Ft. Wayne IN

What Types of Injuries are Covered by a Home Insurance Policy?

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If you own a home in or around Ft. Wayne, IN, you likely have liability coverage as part of your home insurance package. Mortgage lenders usually require homeowners to purchase this policy for a home loan. Moreover, it’s one of the most common forms of home insurance coverage as it offers excellent protection in the event of an unfortunate incident. However, knowing what types of injuries are and aren’t covered under such a policy is beneficial.

Covered Injuries

Home insurance liability coverage is designed to cover injuries to third parties. If your dog bites the local mail carrier, your aunt slips on your porch, or a friend’s child falls off your trampoline, these injuries would be covered under your liability policy. This means the policy will pay the third party’s medical expenses. It will also provide compensation if you’re sued for lost wages or other forms of damage.

Injuries that Aren’t Covered

Home insurance won’t cover injuries you or your immediate family incur in your home. It also won’t cover criminal acts or vehicular injuries on your property. For instance, if you back your car out and accidentally hit a neighbor or relative visiting your home, your car insurance liability coverage would pay for medical and legal expenses.

Find Out More from Wise Insurance Agency in Indiana

Wise Insurance Agency serves homeowners in and around the Ft. Wayne, IN area, offering top-tier policies and insurance policy bundles at the best possible price. We also provide personalized assistance to help you assess your policy needs and pick the right insurance for your home. Get in touch with us to find out more or to start the process of purchasing a policy.

Should You Get an Apartment or Single-Family Home?

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Choosing Between Apartments and Single-Family Homes for Rent in Ft. Wayne, IN

For those residing in communities around the Ft. Wayne, IN area, the options for domicile are aplenty. You can choose from apartments or single-family homes. To make a choice, let’s walk through the differences and see what suits you best.

Privacy

A significant difference between apartments and single-family homes lies in the amount of privacy they offer. An apartment, living spaces, and parking lots are shared spaces between families. On the other hand, single-family homes provide more room both within the house and yard. However, it’s important to note that a single-family home may cost you more in rent.

Location

If proximity to the city center matters to you, an apartment might be the right choice. Available in various sizes, apartments are typically found in or near city limits, ensuring a short commute. Single-family homes can also be found within cities, but they are also located in the suburbs or rural areas, which might entail longer commute times.

Maintenance

A single-family home usually comes with maintenance responsibilities such as yard upkeep. Depending on your leasing agreement, this could either be an additional expense or included in your rent. However, having this space adds to your level of privacy.

Apartments, conversely, require minimal maintenance from the tenant, as the landlord or a maintenance team handles most tasks. Any shared green spaces may require additional fees to use at certain times.

Regardless of the property type you choose, remember to secure renters insurance. Wise Insurance Agency is at your service to help you find a policy that protects you and your family. Contact us today before you rent your next property.

The Local Bikers Guide to Motorcycle Insurance in Fort Wayne, IN

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A mix of winding urban and rural roads in Fort Wayne, IN, means that local bikers must ride carefully and choose the best insurance options to protect their bikes from collision and non-collision-related events. 

Get information and tips on protecting your two-wheeled investment from the insurance experts at Wise Insurance Agency in Fort Wayne. 

Bikers Guide to Motorcycle Insurance in Ft. Wayne, IN

If you’re a biker in Fort Wayne, it is crucial for you to know the types of motorcycle insurance policies and differences in coverage to protect your financial interests.

The primary insurance policies available for local bikers include state-mandated liability insurance policies and full-coverage comprehensive policies.

Liability Only Motorcycle Insurance 

Choosing a liability-only insurance policy for bikers ensures that some of your financial interests are protected in the case of an at-fault accident. Liability coverages shield cyclists from legal fees, medical claims, and other fees related to an accident. However, these policies don’t include protections for covering yourself, your bike, or any personal property in an accident. 

Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance 

Get comprehensive motorcycle insurance when you’re looking for complete protection for your motorbike. Comprehensive insurance covers you, your bike, and other drivers and provides protections for non-collision-related events, including natural disasters, theft, or vandalism. 

Choose comprehensive insurance to protect your motorcycle against weather-related events, such as blinding snow, flooded roads, and extreme heat. 

Many local bikers commute to and from work, so it is important to have a comprehensive policy that protects them from a myriad of potential threats. 

Contact a licensed insurance agent at Wise Insurance Agency to learn more about your available coverage options and add-on protection like emergency roadside assistance. Get a motorcycle insurance quote today! 

Navigate Indiana Waterways with Confidence with Comprehensive Boat Insurance

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Stay Safer While Navigating Ft. Wayne, IN Rivers, Lakes, and Recreational Waterways

Navigating the waterways around the City of Three Rivers is a favorite pastime of many local residents. Learn how to stay safer when boating on the St. Mary’s, St. Joseph, or Maumee Rivers from the professionals at Wise Insurance Agency in Ft. Wayne, IN below.

If you’re new to the world of recreational boating, you probably have questions about getting the best boat insurance to protect your vessel. Comprehensive boat insurance can help protect some of the following vessels from collision and non-collision-related boating incidents.

  • Pontoon Boats
  • Deck Boats
  • Sailboats
  • Watercrafts

Comprehensive Insurance vs. Liability Insurance for Boaters

The difference between comprehensive boat insurance and state minimum liability-only insurance is that comprehensive coverage safeguards your vessel, your passengers, and your personal property from a wide variety of perils, including at-fault and no-fault boating accidents.

A knowledgeable and friendly insurance agent can offer guidance and advice on choosing a comprehensive boat insurance policy that covers accidents, thefts, vandalism, and natural disasters.

Some boat insurance policies cover additional components, can be bundled with other existing policies like home or auto insurance, and have add-on features for connecting with emergency support services for rescue or towing while navigating local waters.

Get a Boat Insurance Quote in Ft. Wayne, IN

Starting a new boat insurance policy that safeguards you and your vessel from extensive financial loss is as easy as contacting a trusted local insurance agent and providing details about your boat, budget, and desired coverages. Your local insurance agent can explain boating insurance benefits.

Contact the trusted local professionals at Wise Insurance Agency and get a boat insurance quote today!

How Umbrella Insurance Benefits Online Vendors

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You are not required to purchase umbrella insurance coverage to operate an online business in Ft. Wayne, IN. Nonetheless, many people who offer goods or services online find it prudent to do so.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance comes into play when you reach the limit of another insurance policy. It can cover legal fees, the cost of a judgment or settlement, and medical bills, among other expenses.

For example, if you purchase commercial liability insurance with a policy limit of $1 million to sell items on Amazon, and a customer sues you for $2 million because they were injured or suffered a loss due to your product, the umbrella insurance coverage will provide the additional $1 million. This way, you won’t have to use your business or personal assets to cover the remaining sum. This same principle applies if your business uses a vehicle to transport goods from one location to another and an employee driving the vehicle causes a serious car accident.

However, there are some things umbrella insurance won’t cover. It doesn’t provide compensation for your own injuries, and it won’t cover damage to your business property. It also does not provide coverage for breach of contract claims.

Contact Wise Insurance Agency for Insurance Assistance

If you believe umbrella insurance might be a worthwhile investment for your business or wish to explore other commercial insurance options, do not hesitate to contact us. Wise Insurance Agency specializes in assisting Ft. Wayne, IN business owners and entrepreneurs understand the advantages and disadvantages of umbrella insurance as well as other forms of commercial insurance. Our team can help you select a coverage that meets your needs without exceeding your budget.

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.