Customized coverage for life’s what-ifs 

Insurance helps protect you from unexpected financial losses. You pay a monthly, annual or bi-annual premium, and your policy includes a deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket if you make a claim). Typically, the lower your deductible, the higher your premium tends to be. Most policies also include coverage limits, which are the maximum amounts your insurer will pay.

The right amount depends on your situation, goals and budget. You want enough coverage to protect your home, car or loved ones without overpaying. Factors to consider:

• Your vehicle or property value
• Your income and ongoing financial obligations
• Your family’s needs, like children or dependents

Here are more tips to help you choose the right deductible for you, including how to calculate what you would save (or not save) with a higher deductible. Independent agents, like those at Dupaco Insurance Services, can help you fine-tune coverage for your unique situation.

Auto insurance can help protect you and your vehicle from accidents, theft or other unexpected events. Coverage options often include:

• Liability: Pays for injuries or property damage to another motorist if you’re at fault.
• Collision: Helps repair your car after a collision with something that wasn’t falling, flying or an animal.
• Comprehensive: Helps pay for non-collision damage and losses to your car from things like hail, deer and floods.
• Personal injury protection: Helps cover medical bills for you and your passengers.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Helps pay for damages caused by another motorist who lacks adequate coverage.
• Gap insurance: Helps pay the difference between what you owe on a financed or leased vehicle and what the car is worth if totaled.

With homeowners insurance, you’ll typically choose from: 

• Replacement cost: Helps pay the full cost to replace damaged or stolen items up to your policy limit. It can help you get back on your feet sooner, but the premiums are generally higher. (If you have a mortgage, this policy will be required.) 
• Actual cash value: Pays only what the item was worth at the time of loss (typically with lower premiums but less coverage). This plan may work better if you don’t plan to rebuild or replace.

“Full coverage” is a common phrase, but it doesn’t mean your vehicle is covered for everything. Usually, it means you have both collision and comprehensive coverage. 

Here are several ways to save on insurance without skimping on coverage:

• Bundle policies like home, auto or other insurance with the same insurer.
• Work with an independent agent to compare competitive quotes. Hint: Dupaco members may qualify for additional discounts!
• Take advantage of discounts for safety features like alarm systems, military or veteran status, good driving records, student performance, limited driving or completing a defensive driving or safety course.
• Improve your credit score to qualify for better rates. 
• Increase your deductible to lower your monthly premiums.
• Purchase life insurance earlier to potentially pay lower premiums. 

If you have a policy through Dupaco Insurance Services, you can file your claim below.

If your home has been damaged by a natural disaster, document the damage and contact your agent promptly. These tips can help you know what to expect during the claims process.

Life insurance helps protect the people who depend on you financially. It can help cover: 

• Funeral costs
• Outstanding debt and ongoing living expenses
• Continuing a family business or education needs
• Income replacement 
• Long-term care

It depends on your situation. For young families, coverage may need to be 10x your annual income to support a spouse and children through major milestones. Consider debts, ongoing living expenses and future obligations. Use our life insurance calculator or reach out for a free life needs analysis.

Life insurance comes in two main forms: 

• Term: Coverage for a set number of years, which often can be renewed or converted to permanent coverage later. 
• Permanent (whole or universal life): Coverage for your entire life with potential cash value growth. 

Many consider carrying some whole life insurance—at least enough to cover burial expenses—and enough term insurance to replace your income until age 65.

Younger, healthier applicants often get lower premiums. Locking in coverage early can save you money and protect you against future health concerns. Don’t wait for a serious health scare to seek coverage—it might be too late to secure it.

Starting a policy early can protect your child and lock in low rates. It’s one of the greatest ways to provide long-term security for your family.