Summer Fun! Cookouts, Fireworks, Family, and FIRE!

At Brew City Insurance it is our mission to offer customers a truly exceptional insurance buying experience. We provide our customers with the knowledge to choose the best possible insurance products that fulfill their wants and needs. Our friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff will help inspire, problem-solve, and best of all EDUCATE our customers so they can choose the coverage that best fits at a reasonable price.

Independence Day celebrations almost always include Cookouts, Fireworks, Friends and Family!  Here are a few safety tips to keep your gatherings safe and fun-filled. Summertime is in full swing and as we saw on July 4th, we all love to celebrate our nation’s freedom with friends, family, fun, and that usual “dangerous” tradition—fireworks. What a spectacular way to commemorate Independence Day. Honestly - it's best to leave fireworks to the PROFESSIONALS!! Here is a link to the fireworks in southeastern Wisconsin.  The truth is that thousands of people are injured each year and some have even died as a result of fireworks accidents. Of course, you're far more likely to blow your hand off with an explosive than actually kill yourself. There were around 10,500 emergency-room visits in 2014 due to fireworks-related injuries and there's been no statistically significant shift since 1999, the data show.  Fireworks and Sparklers: Adhere to your local laws regarding home fireworks use!  Wisconsin law says it is okay to use things like small sparklers, toy snakes, and stationary cones. But things like bottle rockets, roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal to set off unless you have a permit.  Here is the link to Wisconsin Firework Laws. Furthermore, each county, city, or even township can have their own unique set of ordinances. Check with them first!

"Anything as a rule of thumb, anything that's aerial or shoots into the sky are fireworks we want you to stay away from," said Officer Kyle Roder with the Eau Claire Police Department. If allowed, use only fireworks made for home use. Professional fireworks are wrapped in brown paper, while recreational fireworks are packaged in colorful, labeled wraps. Use only in areas clear of buildings, foliage, children, and pets. Sparklers can burn at over 2000 degrees! Opt out when young children are present. Wear safety glasses, light only one at a time, and don't try to re-light a dud. Note:  As a special aside, some veterans suffer from PTSD and may live nearby.  Be courteous, avoid setting fireworks near their homes.  Also, many pets can be upset by the loud noises too. Please Please be courteous!      Cookouts: Follow grill instructions on igniting and proper gas/charcoal/lighter fuel use.   Keep the grill away from eaves of your home and garage, as well as any attached awnings. Entertain children and pets in areas a safe distance from a hot grill. Use screen covers or safety border on fire pits. As always: Keep a hose or fire extinguisher handy. Enjoy your holiday celebrations safely! Protect your family and your property.  Brew City Insurance is a great place to start.

Come in to Brew City Insurance for a no-obligation insurance review.

We will make sure you and all your family are safe all year long.

Brew City Insurance Agency Inc. is located at:

2937 S Chicago Ave. in South Milwaukee between Pick N Save and Walgreens.

Stop in today and see what we can do for you!

Or call 414-762-6600 and we can quote you right over the phone.

We have several companies to choose from.

Visit our web page at - https://www.brewcityinsurance.com, 

Or find out even more about us here.

We also do Business Insurance!!

What Is Your INSURANCE Score? Did you even know you had one?

At Brew City Insurance it is our mission to offer customers a truly exceptional insurance buying experience. We provide our customers with the knowledge to choose the best possible insurance products that fulfill their wants and needs. Our friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff will help inspire, problem-solve, and best of all EDUCATE our customers so they can choose the coverage that best fits at a reasonable price.

First things first - an insurance score is not the same thing as a credit score.

 

A Credit score is used to determine how likely a person is to pay off borrowed money on-time.
An Insurance score is your ranking based on various factors that predict the possibility of a person filing a claim.

Insurance companies have to determine the risk associated with their clients, and they each have their very own complex and thoroughly confusing method of determining your  insurance score. They use this score as a factor to determine how much premium to charge each client. The lower the score, the higher the premium that client will have to pay. Simple huh?

The challenge is that YOU have no clear way of knowing exactly how those assessments are made. It is important to understand what an insurance score is, how it is different than a credit score, and how it affects the process of obtaining insurance. This is a simplified explanation of that process.

How is Your Insurance Score Determined?

Your insurance score typically is based on;

1. Your personal claims history and
2. Your overall credit score
3. The area you reside
4. And your motor vehicle record (MVR)

Why do we have insurance scores?
This score directly impacts how much you will pay for insurance.
Secondly, this keeps people from filing a bunch of claims with one company then simply moving to a different insurance company when their rates skyrocket. The new company will know exactly what you did in the past.

The majority of insurance companies report to two claim databases – the Automated Property Loss Underwriting System, or A-PLUS, and the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, or CLUE.

Your past will follow you. Insurance companies have made sure of it.

What is a Good Insurance Score Range? What is a Bad Insurance Score?
This number will range between a low of 200 and a high of 997. Insurance scores that fall into the range of 770 or higher are typically considered to be good. Conversely, a poor insurance score is considered to be any number below 500.

How to Improve Your Insurance Score
There are several ways that you can improve your score – ultimately resulting in your insurance premium amounts being reduced.

1. Improve your credit score.
2. Don't file small claims.
3. Move?
4. Drive SAFE!!

Better credit is a time consuming but very possible process. There are many articles on-line that can help. Insurance is really designed for larger losses. Claiming a $750 damage on a car when you have a $500 deductible is just not smart. Finally, living in a high traffic or high crime area increases your risk of loss. In some cases insurance companies change rates block by block.

Bottom Line
Your insurance score matters a great deal when it comes to the premium that you will be charged for insurance coverage. While a small premium difference may not seem substantial, over time, the difference in dollars can really add up.

Want your score? Visit our web page and click on this link at the bottom of the page.

Or come into Brew City Insurance and find out.

Come in to Brew City Insurance for a no-obligation insurance review.

We will make sure you and all your family are safe all year long.

Brew City Insurance Agency Inc. is located at:

2937 S Chicago Ave. in South Milwaukee between Pick N Save and Walgreens.

Stop in today and see what we can do for you!

Or call 414-762-6600 and we can quote you right over the phone.

We have several companies to choose from.

Visit our web page at - https://www.brewcityinsurance.com, 

Or find out even more about us here.

We also do Business Insurance!!

Insurance for the Summertime

At Brew City Insurance it is our mission to offer customers a truly exceptional insurance buying experience. We provide our customers with the knowledge to choose the best possible insurance products that fulfill their wants and needs. Our friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff will help inspire, problem-solve, and best of all EDUCATE our customers so they can choose the coverage that best fits at a reasonable price.

Is there really such a thing??

Summer is nearly here and there a few things that you should know before heading off for all of that summer fun. Do you have a pool? A trampoline? ATV? There are some financial risks you need to think about. 

Pools and Trampolines

Before inviting friends and family over to enjoy your pool or trampoline, know that either may increase your insurance risk. Consider purchasing an umbrella policy in addition to your homeowners insurance to increase your liability coverage. However, because pools and trampolines can be dangerous, some companies may not insure your property if you own them, or there may be policy exclusions for liability for related injuries. An insurance company may also deny coverage or cancel your policy if you do not follow the policy's safety guidelines or fail to inform them when you build a pool or purchase a trampoline. Check with your insurance provider for rates, discounts and safety guidelines (such as installing a fence or locked gate). If you lease a property with a pool, discuss your insurance options with your agent or insurance company.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) 

ATVs, off-road motorcycles, and snowmobiles are not covered by standard automobile insurance policies, but your homeowners policy may partially cover liability. Ask your agent if you have sufficient coverage on your homeowners policy. If you do not, you should consider a separate policy. Ask your provider about age restrictions regarding who may operate the these toys or if the policy covers friends and family. Make sure you have the right coverage for your situation and intended use.

Boats

A boat insurance policy provides liability coverage if someone is injured on your boat. It also covers bodily injury inflicted on others and property damage to your boat. It also may cover damage caused by you to others property.

The personal property coverage of your homeowners policy may cover a small boat for $1,500 or less in physical damage. However, coverage for your liability risk is limited. A large boat will be excluded from your homeowners policy for property and liability coverage. 

Personal watercrafts, such as jet skis, often require a separate policy that may be offered by your homeowners' insurance. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase a policy from an insurer that specializes in boat insurance. Talk with your independent insurance agent and get quotes from other companies to understand your options.

Traveling

Whether you're leaving home for a weekend getaway or a long road trip, be aware of what your homeowner's or renter's policy will cover while you're gone. Typically, your homeowners insurance will follow you, protecting you even while you're not at home. Off-premises' coverage means your belongings are covered anywhere in the world. If you're staying at a hotel and your belongings are stolen, your homeowners policy will provide coverage but the exact coverage depends on your policy. In addition to your deductible, items will typically have a limit on things like jewelry and furs. If you're traveling with high-priced items, it's a good idea to get separate insurance coverage for these items. Contact your independent agent to find out what's covered under your policy.

Bottom Line

Home and auto insurance, with a few exceptions, cover just that - your home and your auto. To make sure you have the right coverages for everything else it is always a good idea to review your policies at least every couple of years.

Are you properly covered?? 

Come into Brew City Insurance and find out.

Come in to Brew City Insurance for a no-obligation insurance review.

We will make sure you and all your family are safe all year long.

Brew City Insurance Agency Inc. is located at:

2937 S Chicago Ave. in South Milwaukee between Pick N Save and Walgreens.

Stop in today and see what we can do for you!

Or call 414-762-6600 and we can quote you right over the phone.

We have several companies to choose from.

Visit our web page at - https://www.brewcityinsurance.com, 

Or find out even more about us here.

We also do Business Insurance!!

Let's Be Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Pet-Safe!

At Brew City Insurance it is our mission to offer customers a truly exceptional insurance buying experience. We provide our customers with the knowledge to choose the best possible insurance products that fulfill their wants and needs. Our friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff will help inspire, problem-solve, and best of all EDUCATE our customers so they can choose the coverage that best fits at a reasonable price.

Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangers.

O Christmas Tree ~
Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

Tinsel-less Town ~ 
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe. 

• Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible such as Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. 

• Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Holly Jolly Plants be Poisonous ~ 
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Oh Bring us Some Figgy Pudding ~ 
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as chicken bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.

Chocolate ~ 
Most people understand that chocolate is toxic to pets.  Unsweetened baking chocolate carries a much higher dose of the toxin theobromine than does milk chocolate, but even normal milk chocolate can be dangerous in higher amounts.  Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning include hyper-excitability, nervousness, vomiting, and diarrhea and death.  Inducing vomiting to empty the stomach is the first step in treatment but if the toxin has been absorbed your pet will likely need to be hospitalized for further treatment. 

That Holiday Glow ~

Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

Christmas Cheer ~
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds (of all sorts) zipped up and packed away, too.
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.



Silent Night ~ 
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

 

Bottom Line ~ 
While the holidays are a time for celebrating, we need to remember that what is fun and (mostly) safe for us ~ could cause harm to the furriest member of the family. Take some extra care to make sure all of your "babies" have a safe and happy holiday too!

  

Want to know if everyone you love is safe? 

Brew City Insurance is a great place to start.

Come in to Brew City Insurance for a no-obligation insurance review. 
We will make sure you and all your family are safe this holiday season.

Brew City Insurance Agency Inc. is located 2937 S Chicago Ave. in South Milwaukee between Pick N Save and Walgreens.

Stop in today and see what we can do for you! Or call 414-762-6600 and we can quote you right over the phone. 

We have several companies to choose from.

Visit our web page to find out more! http://www.brewcityinsurance.com

Or find out even more about us here.

Storing a Motorcycle or a Car for the Winter? Here's a Hint: Keep the Insurance on it!!

At Brew City Insurance it is our mission to offer customers a truly exceptional insurance buying experience. We provide our customers with the knowledge to choose the best possible insurance products that fulfill their wants and needs. Our friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff will help inspire, problem-solve, and best of all EDUCATE our customers so they can choose the coverage that best fits at a reasonable price.

Let me clear up a MAJOR misconception about storing your motorcycle, classic car, RV, boat, or any other motorized recreational toy for the winter (or any time for that matter).

Don't just drop the insurance -  

Because if it is stolen or damaged, IT IS NOT COVERED BY YOUR HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE POLICY!

Some folks try to save a few bucks by completely cancelling their insurance during the colder months.  If you do this and your toy (this means almost any motorized vehicle) is some how wrecked (damaged or totaled), YOU ARE STUCK with the bill; you can’t make anyone or any insurance company pay for it.  And yes, S&%# happens; we hear all kinds of bad stories.  Here are a few examples of unfortunate events that won’t be covered if you cancel your insurance policy completely:

• Your garage floods, damaging the vehicle.
• Garage catches fire (can you say propane-fried-turkey?, portable heater, etc.)
• Your vehicle is stolen.
• Your roof leaks and/or your roof falls in.
• A tree blows over during a storm, hitting garage & causing damage to the vehicle.
• Rodents chew seats, interior, or wiring.
• A fire that started in the house spreads to garage, totaling the vehicle.

Comprehensive Coverage ~

This coverage just pays for damage to your vehicle not caused by a collision. This can include damage or loss from theft, vandalism, falling objects, fire, storms, flood and certain other natural disasters.  So, if you want your vehicle fixed or replaced because of any of these types of losses, you MUST maintain your Comprehensive Coverage when it is in storage.

Beware ~

If you only keep Comprehensive Coverage on your vehicle and you take that short ride in March (O.K...this is Wisconsin , so lets say April) and crash ~ you won’t be covered because you did not have Collision Coverage (not legally required, but needed if you want your vehicle fixed in a crash) or cause Bodily Injury Coverage (legally required).

Off site storage ~

What if I store my toy at the dealership or another storage facility?  When you pay a facility that for storage of a vehicle, I guarantee you’ll sign an agreement beforehand.  That agreement most certainly will say that you promise to keep insurance on your bike and that they are not liable for any damage.

Therefore, no matter where you store your vehicle, if you want it covered for damage or theft, make sure you at least keep Comprehensive Coverage on it. Finally, you cannot drive your vehicle at all unless you have the legally required insurance or you will not be covered after a wreck.

Bottom Line ~ 

Everyone assumes that their homeowners covers whatever is on their property, and vehicles stored away from their property. This is just not the case. Only a select few items (such as a non-motorized row boat) are actually covered. Nearly every single motorized toy; from ATV's, to snowmobiles, to golf carts, are NOT covered by homeowners unless you have specifically insured them with your company. Don't let a few dollars a month cause you to lose a treasured recreational toy!

Insurance laws for stored vehicles can be confusing and there are many misconceptions and misinformation out there.  Feel free to call us with any questions on this or any issue.

When shopping around for any insurance, 

Brew City Insurance is a great place to start..

Brew City Insurance has access to several major companies. We are able to run you through a rating service and find which company offers the best coverage at a premium to best meet your needs. There are several Wisconsin based insurance companies who do not advertise on TV, radio and therefore have lower premiums. And you will still have the convenience of the high quality personal service we offer instead of a 1-800 number and a call center somewhere overseas.

Brew City Insurance Agency Inc. is located at 2937 S Chicago Ave. in South Milwaukee between Pick N Save and Walgreens.

Stop in today and see what we can do for you! Or call 414-762-6600 and we can quote you right over the phone. 

Visit our web page to find out more! http://www.brewcityinsurance.com

Why do I need Renters Insurance if I am in college?

At Brew City Insurance it is our mission to offer customers a truly exceptional insurance buying experience. We provide our customers with the knowledge to choose the best possible insurance products that fulfill their wants and needs. Our friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff will help inspire, problem-solve, and best of all EDUCATE our customers so they can choose the coverage that best fits at a reasonable price. 

College students renting an off-campus apartment or house while away at school should consider purchasing renters insurance to protect their personal property, such as a computer, television, stereo, bicycle or furniture, and even a guitar in the event that it is damaged, destroyed or stolen.

Even if a student is a dependent under his or her parent’s insurance, the student’s personal property, in many cases, is not covered if the student lives off campus.

What is Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance protects your personal property against damage or loss, and insures you in case someone is injured while on the your property.

Why Purchase Renters Insurance?

If you live in a rented apartment, house or condominium, your landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover your personal property in the event that it is stolen or damaged as a result of a fire, theft or other unexpected circumstance.

College students living in off-campus housing are ideal candidates for needing renters insurance, since many students bring thousands of dollars worth of personal items, such as electronics, a computer, textbooks, clothes, furniture, and even guitars, with them to school. It is the student's responsibility to provide coverage for these valuable items.

If a college student is living in an off-campus house or apartment with one or several roommates,  a renters insurance policy is a must. Each of the roommates must get his or her own policy. One policy does not cover the entire apartment (or frat house) ~ it only covers the policy holders possessions.

The premiums for renters insurance average between $10 and $30 per month depending on the location and size of the rental unit and the policyholder’s possessions.

Basic Options

Most renters insurance policies provide two basic types of coverage: personal property and liability. Personal property coverage pays to repair or replace personal belongings if they are damaged, stolen, or even destroyed .

Liability insurance also provides coverage against a claim or lawsuit resulting from bodily injury or property damage to others caused by an accident while on the policyholder’s property.

 Shop for the Right Coverage

Another important factor to look for when shopping for renters insurance is “actual cash value” vs. “replacement cost” coverage.

Actual cash-value coverage will reimburse the renter for the cost of the personal property at the time of the claim, minus the deductible. It’s important to account for depreciation when considering this coverage option. For example, if your guitar was accidentally damaged, five years after the guitar was purchased, the policyholder would only be reimbursed for the current value of the guitar.

Replacement cost coverage, on the other hand, will reimburse the full value of the new guitar, after you purchase the new system and submit your receipts. While the up-front cost may be slightly more, you are more likely to receive accurate compensation for your possessions. This is the best coverage.

Other Points of Interest Regarding Renters Insurance

When a claim is reported, the insurance company will ask the policyholder for proof of purchase for all items reported on the claim. A comprehensive list of possessions, including purchase prices, model numbers and serial numbers, will suffice. It also is a good idea to take photos or video footage of any personal possessions for documentation, making sure it is stored in a secure, off-site location.

When determining how much, if any, renters insurance you should purchase, estimate the value of your personal possessions, typically between $10,000 and $30,000. This is the amount of insurance you will need to replace your stuff if everything were destroyed, say ~ by a huge a party of some kind.

One of the smartest things you can do as a renter is reduce the chances of needing to file a claim altogether.

• lock your doors
• secure items of value from harm
• leave valuables at home when going out
• if it is irreplaceable you may want to, again, store it in a secure, off-site location

These are all common sense items.

In all cases, it is recommended to call an independent insurance agent when purchasing renters insurance for a student away at college.

If protecting your stuff is important to you - Brew City Insurance is a great place to start.

Come in to Brew City Insurance for a no-obligation insurance review.

We will make sure you and all your family are safe all year long.

Brew City Insurance Agency Inc. is located at:
2937 S Chicago Ave. in South Milwaukee between Pick N Save and Walgreens.

Stop in today and see what we can do for you!

Or call 414-762-6600 and we can quote you right over the phone.

We have several companies to choose from.

Visit our web page at - http://www.brewcityinsurance.com, 

Or find out even more about us here.

Do you live in an Apartment? Then why don't you care about your stuff?

At Brew City Insurance it is our mission to offer customers a truly exceptional insurance buying experience. We provide our customers with the knowledge to choose the best possible insurance products that fulfill their wants and needs. Our friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff will help inspire, problem-solve, and best of all EDUCATE our customers so they can choose the coverage that best fits at a reasonable price. 

In the US  - more than 43 million people rent instead of own their home. The number of renters in the is near an all-time record high. Sadly - according to the Insurance Information Institute poll, only 41 percent of renters carry renters insurance. This is a substantial difference from homeowners of whom 95 percent carry a homeowners insurance policies.

People often underestimate how much it would cost to replace ALL of their belongings. Think of it this way - Take your house and dump it up-side-down (I know IMPOSSIBLE) and shake it. Now take everything that falls out, from dishes, to towels, food, appliances, clothing, furniture, etc. etc. and add up the cost if you had to replace each and every single item!! Most people have between $10,000 and $50,000 dollars in personal property in an apartment.

Renters insurance is both a good value and very affordable. It provides coverage for your belongings should those items be stolen, destroyed or damaged and can also extend to personal items keep inside your vehicle or away from home. Also, it has liability coverage that helps pay for accidental property damage or injuries to any guests you may have over. For example, let's say that a friend trips down your stairs and takes a tumble ending up in the hospital. Your liability coverage could cover this.

Here are some common misconceptions:

#1 - My landlord's insurance policy will cover my personal belongings in the event of fire or theft.
Truth: Your landlord's insurance policy will cover the building you live in, but that coverage rarely  extends to the possessions owned by the renter.

#2 -  Renters insurance is expensive.
Truth: Renters insurance costs typically between $10 and $20 per month.

#3 - Renters insurance coverage is very limited.
Truth: Most renters insurance policies provide coverage for:

• Theft 
• Fire
• Lightning, Windstorm, and Hail
• Frozen plumbing system damage
• Vandalism
• A renter forced to temporarily move out of their home due to a fire, for example.
• A person injured in the your apartment or home that requires medical attention.
• Items kept inside your vehicle if they are damaged or stolen.

Bottom line - If you have to replace all of your stuff it can be very very expensive should they be suddenly lost due to a fire or other tragic event. Renters insurance provides peace of mind allowing renters to keep their lives on track should a major setback occur.

Would you like to protest your stuff? Save some money? 
And have a great agency???

Brew City Insurance is a great place to start.

Come in to Brew City Insurance for a no-obligation insurance review. 
We will make sure you and all your family are safe all year long.

Brew City Insurance Agency Inc. is located at 2937 S Chicago Ave. in South Milwaukee between Pick N Save and Walgreens.

Stop in today and see what we can do for you! Or call 414-762-6600 and we can quote you right over the phone. 

Visit our web page to find out more! http://www.brewcityinsurance.com

5 easy ways to keep insurance costs down for your teen driver

SO - Why are teens so expensive? 

(This picture says it all)

Statistics. Insurance companies calculate premiums based on the probability of an accident happening. The greater the probability, the greater the chance of a claim, and teens are by far the riskiest drivers in the world. And it is no surprise that car accidents are the number 1 cause of death for teens ages 16 to 19. They are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than people ages 20 and older. Boys are riskier than girls for a number of reasons, including not recognizing hazardous situations, speeding, not using seat belts and driving while intoxicated. Although the use of phones while driving is beginning to even out the risks for both, but we'll talk more about this later. 

If you’re trying to keep insurance costs down here are a few tips.

Sign them up for a driving class (well you HAVE to...).

Wisconsin requires teen driver’s education for those under 18 to be licensed for good reason; students who take driver’s ed are better prepared for the road and are less likely to have an accident. However, this helps keep the rates in our state down for everyone.

Consider Delaying the license (I know this may be tough).

By delaying, your insurance rate decreases slightly. Hopefully your teen is slightly more mature when they hit the road. However, you need to balance this with gaining experience. This also affects your rates. So this may or may not help.

Companies prefer students with decent grades.

 

Often times insurance carriers offer a pretty good discount for both high school and college students earning a GPA of 3.0 and above. Again, statistically speaking, good students tend to be less risky. You could save as much as 15-20 percent each year.

This is the BIG one - Shop around for insurance!

Some insurance companies just don't want young drivers. Seems wrong, but they get to choose who their target customers are. Shopping around is the most effective tool for saving money. Ask about good student discounts, distant student discounts (for when a teen goes away to college without a car), low mileage discounts, insuring just one car for a teen (some policies allow this), higher deductibles (usually a big break) and bundling with homeowners insurance.

This ALSO is a big one - Either share a vehicle or buy 'em a junker.

Honestly - Do you want to give your teen a car like the one above?

For most families, sharing a car is a no-brainer because buying a third car cost money. The upside of sharing your car is that you can control how often the car is shared and insight into their activities while they use it. 
Buying a "junker" (don't actually buy junk please) for cash* has an advantages. You may be decide to buy liability only coverage, a much cheaper coverage. This ONLY covers damage to others property in an "at-fault" accident and nothing for your junker car. It is cheaper because insurance companies would rather not pay for both cars in an accident should it be your teens fault. Remember - performance cars for teens cost a FORTUNE to insure.

*Note - All cars with loans are required to have "full coverage" by the lien holder. 

Bottom line

Teen drivers are more expensive to insure. It will be necessary to do your homework to save money. Hopefully some of these tips will help.

One very important note - if you are like some folks that decide to send you kid out into the world to buy insurance on their own - I will tell your that 1) they very likely will NOT be able to afford it and 2) will most likely not keep up on payments once they start due to cost. If you add a driver to your current policy you could possibly give that driver your multi-car discount, or home discount, good credit discount, or many other discounts you already may be getting. and 3) They probably have no idea what "insurance" actually is and does.

You've been responsible for them this long - you might want to help them through one of the most difficult transition periods of their lives to this point. 

Is there a teen driver in your house?
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Brew City Insurance can help

Come in to Brew City Insurance to see who has the lowest teen driver rates.

Brew City Insurance Agency Inc. is located at:

2937 S Chicago Ave. in South Milwaukee between Pick N Save and Walgreens.

Stop in today and see what we can do for you!

Or call 414-762-6600 and we can quote you right over the phone.

We have several companies to choose from.
We can also cover you if you do decide to open a business.

Visit our web page at - http://www.brewcityinsurance.com, 

Or find out even more about us here.