Uncategorized Archives - Zimmer Insurance

If you Want Quality Service, Talk to An Agent!

Insurance is undeniably one of the best investments to make in (and for) yourself. When shopping for insurance, whether for replacement coverage or for an initial policy, you must do your homework. You work hard for what you have, so when it comes to covering and protecting what you care about, your insurance should work even harder than you! You should not trust the most valuable things in your life to just any insurance company writing any policy. Not all insurance companies, and thus not all insurance policies, are created equal!

As with many things, you must thoroughly research the carrier (company listed on your insurance policy/quote). No one is surer than an insurance agent when it comes to a carrier, their features, and how they can best meet your needs. If you go the route of looking for an agent and you find one you like, be sure to ask whatever questions are on your mind. The more the agent knows, the better they can help. It is, after all, easiest to talk to a person about your needs and get your point across than it is to talk to a person on a company line somewhere perhaps thousands of miles from your community who cannot personally know you.

Do yourself a favor, make sure whatever carrier you choose for business/personal insurance has a local agency that is staffed by its own in-house agents. Do not solely trust an internet search for ‘insurance near me’, and do not trust a witty commercial to answer all questions that take you to a faceless 800-number. Those mediums can lead consumers astray, as they do not tell the whole story – for one, no underwriting is done (and no price decided) until you have officially applied.

Would you not want to entrust your situation to a person present and involved in your community, someone who will look out for you and always be there for customers no matter what? If your answer is yes, there is no better option than working with an agency that will assign you to an own agent to act as your representative. If you want honest, personal service to steer you in the right direction, your best bet is an independent insurance agency like Zimmer Insurance Agency.

Insurance is understandably very confusing for the average person, but that is why Zimmer is here. Admittedly, insurance is not something many people think about – until something bad happens and they do not have the option to ignore it any further. If you are unsure about anything related to insurance, you should speak with an agent. Their job is to know every in-and-out of the business, and they will advise you accordingly. At Zimmer Insurance, the best service is the only kind we give. Zimmer’s agents are licensed in personal, commercial, and life policies so they are well prepared for whatever clients require. Over time, all insurance agents are even required to take continuing education to keep them up to date on ever-changing industry standards. Because of this, you can rest assured that Zimmer will always adapt to your needs.

Further, agencies such as Zimmer Insurance are a great resource due to our status as an “independent” agency. This status means we can work with more than one company to find the best fit for prospects and any current clients that might wish to explore other options. Some companies have “captive” agencies and agents that can only sell that carrier’s product. The founders all the way up to the current leaders of Zimmer do not feel that a captive system is in a client’s best interest, so that will never happen. With such a wide array of insurance risks, an equally diverse array of carriers is an extremely important method to appeal to more clients.

Consider the following scenarios, and bear in mind that all are perfectly plausible:

If your home got struck by lighting and burns to the ground, with all your possessions inside, could you pay out of pocket to rebuild the home, replace everything that you lost, and for your living expenses while all of that was done? What if your insurance policy only paid a portion, despite being from a huge company with plenty of money to pay for damages? It is all well and good if the policy was cheap, but if it goes cheap on you when you need it most then that is almost like having a policy in the first place! Zimmer would not let that happen. You are advised on all the proper coverages and coverage levels from day one.
What if you crashed your car into a telephone pole and did $5,000 in damages to your vehicle, but you only have ‘state minimum’ required insurance amounts (financial liability against injury to others, but no physical damage coverage to your vehicle)? Yes, those policies are cheaper since they do not cover things like physical damage to your vehicle, but the savings clearly would not be worth it in this case since you would have to pay for the repair out of your own pocket. Zimmer Insurance will not write policies at that level, because we know they cause more harm than good. As the name suggests, ‘state minimum’ required coverage only provides the bare minimum needed to legally register and drive your car. This is merely an amount required to protect other drivers by showing you have financial support (insurance) behind you. In the state of Ohio, for instance, that liability amount is $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident TOTAL. There is not only no coverage to your auto if its bumper and fender get smashed, but with the way lawyers pounce on injury claims it is guaranteed that those minimum limits will be eaten up practically instantly in court!
Further, what if you ran into a pedestrian that was in the process of crossing in a crosswalk, they sue you, and then you are deemed liable? Further, what if damages awarded in that case were say, $500K, but you only have state minimum required limits ($50K max) and thus not enough liability coverage? The court will still hold you liable for the rest, and they will get it somehow. Could you pay for that out of pocket? If not, wages can potentially be garnished, your house or other assets seized, etc. It can get very ugly.

Too often, wrong insurance choices such as these have cost consumers hugely. Do not let that happen to you, it is very easily preventable! For instance, Zimmer Insurance would write the appropriate auto limits that would not have you at a disadvantage and facing these dire financial consequences.

All these calamities (and more) are why you absolutely must purchase insurance from a quality source that you trust will be there for you. When you understand and appreciate the importance of having quality insurance, it is because you realize that life is unpredictable, and that bad things can happen no matter how prepared you are, so you want to do your part to safeguard yourself as much as possible. Insurance cannot prevent unfortunate occurrences, but it can surely help alleviate any resulting financial pressures. You should not go the cheap route, too much risk in the long run!

An often-repeated, very concerning statistic suggests barely 30% of Americans have even one savings account. So, both for the little stuff and for bigger things it is imperative that you make the right decision when it comes to your insurance. If you make the wrong choice, it could cost thousands to tens of thousands. As the saying goes, it is certainly better to ‘do it right the first time’. Most people cannot afford to pay even a small claim out of pocket, let alone any of the above scenarios. There is no shame in that, after all that is why insurance exists – to protect clients from financial hardship after a calamitous event.

Zimmer Insurance Agency has been in business for over half a century, protecting generations of clients with service and support that sees new relationships forming every day. An agent’s heart is always in the right place, and with four full-time agents on staff at Zimmer Insurance, each prospect and current client alike can rest assured they will have personalized service. Zimmer Insurance has a clear mission, to find insurance coverage that is appropriate for each of their clients’ individual situations. Because clients have individual requirements and desires, it is important they feel like people and not anonymous, faceless numbers that cannot forge a meaningful connection with a representative. Having the right agency representing you, advising you, and supporting you is extremely important, in good times and bad. Buying the right coverage during the ‘good times’ that do not see you experiencing a loss, means you will not regret anything or be at any sort of financial disadvantage when and if ‘bad times’ occur.

Call today and ask to speak with Baker, Paddack, Tom, or Chris. Any one of these agents can assist you with business (including business auto), personal (home, auto, renter’s, personal articles), watercraft, motorcycle/ATV, and life insurance questions. Between them, there are decades upon decade’s worth of experience that you can trust.

We sincerely thank you for reading, and hope this was informative and interesting. If you have any questions, we are more than happy to assist. Do not trust the 1-800 number companies that make folks jump through hoops just to get on the phone with someone! We at Zimmer strive to fill you with confidence if you do business with us.

April 10, 2022/by Jeremy Johnson

Why Insurance (Generally) Costs What it Does

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All insurance risks (home, car, motorcycle, business, etc. listed on an insurance policy) are different. As a result, insurance is not always going to be ‘cheap’ or have an average rate. There are innumerable characteristics that make rates fluctuate, so what people think insurance ‘should’ cost versus what professional underwriters and agents present to consumers often conflicts. Sometimes, people are confused because they primarily search the internet or take commercials on TV as gospel truth. Another common problem for insurance agents comes when consumers base insurance premium goals off other people they know without accounting for inevitable differences between their risks. The best thing a consumer can do is talk to an insurance agent. An agent can get all pertinent information needed to generate a quote unique to the consumer’s needs. With Zimmer Insurance Group, customers have a dedicated agent, and this really pays off because agents are the best resource for navigating the often-confusing world of insurance before, during, and after the sale!

When going through the initial quoting and subsequent underwriting processes, people might be confused why some companies end up being more expensive than others they might also be considering. One of the chief reasons behind cost difference is the amount of risk tolerance each company has – essentially, how ‘picky’ the companies are. Some have certain criteria that others might not, and some are stricter about certain things like speeding tickets or number of accidents that they will accept. Zimmer Insurance Agency admittedly works with carriers that are skewed toward the pickier side, but that is because the emphasis for Zimmer is on QUALITY, not QUANTITY. Remember, no two risks are the same and no final decisions can be made without an official underwriting process. Until the underwriting process is complete (insurance jargon for the risk being assessed by a professional working for an insurance carrier whose job is looking at all the data concerning a customer/ prospect) there cannot be a clear picture of cost. The insurance carrier needs to know what and who they’re considering offering coverage, that way they can determine if it’s a good fit.

Companies that decline to provide coverage to ‘unfavorable’ risks (i.e., a lot of claims or driving violations) do so because their underwriters’ analysis likely suggest further losses will be incurred. If a client pays $950 a year for car insurance but has had $20,000+ in claims within two years, that’s a bad risk. No company wants to lose money regardless of the industry in which it’s involved. While there are companies that might still accept those clients, often they will charge them heavily to offset the possibility for future losses compared to premiums for clients with clean driving records and multiple years of no accidents. Those things are what an underwriter would deem makes someone a ‘good risk’.

With larger insurance companies (out of professionalism, there are no names used) filling up the world with witty commercials and taglines, there often is a greater ‘risk appetite’, meaning they are a lot less picky about who and what they cover. They can afford to be that way – at a huge insurance company, there’s a much larger pool of customers. Often, these clients are risks that aren’t up to par for the ‘top-tier’ companies yet they still don’t want to pay a lot for insurance. The sheer number of other polices helps keep premiums relatively low overall in the big-box, low-cost insurance company world. The law of large numbers means these big companies still feel it economically viable to accept customers others might not want (i.e., 18-year-old who has already totaled a car and had a speeding ticket, or another client that has a DUI conviction – most companies would steer well away from these either by canceling any current policies, massively increasing premium, or declining a new applicant with the above characteristics).

Many variables go into an insurance underwriter’s decisions and the subsequent premium if a policy can be offered, especially when it comes to people’s car insurance. Such influencing criteria for an auto policy might include, but is NOT limited to:

Age of the driver. Older drivers have more experience than a newly licensed teenager, and thus in theory will approach driving with more maturity and rationality.
Age and mileage of the vehicle. As cars get older, chances are they’ll be worth less considering miles and prevailing market value increases (i.e., a 250,000 mile, 2007 Toyota is more likely to be a total loss after an accident because it is worth less on the market than an $80,000, brand new 2022 BMW with only a dented fender and bumper). If a car is super old with high mileage, it’s going to be more expensive to fix than it’s worth, so an insurance company will total it out for what it’s worth rather than waste money paying over market value. If they total it and pay the price at what it’s currently valued, that fulfills their contract because they paid the equivalent.
Cost and type of vehicle (i.e., a brand new $300,000 Ferrari sports car is going to be considerably more expensive to insure than the same amount of coverage on a 10 year old Buick). Expensive cars are a big risk to the company because they stand to lose a lot more if something happens. Parts, labor, etc., all must be taken into account. An exotic Italian sports car is going to cost a lot more to fix than an average sedan!
Driver’s accident history or moving violations (i.e., speeding or texting while driving). These patterns show the client has incurred a lot of expenses for their insurance company and might suggest unsafe driving practices.
Intended use of the vehicle – whether commercial or personal. Commercial auto policies (dump trucks, tow trucks, pickups working for landscapers, etc.) are always going to cost more because the exposure is greater, the vehicle is used to make money and when customers get involved it can get very complicated liability-wise.
Coverage limits desired/required (as in cases of leased vehicles requiring full coverage), etc. Full coverage is most expensive because the company needs to not only provide liability coverage (standard requirement), but also has to pay for physical damages caused to the insured’s vehicle. A bare-bones liability policy will be cheaper because you are covering only the legal liability – if you hit a pole and only have liability coverage, the damage to your vehicle will NOT be covered. Liability-only policies are only advisable in instances of super old, high-mileage vehicles that would be cost-prohibitive to insure on a full-coverage policy. More often than not, damages wouldn’t be paid for as the car would be totaled.

Incredibly, even after looking at all these variables, you must simply remember to consider the size of the company providing coverage (not to be mistaken with the agency representing the carrier). Smaller companies generally focus on quality of coverage and claims response because they’re not motivated by price, but rather they’re motivated by service. Large companies are not innately bad, but some clients might feel lost and as if they are a number. At Zimmer Insurance, you are not a number and nor will you ever be. That is how multiple generations of customers have come to trust them, and you should too! Zimmer’s agents will always do their best to find the best fit for the client and will help through each step of the process. Call us with any questions or to speak to an agent, 513-381-1919!

March 26, 2022/by Jeremy Johnson

“Replacement Cost” vs. Market Value

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At Zimmer Insurance, we understand that our customers might get confused by insurance lingo. There is certainly a lot to keep up with, so we want clients and prospects to always feel free to ask questions!

One of the many reasons to support small, local insurance agencies (with big-company connections) is the fact we at Zimmer are directly available to clients and prospects to ‘translate’ this lingo.

A common misunderstanding when it comes to industry terminology is between “Replacement Cost” and “Market Value” on a homeowner’s policy. In the insurance industry, the insurer’s duty is to provide financial protection to its clients in the event of loss, in exchange for customer’s payment of the insurance company’s premium. That is the contract between company and insured.

In the case of a homeowner’s policy, losses from things like a windstorm or fire are something the insurance company will pay to fix (up to the limit specified in your policy) during the policy term. Sometimes, however, all the values and numbers can be confusing and seem way too high in some customer’s minds.

Let’s examine the following hypothetical scenario: out of curiosity, you look at your policy and see your Coverage A (dwelling itself that you live in) insurance limit is $400,000, but you maybe only paid $325,000 when you bought the house the previous year.

Some clients will mistakenly believe their Coverage A amount to be an error, or worse, a scam. It is not. This “discrepancy” is a measure to protect insureds, not to scam them.

A quality homeowner’s insurance policy will provide replacement cost, not a depreciated or ‘actual cash’ value for a home and its contents. This replacement cost (i.e., the maximum amount the insurance company will pay to restore the house) amount is not going to be the same as what you paid – often, it’s appreciably more. This may seem strange, but allow us to explain: when you bought your home, you bought it as-is. You did not have to rebuild any of it, it was not on fire or did not have one half of it smashed by a felled tree. There was no damage of that sort that your insurance company must fix. You bought a whole, standing house that wasn’t in a condition of loss. A house in disrepair is another thing, and presumably the price would be contingent upon that.

The insurance company’s job is not to look at what you paid for the house, its job is to look at what it would cost to bring it back to same or better condition, following a claim in which a substantial loss like fire or a tornado occurred, while you own it.

If you buy a house for $325,000 and then it burns to the ground, it is going to cost substantially more than the market value you paid in order to rebuild it. Factors to influence this include (but are not limited to: age of home, size of home, quality/origin of materials used in home like flooring and paint, fluctuation in labor costs, etc.) General inflation will often be accounted for by a 3-5% increase year over year, so if a policy premium goes up slightly even if a loss doesn’t occur do not be alarmed. It is your policy adapting with the conditions of the time in order to keep you financially safe.

Remember that after a loss, the insurance company must pay for debris removal, re-design of the home, materials for construction, and a labor force to put it all together. Flooring, walls, wiring, plumbing, windows, roofing, etc. It is a huge expense, one that is not needed when first buying the home. If your home is especially old, you also must consider that modern codes have to be adhered to. A house built in 1900 is not going to be up to 2022 building codes, so more expenses can be incurred in becoming compliant with government ordinances.

With a quality insurance policy, the difference will protect you in the event of a loss and you can rest easier knowing the variables have been accounted for. As with anything, insurance lives by the mantra “it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it”.

We hope this snippet was of use when considering quotes and policies you get not just from us, but from any insurer. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to our team of helpful agents and customer service representatives. At Zimmer Insurance, we are always here for you.

February 9, 2022/by Jeremy Johnson

Where To Buy Homeowners Insurance in Cincinnati, Ohio?

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If you’re asking yourself, “where should I buy homeowners insurance in Cincinnati,” then you’ve come to the right place. Homeowners insurance is a necessity for anyone wanting to protect their investment.

Buying insurance for your Cincinnati home is one of the wisest investments you can make for your first greatest investment – your home. A homeowner’s policy helps restore your home’s interior and exterior from damage. Paying out of pocket to fix the aftermath of a loss like a fire or tornado would be impossible for many, so insurance exists to restore from these sorts of losses. As opposed to paying for an entire loss yourself, with homeowner’s insurance you only pay a portion (your deductible, typically between $500-1,000) so it is highly recommended that you purchase quality coverage. Having an agent to make sure it meets your needs and requirements is one of the many reasons that people have been working with Zimmer Insurance Group for decades.

Where To Buy Homeowners Insurance in Cincinnati?

One of the best places to buy homeowners insurance in Cincinnati is Zimmer Insurance Group. We offer the best protection you need for your home because we work with insurance carriers that put their clients first, and who stress quality coverage and service above all else.

Zimmer Insurance Group is a local Cincinnati insurance group that helps these homeowners find the right plan for their needs. Zimmer Insurance Group works directly with residents to find plans that cover their needs, while still prioritizIng affordability.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Homeowners insurance is a great thing to have in terms of home protection. It is not a luxury, and everyone who owns or rents a home should consider purchasing it. Generally, the policies cover a variety of things in and around the home. Put simply, this insurance covers destruction or damage that can occur to a house as well as loss of personal items from theft or loss.

Damage to the House

Insurance covers both the interior and exterior of a home. This damage can come from a variety of factors or incidences. Most common (certainly not all) are fires, hurricanes, high winds, or thunderstorms. However, there could also be vandalism or other damage done to your home! Damage from natural occurrences are not the only things insurance aims to alleviate! If your house experiences any of this, insurance will help compensate you to make needed repairs so it is imperative you purchase quality insurance from a trusted source.

In terms of internal damage, clothing, furniture, jewelry, and appliances are covered if they are broken, lost, or ruined in the event of a disaster. Depending on the insurance company, you can get coverage for specific belongings under a separate “inland marine” or “personal articles” policy. Those cover the aforementioned items you have that may be more expensive, such as collector’s items or fine jewelry. It is advisable to get them on a standalone policy so that they are subject to their own limits and not looped in with your homeowner’s limits with regards to your personal property.

During Repairs

If your home is ruined or destroyed, homeowners insurance helps cover the damages and repair costs. However, suppose you have obtained coverage for additional living expenses. Most policies have this provision, but some have a specific limit while others will pay for whatever the living expenses (i.e., “loss of use” of your house and your need to live elsewhere) cost you during the rebuild process. An example of these would be any potential hotel stays or meal costs you may incur while you wait for your house to be repaired.

Personal Liability

Liability in a homeowner’s policy is as important as physical protection on the home itself. If something happens on your property like a visitor falls and gets injured in a way that leads them to suggest you were negligent, this type of homeowners insurance will then help protect you from a potential lawsuit.

Renters Insurance

Owning a home and renting a home are different. Due to this difference, you may not need homeowners insurance when renting. However, you should still get renters insurance in order to protect your apartment or wherever you’re renting.

Renters insurance is a form of homeowners insurance that covers rented properties including houses, apartments, or townhomes. If you are renting a property, you are not covered by your landlord’s insurance. They typically insure the outside of the building, but you’re responsible for what’s inside your walls. Also, the coverage details for renters insurance differ from general homeowners insurance. Cincinnati has plenty of renting opportunities for residents, making renters insurance a necessity.

What is Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance is a policy that helps reimburse you for interior items. Since you do not own the home, renters insurance covers your items if something may happen. If you are not the home’s sole owner, your landlord’s insurance will not cover you. Since this is the case, renters insurance becomes even more important if you want to protect your belongings.

Where Can You Get It in Cincinnati?

In Cincinnati, renters insurance is provided by multiple firms. However, more people have begun to turn to smaller firms like Zimmer Insurance Group. Zimmer is family-owned and has an experienced team of professionals to assist you with obtaining homeowners and renter’s insurance.

Get Started Today!

Zimmer Insurance Group can help you get started with homeowners insurance in the Cincinnati area. If you are looking to purchase or rent a home, trust Zimmer to be your provider. Zimmer has employees at your service to help get you a quote for your insurance as well as answer any questions you may have.

To obtain a quote, you just need to submit a form online, including your name, phone number, home address, among other financial details. Then, with their team of professionals, you will get contacted with a quote and additional information.

If you are looking to get a quote from Zimmer, click the link here or call 513-381-1919 to get started. We’d be happy to help and look forward to hearing from you!

February 1, 2022/by Jeremy Johnson

Cincinnati Boat Insurance To Protect Your Boat & You

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You may be an experienced boater, but if you want to be the safest sort of boater, you need Cincinnati boat insurance coverage from Zimmer Insurance Group.

Zimmer’s agents and specialists will work with you to help you find a boat insurance policy that protects you and your watercraft.

Once you buy a boat, you’re ready to glide across the water with the wind in your hair–but if you want a worry-free way to enjoy your new investment, you need affordable, comprehensive insurance to protect your boat, your passengers, yourself – as well as the lives and property of other boaters.

There are many factors to consider when comparing boat insurance policies, whether you have a yacht, a sailboat, or a pontoon.

Below, you’ll find a basic guide to help you understand your coverage options and requirements. Once familiarized, contact Zimmer’s knowledgeable specialists to get a more tailored understanding of your coverage needs.

Complete Boat Coverage

There are two basic sections included in most boat insurance policies; the physical damage section, and the liability section. The physical damage section covers accidental damage and loss to the hull, sail, personal property, and any equipment that operates the boat (i.e., the motor and propeller).

The right policy will cover the cost of replacements and repairs caused by an unforeseen accident on the water. However, normal wear and tear are not covered by the physical damage section and are therefore excluded from the policy as it is the operator’s responsibility to ensure upkeep of their vessel.

The liability section, on the other hand, covers any legal obligations to a third party in the event of an accident involving your boat. The liability section, sometimes called the Protection and Indemnity clause, will cover the cost of your legal defense or financial liability to any third party who suffers bodily injury, property damage, or even loss of life during an accident as long as it’s covered in the policy.

Personal Effects Coverage – This section covers the cost of personal property damaged or lost during a boating accident up to a certain amount. This can provide coverage for clothing, cell phones, fishing equipment, anything but furs, watches, and jewelry.

Fuel Spill Liability and Wreckage Removal Coverage – Anyone who’s experienced a boating accident knows how heartbreaking it can be to watch your beloved investment sink into the water, but the cost of cleaning and removing that wreckage doesn’t have to be. With the right fuel spill liability and wreckage removal coverage, you can be protected against the cost of any oil spills or recovered materials in the case of a boating accident.

Medical Cost Coverage (aka “Medical Payments”) – Very few people know how scary a boat accident truly is, but the medical bills wracked up from an injury can be even scarier. Zimmer Insurance Agency will help ease the burden of those costs by ensuring the police covers any medical bills you accrue due to a covered accident.

Unattached Equipment Coverage – This covers the cost of any equipment used primarily on the water but neither attached to nor required to operate your boat. This can mean things like life-saving equipment, life jackets, oars, anchors, waterskis, etc. The right Unattached Equipment Coverage can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches in the case of an accident resulting in a partial or total loss.

Uninsured/Underinsured Boater Coverage – Boating Insurance is not mandatory in Ohio, so what happens if you’re hit by an uninsured boater and need someone to cover the cost of your medical care or lost wages? Uninsured and Underinsured Boater Coverage will help cover these financial burdens so you can focus on healing.

Lay Up Periods – If you’re an Ohio boater, you’re probably not taking your vessel out during the winter months, but do you still have to pay year-round insurance for a boat you can’t even take out on the water? Talk to your Zimmer Insurance Agent to see if your boat will qualify for discounts if you abide by Lay-Up dates. Usually, these policies refer to properly winterized boats 26’ or larger moored for a specified period agreed upon in the policy.

What about if you lose your boat entirely? There are three basic types of policies to cover the total loss of a boat or personal watercraft.

Total Replacement Cost Value – This type of policy will replace your boat with one of a similar make and model, or pay you the cost of a new boat at the time of the loss, even if that amount is more than your boat’s current market value. Unfortunately, this policy only applies to new boats, and only covers that boat for up to three years, after which time the policy will change to either Agreed Value or Actual Cash Value due to depreciation experienced as a boat ages.

Agreed Value – Your boat may be your prized possession, but like most other possessions, they depreciate over time. So, how much can you get back if your boat is stolen or destroyed in an accident? Well, with an Agreed Value policy, you know exactly how much you’re going to get. In the event of the total loss of your boat, you will receive the value you insured it for, minus your deductible. This tends to be the most recommended type of boat insurance policy.

Actual Cash Value – If you’re looking for a policy with fewer upfront costs than the others, ACV may be the choice for you. In the event of a total loss settlement, you’ll receive the current market value of your boat at the time of loss, factoring in physical depreciation over time, minus your deductible. While this type of policy is least recommended, it’s better (and less expensive in the long run) than having no insurance at all.

Protection You Can Count On

Zimmer Insurance Agency is a family-owned, independently operated insurance agency you can trust. Zimmer is a well-respected company, skilled and experienced in all types of insurance, including Homeowners’ and Auto Insurance.

Zimmer treats and protects their clients like family; their knowledgeable agents and specialists will work with you to ensure you’re fully protected with a comprehensive policy that suits your needs and protects what you value most.

Get A Quote

Call Zimmer Insurance Agency today for your Cincinnati boat insurance coverage at (513) 381-1919 or click Get A Quote, fill out the form, and our specialists, agents, or knowledgeable representatives will promptly contact you with additional information.

November 30, 2021/by Jeremy Johnson

Business Insurance for Ohio Companies

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Business insurance is essential when starting a new business in Ohio. In 2020, over 4 million new companies were registered with the United States Census Bureau. If you are one of these new entrepreneurs adding to this statistic each year, it would be worthwhile for you to have a business insurance policy.

Whether it is a small policy for your small startup or a large policy for your corporation with dozens of employees and multiple locations, you must protect your business.

What is Business Insurance?

In layman’s terms, business insurance provides coverage options that help protect your business and your employees. Typically, a standard business policy includes property insurance, general liability, and business income coverage.

ROI and Safety Net Ohio Companies

It is safe to assume that if you are just starting your business, you have to make smart business decisions especially regarding spending. In this case, you probably set up a safety net plan or have a strong understanding of your returns on investments (ROI). When building their business, most small companies follow these two guidelines, so they do not fail when unexpected losses arise, such as equipment failure or a market downturn.

A safety net plan is critical, just as it is for renters with renter’s insurance, in that it acts as an emergency fund for your small business to fund unexpected expenses. These expenses can range from equipment failures, employee shortages, property damages, inflation, and more. If your business were to face one of these hardships, then your safety net plan would need to be enacted to cover the costs of these issues. Other small businesses may initially decide to spend more money and strongly track their returns on investments (ROI).

Essentially, an ROI is a financial concept that measures the profitability of an investment. If your small business is doing well and you need to hire another employee or two to keep up with the demand, then you would turn back to your ROI plan and determine if hiring and paying new employees would benefit your company in the long run. You may be putting up more money upfront, but the profits will outweigh the cost of hiring your new employees when you meet your demand.

Although these execution plans can work in some instances, you may be surprised to hear that owning a business insurance policy can save you money in the long run. Instead of dipping into savings funds in the event of financial hardships, you would be relying on your insurance provider to cover the cost of these unexpected expenses. All you would have to do is pay your deductible, and your insurance provider will cover the rest up to your policy limit. Doesn’t that sound much easier than constantly analyzing your checks and balances?

Situations Where You’d Need Business Insurance

You may not even be aware of the many instances where owning a commercial insurance plan may save you!

Building or Property Insurance

Most businesses operate out of a dedicated workspace; whether it is a small office in a strip mall, a stand-alone building, or a whole floor in a high rise, your business is typically responsible for any damages within the occupied space. A standard business insurance policy protects the building itself and everything inside of it.

Equipment

Think about how much equipment your business uses to operate. From computers and furniture to printers and special machinery, you are responsible for replacing these items if they are stolen or damaged in a fire. However, if you had a policy, you would be compensated for these damages.

Inventory

Inventory is another important feature of your business. Could your business operate if you had an inventory shortage? Probably not, but this is why owning a standard business insurance policy could help! The insurance provider may refund you for your inventory loss, allowing you to get right with your customers and get your business back on its feet!

Vehicles

Owning a business insurance policy allows coverage for the vehicles owned, leased, hired, or borrowed by your business. There are both compulsory auto policies and optional coverage that you can add to your plan! Be sure to assess your needs before purchasing a business insurance policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if we don’t have business insurance?

If you do not own a business insurance policy, you could end up facing financial hardship due to unexpected events or damages. If you do not own a policy, it would be up to you to pay out of pocket for these unexpected expenses.

How much does business insurance typically cost?

The cost of a business insurance policy depends on a few factors: the size of your business, the number of employees, the amount of coverage needed, and how much you are willing to spend. Contact a Zimmer Insurance Group representative today to discuss pricing and coverage options.

Is business insurance mandatory?

Business insurance is not mandatory. However, it would be beneficial for you, in the long run, to invest in a good business insurance policy so that you can be safe rather than sorry.

Who can I talk to if I want to get started?

Get a quote today from a professional team member at Zimmer Insurance Group. Their team will assess your policy needs and find you the best coverage options.

Ensure Your Business is Protected Today

Purchasing a business insurance policy is one of the smartest business moves you can make, no matter the size of your company. Insurance is a necessity when you need it most. Don’t let stolen inventory or damaged property ruin your day.

If you’re looking for business insurance in Ohio, then let the experts at Zimmer Insurance Group find a policy that is right for you! Zimmer Insurance Group proudly hails from Cincinnati and features a local staff packed with plenty of Buckeye pride. So reach out to us for a free quote today and see why our array of insurance solutions are the right choice for your business.

October 7, 2021/by Jeremy Johnson

Quality Renters Insurance in Cincinnati

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Purchasing a renters insurance policy is crucial when renting a property, whether in a multi-family, a townhome, or an apartment in Cincinnati.

Unfortunately, renters insurance is often overlooked as individuals make the mistake of believing they will be covered under the property owner’s insurance policy.

However, this is not the case. It’s been noted that only 41% of renters have a renters insurance policy. Meaning, nearly half of the renters in the United States will be out anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars in the event of unexpected perils.

What’s Renters Insurance?

A standard renters insurance policy, also referred to as tenant’s insurance policy, provides renters with liability and personal property coverage. but it does not insure the actual property itself as the ‘external shell’ so to speak, is the landlord or parent organization’s responsibility.

If you are currently renting and don’t have renters’ insurance, take a moment to examine the room you are in and put a price on all the items surrounding you. You are probably surrounded by hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of personal belongings in that one room alone.

If anything happens to your belongings, such as theft, you will be solely responsible for replacing everything. This is why having a renters insurance policy is crucial. If you had a policy, the insurance provider would simply reimburse you for all the stolen items, and you could move forward with thicker pockets from that incident without suffering a great loss.

Don’t believe in the myth that your landlord’s insurance covers you. It doesn’t. Or that the coverage is too limited or too expensive. If you believe the coverage is too narrow, you can always tack on riders to your initial package. What’s most fortunate is the average cost of renters insurance is often less than $300 a year, an amount appreciably less than your belongings and what you’d have to pay to replace them on your own.

The cost and benefits of having insurance greatly outweigh the cost of opting out of owning renters’ insurance altogether.

Why Get It?

If you are not convinced that you need renters’ insurance, then here are more reasons why purchasing a renters insurance policy is important. Renters insurance:

Is Affordable

Renters insurance is incredibly affordable. The average cost of renters insurance in Cincinnati is $15 per month or approximately $106 to $286 per year. The cost of your policy will depend on the size of your home or apartment, the crime rates in the area, assets you need to be covered, and the neighborhood you live in will affect your monthly premium.

Covers Losses to Personal Property

A standard renters insurance policy protects against losses to your personal property such as clothes, jewelry, luggage, electronics, technology, furniture, and more.

This traditional policy also covers against a long list of perils, including:

Damage caused by vehicles
Falling objects
Fire or lightning damage
Smoke
Theft
Vandalism
Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
Windstorm or hail
Riot or civil commotion
Volcanic eruption
Damage from water or steam from sources including household appliances, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or fire-protective sprinkler systems

Unfortunately, losses resulting from floods and earthquakes are not covered in a standard policy, so an additional rider may need to be purchased. If you live in a neighborhood near the Ohio River, you may want to consider purchasing an additional flood protection rider on top of your standard renter’s insurance policy.

Might be Required by Your Landlord

Many landlords and property owners require their tenants to purchase a renters insurance policy. However, not all of them require proof of insurance. Therefore, only 41% of renters own a policy. Don’t make this mistake. Owning a renters insurance policy can save you money in the long run.

Provides Liability Coverage

A standard policy will also provide you with liability coverage if someone is injured while in your home or if you accidentally injure someone. It pays any court judgments as well as legal expenses up to the policy limit. Most policies provide at least $100,000 of liability coverage and a smaller amount for medical payments coverage.

Covers Your Belongings When You Travel

As mentioned, renters’ insurance covers your personal belongings. Therefore, if they are in your home, car, or with you while you travel, your possessions are protected from loss due to theft and other covered losses anywhere you go.

May Cover Additional Living Expenses

Suppose your home becomes uninhabitable due to one of the covered perils. In that case, your renter’s insurance policy may cover “additional living expenses,” including the cost associated with finding a temporary home, food, etc. Be sure to review your policy to determine how long it will cover additional living expenses and if it caps the amount the provider will pay.

Where Can You Get Renters Insurance in Cincinnati?

There are a multitude of insurance providers in the United States. However, not all of them have your best interest at heart. Most insurance companies are providing coverage to millions of individuals across the nation, and to them, you are “just another customer.” This means you may not be getting all the coverage you want or need, and you could be overpaying for your current policy.

More and more people are turning to work with smaller insurance firms, like Zimmer Insurance Group, to help find them the best and most affordable insurance providers. Zimmer Insurance Group is a family-owned and operated insurance agency employing an experienced team with over 30 years of industry experience, offering their clients exceptional quality and convenient service.

The primary goal at Zimmer Insurance Group is to not only assist you in all your insurance needs, but they want to build a trusted relationship with all their customers to continue for years, even decades as in the case of many current clients. To them, you’re not “just another customer,” you are family.

Zimmer Insurance Group knows that insurance begins with you, and they cannot suggest coverage options without first assessing your needs. Therefore, they take the time to get to know you, your family, or your business. Then, after evaluating your needs, they seek out the best policies to offer you a variety of insurance products to choose from at a fair price.

Conclusion

Don’t let other insurance companies take advantage of you and your needs. If you are in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, or you’re simply looking for a trusted insurance agency, then look no further than Zimmer Insurance Group! Check out what Zimmer Insurance Group is all about and give them a call or visit them in person today to get started!

Zimmer Insurance Group is staffed with ten highly trained and experienced insurance agents who can discuss your insurance needs anytime, anywhere.

September 9, 2021/by Jeremy Johnson

Your Guide To Getting Motorcycle Insurance in Ohio

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If you are looking for motorcycle insurance in Ohio, you are in the right place. We understand there are few greater feelings than the adrenaline, freedom, and excitement you get from the open road.

However, to truly enjoy this experience, it is vital to be properly insured in the event of an accident. Whether you are ready to get a motorcycle insurance policy now or have questions that you need to have answered first, we are here to help.

Ohio Motorcycle Insurance Laws

If you are operating, or have plans to operate, a motorcycle in Ohio, state law requires that you carry motorcycle insurance, as is required with any other roadgoing vehicle.

The minimum legal requirements for motorcycle insurance coverage in Ohio are as follows:

$25,000 for bodily injury or death of another person.
$50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more individuals in an accident.
$25,000 for property damage suffered by someone else in an accident.

It is important to note that these are minimum coverages. In a severe accident, your damages will likely exceed these minimums. Therefore, higher insurance coverages are recommended by insurance companies and personal injury attorneys alike to protect you from drastic consequences such as wage garnishment, or seizure of assets, in instances you don’t carry enough insurance and can’t pay when judged to be at fault.

What’s Covered with Motorcycle Insurance?

As a policyholder, you should know what exactly is covered by your Ohio motorcycle insurance policy. There are several coverages that are mandated, depending on the state. These include uninsured motorist coverage, property damage liability, bodily injury liability, personal injury liability, and more.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured, also known as underinsured, motorist coverage protects you from damages or losses that result from a driver who either has insufficient liability insurance or is not insured at all.

Uninsured motorist coverage has two types: bodily injury and property damage. This means that your policy will cover any accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist resulting in physical harm to a person and damage to a vehicle.

Property Damage and Bodily Injury Liability

Property damage liability insurance covers damage to the other vehicle involved in an accident when you are at fault. For example, if your motorcycle collides with their vehicle, this covers the cost to repair their vehicle.

Bodily injury liability insurance is much like property damage liability in that it also comes into effect when you are at fault. Bodily injury liability will cover the other party’s medical bills that result from an accident.

Liability insurance is vital to protecting your assets in the event of an accident where you are at fault, and it is also required in Ohio.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection insurance covers your medical bills resulting from an accident. Additionally, it can pay for lost wages due to an injury that prevents you from immediately returning to work. Personal injury protection is no-fault coverage, so it tends to pay out faster because the insurance company is not delayed by determining who was at fault for the accident.

Additional Coverages:

Additional insurance options for your policy include collision, comprehensive, and accessory coverage.

Collision coverage pays for damage to your motorcycle, whether it hits, or is hit by, another vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or accidental fire damage.

Accessory coverage extends to those parts of your motorcycle not generally covered by insurance. Typically, this requires that you also carry collision or comprehensive coverage. Accessory coverage can compensate you for damages to your chrome parts, radio, certain windshields, saddlebags, backrests, seats, and more.

Where To Get Motorcycle Insurance

If you are looking for motorcycle insurance in Ohio, look no further than Zimmer insurance. We are a family-owned company with an established history of providing motorcycle insurance for motorcycle riders and families. Our excellent customer service and love of motorcycles make us a well-known and trusted provider for many Ohio families.

Motorcycle riding is well known to be significantly more dangerous than driving a standard vehicle. For this reason, we at Zimmer Insurance recommend maintaining full-coverage motorcycle insurance to ensure you are properly protected at all times.

If you already have motorcycle insurance in Ohio, we recommend checking out Ohio’s best back-road motorcycle routes!

Pro Tip:

For even better deals on our already competitive rates, we offer discounts if you bundle your home, car, or other property insurance with your motorcycle insurance policy! Are you looking for homeowners insurance in Cincinnati? Visit our website to browse homeowners insurance policies that you can trust!

How Much is Motorcycle Insurance in Ohio

The cost of motorcycle insurance in Ohio depends on several factors. Your age, location, gender, and the type of motorcycle you have all play a role in deciding the cost. These are all factors that are known to impact the chance of certain types of accidents occurring. For example, a younger person is much more likely to ride recklessly than a more experienced motorcyclist.

That being said, according to Value Penguin, the 2021 average cost of motorcycle insurance in Ohio is about $48 per month. This equates to $575 per year, making Ohio motorcycle insurance 18.03% cheaper than the national average.

Conclusion

At Zimmer Insurance, we understand the thrill and excitement that comes with motorcycle riding. However, as an Ohio motorcyclist, it is crucial to comprehend Ohio motorcycle insurance laws and to know how you are covered in the event of an accident.

If you are looking for a change in motorcycle insurance providers or are interested in purchasing motorcycle insurance for the first time, you are in luck. Zimmer Insurance is a trusted, experienced, family-owned company that will give you the dedicated attention you deserve as a valued customer. Give Zimmer Insurance a call today – 513-381-1919 – so that we can answer your questions and set you up with Ohio motorcycle insurance coverage that works best for you.

August 24, 2021/by Jeremy Johnson