How a Video Doorbell Enhances Home Safety

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A video doorbell refers to a type of smart home device combining the function of a traditional doorbell with a built-in camera and intercom system. According to experts, video doorbells increase homeowner’s awareness of their surroundings. The added layer of security allows the unit owner who is at the door without opening it to prevent potentially dangerous situations.

How a Video Doorbell Enhances Home Safety

A video doorbell, which records footage when motion is detected/doorbell is rung, can help increase home safety by –

Offering Remote Monitoring

  • Being able to remotely monitor your front door and the surroundings – using any connected electronic device, allows you to check on your property in real time. This is especially valuable when you are not home. Additionally, these doorbells often include two-way communication abilities so that you can talk to visitors from your smartphone.

Deterring Potential Intruders/Preventing Package Thefts

  • A visible video doorbell lets potential intruders know they are being recorded, which will likely discourage criminal behavior.
  • You are notified by a video alert when a package is delivered and if someone tries to steal it.

Providing Motion Detection/Alerts

Most video doorbells have built-in motion sensors that alert you in real-time when someone approaches your video doorbell.

Seamlessly Integrating Home Security

Many video doorbells can integrate with home security systems, allowing for remote lock control, etc.

It is also important to note that in the unfortunate event of a break-in or nearby suspicious activity, the video footage can become valuable documentation used by law enforcement.

Need Home Insurance? Wise Insurance Agency in Ft. Wayne, IN Can Assist

For more information to protect you and your property, contact the insurance professionals at the Wise Insurance Agency today. We serve the greater Ft. Wayne, IN metroplex.

Keeping Your Pet Secure When Guests Come Over

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As a renter in an apartment or single-family home, you can still be held liable if you have guests over and they get hurt. One of the most common incidents that renters face is pets biting guests and forcing them to cover damage and medical expenses out of pocket. The best way to have your pet and keep yourself away from these liable situations is to make sure your pet is secure when guests come over. Wise Insurance Agency, serving the greater Ft. Wayne, IN area, is here to assist with all your insurance needs and related tips. 

Keeping Your Pet Secure

Crate Your Pet

Some pets get overly excited when they have guests over, and this excitement could cause them to become anxious and overstimulated. One of the best ways to prevent this is to crate your pet when your guest arrives. It is best to have the crate in another room so that they are not constantly watching guests walk back and forth and some noise is suppressed. 

Secure Them in a Room

If you have a room in your apartment or home that you plan to close off to guests, you can gate your pet inside the room so they stay in this area. Gates usually work better than closing the door off. Dogs who become anxious may start scratching the door and cause damage. You will be liable for this as a renter by the landlord or homeowner. 

Keep Them On a Lead Outdoors

If you are planning to entertain yourself outside and need to bring your dog out for a walk, they must stay on a leash so that they do not run, jump, and startle guests. Even if you are entertaining indoors, walk them on a lead through the house to get outside and back to the secured area to avoid any accidents. 

Have Questions? Consult With Us

If you are renting around the Ft. Wayne, IN area, contact our agents at Wise Insurance Agency today for a personal quote. 

Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in Indiana?

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Our agents at the Wise Insurance Agency serving the Ft. Wayne, IN area know that you cannot wait to hop on your motorcycle and travel throughout the beautiful state of Indiana, but they want you to have the proper amount of motorcycle insurance to keep you and your bike adequately protected.

Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in Indiana?

The short answer is yes, you are required to have motorcycle insurance in the state of Indiana. The law even states that you must have proof of property liability and injury insurance before you can even register your motorcycle with the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This type of insurance policy will help you pay for any damages or injuries that you cause with your bike if you become involved in an accident.

Other coverage options

One of the best coverage options you can get for your motorcycle is comprehensive insurance. This will protect your bike if it is stolen or if it becomes a victim of a tornado or other natural disaster, a fire, or even an act of vandalism.

Collision insurance is also very important because it will help you pay for any damages to your bike if you collide with another vehicle or even a stationary object while you are out riding.

Other types of motorcycle insurance include medical payment insurance and underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. Both of these types of insurance will protect you financially if you’re involved in an accident while you are out on the road.

Consult With Us

To create the best motorcycle insurance policy for you and your beloved motorcycle, contact our agents at the Wise Insurance Agency serving Ft. Wayne, IN today to get your policy started.

Boat Insurance for New Boat Owners

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Boat insurance policies have the potential to offer a wide variety of coverage options for boats and boat owners/operators. If you are a new boat owner and live in the greater Ft. Wayne, IN area,  the insurance professionals at Wise Insurance Agency offer this insurance guidance to protect your investment and provide coverage for potential risks and liabilities while on the water.

Key Insurance Concepts & Considerations For New Boat Owners

In addition to liability coverage as a new boat owner (which protects should you be the cause of bodily injury/property damage), you must evaluate the value of your boat and decide which of the following policies would meet your needs-

    • Actual Cash Value– reimburses for the boat’s current market value – less depreciation at the time of the loss.
    • Agreed Value– pays a predetermined amount should a total loss occur.

Other Coverage Options

Depending on your location and boating choices, these coverage options may suit your needs –

Property Coverage

Covers boat damage resulting from accidents, weather, theft, etc.

Medical Payments

Covers medical expenses for you/passengers in an accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Boater Coverage

Covers the insured if an accident involves an uninsured or underinsured boater.

Emergency Towing and Assistance

Covers the cost of towing/breakdown costs.

Personal Effects

Covers fishing gear, electronics, and clothing on the boat.

Contact Us Today

Keep in mind that boat insurance coverage varies, and that boat insurance may not just be a legal requirement in some areas but also a financial precaution. It is essential to discuss your specific insurance needs with a licensed provider to ensure that you have the right coverage for your vessel and your boating activities. Contact our team at Wise Insurance Agency in Ft. Wayne, IN today.

How Umbrella Insurance Works

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Getting liability coverage is so important to protect yourself financially. People who own homes and vehicles generally have home and auto insurance policies. Each of these policies has some liability coverage that’s included.

Often, there isn’t much of this coverage. If you were to have a very serious accident, it could cost an enormous amount. If you don’t have enough liability coverage, this can spell financial disaster. Getting an umbrella insurance policy gives you much more of this coverage. When you want more liability coverage, contact us at Wise Insurance Agency in Ft. Wayne, IN about getting this insurance. 

Cost-Effective Liability Coverage

It’s possible to add more liability coverage onto your home and auto policies directly to be better covered. The problem with this is that it’s very expensive to do so, and you still may not have much extra coverage. When you get umbrella insurance, it adds to both of those policies at once, and it adds a huge amount of coverage. The very high maximum of these policies will give you peace of mind and protect you well against expensive accidents. 

Paying for Accidents

The liability coverage that you already have in your home and auto policies will pay out after an accident to pay for the bills of the other party. These policies can only pay up to their maximum payout, though. After that, there may be an overage left for you to pay. That’s where the umbrella policy steps in. It comes in and pays those overages to protect you financially. The coverage is generally enough to pay for even very serious accidents. You’ll know that you’re well-protected against accidents in your home and with your vehicle. 

Get Umbrella Insurance

When you need an umbrella policy, we’re here to help you. Call us at Wise Insurance Agency in Ft. Wayne, IN. 

Insuring Older Cars In Comparison To Newer Cars

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One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to auto insurance is that newer cars are going to be more expensive to insure compared to older cars. Some older cars can be pricey to insure. If you are trying to insure an older car and it costs more than you expected, there are a couple of key reasons why this may be. Read along as we at Wise Insurance Agency, providing auto insurance to residents in the greater Ft. Wayne, IN area explain why.

Factors Behind Insuring An Older Car

Easier to Steal

One of the reasons why older cars may be pricier to insure is their increased vulnerability to theft. Older cars often lack the advanced security features that newer models have, making them easier targets for thieves. The higher risk of theft translates into higher insurance premiums, as insurance companies need to account for the potential losses associated with vehicle theft.

Lack of Safety Features

Another factor contributing to the higher insurance costs for older cars is the absence or limited availability of modern safety features. Newer vehicles come equipped with advanced safety technologies such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), lane departure warning systems, and collision avoidance systems. These features are designed to reduce the likelihood and severity of accidents. In contrast, older cars may lack such safety enhancements, making them more susceptible to accidents and higher insurance claims.

We Are Here To Help

If you are looking to insure any type of vehicle in the greater Ft. Wayne, IN region, the insurance agents at Wise Insurance Agency would love to help you find the best policy for your needs. Call us today to discuss your insurance needs and let us provide you with an estimate for auto insurance.

The difference between a condo master policy and a condo unit policy

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When considering condo insurance from Wise Insurance Agency, it’s important to understand the differences between a condo master policy and a condo unit policy. A condo master policy is an insurance policy written for the whole condominium building or complex. This policy typically covers the common areas of the building such as lobbies, stairwells, hallways, and elevators against risks such as fire, theft, or liability claims here in the Ft. Wayne, IN area. 

A condo unit policy is insurance that provides coverage for a specific owner’s unit within the building complex. This policy typically covers the owner’s belongings inside their unit against risks such as fire, theft, or liability claims and also protects them from any damage to their walls, floors, or ceilings due to events outside of their control. 

The most important distinction between these two types of policies is that a condo master policy provides coverage for only what exists within the shared spaces of the condominium which is owned by all owners whereas a condo unit policy provides coverage for what belongs exclusively to each individual owner. 

We Are Here To Help

Understanding the difference between a condo master policy and a condo unit policy can help you make sure you are properly protected in case of any unfortunate circumstance. It is important to know exactly what type of coverage you need so that you can always be sure you will be taken care of in any situation.

For more information, give us at Wise Insurance Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the Ft. Wayne, IN area and would be happy to help you find the right type of policy for you, and one that meets both all of your needs and your budget.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

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Your home is probably one of the largest investments you will ever make, which means you will want to make sure it is properly protected financially with an adequate amount of home insurance. The agents at the Wise Insurance Agency serving the Ft. Wayne, IN area are ready to assist you with all of your home insurance needs.

Home insurance, which is commonly referred to as homeowner’s insurance, is a type of policy that will provide the financial protection for your home and personal belongings that you need in case something bad happens. A home insurance policy will cover damage to your house in several different scenarios. These include if your home suffers a fire, an act of vandalism, or it is destroyed or damaged by a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or tornado. Your home insurance policy will also help you replace items that are lost due to a burglary or theft incident.

What Exactly Does Home Insurance Cover?

Home insurance will help cover the costs of repairing or rebuilding your house if it is damaged by fire, wind, hail, or lightning. It can also cover outbuildings on your property, such as decks, sheds, and garages.

It will also cover your personal property, including your clothing, electronics, furniture, and appliances.  If someone is injured on your property, your home insurance policy can protect you if that person files a lawsuit against you for damages or injuries.

If you have to move from your home to another place while your house is being repaired, this part of your policy will help pay those living expenses.

Contact Us Today

To obtain an adequate home insurance policy and the peace of mind that comes with it, contact the home insurance specialists at the Wise Insurance Agency serving the Ft. Wayne, IN area today!

How Much Renters Insurance Do You Need?

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Renting a house is far more convenient than renting an apartment. In general, you’ll have more room, fewer neighbors, and the freedom to entertain family and friends. However, renting a residence does not allow you to avoid renters insurance. Renters insurance does not cover the property owner, but it does cover you and your things. At Wise Insurance Agency we are proud to help citizens in Ft. Wayne, IN with all of their renter’s insurance needs. 

How Much Renters Insurance Do I Need?

Simply put, it depends on the belongings you’re insuring! 

Renters insurance, like homeowners insurance, comes in a variety of forms. One policy replaces your personal belongings based on fair market worth, whereas the second coverage replaces them based on replacement expenses. Although more expensive, getting a renters insurance policy based on replacement costs may be the best option if you merely want to replace belongings lost due to fire, theft, or other insured catastrophes. This keeps you from obtaining an indemnity cheque from your insurance carrier that is less than what you expected. 

How to Decide How Much Renters Insurance to Buy 

It is critical to understand how much coverage you would require when purchasing a renters insurance policy. Many financial companies estimate that you will need between $20,000 and $30,000 in coverage, although this varies on the value of the property in your home. The method outlined below will assist you in determining the worth of your personal goods. 

  • Make a list of everything you own, including your clothing. 
  • Determine the worth of each object. 
  • Add up the prices of everything you own and round up.  

With a real value assigned to your possessions, you can now obtain the necessary amount of renters insurance.  

Taking an inventory of your property may be laborious and time-consuming, but it is important in order to acquire the appropriate amount of insurance. Without this amount, you may purchase too much or too little, which might result in you having to pay out of pocket to replace your property in the long term.  

Wise Insurance Agency: Providing Renters Insurance You Can Trust

If you live in or around Ft. Wayne, IN and are renting a home or apartment, let us help you. No one likes to think about disasters striking but if something happened are you and your belongings protected? We can help with that. Give us a call today, and we can create a custom quote.  

Do I Need To Take a Motorcycle Safety Class?

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Even if you have been driving a motorcycle for years, it is always important to stay fresh on road safety. Here at Wise Insurance Agency, serving Ft. Wayne, IN, and the surrounding areas,  we want to help bike owners make wise choices on the road.

Who Needs Motorcycle Safety Classes?

These types of safety classes are intended for people who have never driven a motorcycle and for people who have driven before but need a refresher. Driving a motorcycle is very different from driving other types of vehicles. The rules are slightly different for bikes. If you have never driven a motorcycle or if you are very new to driving one, you will definitely need to invest in a good, thorough motorcycle safety class. 

These types of classes are also a good idea for people who have experienced a bike wreck. 

Are Safety Classes Free?

Most safety classes are not free, but you can think of this as an investment into your future safety and well-being. In addition to this, taking a motorcycle safety class will decrease your chances of being in an accident. The fewer accidents you are involved in, the better insurance rates you will qualify for. 

Some insurance policies also offer discounts for those who are willing to take a safety class as well. This can help to save you money in the long run. 

Are Safety Classes Required By Law?

Motorcycle safety classes are not often required by law. However, it can help to make you a safer biker on the road, which benefits everyone. 

If you would like to learn about motorcycle insurance coverage, please contact us at Wise Insurance Agency serving Ft. Wayne, IN and the surrounding areas.