Navigating Insurance Issues in the Sharing Economy

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The sharing economy has transformed industries and consumer behaviors, creating new opportunities and challenges. As individuals increasingly participate in platforms like Airbnb, Uber, and TaskRabbit, the landscape of traditional insurance has had to adapt to accommodate this evolving economic model. The integration of sharing economy services into daily life has given rise to a myriad of insurance concerns, prompting a reevaluation of existing policies and the development of innovative solutions.

The Rise of the Sharing Economy

The sharing economy, characterized by peer-to-peer exchanges of goods and services, has gained widespread popularity due to its cost-effectiveness, convenience, and flexibility. Platforms like Airbnb and Uber have revolutionized accommodation and transportation respectively, allowing individuals to leverage their underutilized resources to generate income. However, this new economic paradigm has brought forth several insurance-related challenges that need to be addressed.

Insurance Gaps and Coverage Limitations

One of the primary issues in the sharing economy is the potential gap in insurance coverage. Traditional insurance policies, designed for personal use, may not adequately protect individuals engaging in commercial activities within the sharing economy. For instance, a homeowner’s insurance policy might not cover damages caused by a guest staying through Airbnb. Similarly, personal auto insurance policies might not provide coverage during ride-sharing activities.

These gaps in coverage have prompted sharing economy platforms to develop their own insurance policies. For instance, ride-sharing platforms often provide liability coverage for drivers during active rides. However, these policies are typically contingent on certain conditions being met, such as the ride being booked through the app and the driver not deviating from the designated route. These limitations can still leave participants vulnerable in certain scenarios.

Regulatory Challenges

The sharing economy operates across national and local boundaries, making it difficult to establish consistent regulations and insurance standards. Insurance regulations can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another, creating a complex landscape for sharing economy platforms to navigate. This lack of uniformity can result in confusion for both providers and consumers, and it can also hinder the development of comprehensive insurance solutions.

Innovations in Insurance Solutions

Recognizing the need to address these insurance gaps, companies and policymakers have started exploring innovative solutions. Some sharing economy platforms have partnered with insurance providers to offer hybrid policies that cover both personal and commercial activities. These policies aim to bridge the gap between traditional insurance and the unique risks associated with the sharing economy.

The sharing economy has undoubtedly brought about transformative changes to how we access goods and services. However, it has also exposed gaps and limitations in traditional insurance models. To fully realize the potential of the sharing economy while safeguarding the interests of all participants, a collaborative effort involving sharing economy platforms, insurance providers, regulators, and consumers is necessary. By addressing insurance issues head-on, we can create a safer and more inclusive environment for this new economic paradigm to thrive.

 

Questions You Should Ask Yourself About Your Personal Insurance

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Everyone needs some level of personal insurance. Most purchase auto insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, life insurance, and maybe personal umbrella coverage. There are some many choices that at times you may wonder which is best for you and your family.  We put together a list of questions you might think about as you consider your personal insurance. We always recommend you review your personal insurance annually to make sure it is still meeting your needs.

Do Agents Offer Something Different?

We would answer that as a yes because agents have access to different kinds of insurance companies, they offer you a choice and work to provide the best possible combination of coverage price and service. Agents are a small business whose goal is to look out after their clients.

If I Rent, Do I Still Need Insurance?

Renters should purchase renters insurance to protect their personal property like; furniture, guns, electronics, and clothes. Your apartment owner may also require liability coverage, which can be included in renters insurance. Renters’ insurance is very affordable and can be an effective way to make sure you are covered in the event of a loss.

Does The Type Of Vehicle Affect My Auto Premiums?

Yes. The make and model of the car you drive play a factor in your car insurance rates. The cost of your vehicle also makes a big difference; the more it costs to repair or replace your vehicle, the more you will pay to insure it.

Are There Auto Insurance Discounts?

Many insurance carriers offer lower rates to good students, military personnel and people with excellent credit. Ask your agent what discounts are available.

Will a Parking Ticket Affect My Auto Insurance Premiums?

Not usually. You can generally have one ticket on your history without it adversely affecting your premium.

When Should I Consider Life Insurance?

You might consider life insurance when you get married or start having children. Some employers offer a small amount of life insurance, but these plans generally are not enough. Life insurance can provide peace of mind to loved ones in the event of an untimely death of a breadwinner. Life insurance proceeds can be used to fund college, pay for outstanding bills, to supplement lost income for a period of time.

Life insurance premiums are at all-time lows, so it can be a very cost-effective financial planning tool.

Is A Personal umbrella Policy important?

Most of us engage in daily activities that put us in danger. Your danger of being sued increases if you own a car or an automobile. Many Americans only purchase vehicle liability insurance for $300,000 and homeowners’ liability insurance for no more than $300,000. A personal umbrella policy can give you an extra $1 million in liability protection.

I Am Remolding My Home. Do I Need To Adjust My Insurance?

If your insurance is written on a replacement cost basis, there may be no need to make adjustments, but we always recommend you contact your agent to review this question. The answer depends on the kind of work you are doing. For example, if you are replacing your carpet with a similar product, you may not need to make any changes in your policy. But if you are adding a 500-foot addition on to your home, then this would definitely require adjustments in the value of your home.

For example, say your insurance valuation is based on a kitchen with laminate countertops and generic cabinets. But then you spend $60,000 on granite countertops, custom cabinets, and top-of-the-line appliances. Would your existing coverage be sufficient to rebuild your remodeled kitchen after a loss? Most likely, you would have an issue.

Before entering any renovation project, contact your agent; they can help you identify which areas may require insurance updates.

I Have A Home-Based Business. Should I Get Additional Insurance?

Homeowners or renters insurance policies do not cover any business risks. If you run a business out of your home, we recommend you purchase a business insurance policy. If you have customers in your home for business purposes, your home insurance does not provide any coverage.  Depending on the type of business, coverage may be added to your existing homeowner’s policy through a rider or endorsement.

I Just Bought A Personal Watercraft. Is That Covered?

Unlike small boats, personal watercraft are not generally covered by your homeowners. This would include; bodily injury to you, an uninsured watercraft operator causing that. The legal costs if you’re sued due to an accident.  And any damage to the personal watercraft you own.

 

Effective Ways to Reduce Car Insurance Premiums

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Car insurance premiums can often feel like an unavoidable expense, but there are several strategies you can employ to help reduce the cost. By taking proactive steps and making informed decisions, you can potentially save a significant amount of money on your car insurance.

Compare Multiple Insurance Quotes

One of the most important steps to lowering your car insurance premiums is to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers. Prices can vary significantly between companies, so take the time to research and obtain quotes from multiple insurers. Online comparison tools and independent insurance agents can be valuable resources in this process. By comparing different options, you can find the best coverage at a more affordable price.

Increase Deductibles

Your deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible can lead to lower premium costs. However, it’s essential to ensure that you have enough savings to cover the deductible in case of an accident. By increasing your deductibles, you demonstrate to the insurer that you are taking on more risk, resulting in a reduced premium.

Maintain a Good Driving Record

Your driving record plays a crucial role in determining your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies typically reward drivers with clean records and charge higher rates for those with accidents or traffic violations. To reduce your premiums, prioritize safe driving habits, obey traffic laws, and avoid at-fault accidents. Some insurers even offer discounts for completing defensive driving courses, so consider enrolling in one to improve your driving skills and potentially save money.

Take Advantage of Discounts

Insurance providers often offer various discounts that can help lower your premiums. These discounts can vary between companies, but common ones include multi-policy discounts (bundling your car insurance with other policies like home insurance), good student discounts, low-mileage discounts, and discounts for safety features such as anti-theft devices or anti-lock brakes. Check with your insurance provider to see which discounts you may qualify for and take advantage of them to reduce your premiums.

Consider Your Car’s Value and Coverage

The type of car you drive and the coverage you select have a significant impact on your insurance premiums. Expensive or high-performance vehicles typically come with higher insurance costs. If you’re looking to save money, consider purchasing a car with good safety ratings and lower repair costs. Additionally, evaluate your coverage options carefully to ensure you’re not over insured. For older vehicles, it may be beneficial to drop collision or comprehensive coverage, especially if the premiums exceed the vehicle’s value.

While car insurance is a necessary expense, it’s essential to explore ways to reduce your premiums without compromising on coverage. By comparing quotes, increasing deductibles, maintaining a good driving record, taking advantage of discounts, and considering your car’s value and coverage needs, you can effectively lower your car insurance costs. Remember to regularly review your policy and make adjustments as necessary to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money

What Kind Of Vehicles Are Covered under A Commercial Auto Policy?

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Commercial Auto Insurance

If you own a business that uses vehicles, it’s essential to have a commercial auto policy to protect your company and your employees. Commercial auto policies cover a variety of vehicles used for business purposes, ranging from company cars to heavy-duty trucks. Here are the types of vehicles typically covered under a commercial auto policy:

Cars and vans: Commercial auto policies cover standard cars and vans that your business owns, leases, or rents. These vehicles are typically used for transporting employees, making deliveries, and running errands for the business.

Trucks: Commercial auto policies also cover a variety of trucks, including pickup trucks, box trucks, and tow trucks. These vehicles are commonly used for hauling equipment, transporting goods, and towing other vehicles.

Trailers: If your business uses trailers to transport goods or equipment, they can also be covered under your commercial auto policy. This includes both enclosed and open trailers, as well as flatbeds and other specialized trailers.

Buses: Businesses that transport people, such as shuttle services or tour companies, often use buses. These vehicles can also be covered under a commercial auto policy.

Heavy-duty vehicles: Construction companies, landscapers, and other businesses that use heavy-duty vehicles such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators can also have them covered under a commercial auto policy.

It’s essential to note that commercial auto policies often have different coverage levels than personal auto policies. For example, a commercial auto policy may have higher liability limits, as businesses typically have more assets to protect. It’s also essential to ensure that all drivers who operate covered vehicles are listed on the policy.

In conclusion, a commercial auto policy covers a wide range of vehicles used for business purposes. It’s crucial to work with an experienced insurance agent to determine the appropriate coverage levels for your business’s needs and ensure that all vehicles and drivers are appropriately covered.

Commercial business insurance provides wide-ranging protection for businesses and their subsidiaries under a single policy. There are various types of commercial business insurance that takes care of property, liability and workers’ compensation, to name a few. While property insurance covers damages to business property and products stored within the premises; liability insurance provides coverage for damages to third parties; and commercial auto insurance covers your vehicles.

We know how to develop and maintain insurance and risk management programs that are comprehensive and cost-effective.

Dedicated service and knowledge have kept our clients feeling secure about who is handling their insurance needs. We know that different businesses have different commercial vehicle insurance needs. By offering flexible policies from various insurance carriers, we provide you with the assurance that your policies are the best available in today’s market.

As a business owner, you have enough on your mind without having to worry about your insurance needs. You want to have the confidence that the business you’ve built is covered by a company that understands your business insurance needs.

Commercial business insurance is an important aspect of any business that cannot be ignored especially if the business premises are leased or rented and even otherwise. Whatever your commercial insurance needs, we can design a protection program that’s right for you.

Low-Cost Insurance Is Not Better Insurance

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Insurance is a necessary expense for many people. Whether it’s health insurance, car insurance, or home insurance, having coverage can give you peace of mind and protect you from financial ruin in the event of an accident or unexpected event. However, not all insurance policies are created equal, and opting for the cheapest option may not always be the best choice. In fact, cheaper insurance is often not better insurance. Here are some reasons why.

Lower Coverage Limits

One of the main ways insurance companies can offer cheaper rates is by offering lower coverage limits. Coverage limits are the maximum amount of money an insurance company will pay out for a claim. If you opt for cheaper insurance, you may be getting lower coverage limits, which means you may not be fully covered in the event of a major accident or unexpected event. This can leave you with significant out-of-pocket expenses that you may not be able to afford.

Higher Deductibles

Another way insurance companies can offer cheaper rates is by increasing the deductible – the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. While a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, it also means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket before your insurance company starts covering the cost of damages. This can be a burden, especially if you’re already struggling to make ends meet.

Exclusions and Limitations

Cheaper insurance policies may also come with exclusions and limitations that can limit your coverage. For example, some health insurance policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or limit coverage for certain medical treatments. Car insurance policies may exclude coverage for certain types of accidents or limit coverage for damages to your vehicle. These exclusions and limitations can leave you with significant gaps in coverage that can leave you vulnerable to financial loss.

Poor Customer Service

Cheaper insurance policies may also come with poor customer service. Insurance companies that offer cheap rates often need more resources to invest in customer service, which can lead to long wait times, unhelpful representatives, and delayed claims processing. This can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you need to file a claim in a hurry.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest insurance policy available, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks of doing so. Cheaper insurance policies may offer lower coverage limits, higher deductibles, exclusions and limitations, poor customer service, and less comprehensive coverage. Instead, it’s important to shop around for insurance policies that offer the right balance of coverage and affordability. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re fully protected in the event of an accident or unexpected event without breaking the bank.

How Agents Should Serve Their Customers

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In today’s fast-paced business world, providing excellent customer service is more important than ever. With so many options available to consumers, businesses must strive to provide exceptional service to keep their customers happy and loyal. Here are four keys to customer service that can help businesses stand out in a competitive marketplace:

Listen to your customers:

The first key to great customer service is listening to your customers. When customers feel like they are being heard and understood, they are more likely to become loyal customers. Make sure you are actively listening to your customers, whether they are complaining or praising your business. Respond to their concerns and provide solutions to their problems. This will show your customers that you value their feedback and are committed to providing excellent service.

Be responsive:

Customers expect businesses to be responsive to their needs. When customers reach out to your business, whether it’s through email, social media, or phone, respond as quickly as possible. Even if you don’t have an immediate solution to their problem, let them know that you are working on it and will get back to them as soon as possible. Being responsive shows that you care about your customers and are committed to providing excellent service.

Personalize your interactions:

Customers appreciate personalized interactions with businesses. When you personalize your interactions, you show your customers that you care about them as individuals, not just as customers. Use your customers’ names when you communicate with them, and remember their preferences and past interactions with your business. This will help you provide a more personalized experience that will make your customers feel valued and appreciated.

Go above and beyond:

To truly stand out in the marketplace, businesses must go above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. This means anticipating your customers’ needs and providing solutions before they even ask. It also means providing unexpected perks and rewards to show your customers that you value their business. Going above and beyond can help you build strong relationships with your customers and turn them into loyal advocates for your business.

In conclusion, providing excellent customer service is essential for businesses that want to stand out in a competitive marketplace. By listening to your customers, being responsive, personalizing your interactions, and going above and beyond, you can create a customer service experience that will make your customers feel valued and appreciated.

How To Get The Most Out of Your Home and Auto Insurance

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With the beginning of a new year, it is important to review your home and auto insurance policies to ensure you are getting the most out of them. To begin this process, here are some questions you should ask when reviewing your policies; “What is and is not covered with my policies?”  “Do I need to add any new family members or vehicles to my policies?”  “What are my deductible amounts?”  “Am I taking advantage of all available discounts?” “Is my coverage adequate enough to cover a loss should I have one?”

The following information will help guide you through some of these key questions for getting the most out of your home and auto insurance.

  • Review Your Policy- Make Sure You Are Aware of What Is and Is Not Covered

It is essential to review your home and auto insurance policies to make sure you are aware of exactly what is and is not covered. Different policies cover different things, so it is best to read the entire policy to understand what is included. Depending on where you live and the type of coverage that you have purchased, there may be certain geographical limitations or exclusions related to certain types of damage such as flooding or earthquakes. Additionally, many policies will also list out any items that are not covered under your policy such as high-value items like jewelry or expensive electronics. By understanding exactly what is and is not covered with a policy can help prevent any unpleasant surprises if something were to happen down the line.

When reviewing your current home and auto insurance policies, it is also important to consider additional optional coverage that could be beneficial for you in 2023. This will be based on your changing needs or circumstances – especially when it comes to new vehicles added over the past year. Optional add-on coverage options can provide extra protection from specific risks not otherwise provided by standard coverage, like roadside assistance packages or rental car reimbursement, should an accident occur away from home. It is always worth considering these additional coverage options since they often come with minimal cost, but they can offer tremendous peace of mind knowing that all bases are covered should anything unfortunate arise during 2023!

  • Add Any New Family Members or Vehicles to Your Policy

Adding any new family members or vehicles to your policy is a crucial step in getting the most out of your home and auto insurance.

If you have purchased a new car, it is important to include it on your policy as soon as possible so that you can enjoy the full benefits of coverage right away. Typically, this involves providing details such as make and model information, VIN numbers, and registration data. These details will ensure a smoother process when adding a vehicle to an existing policy!

For any newly added family members (spouse/children), you may need to update certain aspects of your policies, such as personal liability limits and increased medical payments should they be involved in an accident. It is also worth considering adding them onto the same auto insurance plan since doing so often results in discounted rates due to economies of scale associated with multi-car policies.

  • Check Your Deductibles To Make Sure They Are Still Appropriate

When reviewing your home and auto insurance policies, it is important to check and make sure that the deductibles are still appropriate for your needs. Having a deductible that is too low can put you at risk of losing out on potential savings if you need to file a claim. However, having a deductible that is too high could leave you facing hefty costs in the event of an accident or damage. It is best to review the amount of deductible currently listed with each policy and compare it against any changes in your financial situation over the past year. If either has changed significantly, then it may be worth considering adjusting deductibles accordingly, so they better reflect current circumstances while also allowing for maximum savings when filing claims down the line.

Ultimately taking advantage of all applicable deductions can help ensure adequate coverage while keeping costs manageable throughout 2023 and beyond.

  • Confirm That You Are Taking Advantage of All Available Discounts

It is advisable to investigate available discounts as well when checking deductibles since these could help lower overall premiums further. It is important to make sure you are taking full advantage of all the discounts available when it comes to your home and auto insurance policies. Some of these may include discounts for having multiple policies with one insurer, being a part of certain organizations like alumni associations or professional societies, or even having certain safety features installed in your vehicle. Taking advantage of any applicable deductions can offer significant savings on premiums while still providing adequate coverage should something unfortunate arise during 2023!

It is also worth confirming if there are additional discounts that could be applied towards specific coverages such as roadside assistance packages or rental car reimbursement should an accident occur away from home. Additionally, many insurers now offer preferred driver discount programs designed to reward safe driving habits with discounted rates, so even if you have been involved in a few accidents over the past year—this could still provide some relief when it comes time to renew your policy in 2023. Ultimately exploring all potential deductions and discounts before signing up for new policies each year can help ensure maximum savings while also protecting yourself and your loved ones against unforeseen risks throughout the year.

  • Review Your Coverage Limits To Ensure They Are Still Adequate

It is important to review your coverage limits and ensure they are still adequate for your needs. This means confirming that the amount of liability protection you have is high enough, as well as any other coverages such as medical payments or rental car reimbursement should an accident occur away from home. It is also worth considering increasing these limits if possible since doing so can often result in lower premiums due to economies of scale associated with higher-value policies. Also, having adequate coverage offers more peace of mind knowing that greater financial protection is available against unforeseen risks during 2023.

 

The Lowest Priced Insurance Is Usually Not The Best

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You may not be aware of all the underlying aspects that influence the cost of your insurance coverage. You might question why insurance is so expensive when attempting to compare prices. Prices might vary greatly from one company to another. Why, after all, is insurance so pricey when the person who appears to possess exactly the identical attributes as you spend far less for the same kind of vehicle or residence? This is the kind of thinking we would like you to think about moving away from. We want to offer a different way of thinking about insurance.

  1. Insurance is not a commodity. It is a relationship between you, your agent, and the insurer. The agent can be your partner, helping you understand coverage, price, and services offered.
  2. Insurance coverage can be changed or modified. The job of the agent is to understand your risk and concerns and then offer solutions.

The main reason low-cost insurance may not be correct is that it will almost always offer less coverage, higher deductibles, and offer little or no service.

What Makes Up A High-Value Insurance Program?

  • An insurance policy that will respond to your risks when a loss occurs.
  • The extra services are offered by the insurer at no cost to you.
  • The knowledge and expertise of the agent. The agent is your key to a high-value advantage.
  • The agent is the one who helps you identify your risks and designs a policy specifically for you. The agent will be there to help you manage a claim and to educate you.
  • Your agent increases your insurance value by helping you understand why the premiums differ.

 Personal service combined with depth of knowledge in the insurance marketplace and access to a wide range of carriers is the combination of factors that sets Oakwood Insurance apart from its competitors. We not only work in the north metro, but it’s also our home. We strive to support the vibrancy and growth of this community. We want it to thrive, and we want you to thrive. We will review your insurance coverage and help you understand what you have, and ensure that it’s the best fit for your goals.

What Kind Of Personal Insurance Do I Need?

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You put a lot of effort into building valuable assets and supporting your family’s lifestyle. When things go wrong, personal insurance can assist in safeguarding those assets and offer protection in the case of your dying. Allow our insurance specialists to examine your situation and establish the coverage and plans that are best for you and your family.

Home Insurance

Protect your investment in your home with the right kind of insurance. You may protect your house and your things with home insurance. You’ve worked hard for what you have. Therefore it’s crucial to be protected properly. There are numerous possibilities for what your property’s house insurance can cover. We can assist you in ensuring that everything is handled.

Flood Insurance

Most homeowners’ policies do not cover flood risk. Even if you are not in a flood zone, certain events can also cause damage to your home. Flood insurance is a useful addition to any homeowners, renters, and condo owners/renters policy.

Auto Insurance

Automobile insurance helps you deal with probable financial losses, damages, or injuries associated with cars. It aids in defending you, your passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, property, and your automobile. Additionally, auto insurance might shield you from lawsuits resulting from vehicle accidents. To assist you in finding the best value for money and coverage, we will give you rates from various insurance providers. We’ll thoroughly lay out your alternatives so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance’s primary purpose is to shield you from the financial responsibility of legal claims. There is typically a cap on the coverage per accident with liability insurance policies for vehicles, ranging from $300,000 to $500,000. However, the cost of a lawsuit can exceed millions of dollars. Your other financial assets can be protected by an umbrella policy’s coverage, and you can avoid being sued for losses that other insurance doesn’t cover.

Personal service combined with depth of knowledge in the insurance marketplace, and access to a wide range of carriers is the combination of factors that sets Oakwood Insurance apart from its competitors. We not only work in the north metro, but it’s also our home. We strive to support the vibrancy and growth of this community. We want it to thrive, and we want you to thrive. We will review your insurance coverage and help you understand what you have and ensure that it’s the best fit for your goals.

Does Bundling My Home And Auto insurance Really Save Money?

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Buying your house and auto insurance from the same company is a simple and effective approach to saving money on insurance. This option is called “bundling,” and it allows you to save money by purchasing many policies from the same insurer.

The following are some of the reasons to bundle your house and auto insurance:

  • Savings have increased. Depending on the personal insurance company and where you live, a multi-policy discount might offer savings.
  • Insurance protection. Having other policies with the same insurance company can reduce the possibility of your personal insurer canceling you if you’ve made vehicle insurance claims or received fines.
  • Having only one agent to handle all your personal insurance needs can reduce un-insured claims.
  • Policy administration can be simplified. When many policies are issued by the same organization, managing them should be easier.

Bundling isn’t always the best option. While most companies give discounts for purchasing multiple items, there are numerous other aspects to consider. Switching your vehicle and house insurance or choosing a new carrier for cost reductions alone may not be the best rationale.

Before you make the switch, make sure you’ll actually save money. Any differences from your present coverage should also be noted. You may have us shop around for the best coverage and pricing once you know what your savings and options are.

Personal service combined with depth of knowledge in the insurance marketplace, and access to a wide range of carriers is the combination of factors that sets Oakwood Insurance apart from its competitors. We not only work in the north metro, but it’s also our home. We strive to support the vibrancy and growth of this community. We want it to thrive, and we want you to thrive. We will review your insurance coverage and help you understand what you have and ensure that it’s the best fit for your goals.