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Jim's Insurance Secrets • Save Money And Get More Protection

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What would your insurance agent do if they where in an accident? Here are 20 must-know insurance strategies to get the most out of your auto and home insurance policies.  Understanding the unknown with insurance policies is the ultimate secret!

Tip: Use Control-F to open the find option, to search for a topic.

Disclaimer: All the information presented is for educational purposes only, and always consult with your insurance agent or your insurance company before making any decisions on your insurance.

Insurance Agent

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    What is the advantage of having an insurance agent?

    The web could be an excellent spot to shop for books or music, but unless you have cookie-cutter needs, is it the best place to buy insurance?  The truth is insurance is complicated, and it is also personal.  You would spend hours on the web digging through insurance glossaries and reviews and still not know should you’ve properly insured all any assets you have or received all of the discounts available.

    That’s why there are real advantages to working with an independent insurance agent for something as personal as insurance.  Being a trusted advisor, your insurance agent will discuss your insurance needs with you as changes in your life occur.  Your agent’s service extends to billing questions and claims service.  When the unexpected strikes, your insurance agent will be in the house with you, guiding you through the method and answering any questions along the way, helping ensure things go smoothly and working on getting your life back to normal.   If you call an 800 number, will the reptile or lady in the commercials be there for you?  Your agent, Jim Kreisman, will be.  See our http://youtube.com/user/myinsuranceteam

    Channel on what actual clients that had a fire have to say about the benefits of having Jim as their agent after a tragic fire.

    That’s the perfect contrast to working with some random call-center agent who is thousands of miles away and hardly knows you.  Your insurance broker is there in the neighborhood to help via phone, email, or in person.  So whether it’s your own home, auto, business, or even life insurance coverage, your insurance agent will help ensure you obtain the best insurance for you at a competitive price.  After all, all time is complicated enough.  Your insurance agent may help clarify things.

    You see Jim’s commitment to his clients and visitors by providing Jim’s Insurance University 101, which is full of short videos that make insurance easy to understand.

    That’s why at Kreisman Insurance Group, we wish to say with a personal agent; you get more!

    And even better, with agent Jim Kreisman you get experience and the heart of a teacher since 2001.

    Call us today at 480-637-5555 if you are in Arizona or California to meet with Jim and learn more about our services.

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

    Topic: Why Have A Personal Agent

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    How To Pick The Perfect Insurance Agent The First Time

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    800# or Insurance Agent Overview

    Hi, I’m Jim Krrisman, and welcome to Jim’s Insurance University one oh one today.

    We’re going to talk about why we have an insurance professional. Why not just call an 800 number?

    I mean, they’re everywhere. You see the commercials; a lot of marketing is trying to turn insurance into a commodity.

    Well, I’m here to tell you since 2001, I’ve seen a lot of stuff, and having the wrong coverage or the wrong policy can turn a terrible day into a bad day.

    Having the right coverage and policy can make a bad day a good day or at least less stressful. So again, I’ve seen a lot since 2001, and I hope, after watching this video today and walk away with a different philosophy on insurance.

    The web could be an excellent spot to shop for books or music, but unless you have cookie-cutter needs, is it the best place to buy insurance?  The truth is insurance is complicated, and it is also personal.  You would spend hours on the web digging through insurance glossaries and reviews and still not know should you’ve properly insured all any assets you have or received all of the discounts available.

    That’s why there are real advantages to working with an independent insurance agent for something as personal as insurance.  Being a trusted advisor, your insurance agent will discuss your insurance needs with you as changes in your life occur.  Your agent’s service extends to things like billing questions and claims service.  When the unexpected strikes, your insurance agent will be in the house with you, guiding you through the method and answering any questions, helping ensure things go smoothly, and working on getting your life back to normal.   If you call an 800 number, will the reptile or lady in the commercials be there for you?  Your agent, Jim Kreisman, will be.  See our http://youtube.com/user/myinsuranceteam

    Channel on what actual clients that had a fire have to say about the benefits of having Jim as their agent after a tragic fire.

    That’s the perfect contrast to working with some random call-center agent who is thousands of miles away and hardly knows you.  Your insurance broker is there in the neighborhood to help via phone, email, or in person.  So whether it’s your own home, auto, business, or even life insurance coverage, your insurance agent will help you obtain the best insurance for you at a competitive price.  After all, all time is complicated enough.  Your insurance agent may help clarify things.

    You see Jim’s commitment to his clients and visitors by providing Jim’s Insurance University 101, which is full of short videos that make insurance accessible.

    That’s why at Kreisman Insurance Group, we wish to say with a personal agent; you get more!

    And even better, with agent Jim Kreisman you get experience and the heart of a teacher since 2001.

    Call us today at 480-637-5555 if you are in Arizona or California to meet with Jim and learn more about our services.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

    Topic: Why Have A Personal Agent

Insurance Secrets

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    You Got Into A Car Accident Now What?

    What would you do at a car accident scene? 

    Car Accident Image of a truck

    Here are five steps to take after a car accident. This short video can also be a discussion starter with your teenage or young adult driver that may be listed on your policy. So even though we all think we know what to do in case of an accident- some drivers in our household may not.

    Let’s face it, many people end up having selective memory after they leave an accident, and that can be a huge problem if there is no police report or witnesses to collaborate with your side of the story.  Do the testimonies of your passengers count?

    Also, see the video on Claims Secrets tips on Winning Your Auto Accident Insurance Claim.

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    What should I do if I rear-end someone in my car?

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    You Hit A Stationary Object On The Road - Should You File A Claim?

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    You Hit A Moving Object Is It An At Fault Or Not At Fault Claim - Which Deductible Will You Pay?

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    Auto Insurance Medical Coverage Secret and Subrogation Explained

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    Why Does My Agent Always Tell Me To Open An Insurance Claim Without Coaching Me What To Do?

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    Rental Car Insurance Ultimate Strategy SECRETS

    For $2 or less, your can supercharge your full coverage auto policy to give you the ultimate protection when you rent a car and decide not to purchase the rental car insurance.

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    Always Give Agent A VIN Number To Check Before Buying A Car - Cost Of Insurance Could Be Crazy

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    You Have A Broken Windshield Agents Says No $0 Glass Deductible Coverage - Careful What You Say Next

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    How To Get Your Windshield Glass Fixed Cheap

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    How To Buy Next Car Through Your Insurance Agent

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    Rental Car Insurance - Do I Need It
    Rental Car Insurance On A Car

    Rental car insurance has been an ongoing debate forever! One agent will tell you absolutely, while another will say save your money!  So you’re going on vacation or need to rent a car locally, and you’re not sure if you should purchase the extra rental car insurance coverage the sale associate is pushing or rely on your auto insurance policy to cover you in the event of a loss.   Some agents know their auto policies inside and out, have connections in claims to get answers, have had a good or bad experience with rental car claims, or will have a generic safe solution.



    Let’s look at what we know about the larger rental car companies. 

    • Many rental car companies are self-insured.  This means they are their own insurance company.  If there is a loss to one of their cars, they will fix it themselves.  If you purchase the rental car insurance coverage, they will not subrogate (go back to) your insurance company to recover the costs. They have dedicated people that work on regaining their losses from insurance companies and the person(s) on the rental contract.  They are very persistent and good at what they do!
    • Loss of use is a new expense that rental car companies are starting to charge in the event of a loss, and they cannot rent the car out.  This is a sales technique to get you to buy the extra rental car insurance coverage.  Loss of use is when the rental car company will charge you for the days they can not rent the car while it is in the shop being repaired. The repair bill will be 5-10 days for the loss of use.  The sales associate may tell you that your auto insurance company will not cover it, and you will be on the hook.  They may be right!  Not all auto insurance policies are alike.  Ask your agent if that is covered in your policy. That way, there is no confusion in the event of a claim. I suggest using email. 

    What are the benefits of purchasing rental car insurance coverage?

    • If you are traveling to an area you are unfamiliar with, like Boston or Los Angeles… or there are other risks like weather, it may be a good idea and money well spent.  If you get distracted and hit a sign or curb… no worry, you are off the hook for the repair. Worse yet, if someone puts a nice dent in the rental car while you are sleeping like a baby or having a nice dinner, no problem, you have coverage.
    • Since the rental car company is self-insured, they will not report anything to other insurance companies.
    • If you have existing accidents on your record, this could be another strategy and worth paying for the extra coverage.

    Now let’s look at some strategies depending on your auto insurance coverage

    • You have liability-only insurance on your car.  In this case, you have no comprehensive or collision coverage, so you have two choices.  First, you can take the rental car insurance coverage or be creative and add comprehensive and collision to your existing liability-only policy.  You would only add the coverage for the period you are renting the car.  See my bonus video below for more information on my alternative strategy you will not find explained anywhere else online.
    • Rent the rental car on your credit card.  Many credit cards will provide fantastic insurance benefits while renting a car.  Always rent your car on your credit card, which offers the best protection.  For example, if you are an American Express customer, read your membership benefits, and you may find they allow you to waive the collision coverage on a rental car.  They may even provide total coverage for theft and damage.  Call your credit card company and layer the rental car insurance benefits where possible.
    • You have comprehensive collision coverage on your policy.  This is where it can get a little tricky, as there may or may not be covered.  Check with your agent if your auto policy extends coverage to a rental car.  DO NOT ASSUME IT WILL!
      Like Kind And Quality Parts For Car Insurance Claim
      Auto policies vary significantly between states and insurance companies, so email your agent and get it in writing.
      In many cases, you may only be subject to your comprehensive and collision deductibles.  Make sure to ask your agent if the Loss Of Use will be covered in the event of a loss. Good insurance companies will tell you that it is protected.  Remember, this is a new expense, and many auto policies have not yet been endorsed with language to include or exclude the loss of use coverage.  It is still a grey area in many auto policies and is open to interpretation by insurance company claim departments.
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    • Traveling For Business – Many loyal employees here want to help the company save money, but there is a different frame of thought, as the company does not pay your insurance.  If you are traveling for the company and they allow you to take the rental car coverage, it would be advisable to take the extra rental car insurance coverage because in the event of a claim, they will not report anything to your insurance company, and hopefully your record will stay clean.

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    Why Buy A Totaled Hail Damaged Car Back From The Insurance Company With Salvaged Title?

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    Home Insurance Deductible SECRET
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    How do I avoid my homeowner's insurance being canceled or non-renewed?

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    How To Insure Vacant Land And Avoid Gotchas

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.

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    My Diamond Fell To The Bottom Of The Lake And The Insurance Claim Was Denied Coverage 🙁 - Why?

    Questions or need help? Call us today at 480-637-5555.

    Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always check with your insurance agent, insurance company, or your state’s Department of Insurance, as the information in this video for your state may be different.