Skip to content
Click to Call
Maschoff Insurance Agency LLC

1451 NE 69th Place
Suite 45
Ankeny, IA 50023

Get Directions

Featured Insurance Blog

Tag: Ankeny IA

My RV isn’t motorized. Do I need insurance?

Posted on by admin

RVs come in many different sizes and types, some with motors and some without. As a result, it may be difficult to determine if there are insurance requirements for RVs and if so, what the requirements are. Our Maschoff Insurance team understands that understanding insurance requirements is confusing. As a result, our Ankeny, IA team is committed to eliminating the confusion. 

What is RV Insurance?

RV insurance is similar to auto insurance in that it includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage for motorized RVs. Motorized RVs must be covered by auto liability insurance. However, if you’re financing your RV, you’ll be required to carry full overage insurance until your RV is paid for in full. RVs are motorized homes on wheels. This is why, like cars, auto liability coverage is required to legally drive an RV on the streets and highways of Iowa. Motorized RVs are vehicles as well as cars.

My RV isn’t motorized. Do I need insurance?

No. You don’t have to carry RV insurance in the state of Iowa if your RV isn’t motorized. Insurance is optional for non-motorized RVs unless you are financing your RV. In that case, your lender may require you to carry full coverage insurance. Motorized RVs fall under the same laws as cars because they are motorized homes on wheels and use the same streets and highways that cars do. Instead, a non-motorized RV is covered by auto insurance that covers the car or cars used to pull or tow the RV.

If you have questions regarding insurance requirements for RVs, call us at Maschoff Insurance. We’d be happy to help you explore your options in Ankeny, IA and surrounding areas. 

Four motorcycle insurance features to be aware of

Posted on by admin

Motorcycle insurance is essential for bikers in Ankeny, IA. At Maschoff Insurance, we’re here to insure your bike. There are plenty of great motorcycle insurance features that area consumers should be aware of.

The following are four motorcycle insurance features to be aware of. 

Liability coverage for property damage

Liability coverage for property damage is one of the most important components of a motorcycle insurance policy. You need to have property damage covered by your policy so that you don’t have to pay out of pocket if you damage the property of another party in a motorcycle accident. 

Coverage for guest passengers

You need to invest in guest passenger coverage if you frequently have a passenger on your bike. It’s important to make sure that your policy includes this type of coverage since a standard motorcycle insurance policy won’t always include guest-passenger coverage. 

Coverage for custom parts

Investing in custom parts can significantly increase the value of your bike. You need to make sure that your motorcycle insurance coverage reflects the value of custom parts that your bike includes. Many motorcycle insurance providers offer coverage for custom parts so that the full value of a policyholder’s bike is covered.

Diminishing deductibles

A diminishing deductible is a great feature that allows policyholders to enjoy a lower deductible if they haven’t filed a claim for a certain period of time. You should definitely look out for this feature and take advantage of it if you don’t need to file a claim for a long time. 

Reach Out To Us

At Maschoff Insurance, we’re here to come to your assistance when you need motorcycle insurance in Ankeny, IA. Call us today to get a quote on a policy. 

You Sank My Fishing Boat!

Posted on by admin

You knew this might happen. Boats are fun for those weekend fishing trips, but boats take damage, and they may sink. So you did the smart thing and took out an insurance policy on your boat.

The bad news is that your vessel of pride and joy is at the bottom of Lake Red Rock. The good news is you may be able to collect enough money to buy a new boat. Trust us, getting that money will be easier than hauling Old Betsy back on shore. 

File that Claim

First, make sure everyone involved is safe. Once you’re sure of that, report the loss to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can. Give them all the details. If necessary, you may file a government report. You may need one in certain claims such as if criminal activity was involved. (Not on your behalf, we kindly assume.)

Document all the damage that took place. This may require some underwater photography. If you think your boat can be repaired, wait until your insurer has all the information necessary to make a claim. An exception would be anything time-sensitive, of course. In any case, if you need repairs get them done by a professional. Work together with your insurance agent, and you may stand to collect enough to repair or replace your boat. Do not discuss the fault or cause of the accident with anyone. 

Maschoff Insurance Serving Ankeny, IA 

If you are in the Ankeny, IA area and have a boat you’d like insured, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Maschoff Insurance. We are dedicated to knowledgeable service and helping you the client get everything you deserve so that you can continue on with many years of happy sailing. 

Umbrella Insurance As A Tax Write-Off

Posted on by admin

If you bought an Ankeny, IA duplex with the intent of renting it out, then you’ve established a business. Businesses are liable for damages and injuries, so they need the proper insurance. Umbrella policies represent extra coverage when a court-ordered award is granted. Are these insurance premiums a tax write-off?

Yes. These are considered business expenses. An umbrella policy acts as a supplement to a business’ regular insurance and so is tax-deductible. That doesn’t go for a percentage of the premiums, it goes for the entire thing. Maschoff Insurance wants you to know these things about umbrella insurance as a tax write-off.

When This Isn’t The Case

A personal umbrella policy can’t be used to benefit a business; you’d have to purchase a commercial umbrella policy. This isn’t the case when you own multiple properties that you rent out. 

It’s a gray area requiring professionals well-versed in commercial tax deductions, to wit: technically, the properties constitute a business, but under some circumstances, you can include them on a personal umbrella policy. Here’s a pro tip: Get an accountant who understands where the line between personal and business tax write-offs is located.

Business umbrella policies are often written off due to their “necessary” nature, which is self-explanatory. If this policy is commercial, it could be entirely deductible. If only half the umbrella covers Ankeny, IA rental properties, then only half the premiums can be deducted.

Some landlords form an LLC when they own multiple properties. In the case of an accident, the insurance sometimes isn’t enough. The landlord with an umbrella policy would be covered.

Schedule A Consultation Today!

There are a few areas of umbrella insurance and tax write-offs that aren’t quite as black-and-white as we would wish. When you have questions about these and other umbrella insurance areas, call Maschoff Insurance or come into the office to learn more about it.

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan

Posted on by admin

When choosing a health insurance plan, it’s essential to consider your healthcare needs in Ankeny, IA. Not all coverage plans are the same; some may better suit your and your family’s needs than others. Maschoff Insurance details factors you should consider when selecting a health insurance plan that fits your needs.

Health insurance plan types

To choose a health insurance plan, it is important to understand the different types available, such as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Point of Service (POS), which are the most common types of medical coverage plans.

Different plans have advantages and disadvantages, which depend on your location, the network of doctors and hospitals available to you, and the overall cost. An HMO plan may be the most cost-effective, but it has a limited network of healthcare providers you can visit. A PPO plan offers a larger network of providers but is more expensive than an HMO. Meanwhile, a POS plan is a mix of both and allows you to get treatment from out-of-network providers but at a higher cost.

Deductible, copay, coinsurance

A deductible is the money you pay out of pocket before your healthcare plan kicks in. A copay is a fee when you visit a provider or undergo prescribed treatment. Coinsurance is the percentage you pay for medical expenses to supplement your medical coverage. When choosing a health plan, note how each helps you manage out-of-pocket expenses. In short, always ask what your deductible, copay, and coinsurance rates are in any plan you’re considering to help decide whether those plans are affordable.

Reach out to us

Maschoff Insurance is here to help you choose the correct health insurance plan for your healthcare requirements in Ankeny, IA. Contact us today.

Four steps to go through before buying life insurance

Posted on by admin

Consumers should make sure they go through a few important steps when they’re on the market for a life insurance policy to protect their family in the Ankeny, IA metroplex. At Maschoff Insurance, we’re happy to help you through the process of purchasing life insurance. 

The following are four steps to go through before buying life insurance:

Learn about the different kinds of life insurance

You should be familiar with the various life insurance types when you choose a coverage option. Consumers need to determine whether they need temporary-term life insurance or long-term whole life insurance.

Term life insurance pays out a death benefit if the policyholder passes away within a specified period of time. Whole life insurance accumulates value as time goes on while also offering a death benefit until the policyholder passes away. 

Figure out what your family’s life insurance coverage needs are

Consumers should purchase a large enough death benefit so that their dependents can maintain their standard of living if they pass away. 

Choose life insurance providers and request quotes

It’s important for consumers to research the different insurance companies doing business in their area. They can then request a policyholder quote from a few insurance companies they’re interested in buying from. 

Decide on which policy is best for your situation

Consumers can compare quote amounts on policy offerings. They should choose a policy that offers reliable, high-quality coverage for a premium price that they can afford. 

Reach Out To Us

Consumers in Ankeny, IA can rely on Maschoff Insurance for life insurance coverage. If you’re ready to choose a policy, call us to get a quote and learn more about our life insurance product offerings. 

Auto Insurance Add-Ons to Keep You Safe and Comfortable Driving

Posted on by admin

Driving in Iowa can be unpredictable and hazardous, but those risks shouldn’t interfere with your daily needs and comfort. By adding some extra coverage to your Ankeny, IA auto insurance policy, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for anything.

Here are some add-ons we at Maschoff Insurance recommend for optimal protection:

Roadside Assistance

Roadside help is an affordable add-on that can save you from trouble if you run out of gas, experience a tire blowout, need a jump-start, or lock yourself out of your car. No matter where you are and what time it is, this coverage ensures a timely response and provides essential services to get you back on the road hassle-free.

Rental Reimbursement

Being without a car because of an accident or theft can be a major inconvenience in your daily routine. That’s where rental reimbursement coverage comes in, reimbursing the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired or replaced. This coverage can save you money and hassle while allowing you to return to your daily activities.

Comprehensive Coverage

Even if you’re a careful driver, damage can happen to your car that’s not caused by a collision, such as theft, hail damage, or hitting an animal. Comprehensive coverage protects these events and will cover the cost of repairs or replacement, which can be extremely helpful in unexpected situations.

Reach Out To Us

Adding these types of coverage to your auto insurance policy can help you feel safe and comfortable on the road, knowing that you have a plan in place in case of an accident or unexpected situations. Invest in your protection today and contact Maschoff Insurance to learn more about these add-ons for drivers in Ankeny, IA!

Preparing Your Ankeny Business for Severe Weather

Posted on by admin

Severe weather can strike at any time, and it can be particularly devastating for businesses in Ankeny, IA. At Maschoff Insurance, we understand the importance of preparing your business for severe weather.

These tips can help you protect your property and employees during tornadoes, thunderstorms, and other extreme weather events:

A vital step is to create an emergency preparedness plan. This plan should include evacuation routes, emergency contact information, and procedures for securing your property. Ensure your employees are familiar with the plan and conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Making structural upgrades to your building to make it more resistant to severe weather could be beneficial. For example, you may want to consider installing impact-resistant windows or reinforcing your roof to withstand high winds. These upgrades can protect your property and help lower your insurance premiums.

Speaking of insurance, it’s crucial to review your Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) to ensure you have adequate coverage for severe weather events. Your policy should cover damage to your property, business interruption, and liability for injuries to employees or customers during severe weather events. If you’re unsure if your policy is sufficient, talk to a Maschoff Insurance agent who can help you review your coverage and make recommendations.

Finally, stay informed about severe weather by signing up for weather alerts and monitoring local news sources. You should also have a backup power source, such as a generator, in case of power outages.

Reach Out To Us!

By taking these steps, you can help protect your Ankeny, IA business from severe weather. If you need help reviewing your insurance coverage or making structural upgrades, contact Maschoff Insurance today. We’re here to help you protect your business and your employees.

Who Needs Classic Car Insurance?

Posted on by admin

Classic automobile insurance, as the name suggests, is a specialized kind of protection for cars that are 10 years old or older and have historical importance. We offer various forms of classic car insurance here at Maschoff Insurance, serving the Ankeny, IA area.

Here is more about this specialty type of coverage:

What Is Considered a Classic Car?

There is no single definition of a car that qualifies as a classic. Insurance agencies have their own stipulations to meet in order to get a classic car policy. For example, some agencies require a car to be at least 20 years old and possess some type of rarity to be considered a classic car. Some agencies simply require the car to be registered as a classic car to qualify for classic car insurance. Contact Maschoff Insurance now to learn about our classic car requirements.

Are Classic Cars Antique or Vintage?

The term classic car often gets used interchangeably with the terms antique car and vintage car. The terms, however, are not one and the same. An antique car usually has to be at least 45 years old. It must also be maintained according to the manufacturer’s original specifications to be considered an antique. Vintage cars are those with birthdates between 1919 and 1930. Some antique cars are considered vintage cars. Classic cars, on the other hand, must be 10 to 40 years old.

Does New Hampshire Require Classic Car Insurance?

New Hampshire does require all owners of classic cars to have classic car insurance. The only way to get away with not having a policy is to never drive the vehicle on the road. If you do, and you don’t have insurance, you risk getting your license suspended as well as hefty fines. You also run the risk of getting involved in an accident and not having any coverage available to compensate you for any losses.

Reach Out To Us

Here at Maschoff Insurance, we help people every day with classic car insurance. We’re here to help keep all of your most prized possessions insured and safe on the road in Ankeny, IA. Contact us today to learn more about classic car policies and how they can benefit you.

Three advantages you’ll enjoy when you carry renters insurance

Posted on by admin

A lot of consumers aren’t aware of the numerous advantages that they can enjoy when they carry renters insurance. If you are a renter living in Ankeny, IA, you can purchase renters insurance from Maschoff Insurance.

It’s important that you understand the advantages you’ll get from renters insurance when you buy a policy.

The following are three advantages you’ll enjoy when you carry renters insurance:

Coverage for a temporary residence

If you face an accident that severely damages your rental unit, you might temporarily be unable to live in your home. When this happens, you need to find alternative housing.

One of the great features of renters insurance is that it will typically offer coverage for temporary housing. Your renters insurance policy can pay to put you up at a hotel or in another type of alternative housing until your rental unit is fixed or you’ve found another home. 

Liability coverage if you face a lawsuit

You can be held liable for damages if an accident happens within your rented home. Lawsuits resulting from accidents in your rental unit can turn out to be very expensive for you.

Renters insurance offers liability coverage so that the costs of any lawsuits you face as a renter are covered. 

Insurance coverage on personal belongings

An incident such as a fire in your rental apartment could destroy your valuable belongings. With renters insurance, you can be reimbursed for the value of personal belongings you lost after an accident damaged your rental unit. 

Reach Out To Us

Are you interested in getting a quote on renters insurance? Call us at Maschoff Insurance. We’re here to come to your assistance when you’re looking for renters insurance to cover your home in Ankeny, IA. 

Archives

Categories

Our Services

Servicing States

  • Iowa
  • Missouri
  • Kansas

Testimonials

Partner Carriers

  • Columbia Insurance
  • Donegal
  • First Comp
  • Hagerty
  • Lemars
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Markel
  • Metlife
  • Nationwide
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • State Auto
  • Wellmark
  • West Bend
  • Zurich-US Assure
Maschoff Insurance Agency LLC

Maschoff Insurance Agency LLC | Website Development by EZLynx® • Copyright © 2023. All Rights Reserved.