Deepak Jakhotia's Blog

Why Does My Auto Insurance Rate Change from Year to Year?

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:37:24 -0700

Your driving record could be one reason. If you’ve been in a lot of accidents, received a lot of traffic tickets or filed previous auto insurance claims, the chances are higher that you’re more likely to file claims in the future. When you are a greater risk to an insurance company, you pay for it.

Your age is another factor. If you’re under 25 or over 65, then statistically you’re more likely to have an accident. Persons in those age groups are therefore charged higher auto insurance rates.

Your car is a major factor affecting your rates as well. Your insurer will have a lot of data about how safe a particular make or model of vehicle is in the event of an accident. They have data on how many claims have been made by drivers of that model and importantly, and how much damage it causes to other vehicles or people in case of collisions. Finally, they will consider your specific vehicle, how safe it is and what its value is.

Moving into a different house may also affect your insurance premium. If you move from an area where vehicle theft is low, to one where it is high, you’re likely to find your premium increase.

You may not be able to change your place of residence or your age group, but there are some things you can do to keep your premiums down. Drive carefully and avoid tickets, make sure your vehicle is as safe as possible, and pay any very minor claims yourself.

Contact Jakhotia Insurance Group for a more information on Florida car insurance.

What Will Divorce Mean for Your Home Insurance?

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:59:55 -0700

Divorce is a time of grief, heartache, and the inevitable division of the assets. If you own a home with your spouse, divorce can create a whole slew of issues in terms of ownership, insurance, mortgage, etc. Something you should pay particular attention to is your homeowner’s insurance policy. If the house is kept in one party’s possession, regardless of whether it is your or your ex-spouse, the homeowner’s policy usually needs to be updated.

For example, if you decide to continue to reside in your home and your ex-spouse moves out and has received most of the expensive jewelry in your divorce settlement, you may want to remove any supplemental coverage you have on your homeowner’s policy to cover those things. If you are living in your house alone, you may also want to consider installing a security system if you don’t have one already. This can actually SAVE you money on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

With the divorce rate over 45% in 2008, this is something that unfortunately, you need to think about. No one wants to doom their own marriage, but you should consider these kinds of issues before diving into serious things like purchasing a home.

Those in Florida should contact the Jakhotia Insurance Group today for a free quote and more information on homeowner’s insurance. We understand that the unexpected does happen and we want to be the agent you can turn to. Visit our virtual insurance office, www.jakhotia.com, today!

Women May No Longer Pay More for Health Insurance: Why Insurers Finally Agree

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:33:33 -0700

It’s no secret anymore that health insurance rates for women can be significantly higher than men, especially in the age range of 19-55. Health insurers have been given reasons for this for years, and it has gone relatively unquestioned by professionals until recently. It’s become clear that the high rates to women are in significant disproportion with high rates to men. Women are charged anywhere from 25-50 percent more for health insurance than men.

There are many reasons behind charging women more for health coverage, regardless of whether or not you agree, they do exist. One of the biggest reasons behind the high rates is that women visit doctors more regularly. Doctor visits during pregnancy are largely taken in to account for the frequency of visits. It is also said that women are more likely to utilize their health care coverage than men are; women are more likely to regularly attain prescription medications and are prone to more “expensive” and long term illnesses than men.

The change of heart has come with congress, within which many members have joined with health insurers and agree that the high health coverage rates to women must change to keep women as customers. Some senators have spoken out about disparity between health rates for men and women, calling it wrong and unfair. Senator John Kerry, of Massachusetts, has even introduced a bill this month to end the consideration of sex as a factor when forming health insurance policy rates.

Women in Florida should contact the Jakhotia Insurance Group for any questions on health insurance rates. We are an independent insurance agency, based locally in St. Petersburg, and we understand the health coverage concerns of Floridians. Visit our virtual insurance agency at www.jakhotia.com today for a free health insurance quote!

Do You Know How to “Summerize” Your Car?

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:09:09 -0700

You winterize your home, car, land, etc….that’s usually a no-brainer; but do you summerize your car? Just as with winter, there are provisions you should make to prepare your car for the summer to save on fuel, maintenance, care, etc. There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your car is summerized to efficiently travel in a cost-effective manner.

Routine maintenance is very important for the impending heat of the summer season. Besides things like tire inflation and alignment, keeping an eye on your oil is very important for summer. You should make sure that you have the proper kind of oil in your vehicle before it starts to get too warm. Because of the intense of heat, so cars require a special kind of oil to prevent overheating and other damages. You should also keep an eye on your cars cooling system once the warmer weather comes around. It’s a good idea to have it serviced in order to avoid costly repairs and servicing that can result due to overheating. Along the same lines, make sure to get your radiator checked as well.

If you’re planning a car trip for the summer, as many people often do, make sure you do it as efficiently as possible. Find the shortest and most fuel-efficient way you can. Also, bringing coolers full of food and drink can help you save because you won’t have to stop and buy food as often. Try to pack as light as possible in order to lighten the weight in your vehicle; this will ultimately save you money on gas.

As the warmer weather approaches, it is important to keep these things in mind. Those in Florida, especially, should take these things into consideration before the weather gets very warm. Take another look at your car insurance policy as well and make sure you are getting the best rate possible. Contact Jakhotia Insurance for a free quote on auto insurance policies. Visit our virtual insurance agency today at www.jakhotia.com!

Saving on General Liability Insurance: 5 tips for Florida Businesses

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:01:18 -0700

General liability insurance is one of the most important insurance lines for businesses to have these days. With people going “sue happy,” it is extremely important for you to protect your business from potentially crippling debt should you be faced with a lawsuit. Depending on the size of your business, general liability insurance lines can get expensive.

Here are some tips for savings:

Bundle your businesses policies
Many insurance agencies will offer a bundle package for your business insurance needs. This is a great way to save money on your insurance lines. Although you are able to purchase general liability insurance policies separate from other business related policies, agencies oftentimes offer discounts if you bundle your business lines with them. This is one of the biggest ways for businesses to save on their insurance needs.
Ask about discounts
Don’t make the mistake of assuming your insurance agency will not offer you discounts just because you are purchasing insurance for a business. Discounts are not just applicable to personal insurance lines; you may never know if you don’t ask.
Shop around
This can be said for every insurance need, but shopping around can be one of the most important money saving practices. Accepting the first decent quote you receive is never a good idea. Researching and shopping around can save you a lot of money and headaches down the line. Make sure you are getting the best coverage at the best rate; don’t just take someone’s word for it.
Get a higher deductible
The higher your deductible is, the lower your premium will be. Insurance agencies will oftentimes offer you lower deductibles so that the cost to you is lower should something happen, however this could end up becoming a hassle in the end. Be careful not to set your deductible too high or you may not have enough to cover a mishap. Go with a balance between the deductible and the premium, rather than accepting the lowest deductibles.
Practice loss prevention
Loss prevention practices are good for any business to get into. Many insurance agencies can provide you with a list of procedures you can implement within your business that can lower the cost of your insurance lines. For example, installing sprinklers and alarms can reduce the cost of your insurance because they reduce risk to your business. Also, implementing a work safety program can help to reduce costs. The more steps you take to decrease the likelihood of a claim, the more you’ll save on your business insurance lines.

Business owners in Florida should contact Jakhotia Insurance for a free quote on all business insurance needs. We have a lot of experience when it comes to general liability insurance and you can feel confident that we will provide you with comprehensive coverage at an affordable rate for your business. Visit our virtual insurance agency for more information at www.jakhotia.com or call 800.705.5435.

Florida Homeowners: Are you in an area of high risk or low risk?

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:28:07 -0700

The importance of having homeowner’s insurance is obvious to anyone who has made the huge financial investment of buying a home. Purchasing homeowner’s insurance is a heavy decision and should not be taken lightly. You need to make sure your home is covered in all aspects. An important thing to consider while purchasing homeowner’s insurance is the area in which your home is located. It is becoming increasingly difficult for those with homes in areas of “high risk” to get affordable home insurance policies.

Homeowners in Florida should pay particular attention to their homeowner’s coverage, as almost the whole state is in an area of high risk. Because of the increasing number of windstorms and natural disasters on or around the coasts of Florida, homeowners should make sure that they have enough coverage. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do include coverage for such things; however they may not be set up in a way that benefits the homeowner. One thing to pay particular attention to is the deductible of hurricane coverage. Because hurricanes have to potential to have catastrophic effects and costs to you once they hit land, you want to make sure the percent of your deductible is not too high. Another way to defray the costs of these events can be to purchase a supplemental windstorm insurance policy.

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your life time; make sure that it is protected. Contact the Jakhotia Insurance Group for a free quote for a Florida homeowner’s insurance policy by visiting our website at www.jakhotia.com or call them toll free at 800.705.5435.

Boat and Watercraft Insurance

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:29:14 -0700

As the warm weather rapidly approaches, it’s time to get excited for boating season! Boaters around the world are preparing to lower their vessels into the water and get cruising. But before you descend your boat down the ramp, review your watercraft’s insurance policy to make sure you are covered well for the upcoming season.

Revisit the market to compare policies. Make sure the price you’re paying is competitive.
Consider a higher deductible to reduce your premium costs.
Make sure your boat is not already included in your insurance homeowners or renters insurance policy
Some policies grant discounts to boaters that have passed certain safety courses and/or receive group discounts on memberships with organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
If your boat spends some of the year in storage, consider a policy that will cover it if it is damaged out of the water

Jakhotia Insurance provides Boat / Watercraft Insurance that will protect you from accidents involving your boat. Whether you’re a lifelong boater or just getting started, it’s always a good idea to take a close look at your new or existing marine policy. We can help. Fill out our quick and simple online form to learn how Jakhotia Insurance can keep you safe and secure with a marine insurance policy.

Adding to the American Dream: Saving On Your Health Insurance

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:10:43 -0800

Many people dream of being self-employed. To some, it's their American Dream. And it is pretty great: most of the time, you get to make your own rules.

The biggest drawback is the lack of group health insurance from an employer. Your spouse may be able to share benefits with you from their work, but this isn't always the case. Most self-employed people have to get an individual health policy, which can get pricey, depending on your current state of health.

Here are a few ways you can cut down on your premium costs.

Are you a member of a union, Chamber of commerce, or another type of organization? If so, check to see if they have any sort of group insurance program. You'd be surprised how many organizations do, and even if they don't - perhaps it's a point that should be brought up to them.
Do you have kids, but no spouse? If so, check to see if you're eligible for Florida's free insurance program for kids. (Check Florida's state health department website.)
Pay a high deductible, with either high co-pay or no co-pay. Then set aside money to pay for any abrupt medical expenses. This is great for people who are healthy and rarely need medical attention, because it won't kick in unless you have an emergency.
Be as healthy as you can. Eat right, exercise, and take care of yourself. If you're a smoker or a drinker, cut down. The best way to save on medical insurance is to be healthy.
Buy your health insurance through the same insurance carrier as you buy your auto or home insurance from. You can get discounts by combining policies.

These are just a few ways to save on your health insurance. Don't risk getting sick or injured - no matter how healthy you are now, no one can see what the future holds. If an emergency occurs, having adequate health coverage can save you a LOT of money.

For more information on health insurance, contact us today! We're Jakhotia Insurance, an independent insurance agency based in Tampa, Florida.

Fireplace Safety Tips for the Winter

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:10:12 -0800

Christmas is in just two days, but the cold winter weather will last for another couple of months. With that in mind, we want to remind you of a few safety tips for your fireplace.

Make sure you have a screen or guard on your fireplace. Even if you don't have children or pets running around, this basic safety measure will help keep everyone in your household safe.
a good idea to keep a small fire extinguisher somewhere near your fireplace. Hide it in a decorative cabinet if you like, but it should be there in case of an emergency.
Arrange logs in such a way that they will not be able to roll out of the grate.
Be sure you're clear on how to use the gas. Don't use too much.
Don't use gas or any other flammable materials to rekindle or light a fire; they can easily cause accidents.
Keep the damper open while gas is burning or a fire is going.
It's not a good idea to burn any kind of Christmas greenery. They can very easily spark.
Don't burn wrapping paper in the fireplace either - they can spread fires easily as well.
Make sure any ashes have cooled down before you throw them out or vacuum them up.
Don't go to sleep or leave the house until you're positive that the fire is out.

Lastly, make sure that your fire alarms have fresh batteries. For more information on fire insurance and safety, contact us today! We're Jakhotia Insurance, an independent insurance agency based in Tampa, Florida.

Finding the Ideal Roommate(s)

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:29:33 -0800

Many, many apartment or condo owners have to deal with living with a roommate. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a complete stranger, lots of people have become very frustrated and annoyed with living with someone else.

To more easily avoid becoming miserable due to an intolerable roommate, consider these factors:

• Look for a roommate that you’re very comfortable with, and go over questions, concerns, and suggestions together before you agree to become roommates. Does one of you mind parties? Do you both enjoy having guests over? What about late-night noise? What living conditions can you absolutely not live under? If there is only one bathroom, do you agree upon a getting-ready schedule? And what about chores? These are all vital things to discuss with a roommate.

• It’s very important that you and your roommate(s) completely understand the lease before signing it. You and the people you choose to live with are responsible for the lease you sign.

• Make a “house agreement.” Discuss with your roommate(s) what you expect of each other, including how rent will be paid, how utilities will be split, the etiquette of drinking, smoking, and parties, pets, allergies, visitors, parking situations, chores, etc. Once you’ve all agreed, it may seem silly, but it’s a good idea to write all of it out and have everyone sign their names. This will remind everyone that they DID agree.

Rushing into a living situation can cause massive problems. No matter how desperate you may be, don’t jump into anything too soon: take you time!

For more information on renting and renters insurance, contact us today! We’re Jakhotia Insurance, based in Tampa, Florida.

Worried About Floods? Get Your House Ready.

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:49:37 -0800

Living in a high-risk flood area is a choice. Some people willingly live in such places because those places often have a tropical feel, or perhaps their work has placed them there. Or maybe it’s just that they own that property and they feel the urge to STAY PUT, no matter what mother nature does.

Whatever the reasons, if you live in a flood-prone area and you know it, it’s always a good idea to prepare your home for the worst of floods. Here are a few things to think about:

• If you’re building your home, use water-resistant building materials.

• If your basement tends to flood, don’t bother turning it into any sort of “special” room, like a game room or guest room.

• You can stop your sewers from backing up with backflow valves or standpipes.

• Raise machines such as washers, dryers, water heaters, oil tanks, furnaces, and wiring on concrete blocks to avoid water.

• If you’re still designing your home, consider laying ceramic tiles instead of carpet on the ground floor.

• Raise your electric sockets. • For walls, use lime plaster instead of gypsum. • Replace wooden window and door frames with synthetic frames.

• The simple act of cleaning out your gutters each month can help prevent water from damaging your roof and causing leaks. The same goes for your sump pump.

• Flood alarms are cheap and will let you know if your house is gaining too much water.

Hopefully, these small tips will help prepare your home for floods. Whatever your reason for living in an easy-flood area, your home must remain protected.

To learn more about flood insurance and safety, contact us today. We’re Jakhotia Insurance, an independent agency in Tampa, Florida.

Maximizing Your Home Insurance in Tampa, FL

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:45:45 -0700

Every homeowner has to have home insurance by law, but many people buy the minimum amount that is required – which only protects the structure of the home – and don’t even think twice about it. It only takes one hurricane or thief to wipe it all out, and then those homeowners must start from ground zero.

The “must-haves” of a smart home insurance owner include liability coverage, coverage for your possessions, coverage for structure of your home, and living expense coverage. Depending on where you live and how much your home is worth, these four categories can be tailored to meet your needs, and they protect against the typical threats of natural disaster damage, theft, and lawsuits.

Very smart home insurance owners purchase an “umbrella policy,” which goes a step further and protects your home and other assets if you’re involved in situations in which your other liability insurance cannot handle the legal costs. It saves an extra million dollars in coverage costs for only a few hundred dollars per year.

If you’re unsure about what your home insurance covers, the best thing to do is to ask your agent. A few things to think about are add-ons, like flood or earthquake coverage, which are both normally not included in a homeowners policy; adding a home warranty; how much the coverage limit can replace; how you will be reimbursed for claims, and if you need separate policies if you work from home.

Finally, a great way to slice off some the cost from your policy is to keep your home very safe: install smoke alarms, dead bolts, security systems, fire extinguishers, and anything else you can think of to protect your home. Some companies also give discounts for homes that are fire resistant, new, or newly renovated. Discounts are also given by some companies for every year you have a policy with them and don’t make a claim. Good credit and/or raising your deductible can also help lower your policy cost.

The Jakhotia Group is an independent insurance agent in the Tampa, Florida area. To find out more about Tampa home insurance, contact them today.

Finding the Right Auto Insurance in Tampa, FL

Deepak Jakhotia (Jakhotia Insurance Group ) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:57:14 -0700

Purchasing auto insurance can be such a headache that many drivers decide to skip the process altogether, and just hoping wildly that they will never need it. But believe us when we say that no driver in the world is excused from accidents, and it’s important to protect your vehicle when they happen. It’s also important to know what to look for when getting auto insurance. Your insurance cost will be based on your home location, the type of vehicle you own, the number of autos you own, and the general amount that Florida asks to cover your liability.

So, you’ve just purchased a new car. Congratulations! Now it’s time to review your current policy and update it based on your new purchase. It’s always best to use a professional agent for this rather than attempting to do it yourself, since there are a number of different insurance companies with many different options for coverage. An expert can help you understand your choices very clearly and save you a lot of work and possible mistakes. Most people find that getting help from an agent is well worth the cost. Our online office, www.jakhotia.com, is easy to navigate and only takes a moment to register a quote.

Don’t decide on auto insurance based on price alone – cheapest is not always the best, even when it sounds like it is. Service and peace of mind during a bad situation are what should matter most. When buying auto insurance, you’re basically just figuring out what you need: listen for what sounds the best to you and makes you feel the most comfortable, and then work with an agent to determine a price that works for you. It’s a personal decision to choose what your property’s safety is worth to you. Once again, this is a job best suited for an agent who can carefully take you through your options.

We’re an independent, full-service insurance agency in the Tampa, FL area. To learn more, please visit www.jakhotia.com.