How does disability insurance determine if someone has become disabled?

Nobody plans on becoming disabled. If this happens to you or a loved one, you need a backup plan to get the help you need to meet your financial needs. Martin Insurance Team can help you learn how to protect your income if you live in or around Evergreen Park, IL. 

Who Can Take Advantage Of Disability Insurance?

It is essential to know if you are eligible to take advantage of disability insurance. Anyone between 18 and 61 who works at least 30 hours per week should have disability protection. If you qualify for the insurance and become disabled, your coverage should replace between 50 and 70% of your wages.

How Is Disability Determined?

Here are the questions that will help determine if someone is, in fact, disabled:

  1. Are you working? If you are working, how much are you earning? The normal standard is "substantial gainful activity," or SGA. If you make more than the current limit, you will not be considered disabled.
  2. Is your condition severe, and has it lasted at least 12 months? To qualify under this step, your condition severely limits your activities. The activities may include lifting, standing, or remembering, depending on your position.
  3. Is your condition in an accepted list of disabling conditions
  4. Can you do the job you did before you developed your current condition? 
  5. Are you able to do another kind of acceptable work? You may still be able to earn a living doing something else.

Don’t leave yourself unprotected. Dealing with a disability is hard on you and your family, even without considering your loss of income. If you live in Evergreen Park, IL, call Martin Insurance Team and find a plan that meets your needs. 

Four of the best features that a health insurance policy can offer

With the right health insurance policy, you can stay healthy without experiencing financial problems. Consumers in Evergreen Park, IL can get their health insurance coverage from Martin Insurance Team.

When you buy health insurance, it’s important for you to know about all the most important health insurance policy features. Here are four of the best features that a health insurance policy can offer. 

Prescription drug coverage

Some prescription drugs are expensive and could strain your budget if you have to pay for them out of pocket. It’s best to purchase a health insurance policy that will cover the costs of any prescription drugs your doctor prescribes. 

Preventive care coverage

It’s essential that you get all recommended preventive care so that you can avoid illness. Fortunately, preventative care is one of the most basic types of care for which health insurance policies usually provide coverage. 

Out-of-pocket maximum

The out-of-pocket maximum is the most that you will have to pay for medical care costs within a given policy term. A low out-of-pocket maximum can help ensure that the health care you need will be affordable if you end up with a severe medical condition requiring expensive treatment. 

Provider options

Make sure that you check your health insurance policy details and find out if you can use coverage for treatment from your preferred healthcare provider. Health insurance policies typically specify where you can go for coverage, so you need to look into health insurance provider options on the policies you consider. 

Getting quotes from health insurance providers to find the right coverage options would be best. At Martin Insurance Team, we’re here to provide policy quotes and health insurance information to consumers in Evergreen Park, IL. Get in touch with us now for a quote on a policy!

How to Insure Custom Motorcycles

Custom motorcycles are a labor of love, reflecting your unique style and personality. Protecting these one-of-a-kind machines requires specialized insurance coverage. Here at Martin Insurance Team, providing motorcycle insurance to customers in the Evergreen Park, IL region, we want to teach you how to insure your custom motorcycle to ensure it stays safe on the road.

Assess Your Bike’s Value

Before securing insurance, determine the value of your custom motorcycle. Consider factors like custom parts, upgrades, and any sentimental value. This assessment will help you choose the proper coverage.

Choose the Right Coverage

Standard motorcycle insurance may not adequately cover your custom bike. Look for policies that offer "agreed value" or "stated value" coverage. These policies allow you to set a value for your motorcycle, ensuring you’re compensated appropriately in case of a total loss.

Document Customizations

Thoroughly document all customizations, modifications, and upgrades made to your motorcycle. Keep records of receipts, invoices, and photographs. This documentation will serve as crucial evidence when filing a claim.

Shop Around for Quotes

Insurance premiums for custom motorcycles can vary widely. Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Shop around and compare rates from different insurers. Be sure to inquire about discounts for safety features and anti-theft devices.

Custom motorcycles deserve custom insurance. Assess your bike’s value, choose the right coverage, and document customizations meticulously. If you’re in the market for new motorcycle insurance in the greater Evergreen Park, IL area, regardless of whether it’s for a custom or standard motorcycle, the insurance agents at Martin Insurance Team would love to help you find the policy that is best suited for your needs. Call or email us to start the process of finding you a new motorcycle insurance policy. 

What Is Transportation Insurance And When Should You Think About Buying a Policy?

When shipping goods, risks like accidents, theft, and natural disasters can jeopardize your cargo. Transportation insurance, or cargo or freight insurance, acts as a safety net for your business investments. Here’s some information about this product from Martin Insurance Team, which provides transportation insurance in the greater Evergreen Park, IL region. 

Understanding Transportation Insurance

Transportation insurance protects your goods during transit via land, sea, air, or rail. Its primary purpose is to offer financial protection if your cargo is lost or damaged.

When to Consider Transportation Insurance

  1. High-Value Cargo: Transportation insurance is vital to avoid significant financial losses if your shipments contain costly items like electronics or luxury goods.

  2. Long-Distance Shipping: The risk of accidents and unforeseen events increases for international or lengthy journeys, making insurance crucial.

  3. Fragile or Perishable Goods: Delicate or perishable products are more prone to damage or spoilage during transit, making insurance a wise choice.

  4. Unpredictable Routes: If your shipments pass through regions with uncertain conditions, like extreme weather or political instability, insurance helps mitigate risks.

  5. Legal Requirements: Some shipments, such as hazardous materials, may require transportation insurance due to legal mandates.

  6. Customer Expectations: Many customers expect suppliers to have transportation insurance in place, which can enhance their reputation and competitiveness.

Transportation insurance is an essential tool for safeguarding your business interests. While it may raise shipping costs, the peace of mind it provides and protection against unexpected events make it a worthwhile investment for logistics and shipping businesses. Don’t wait until disaster strikes; consider transportation insurance today to secure your shipments and business. Contact the Martin Insurance Team today if you want to learn more about transportation insurance in the greater Evergreen Park, IL area. 

When to Review Your Home Insurance Policy

Home insurance is something people tend to purchase and then not think about again for years. However, your home insurance should actually change along with your home, as well as your life.

If you’re in or near Evergreen Park, IL, the Martin Insurance Team will be happy to review your policy with you and update it. But in the meantime, here’s a quick rundown of some of the most important times to review your home insurance.

It’s Been a Year or More

Even when nothing’s changed recently, homeowners should go over their policy and review it for possible changes once a year. It’s the best way to determine whether your needs are the same and prevent winding up underinsured in an emergency.

You’ve Improved Your Home

Remodels, upgrades, and additions all increase a home’s overall value. The same goes for decisions like having your home equipped with a security system. Any upgrade in home value should trigger a review of your insurance coverage.

You’re Facing Additional Liability

Your home insurance might not be the first thing on your mind when installing a pool or finally getting your kids that dog they’ve always wanted. But it would be best if you were still prepared for the possibility that the dog might bite a visitor or someone could get hurt in your pool at your next barbecue. Updating your policy is part of that.

You’re Facing Less Liability

Some life choices actually mean less liability and more insurance-related benefits for you. For example, a person who stops smoking is less of a fire risk. So, anytime you make similar life choices, you should consider whether they correlate to your insurance.

Suppose you’re unsure whether it’s time to reassess your Evergreen Park, IL home insurance policy, call the experienced agents of Martin Insurance Team. We’ll be happy to help you make sense of it all.

Four common mistakes business owners make when they buy commercial insurance

As a business owner, you need to know how important it is to choose the right commercial insurance option. At Martin Insurance team, we’re here to provide quality coverage to businesses in Evergreen Park, IL.

The following are four common mistakes business owners sometimes make when buying commercial insurance. 

Being unaware of all the types of coverage that are available

A commercial insurance policy can contain numerous coverage types like liability, property, vehicle, business interruption, and workers’ compensation coverage. Ensure you know which insurance types you need before buying a policy. 

Thinking that the least costly policy is the best one for your company

You shouldn’t only look at premium costs when deciding which insurance coverage option to invest in. You should also consider the amount of coverage you’re getting, the reputation of the insurance provider in question, and numerous additional factors before you choose your policy. 

Neglecting to explore coverage options from numerous providers

It would be best to compare options by getting policy quotes from a few different commercial insurance providers. This way, you can find select a commercial insurance provider that is competitively priced and offers optimal coverage for your company’s needs. 

Failing to update your commercial insurance policy as time goes on

Your commercial insurance needs can change if your company grows or starts additional business activities. That’s why you should periodically update your commercial insurance policy and ensure all your insurance needs are still being met. 

Call us or visit us online to get a quote on a commercial insurance policy for your business in Evergreen Park, IL. Learn more about our policy options at Martin Insurance Team so that you can get your business covered!

What Kind of Problems Can Summer Heat Cause a Car?

Who doesn’t love backyard barbecues, swimming pools, and playing in the park? Summer is four months of freedom from cold weather, accidents on slushy roads, and being bundled up in layers of clothes and coats. On the other hand, the heat causes severe and costly problems to your car. Here’s what Evergreen Park, IL’s Martin Insurance Team wants you to look out for with your auto.

Heat Doesn’t Always Make Things Expand

Did you know that heat will thin the motor oil in your car? As it circulates through the engine, it thins, leaving not enough oil to reach all the corners of your engine.

Did you also know that the heat causes your tires’ air pressure to increase? This could mean a blowout, which in turn could mean a wreck.

Here are other ways summer heat affects your auto.

Battery Trouble

The chemical processes inside a car battery are delayed in the summer heat. This means the battery won’t hold a charge even if it generates enough power. Additionally, battery fluids evaporate faster in summer. Check your battery regularly in all seasons.

The A/C

While it doesn’t impede the car’s operation, it does make the summer heat more bearable. If you find your a/c sluggish or not putting out enough cold air, by all means, get it checked. 

Windshield

You wouldn’t think the windshield would matter in the heat of August, but it definitely does. Anything can cause a crack to start, such as a stone or something flying through a bad storm. The problem comes when the heat causes that crack to expand. Get any windshield problems fixed immediately for safety.

We usually consider storms and icy winter roads when considering what could happen to our auto. Call or stop in Evergreen Park, IL to ask Martin Insurance Team for more information.

How Do I Know if I Have Enough Home Insurance Coverage?

You know you need homeowner’s insurance, but you may not know if you have enough coverage. At Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL, our skilled agents are here to ensure you have the coverage you need. 

The Right Coverage Matters

If your home is destroyed, your homeowner’s policy will determine how much money you have to replace it. Ideally, having enough to replace a home similar to your current one would be best. 

Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling coverage is designed to replace your home if it’s destroyed, which is known as a total loss. 

The cost to replace your home may be more than what you paid, and the average home prices in your area aren’t a great indication either. 

The best way to know if you have enough dwelling coverage is to get an appraisal from a local contractor or appraiser. 

If it’s been years since you had your home appraised or you’ve added to the structure of your home, there’s a good chance that you need more dwelling coverage. 

Contents Coverage 

You’ll also want to check your content coverage. If your home is destroyed, you’ll lose most or all of your possessions as well.

You may need to increase this coverage if you have accumulated valuable items since you took out your homeowner’s policy. You may also need to add a rider for very valuable items, like jewelry, antiques, and art. 

Lender Requirements 

Lastly, if you have a mortgage, you should ensure that your policy meets your lender’s requirements. This requirement will vary based on your mortgage company and the amount of your mortgage. 

Homeowner’s Insurance with Martin Insurance Team

If you need homeowner’s insurance in Evergreen Park, IL, contact us at Martin Insurance Team. We will discuss your needs and help you select the proper coverage. 

How Much Auto Insurance Do You Need in Illinois?

Auto insurance is mandatory in Illinois. All drivers must have a policy that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements. If you’re currently looking for an auto insurance policy in Evergreen Park, IL (or Florida in the Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and Naples areas), be sure to contact us at Martin Insurance Team to learn more. In the meantime, check out how much auto insurance you’re required to attain in Illinois:

  • Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage pays for injuries or death to another person if a driver is at fault in an accident.
  • Property Damage Liability: $20,000 per accident. This coverage pays for damage to another person’s property that occurs in an accident where a driver is at fault. Usually, this means damage to another vehicle, but it can also cover buildings, utility poles, fences, and other structures.
  • Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage pays for injuries to drivers and their passengers if they are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault.

In addition to these minimums, Illinois requires at least $15,000 in uninsured motorist property damage coverage with a $250 deductible for hit-and-run accidents.

While these are the legal minimums, it’s often recommended that you carry more than the required amount of insurance to protect yourself financially. This is especially true for drivers with significant assets that could be at risk in a lawsuit.

Optional coverages that you might consider include collision coverage, which pays for damage to your own vehicle in an accident; comprehensive coverage, which pays for damage to your car from things like theft and natural disasters; and medical payments coverage, which pays for medical or funeral expenses for you or others riding in your vehicle regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

And remember, if you’re currently looking for an auto insurance policy in Evergreen Park, IL (or Florida in the Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and Naples areas), be sure to contact us at Martin Insurance Team today!

Understanding Home Insurance Terminology

Home insurance is a complex subject, and the terminologies used can confuse anyone. So our team at Martin Insurance Team made a glossary for our neighbors in Evergreen Park, IL!

Deductibles:

Deductibles are the amount you pay out of pocket when filing a claim. Homeowners’ insurance typically includes a deductible. The deductible amount is set when you purchase your policy. If you have a higher deductible, you can lower your premium costs for your policy. When purchasing a deductible, you must consider the amount you can afford to pay out of pocket.

Endorsements:

Endorsements are upgrades or add-ons to your homeowner’s insurance policy. You can customize your home insurance coverage by adding endorsements to your policy. Endorsements offer coverage beyond what standard home insurance policies provide.

Exclusions:

Exclusions are specific events or circumstances your home insurance policy does not cover. Typical policy exclusions include flood damage, earthquake damage, and damage caused by neglect or normal wear and tear.

Policy Limits:

The policy limit refers to the maximum amount the insurance company will pay in case of a covered loss. Standard home insurance policies have limits on coverage for specific perils.

Premiums:

The premium is the amount you pay for home insurance coverage, typically annual, semi-annually, or monthly. Your premiums are determined by the coverage and level of protection you desire. Various factors, such as geographic region, construction materials, credit score, and house age, influence the premium amount. It is essential to keep your premiums affordable without compromising the coverage that you need.

Did we miss a term you want to define? If you live in the Evergreen Park, IL, area and have questions about your home insurance, contact the Martin Insurance Team.