Pet Insurance
Clinton, Falls Church, Herndon, Manassas

Understanding Pet Insurance Risks

You love your pets. But, they require maintenance. A pet in the house is still an animal. Therefore, they create risks for your home.

• The pet might get hurt or sick. That could cost you a lot in vet bills and treatment costs.
• Pets still have wild instincts. If triggered, they could hurt someone, even unintentionally.
• Even while playing, pets are curious. They therefore could damage the property of others.

To safeguard your pet, you’ll probably need a couple of types of pet insurance in Michigan. Check your homeowners insurance to see if it contains pet liability insurance. Then, consider a special pet insurance policy for the animal itself. Your best friend will have help in case they experience accidents.

Homeowners Pet Liability Insurance

If you own a home, you will probably have homeowners insurance, and it will probably include liability coverage. So, if a third-party experiences harm that is your fault, the coverage can help them pay for their own losses. The good news is that many homeowners liability insurance policies can cover pet risks. As a member of your family, the pet’s actions might have coverage under liability insurance.

Most pet insurance policies will include:

• Property damage liability insurance that pays for third-party property damage.
• Bodily injury liability coverage to pay for the physical harm caused to others.

So, for example, if the pet bites a neighbor, or damages their property, you might have protection available. Ask one of our pet insurance agents in Michigan to verify if you policy includes this coverage.

What does pet insurance cover?

Pets are naturally rambunctious, curious and excitable. It might take only one wrong move for your beloved companion to get hurt.

With targeted pet insurance, you’ll be able to pay the vet bill and get your buddy the help it needs. Coverage might help you pay for a variety of veterinary treatments, including:

• Routine preventive care
• Vaccines
• Surgeries
• Hospitalizations
• Dental cleanings
• Treatment of illnesses
• Care for hereditary issues
• Flea and tick treatments
• Emergency treatment

Given that veterinary care has become very specialized, and therefore expensive, having this coverage can prove a great benefit both to your furry friend and your personal finances.

So, whether you have a pup that needs its regular shots, or a cat that is ready for spaying and neutering, pet insurance can usually help. Whether the visit is routine or an emergency, you won’t have to choose how to treat your fur baby. Instead, you’ll be able to get them the best possible care.

Get started today!

Don’t deny your pet the care and assistance they might need following an accident. Contact us at (888) 513-8784 now to learn more about pet insurance in Michigan and how it can help with expensive veterinarian visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does earthquake insurance cost?

  The cost of earthquake insurance can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the insured property, the risk of earthquakes in that area, the value of the property, the coverage limits, and deductibles chosen.

  In high-risk earthquake areas, such as regions along major fault lines, the cost of earthquake insurance tends to be higher. Similarly, if the property is located in an area with a history of frequent or severe earthquakes, the premiums will likely be higher compared to areas with a lower risk.

  The cost of earthquake insurance is also influenced by the coverage limits and deductibles. Higher coverage limits and lower deductibles generally result in higher premiums. Additionally, factors such as the type of construction of the property, its age, and proximity to fire stations or other emergency services may also affect the cost.

• How often should jewelry be appraised for insurance?

  There's a lot of contradicting information regarding jewelry appraisals for insurance reasons. Our advice is this: have your valuable jewelry appraised, even if your insurer doesn't require it. Doing so gives you a better idea of what your coverage should be. For less expensive pieces, an invoice or receipt is sufficient. After the initial appraisal, some insurers suggest a reappraisal every two years. Reappraisals ensure your insurance coverage accurately reflects the value of your jewelry.

• How much does jewelry insurance cost?

  Premiums for jewelry insurance vary based on a few different factors, including:

  • Where you live
  • Theft rates in your area
  • Value of the insured piece of jewelry
  • Whether or not you have a deductible

  If you are looking for an estimate, typically your premium will be 1-3% of the value of your jewelry.

• Do I need long-term care insurance?

  In 2019, a study done by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services found that nearly 70% of Americans, ages 65 and up, will need one form of long-term care or another during their lives. Keep in mind that long-term care isn't limited to chronic illnesses. You may need care after taking a bad fall or after a stroke. You can't predict the future, but you can protect yourself against unexpected costs arising from injury and illness.

• How do I insure my jewelry?

  There are three ways for you to protect your jewelry and other valuables.

  1. A personal articles floater (PAF) or a valuable items plus endorsement for your homeowner's policy. This add-on is good for items that are extremely valuable, rare, or irreplaceable, and it allows you to be reimbursed for the value of the item, based on a bill of sale or appraisal that's been approved by your insurer.
  2. Valuable Items Plus Endorsement. This homeowner's extension is less comprehensive than a PAF due to the limits set in place by the insurer. However, your valuables remain protected against additional perils.
  3. The last way to insure your jewelry is by purchasing a custom policy designed for it by an insurance group, like Griffin Owens Insurance
• How much coverage do I need in the event I am named in a lawsuit for bodily injury or property damage caused to others?

  Liability limits generally start at $100,000. It is a good idea to discuss your needs with your insurance advisor to determine what level of coverage is right for your situation. It may be beneficial to purchase an umbrella policy which increases your limits of liability by $1 million or more.

• Is long-term care insurance worth it?

  Long-term care (LTC) insurance is one of the more expensive personal health policies that exist in the current market.

  However, there are a lot of benefits that accompany an LTC policy. Some of these benefits include:

  • More flexibility and options than are offered in many public assistance programs.
  • Can be tax deductible if the policy is tax-qualified and you itemize tax deductions. You can find more information about the tax deductibility of long-term care insurance premiums here.
  • Protecting your retirement savings from being drained by the costly expenses associated with long-term care.
  • It can help fill the gap in Medicare, which doesn't cover in-home care for seniors.
• Are there alternatives to long-term care insurance?

  There are other options you can pursue to cover the cost of any long-term care you may need. Some examples include:

  • Boost your retirement savings
  • Invest in a deferred lifetime annuity
  • Add a long-term care rider to your current life insurance policy
  • Downsize your home if there's a lot of space you aren't using
  • Rent out your home to create some extra income
  • Consider co-housing with others who need long-term care and share the cost of an in-home aid
• What insurance products are available for private clients?
  • High-value auto
  • High-Value Homeowners
  • Collections
  • Valuable items
  • Identity Theft Essential support, including resolution services
  • Watercraft and Yachts
  • Wedding and Private Event Insurance 
  • Excess Liability and Personal Umbrella
• What does Medigap cover?

  Medigap policies can be used to pay co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles, and in some cases, Medigap policies may cover services that aren't covered at all by Original Medicare, such as medical care if you travel outside of the United States.

• How much long-term care coverage do I need?

  Before answering this question, let's consider a few things. Will you have a family member to help care for you when you're older?

  If so, you may not need as much coverage as someone who doesn't have a family member to care for them.

  Are you male or female? Women tend to live longer, which is reflected in the pricing for their long-term care premiums.

  They often need more long-term care because of their longer average lifespan.

  Is there a history of chronic illness or ailments in your family?

  For example, people with a family history of early-onset Alzheimer's will likely need more coverage.

  Are you currently healthy? If you are in shape and live a healthy lifestyle, you may opt for a shorter-term plan of only two years.

• When should I buy long-term care insurance?

  The earlier you secure an LTC policy, the better. If you buy one when you are younger between 45 and 55 you can secure a much more affordable premium. Between the ages of 45 and 55, you are healthier, and the likelihood of you needing the coverage of LTC insurance is much lower.

  Additionally, it becomes more challenging to qualify for LTC coverage as you get older because your risk increases.

• What makes private client insurance different?

  Higher limits, protection for unique situations, and a hassle-free claims experience.

  With a private client offering, you can expect:

  • A mature, dedicated service team with an extensive background in serving varied needs and expectations.
  • Identification of potential areas of loss and a tailored solution to maximize coverage while minimizing cost.
  • Complete confidentiality every step of the way.
  • Access to the nation's leading insurance providers, including products designed for private clients.
  • An insurance advisor at your side to navigate claims.
• How much coverage should I carry?

  The answer usually depends on your net worth.

  Calculating the value of your home, stocks, mutual funds, and retirement accounts is the first step to determining the amount of coverage you should purchase under an umbrella insurance policy.

  Any claim amount exceeding your standard liability policy is your responsibility to cover.

• What does renter's insurance cover?

  Home renters insurance is tailored to protect against three major types of exposures.

  • Personal Property If your personal property is damaged or lost because of a covered peril like fire or theft you are protected by personal property coverage. However, not all your personal property may be covered. Some expensive belongings such as jewelry or a valuable coin collection are not protected in a standard renters insurance policy and require additional coverage.
  • Personal Liability With this type of coverage, you are financially protected if a guest is injured while visiting or if you accidentally damage someone else's property.
  • Additional Living Expenses If you are displaced because your residence is damaged or becomes uninhabitable, additional living expenses coverage can create a financial buffer for you by paying for costs like hotel bills.

  In addition, there are two types of renter's insurance. Neither is better than the other, and your choice depends on your risks and needs.

  • Actual Cash Value Coverage This type of policy reimburses you for the true value of your items when they are lost, which means depreciation pays a part in the final amount.
  • Replacement Cost Coverage This policy is more comprehensive and will cover the actual cost of replacing a lost or damaged item.
• What is not covered by renters insurance?

  Renters insurance is an incredibly helpful essential, but there are some exclusions and limits to keep in mind.

  1. Your renters insurance does not cover personal property loss over your coverage limit. This means that once you reach the limit, you can't be compensated for any more money past the limit amount.
  2. Your personal liability coverage will also have a limit. Just like mentioned above, if your claim exceeds the limit, you won't be reimbursed past it.
  3. Your renters insurance does not cover any damage you may cause to the structure of your rental home.
• Is renters insurance required?
  As a tenant, the only time you are required to purchase renters insurance is when your landlord requires it, which they are legally allowed to do. Your landlord's insurance has specific exclusions and limits, just like yours. For example, their policy doesn't cover your personal belongings at all. It also won't cover any damage you do to the property. Your landlord wants to stay protected as much as you do!
• How Does Umbrella Insurance Work?
  Umbrella insurance goes into effect when there is a covered liability claim under your car or homeowners insurance policy that exceeds the coverage limits you have purchased on those policies.
• What is renter's insurance?
  Renter's insurance is straightforward. IRMI defines it as insurance [that] covers the contents of the home, apartment, or a condo the tenant rents but does not own. It's that simple.
• How much does renters insurance cost?
  If you're worried about your premium after hearing your landlord requires at least $100,000 in liability protection, you're not alone! Thankfully, on average, renters insurance is reasonably inexpensive. In July of 2021, the average annual cost of a home renter's insurance policy was $168 a year ($14 a month). Some factors will make your personalized policy more or less expensive. Some of these factors include: Location of the residence Your credit history Your dog's breed, if you have one Your previous claims Coverage limits