Smart Money https://www.usucu.org/blogs/blog en-US Copyright 2024 USU Credit Union - a division of Goldenwest. All rights reserved. https://www.usucu.org/blogs/blog/articles/the-importance-of-homeowners-insurance-in-an-inflated-market https://www.usucu.org/blogs/blog/articles/the-importance-of-homeowners-insurance-in-an-inflated-market Importance of Homeowners' Insurance in an Inflated Market <p>Homeowners insurance is crucial for protecting your most significant investment – your home. Our insurance professionals at Goldenwest Insurance Services understand the current market and look forward to helping you select coverages that best meet your needs.</p> <p>In an inflated market, where property prices are high, having homeowners’ insurance becomes even more essential. The inflated market implies higher replacement costs for your home, which means that any damage or loss without insurance coverage could lead to substantial financial strain. Homeowners insurance ensures that you are safeguarded against these inflated costs and can rebuild or repair your home without bearing the full financial burden.</p> <p>Furthermore, in an inflated market, the value of your home may also be higher, increasing your financial exposure. Homeowners insurance helps mitigate the risk by providing coverage not only for the structure but also for personal belongings inside the home. This ensures that in the event of a loss, you can replace or repair both your home and its contents without suffering significant financial setbacks.</p> <p>Overall, having homeowners’ insurance is indispensable for protecting your home, belongings, and financial well-being, especially in an inflated market where property values and replacement costs are elevated.</p> <p>Take proactive steps to protect your home and financial future today! Visit one of our experienced insurance agents at any Goldenwest or USU Credit Union branch for personalized assistance in selecting the right coverage for your needs. Don’t leave your most significant investment vulnerable—call <a href="tel:8002834550">800-283-4550</a>, option 4, to schedule a free consultation.</p> <p style="font-size:.8em">Insurance products provided by Goldenwest Insurance Services are not insured by the NCUA. Purchasing insurance will not impact the extension of credit by the Credit Union.</p> 2024-02-26T00:00:00-07:00 https://www.usucu.org/blogs/blog/articles/workers-compensation-insurance-2023 https://www.usucu.org/blogs/blog/articles/workers-compensation-insurance-2023 Worker's Compensation Insurance <p>Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees medical, wage and other financial benefits if they are injured or become ill on the job. This coverage is required in most states and is also known as workman’s comp or workers’ comp insurance. Workers’ compensation benefits can help cover medical care and treatment, replace most of their lost wages if they take time off to recover, provide disability benefits and give death benefits.</p> <p>Workplace accidents and employee sickness on the job happens often. We are here to help your employees through their injuries and get them back to work faster. Speak with a <a href="https://www.usucu.org/insurance/businessagents">Business Insurance Agent</a> today!</p> 2023-11-10T00:00:00-07:00 https://www.usucu.org/blogs/blog/articles/medicare-annual-enrollment https://www.usucu.org/blogs/blog/articles/medicare-annual-enrollment Medicare Annual Enrollment <p>Medicare’s Annual Enrollment is the time of year when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. This period runs from October 15 through December 7, and any changes you make will take effect on January 1.</p> <p>During AEP individuals can change their Medicare Advantage and/or Medicare Part D plans. This is also the time to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or vice versa.</p> <p>The specific actions you can take during AEP depend on your current coverage. Contact one of our <a href="https://www.usucu.org/insurance/licensedagents">Licensed Sales Agents</a> for information on what you can do with your plan.</p> 2023-10-19T00:00:00-06:00 https://www.usucu.org/blogs/blog/articles/september-is-life-insurance-awareness-month https://www.usucu.org/blogs/blog/articles/september-is-life-insurance-awareness-month September is Life Insurance Awareness Month <p>A life insurance policy provides financial protection for your family in the event of your passing. Your beneficiaries will receive money to use as they see fit, ensuring security in a difficult time.</p> <p>Life Insurance options at a glance:</p> <p style="width:48%;float:left;border-right:solid black 1px;padding:5px;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:1.2em;">Term Life Insurance</span></ br> Term insurance overs you for a fixed period of time, such as 10, 20 or 30 years. You’ll receive a guaranteed death benefit for the term you choose, and your payments are guaranteed to remain level for the length of the term.</p> <p style="width:48%;float:left;padding:5px;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:1.2em;">Permanent Life Insurance</span></ br> Permanent insurance lasts your entire life and gives you level premiums, strong guarantees, and valuable protection. It can also build cash value.</br></br></br></br></p> <p style="padding-top:20px;">Each type of life insurance is designed to meet different needs. Get more details about what’s included in each option by contacting one of our <a href="https://www.usucu.org/insurance/agents">Insurance Agents</a> to understand what protection may be right for you and your family. </p> 2023-09-07T00:00:00-06:00 https://www.usucu.org/blogs/blog/articles/auto-insurance-checklist-for-road-trips https://www.usucu.org/blogs/blog/articles/auto-insurance-checklist-for-road-trips Auto Insurance Checklist for Road Trips <p>If you are heading out on a road trip, you probably take time schedule an oil change, make sure you have proper fluid levels, and the check the air pressure in your tires. But do you review your insurance policies on your vehicles?</p> <p>We suggest that you add a quick auto insurance review to your road trip checklist. First and foremost, confirm that there has not been a lapse in coverage on your vehicles and that any upcoming renewals are taken care of before you head out on the open road.</p> <p>Next, check your policy so you are aware of your coverages should you need them, along with corresponding deductibles. For example, should your car experience a mechanical issue, does your insurance include towing coverage or roadside assistance?</p> <p>When towing recreational vehicles, each trailer, boat, and RV requires its own policy if you want full coverage. Your personal auto insurance could extend to provide liability insurance for a hitched-up trailer or car-in-tow, but do not make assumptions about your coverages that may cost you later. Speak with your personal agent before your road trip to help you determine if the vehicles you are towing are properly insured.</p> <p>If your plans include taking a car into Canada or Mexico, make sure you have the proper documentation for your vehicle to cross the border. Most auto insurance carriers will extend your coverage through Canada. In Mexico, your policy likely will not cover you for third party liability, so may could need to purchase a Mexican auto insurance policy to be properly covered while driving your vehicle south of the border. Your agent can provide you with information regarding specific coverages of your policy when taking your car into a foreign country. Keep in mind that your lender may also have special requirements for taking a vehicle across the U.S. border.</p> <p>When you and your friends plan on taking turns while driving on a road trip, remember that auto insurance follows the vehicle. If your car is the vehicle being driven, then your insurance policy provides the coverage. Anyone who has your permission to drive your car is considered a covered driver under your policy.</p> <p>Most insurance carriers have free mobile apps for their clients to help them manage their accounts. Within the app, you can easily contact your agent, access your ID cards, review policy documents, upload photos of vehicle damage, and make a claim if needed. If you decide not to download the app for your insurance carrier, make sure your proof of insurance is located in a safe place in your car.</p> <p>Road trips to new places or heading out to your favorite camping spot can be great fun. The insurance experts at Goldenwest Credit Union can help give you peace of mind that your vehicles are properly covered before heading out on the road. To learn more about getting the proper coverage for your vehicles before you head out on your next road trip, contact the local <a href="https://www.usucu.org/insurance/agents">insurance experts</a> at Goldenwest Insurance Services at <a href="tel:8888538992">888-853-8992</a>. They’ll take care of you!</p> 2023-08-03T00:00:00-06:00