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1451 NE 69th Place
Suite 45
Ankeny, IA 50023

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Tag: Ankeny IA

Three advantages you’ll enjoy when you carry renters insurance

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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. 

Tips for taking your RV to a national park

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RV travel can be a fun and convenient way to explore the great outdoors, especially when it comes to visiting a national park. Here are some tips from us at Maschoff Insurance for taking your RV on an adventure from the Ankeny, IA area to a national park.

Tips for taking your RV to a national park

1. Make sure that you check the park’s regulations before heading out. Different parks may have different restrictions on RV sizes and types, so be sure that your vehicle meets all the necessary criteria.

2. Plan ahead for supplies like food, water, and fuel. National parks often have limited amenities so make sure you bring enough of what you need with you in order to stay comfortable throughout your trip. 

3. Be aware of any weather conditions that might influence your plans. Depending on where you’re headed, you could come across unexpected snow or heavy rain that can make traveling difficult or even dangerous if not prepared properly. 

4. Research campsites at the park ahead of time in order to find one that works best for your needs. This will help ensure that everything is set up when you arrive without any unexpected surprises! 

5. Pack light but don’t forget important items like sunscreen, bug spray, and extra blankets! You never know what kind of weather or animals you may encounter while out exploring in nature! 

Get Coverage For Your RV

These are just a few tips for taking your RV out to a national park! With careful planning and preparation, everyone should be able to enjoy their next experience in nature safely and comfortably! For more tips on how to enjoy your RV, give us at Maschoff Insurance a call today. We proudly serve the Ankeny, IA area.

Motorcycle insurance: 5 common motorcycle claims

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Cruising The Hawkeye State on the back of a motorcycle is the ultimate form of freedom. But it’s not all rewarding. It does bring some heightened risk. If an accident does occur, motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable. That’s why motorcycle insurance is so important. Just like a helmet, glasses, and gloves, motorcycle insurance is the extra layer of protection you need while riding.

Luckily, Maschoff Insurance can help. Serving the greater Ankeny, IA area, our primary goal is to keep you safe and secure on the roadways.

Here are five common motorcycle claims to look out for while on the roadways:

Excessive Speed

Reckless driving is the leading cause of all motorcycle-related fatalities. Obey the rules of the road, following posted speed limits and wearing all safety gear.

Distracted Driving

Awareness is the most important. Eliminate all distractions, like cell phones and radios, when driving.

Roadway Debris

It’s tough to navigate obstacles on the roadway when you are speeding or not paying attention. Always stay vigilant, searching for potential hazards, like rocks and trash.

Poor Weather Conditions

You can’t control the weather. Heavy rain, high winds, and fog reduce visibility. Don’t ride in these conditions. If a storm pops up while you’re already on the road, pull over and wait for it to pass.

Improper Lane Switching 

Display extra care at intersections. Improper or illegal left turns are a major cause for concern. And avoid lane splitting. This occurs when a motorcycle tries to navigate between two lanes of traffic.

Contact Us Today

Maschoff Insurance in Ankeny, IA understands that any accident can be dangerous. But motorcycle collisions can be especially tricky. That’s why motorcycle insurance is a must. Let our experienced agents find a policy that keeps you protected. Call to set up an appointment today.

Does boat insurance cover my boat when it is in winter storage?

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If you’re a boat owner in Ankeny IA, you’re probably aware that you must have insurance. But what does that insurance actually cover? The required insurance does not cover damage to your boat whether it be in storage or on the water. For that, you will need additional coverage. Our team of insurance experts at Maschoff Insurance can help you take a look at the requirements for boat insurance in Iowa and what kinds of coverage are available.

Boat Insurance Requirements in Iowa

In Iowa, all boats must be insured with liability insurance. This type of insurance covers damage that you or your boat may cause to other people or property. It does not, however, cover damage to your own boat. Coverage for your own boat is not required by law, but it’s still a good idea. Two types of additional coverage are available for boats in Iowa: physical damage coverage and medical payments coverage.

Physical damage coverage insures your boat against loss or damage due to things like fire, theft, or collision. This is the type of policy you need to cover your boat when it is in winter storage or at any other time. Physical damage covers the expenses needed to repair your boat from any of the damage covered in your policy.

Medical payments coverage will pay for medical expenses incurred by you or your passengers due to an accident involving your boat. 

Give Us A Call

So there you have it—a rundown of boat insurance requirements and coverage options in Ankeny, IA. Don’t hesitate to ask your agent at Maschoff Insurance any questions you may have about your coverage.  Happy boating!

Why You Need Umbrella Coverage More as You Age

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When you purchase a home or business insurance from Maschoff Insurance, you may think you’ve covered all of your needs. As you age though, you may need to add umbrella insurance to your insurance package.

We say “add to” because umbrella insurance provides secondary coverage. That means you need to already own one of the qualifying primary insurance policies before you can purchase it.

How Does Umbrella Insurance Help You?

You need to protect yourself from liability in relation to your home and business in Ankeny, IA. Your home policy offers a limited amount of general liability coverage for your personal needs. If you own a business, your general liability commercial policy covers a limited amount of liability.

An umbrella policy offers additional liability coverage. It’s the only kind of coverage provided in the policy.

As you age, you become more involved in the community in which you live. You might coach Little League or Pop Warner. Perhaps you serve on the board of directors for a non-profit or you regularly host fundraisers at your home. All of these events or activities increase your personal liability.

As you age, your business grows. You gain customers and your annual revenue increases. This boon deserves protection. More customers mean more people in and out of your place of business, which increases the risk of accidents, such as slip and fall accidents. You incur liability for each incident that occurs at your place of business.

By adding an umbrella policy to both, if needed, you protect yourself from personal and business liability potentially wiping you out financially.

Without the added protection of umbrella insurance, any accident or unwanted event in which you incurred liability could wipe you out. A judge issues a settlement awarding an injured party full compensation for their medical bills plus pain and suffering. It equals $250,000, but your home policy covers just $25,000. The rest comes out of your own pocket, probably your retirement savings, if you don’t obtain an umbrella policy.

In your 20s or 30s, you have decades to make up the money from the retirement fund, but in your 50s or 60s, it slashes your savings. You’d need to keep working longer to make up the money or retire more humbly. Neither seems amenable, so we suggest an umbrella policy.

Give Us A Call

Contact Maschoff Insurance in Ankeny, IA to purchase an umbrella policy to protect your financial future from liability settlements that could impede your retirement plans. Umbrella policies cost little but protect you a lot.

The Different Types Of Health Insurance Plans

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It can be difficult to understand the complex system that is health insurance. There are many different types of plans with many different levels of coverage. Maschoff Insurance in Ankeny, IA is here to help guide you through the different types of health insurance plans.

Here are the four most common types of health insurance plans:

HMO

A Health Maintenance Organization plan has a network of doctors and hospitals that you can see. You will need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist. You will have lower out-of-pocket costs with this plan than with others, but your choices for doctors and hospitals are more limited.

PPO

A Preferred Provider Organization plan also has a network of doctors and hospitals that you can see. Unlike an HMO, you do not need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist. You can also see doctors and hospitals outside of the network, but it will cost you more money. 

EPO

An Exclusive Provider Organization is very similar to a PPO, except that you can only go to doctors, hospitals, and other providers in the EPO network. You cannot go out-of-network at all without paying 100% of the costs yourself. 

POS

A Point-of-Service plan is a type of health insurance that has characteristics of an HMO and a PPO. With this type of plan, you have a network of doctors and hospitals that you can see. You’ll need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist. However, you also have the option to go outside of the network if you are willing to pay more for the services. 

Get Health Insurance Today

Now that you know a little bit more about the four most common types of health insurance plans, you can start to narrow down which one might be the best fit for you and your family. If you still have questions or would like help finding the right plan for your needs, contact Maschoff Insurance in Ankeny, IA today.

Updating Your Life Insurance Coverage

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It’s easy to buy a life insurance policy and forget about it. But your life changes over time, and so do your insurance needs. That’s why it’s essential to review and update your policy regularly.

With these developments in their lives, residents in Ankeny, IA need to consider increasing coverage to meet their extra responsibilities.

Updating Your Life Insurance Coverage

Buy a House

If you’re like most people, your biggest asset is your home. You’ve probably worked hard to pay off your mortgage and want to ensure your family is taken care of if something happens to you. An increase in coverage can help ensure they’re not left with debt.

Get Married or Add a Partner

When you say "I do," your life insurance needs to change. You now have someone who is depending on you financially. If you’re in a long-term relationship but not married, your partner may still rely on you for financial stability. Make sure your coverage is enough to support them if something happens to you.

Maschoff Insurance Agency can help you find the life insurance policy that fits your needs and budget.

Have a Baby

A new baby means lots of additional expenses. From diapers and formula to childcare and college tuition, you want to ensure your child is taken care of if something happens to you. Review your policy and ensure you have enough coverage to support your family.

Change Jobs

Some employers offer life insurance as a benefit, but the coverage might not be enough. You may need to update your life insurance coverage if you change jobs. You may need to purchase a policy if you’ve switched to a position that doesn’t offer life insurance.

Give Us A Call

Contact Maschoff Insurance Agency in Ankeny, IA to review your life insurance coverage. We can help you find the right policy to protect your family.

Documents you should always carry in your vehicle

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If you are driving in Iowa, you need to carry certain documents in your vehicle to be in compliance with the law. You can be fined or worse if you are pulled over for any reason and are not able to produce the required documents. At Maschoff Insurance in  Ankeny, IA, we are dedicated to making sure all of our customers have the auto insurance that they need. 

Documents to carry in your vehicle:

Vehicle registration

The state of Iowa requires that you have a legal title and registration for your vehicle. While you are not required to carry the title in the vehicle, you must carry the registration. To register your vehicle for the first time, you must show the title. If there is a lien on the vehicle, that should be noted. Keep your registration up to date, which means letting them know if your address is changed. Registration renews yearly. 

Insurance card

While you don’t need to show proof of insurance to register your vehicle, you do need to have auto insurance in Iowa to drive the vehicle. The required coverage is liability and the legal minimum is 20/40/25. This allows $20,000 for injuries to the first person, $40,000 for all injuries, and $15,000 for damage to property. When you get auto insurance, your agent or the carrier will send you an insurance card to confirm it and this proof needs to be in the vehicle.

Drivers license

Many people use their driver’s license as a picture ID so they have it on their person at all times. It does not need to remain in the vehicle but should be available if you are asked to provide it. When you are in the vehicle, it should be in the vehicle. 

Give Us A Call

Contact Maschoff Insurance in Ankeny, IA when you want to discuss your auto insurance coverage and get a no-obligation quote. 

Required Commercial Insurance in Iowa

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When you own a business in Iowa, there are certain types of insurance policies that you must have by law. It’s important to keep your business operating legally and to have the types of insurance you need to protect it. If you have a business and need insurance protection for it, give us a call at Maschoff Insurance in Ankeny, IA. 

Required Commercial Insurance

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

In Iowa, any business with any number of employees must have a workers’ compensation policy for them. This is required even if the employees are part-time. Even one employee requires you to carry this insurance, but independent contractors are not included. This coverage protects your business by paying for the medical expenses and lost wages of any employees who are injured while on the job. It also pays for disability benefits in Iowa. This insurance helps your business to stay protected from these expenses, but it also protects your employees by keeping that money available for them. 

Commercial Auto Insurance

When your Iowa business owners a vehicle, it has to have a commercial auto insurance policy. This policy must have at least two types of coverage that are each required, and there are three amounts required. There is one amount of coverage required for property damage liability. This pays for the other party’s property damage after you cause an accident. There is a minimum amount required for one person to be covered by bodily injury liability. There is also a minimum amount of coverage required for everyone in the accident who is injured. All of these amounts are relatively low in Iowa, and it’s generally recommended that you add to the minimum coverage amounts. 

Get Your Commercial Insurance

Your business needs to be protected by the appropriate commercial insurance policies. It’s important to have enough insurance to protect your business from a wide range of possible risks. To get started, give us a call at Maschoff Insurance in Ankeny, IA.

Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

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Flood insurance protects against flooding which may occur due to storm surges, rising water, or overflowing rivers or lakes. If you live in zones that are high risk of floods, you may need to purchase flood insurance to protect your home. Even if you don’t live in such a zone, you may want to consider purchasing the insurance if your place has below-average flood protection, such as an elevated foundation. 

Flood insurance typically comes with a higher upfront cost than homeowners insurance. However, most companies will offer a discount for customers who have this cover. While the insurance is necessary if your home is located in an area subject to flooding or the risk of flooding a low-lying area. For any issues, consult Maschoff Insurance at Ankeny, IA. 

Policies That Cover Flood Damage 

Flood damage is covered under most policies; however, there are some stipulations. The insurance policies are available if you have standard homeowners or renters insurance, or you can purchase a policy as a standalone policy. Flood insurance typically costs about 5–10% more than renter’s insurance or standard homeowner’s. While this insurance isn’t required by law, it’s highly recommended. 

Even if you live in a location not typically affected by floods, you can still experience heavy rains or rapid snowmelt. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, but you can purchase it as an add-on to standard homeowners insurance. Flood insurance is typically more costly than standard homeowners insurance due to the risk of flooding in your area. You can buy it 180 days before the date when you expect to need it. 

Give Us A Call

Flood insurance comes with higher premium. Talk to your agent about what your home’s insurance covers and what it doesn’t. Inquire about any additional coverages that is suitable to your home. Maschoff Insurance can help you get the right coverage. Call the team serving at Ankeny, IA and surrounding areas for service and advice.

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