 80 this week, but one overly cautious cruise company isn’t convinced that she’s any less of a threat. While “Nessie” hasn’t reportedly harmed a soul—or ship—to date (or actually been proved to exist, for that matter), Scottish cruise line Jacobite Cruises isn’t taking any chances.
Should the octogenarian lake-lurker turn up crotchety while any of their fleet is in operation, it’ll be smooth financial sailing for them all the same, thanks to their recently purchased $1.5 million insurance policy against any potential damages incurred by Scotland’s storied monster.
Jacobite owner Freda Newton explained to The Scottish Sun, “I don’t know what the odds of this actually happening might be, but this is Loch Ness and how silly would we look if it did and we weren’t covered for it?”
No, there’s nothing silly about this cruise line, which operates several sightseeing cruises in the Scottish Highlands region, including trips on Loch Ness. Just look at the free publicity storm they’re brewing on the heels of the 80th anniversary of the first sighting of the mythical lake creature.
Director of Inverness-based insurer Towergate Moray Firth, which issued the policy, admitted to the paper that “This is probably the most unusual insurance request we have ever had, but we were delighted to provide cover to Jacobite Cruises.”
Scurich Insurance Services has the coverage you need for almost any situation from
Commercial Packages to Group Insurance. Call them today! 800-320-3666
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