Kevin 's Blog

Cost Cutting Tips for Car Owners

Kevin Krueger (Capstone Insurors) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:12:16 -0500

Owning and running a car can be costly so it can pay to know how to get the most miles out of every tank of gas you pay for. There are a number of ways that you can increase your miles per gallon and also reduce the impact your vehicle has on the environment:

Check your tire pressure. Correct tire pressure reduces wear and helps fuel economy.
Have your vehicle serviced regularly. Inefficient engines can reduce fuel economy by 10 per cent or more.
Plan your route. Take the most direct route and travel at off peak times to save fuel and time.
Obey the speed limits. Driving slower uses less fuel. Also, try for a smoother driving style as that also results in significant fuel saving.
Reduce the ‘drag' factor. Remove roof racks and carriers when they are not in use as well as any unnecessary trunk luggage and heavy accessories.
Don't drive with the window open and use air conditioning at the same time. It lowers fuel economy and creates drag, so use the vent settings instead.
Turn off your engine. If you get stuck in traffic, switch it off. Also, don't keep it running while you are waiting for something or somebody. It uses less fuel to switch it back on than to keep it running.

Contact Capstone Insurors for a free analysis of your current auto coverage or for a quote on your next!

Health Coverage for College Grads

Kevin Krueger (Capstone Insurors) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:27:46 -0500

Graduating from college is a huge accomplishment. In fact in 2007 only 29% of all Americans had earned a bachelor’s degree. So attaining a college degree puts you in a pretty exclusive club and hopefully, better prepares you for the exciting life ahead. One downside to leaving the campus and entering the “real world” is losing your school sponsored health insurance benefits. So what is a new grad to do?

Unless you have a job lined up that offers benefits, you will need to find a way to cover yourself. Sure it’s easy to opt out of health coverage as you are probably a young healthy kid. But this is not a wise decision.

While you are in search of a new career, you can get health benefits through COBRA, although it may come at a high cost. You can also consider going out and finding your own coverage. By utilizing the resources of Capstone Insurors, an independent insurance agency, you can shop the top carriers in the country to find you health coverage that is affordable and reliable. Our dedicated agents will take the time to find you a policy that you are comfortable with.

Contact us today or visit our virtual insurance office, at http://www.capstoneins.com

Kids Off to College? Look at Your Homeowners Insurance

Kevin Krueger (Capstone Insurors) — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:58:03 -0500

Students across the country are gearing up for high school graduation in anticipation of their last summer before college. Parents are beginning to fret about how their kids will hold up on a university campus – whether they will eat right, get enough sleep, study for tests, and stay away from the beer pong table. These are issues we can’t really help you with, unfortunately, but we can suggest a few things regarding insurance that may help you out.

If you’re student decides to stay on campus and live in a dorm or another form of university housing, their possessions will be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. Most new college students are hooked-up with laptops, stereos, maybe a TV and a mini-fridge, and these things need to insured. With the prevalence of thefts occurring on college campuses, making certain that these valuables are protected is essential. If your child decides to move off campus, your homeowners policy will not cover their possessions and they will probably need to look into a renters policy.

Capstone Insurors is your local independent insurance agency specializing in personal products such as Missouri homeowners insurance and auto insurance. If you have a child heading to college in a few months, contact your dedicated agent and let them know. You may need to make some changes to your policies. Also, if you feel you’re paying too much for insurance, contact us today and we’ll help you find a more affordable plan.

Tail-Gaiting Safety and Auto Insurance

Kevin Krueger (Capstone Insurors) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:40:02 -0500

Nothing beats heading to a football game on a brisk Sunday afternoon or a baseball game on a Friday night after a long work-week. The sights, sounds, and smells create a feeling reminiscent of being young again, cheering on your team. But stadiums can be a dangerous place, especially with close to 100,000 people cramming into one building. But there is an unexpected danger that plagues stadiums nationwide, year after year – charcoaled cars.

Tailgating is a big part of pre-game festivities at professional sporting events. Whether it is beers on the back of your pick-up, a game of touch football, or burgers on the grill, partying before the big game is a must.

Unfortunately, for a few fans every year, tail-gaiting turns into a nightmare after the game. Often times, the pre-game madness isn’t adequately cleaned up prior to game time and cars are destroyed. More specifically, hot coals are pushed under cars, left in the bed of a pick-up truck, or dumped in a parking-lot trash can causing cars and trucks to go up in flames. Fans rush out of the stadium in search of their vehicles only to find it surrounded by police tape and firefighters.

Capstone Insurors encourages sports fans to practice safe tail-gaiting all season long. Avoid behaviors and habits that will cause injuries and acts of destruction. It will make for a more enjoyable event and will keep you from making that dreaded call to your insurance carrier.

If you need an auto insurance policy or a review of your old one, contact Capstone Insurors today or visit our virtual insurance office for a free Missouri auto insurance quote.

Avoid Homeowners Claims, Grill Safe!!

Kevin Krueger (Capstone Insurors) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:17:37 -0500

With the onset of spring and the summer season around the corner, BBQ-ers across the country are cleaning out their grills and gearing up for the warm weather. There is no better smell than that created by a steak charring above red hot coals or a rack of ribs melting in the smoker. But while you prepare for the weekend BBQ’s, educate yourself on the dangers created by outdoor grilling so you can avoid any potential disasters.

Barbeque grills, smokers and fryers should be kept level and away from the house, garage, landscaping, and children.
Protect yourself while grilling with gloves and aprons.
Make sure the gas cylinder is always stored outside and away from your house. Make sure the valves are turned off when you are not using them. Check regularly for leaks in the connections using a soap and water mix that will show bubbles where gas escapes.
Always use the proper fire starting liquids. Supplementing one fire starter for another.
Dispose of hot charcoals responsibly. Soak with water before throwing away.
Grills remain hot long after barbequing, so be careful with it.

Capstone Insurors encourages you to practice safe BBQ habits this spring and summer season to avoid any accidents and MO homeowners insurance claims on your home. But it is very important to secure a comprehensive insurance plan to protect you in the event of an accident. Contact Capstone Insurors today to get your Missouri home protected.

Recent Job Change? Take Another Look At Your Homeowners Insurance.

Kevin Krueger (Capstone Insurors) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:20:09 -0500

Chances are, if you are a working adult, your insurance is provided through your employer. Often, businesses offer their employees a benefits package which typically includes health and disability insurance. Larger companies may choose to include retirement benefits, such as 401(k) accounts. If you have recently changed jobs, you may want to look into rearranging your coverage and finding out which accounts you coverage you can hold onto, and which coverage you may have to let go. A new job can mean more than just a change in your pay and lifestyle: it may also mean a change in your insurance.

A change in jobs can have various impacts on your homeowner’s insurance coverage. You may have recently taken a job in which you work out of your home. Nowadays, many companies are now becoming quite flexible with their employee's work schedules- allowing them the freedom to go at their own pace and in their own environment. Although your employer may provide equipment, such as a laptop or a fax machine, these items may not be covered under your employer’s insurance policy- or your standard homeowners insurance. Additionally, if you are self-employed or work as a consultant, obtaining professional liability coverage would be a good option. And if vendors or clients frequently stop by your home?: A home business or small business policy may be necessary.

If you have recently changed jobs, and want to ensure that you are protected, make sure that you take another look at your insurance options. With your new job, may come necessary changes to your existing coverage, or the need to purchase more insurance to meet the obligations of your new position. If you are confused about your next steps, Capstone Insurors can make it easy to find what you need. We are an independent insurance agency located in Missouri. For more information: you can call our offices at 1.800.861.4127, or get a free homeowners insurance quote from our Virtual Insurance Office at www.capstoneins.com.

Lost Your Employee Benefits? Consider Investing In Individual Health and Life Insurance.

Kevin Krueger (Capstone Insurors) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:56:25 -0500

In February, the Labor Department announced that the U.S. jobless rate rose to 8.1 percent, the highest it has been in 25 years. Job losses have now exceeded 600,000 for three straight months, the first time that’s happened since collection of data began in 1939.

Based on our current economic climate, chances are high that you may have recently switched jobs or experienced a significant change in your salary. If you had employee benefits through your former employer, and your new employer does not provide you with equivalent protection, it may be beneficial for you to look into purchasing individual health and life insurance coverage.

You may feel that individual health and live plans may be too expensive for you to justify. Popular thought says that these plans cost more than their worth. Yet- there is truly no replacement for having protection for possible illness or an unexpected death. Additionally, investing in health and life coverage may be less expensive than you think- and you may qualify for discounts that you may be unaware of.

The only way to protect yourself and your family now, and throughout your future, is to invest in health and life insurance. Visit Capstone Insurors at http://www.capstoneins.com/ now to learn more about your insurance options, and to get a free quote.

Excess Liability for Businesses: A Little Protection Goes a LONG Way

Kevin Krueger (Capstone Insurors) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:07:14 -0600

You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your business. You may have a general liability policy, but depending on what your company does, you may want to consider a commercial excess liability policy. Sometimes, general liability just does not cover everything. Some accidents or situations are so big that they need a little boost.

All businesses are vulnerable. Restaurants are subject to food poisoning, contractors are subject to many types of accidents, and even tame offices can have monumental injuries. Excess liability is a safety net that doesn't cost very much and adds a lot of peace of mind. Plus, if you ever have a large accident or an ongoing lawsuit, an excess liability policy will step in to cover those extra expenses.

It only takes one accident or situation to devastate an entire business. Don't risk losing everything you've worked for. Our excess liability for businesses take your general liability one step further, giving you additional protection from lawsuits and losses.

For more information on commercial excess liability insurance for businesses, contact us today! We're Capstone Insurors, an independent insurance agency based in Bolivar, Missouri.

Mixing Work & Working Out: Wellness Incentive Programs

Kevin Krueger (Capstone Insurors) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:46:14 -0600

More and more companies are welcoming wellness incenetive programs, especially for the upcoming new year. Wellness incentive programs have proven to be extremely beneficial for the health of large companies' employees.

The programs will reward their employees for exercising with money and occasionally "prizes" like iPods, laptops, and gift cards - even frequent flier programs. The idea is to cut down on employee sick days as well as health care costs.

Here are a few testimonials from companies who have been encouraging their employees to "get wealthy and healthy":

"I am so blessed to work for a company that does a wellness incentive program. I have lost 25 pounds and I just feel better." - Sara, CA

"It's not just that I'm looking and feeling better, it's just fun to hang out with my co-workers each day. We get to catch up and laugh together. It's like working out with your buddies." - Brandon, MO

"It was really hard to try to go to the gym before or after work, but working out AT work...works!" - Lydia, KY

"It eliminates that ‘middle-of-the-day' feeling where you're so sleepy you just can't concentrate. I'm actually more full of energy than I've ever been in my life, even when I was a teenager." - Peter, CA

To learn more about our wellness incentive programs, contact us today! We're Capstone Insurors, based in Bolivar, Missouri.

Ten Questions to Ask When Purchasing Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Kevin Krueger (Capstone Insurors) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:15:13 -0600

Your homeowners insurance policy should be very clear to you. After all, it’s what is protecting you and your home. You should know exactly what is and what is not covered. Some may be a no-brainer to you, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t ask their agents some very important things.

Be sure you know the answers to the following ten questions:

1. How much of my personal possessions are protected?
2. Do you offer a new home/renovation discount?
3. What kind of discounts can I get for security systems?
4. Does my policy offer mortgage payment protection?
5. How much can I save by raising my deductible?
6. Is there a local claims department?
7. If everything I own was wiped out, would my coverage pay to rebuild and/or replace my belongings?
8. Should I get flood insurance?
9. Can I combine policies with you?
10. Will my coverage grow with the value of my home?

Knowing the answers to these ten questions will help inform you on your homeowners policy. They will point out areas that you may not even have known you needed to know.

More questions about homeowners insurance? Call us today! We’re Capstone Insurors, based in Bolivar, Missouri.

Why is My Auto Insurance So Expensive?

Kevin Krueger (Capstone Insurors) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:06:17 -0600

Do you ever wonder why your auto insurance is so pricey? It’s especially easy to notice from state to state. One location will be $700 a month; another as low as $70. Here are a few of the things that factor into the expense of your auto insurance policy.

Age. This plays a bigger part in the cost than you’d think. Car owners under 25 pay the highest premiums of any age group when it comes to auto insurance. Why? Because the records show that younger people are less careful and more reckless when they drive.

Car Characteristics. Expensive cars are more expensive to insure. The make and model, price, and year your vehicle was made will have an effect on your insurance cost.

Mileage. The more you drive, the higher your insurance will be. A driver who only puts 6,000 miles on their car per year won’t have to pay nearly as much. Why? The less you drive, the less likely you are to be involved in an accident.

Geography. Where you live will have a part in how much your insurance costs. We factor in risks like areas that are high in theft rates and collisions, as well as weather.

Car Safety Features. Anti-lock brakes, protection devices, and alarms can help lower your insurance costs. Demographics. Things like your marital status, job, and educational attainment are some of the factors that can effect your auto policy cost.

Multiple Drivers/Vehicles. Insuring more than one driver or autos will influence your insurance cost.

Credit Score. If you have a high credit score, your premiums will be lower.

Your Deductible. Raising your deductible can lower your premiums. While there are many things that will influence your insurance costs, these are the basics.

Take a look and make sure you’re getting the discounts you deserve. We’re Capstone Insurors, an independent insurance agency based in Bolivar, Missouri. To learn more about auto insurance, contact us today!