Most of us purchase life insurance for its death benefits.  We take comfort in the fact that our loved ones will be taken care of if we suddenly leave them.  Your final expenses can be a huge burden to your family. Funeral costs are just the beginning, there is also unpaid mortgages and loans, unpaid debts, etc.  This is where life insurance comes in.  In the event of your death, you know your loved ones will not have a hard time.  Although, there are other uses for it.

There are 2 types of life insurance

Let's first understand the 2 types of life insurance.  The first is term life insurance.  This provides protection for a specific duration or term.  It ranges from around 10-30 years.  If you pass away within the term, then your benefits can be claimed.

The second type is permanent life insurance.  This type of insurance offers you lifelong protection as long as you pay premiums.  Since this lasts a lifetime, it accumulated cash value.  

It is this cash value that you can use to fund yourself, even if you are still living.  As time passes, your policy will accumulate cash value which you can borrow to fund many things needed in your life.  Let's take a look at some examples below.


Use it as a student loan

One of the first major expenses you will have is for your education.  We all know education is expensive but essential.  Bank loans, financial aids, and others can be difficult.  Borrowing against the cash value of your policy can help fund this instead.


Use it to start a business

When you are done with your studies, and you are now a responsible adult, the next step is to work.  You can look for a job, or start your own business.  Starting your own business is risky and will require some capital.  Depending on the business you are entering, it can require quite a sum.  This is another avenue you can use the cash value of your life insurance.


Use it in case of an emergency

Life can sometimes throw you a curveball and give you something you did not expect.  From an illness to you or a loved one, to losing your main source of income, your life insurance can help.  


Conclusion

Remember that using  or borrowing from the cash value of your life insurance policy can affect your death benefits.  However, it is comforting to know that you have another source of protection from your life insurance.  This is true even if you are still living. At American Trust Insurance, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (305) 270-2220. You can also request for a free quote by CLICKING HERE.

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​Car insurance covers the damages inflicted to both the vehicle and the driver. However, your claim might be denied if the person driving is not listed on the car insurance. This is why you should list everyone who may drive your car. Some insurance companies may list everyone living with you who has a license by default as the drivers, but even people outside your house may also drive your car frequently. Here are some drivers that you need to make sure is listed on your policy.

1. Your parents

Aside from avoiding your claims being denied, it is also important to list your parents as drivers because as people age, they won’t drive as well anymore, and they’re more likely to get into accidents. If your parents have their own car, then there’s no need to list them, you just have to make sure they have their own insurance.

2. Teenagers who just got a license

Teenagers are more prone to accidents compared to adult drivers. This is why it is important to get insurance for both physical injuries and damages to your car. Whether your children live with you or not, if your children drive your car time to time, it’s best to have them listed on your car insurance policy.

3. People who borrows your car

You don’t have to list people who borrows your car as a driver to your policy, because even if they do get accident, it will still be covered by the insurer, as long as they have a driver’s license. However, accidents that are done by the people borrowing your car may cause your premium to go higher.

4. Grown up children who lives with you

If your children are grown up but is still living with you, or due to some circumstances decided to live with you again, you have to list them as a driver in your car insurance policy. If they are not listed as a driver, same like for your parents, your claims might be denied by the insurer.

5. Your Caregiver

If you have a caregiver driving you around, you have to list them as a driver in your policy, or even as a primary driver if you don’t have a license anymore. You will still have to be the one insuring your car, because you’re the one financially responsible if something happens to the car.

Listing drivers are important so your claims won’t be denied when something happens to your car. However, listing high-risk drivers might cause your premium to go up to a certain amount depending on the insurer. Make sure that you have an insurer that can provide the best rates.

At American Trust, we work hard to make sure that our clients are well-protected with policies that they can afford. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (305) 270-2220 or Click Here to request a free quote.

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Cooking becomes easier if your kitchen is well-equipped. You should have all the basic tools and supplies to make the time you spend in the kitchen safe and convenient. Depending on your preference, you may have a simple kitchen design or a lavish one. But, the most important thing is you know how to use and care the tools in basic food preparation.

Kids Kitchen Safety and Introduction to Cooking Tools

• When it comes to making your kitchen safety for your children, begin with the prevention of accidental poisoning. Pesticides, detergents, and many other toxic chemicals are found in the kitchen. Keep them out of sight and touch to your kids by hiding them in a high shelf or under the sink.

 

• Don’t stop there; install safety locks to prevent crawling babies and toddlers from gaining access to these harmful substances.

 

• Another important consideration is to prevent burns. One area in the house that puts people at risk from injuries is the kitchen. Aside from the knives available there, it also has hot pots and boiling water.

 

• Teach your children what they can touch and what they must not. Make sure they follow this rule. Moreover, avoid holding a child when you’re holding a hot pot in one hand.

The Use of Cutting Boards, Pans, and Pots

• It is better to use a cutting board that is made of hard maple or a material that is dishwasher-safe. Your cutting boards should always be cleaned as a way to prevent food poisoning. Preferably, purchase two cutting boards, in which you use one board for fish, raw meat, and poultry.

 

• Many people choose pots and pans that are crafted from heavier metal, as these distribute heat well. However, they are also quite difficult to lift especially when they contain food. Lifting heavy cookware can be the cause of strain in the upper and back arm. You may opt to use lightweight cookware.

Buy Quality Knives and Exercise Safety When Using Them

• A good quality set of kitchen knives is considered an expensive investment, but they are durable and long-lasting. They are also much easier to use, hence also safer.

 

• You knives can last for a long time if you wash them by hand. Use soap and hot water. After that, let them dry quickly.

 

• Store your knives away from small children. In addition, avoid using your kitchen knives for other uses in your house to avoid accidents.

It is important to keep your family safe when inside the kitchen. Set some safety rules to prevent injuries and accidents. Talk to an insurance agent what policy to buy to protect your home and family even more. At American Trust Insurance, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at  (305) 270-2220. You can also request for a free quote by CLICKING HERE.

If you’re like most drivers on the road, your primary consideration behind the wheel is arriving at your destination in one piece. Here in Miami, that can change very quickly. Suddenly, an aggressive driver speeds up from behind. Without signaling, he cuts you off, leaving you thinking “Where’s the fire, idiot!”

And if you drive here in Miami every day, you know that he is not the only one. There are many aggressive drivers out there, whom you have encountered from time to time. These drivers do not bother to check their blind spots, they seem to like tailgating the vehicle in the front, they honk their horns too much, they beat the red light, and they flash their car lights because you drive too slowly for them.

These aggressive drivers have a lot of things in common. One of them is they like to use one finger as a way of expressing their feelings. Because you are not like them (we hope) you try to control yourself even though you feel anger yourself toward these drivers.

Many car accidents happen on the road because of aggressive driving and road rage. A lot of these cases start from minor or no reason at all. What’s more, it seems that these enraged drivers always have some weapons inside their car. Numerous people have been shot or stabbed because they found themselves driving along mad and aggressive driver.

So, how do you avoid putting yourself in these situations? How do you avoid becoming one of them? Here are some calm and safe tips to follow:

• One way to prevent road rage is to be considerate with other motorists. Use proper signals when changing lanes. Never forget to check your blind spots.

 

• Try to look at other drivers as human beings, which mean they are expected to make mistakes. Do not react to every little thing that other drivers do.

 

• The majority of angry drivers are experiencing some kind of emotional problems whether from domestic situations, work-related issues, or love problems. So, for instance, your significant other just left you for another person, make sure you have diffused some of your emotions before you get inside your car.

 

• When a driver gets mad at you for some reasons, and gives you the dirty finger, just ignore it for your safety. People on the road have been attacked physically because of that gesture. Choose your battle wisely.

You can prevent car accidents due to road rage by keeping yourself courteous and considerate. While you are avoiding road ragers, try not to turn anyone into an angry driver also.

Car accidents can happen any time and road ragers are unpredictable. Give yourself another kind of protection by buying a car insurance. You don’t know how broad its protection is. At the American Trust Insurance we aim to make our client's life easier with policies that are tailored to their needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (305) 270-2220. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE

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Term Life insurance policies are ideal if you still have major financial responsibilities, such as paying your mortgage or raising your children. However, there are times that your policy might end before your obligations are covered. If your term life insurance is ending but you still have major credit card debts or people who depend on you, you might want to consider other options to cover these expenses. Here are some ideas that can help you get through this financial dilemma.

Purchase A New Term Life Insurance Policy

If you still have a healthy body, you can consider buying another term life insurance policy to cover major expenses. Depending on the insurance company and your history, you might need to pay higher premiums the second time around. However, if you’re looking into buying a short-term policy of 5 to 10 years, you might be able to negotiate the costs. You can schedule an appointment with an agent from your insurer to guide you in your decision-making process.

Extend Your Policy Year by Year

If you only have a few years left to pay off your financial obligations, it’s a good idea to opt for a renewable term life insurance that you can pay annually. The only downside in choosing this option is that you have to deal with the changing rates of your insurance policy. You can also ask your insurance agent if you can extend your current term life policy every year. This helps you avoid medical exams and save you the hassle of going through another application.

Consider Switching to Permanent Life insurance.

Term life insurance has its own advantages but so does permanent life insurance because it lasts for a lifetime. The downside to switching to a permanent life insurance policy is that it will probably be a higher premium, but they might have more flexibility or benefits. You can choose from three types of permanent life insurance—universal, whole or variable. Most insurers offer you the option of switching to permanent life insurance when your term life insurance ends and you need more coverage.

Just a few things to remember, you need to decide whether or not you are converting your term life insurance policy to a permanent one before it ends. There is also a cutoff for the age of policyholder depending on the insurer.

Conclusion

The decision that you make after your term life insurance ends can affect your financial situation for years. This is why you need to sit down with a trusted financial advisor such as your insurance agent to walk you through the steps to know what’s best for you.

At American Trust , we aim to make our client's life easier with policies that are tailored to their needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (305) 270-2220. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.

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You purchase a home insurance policy to ensure that you, your family and your home are protected in the event of an accident. However, you need to make sure that you are still protected when it comes to natural disasters such fallen trees or storms. Especially during hurricane season right now. To make sure, you have to review your policy to know what it may not cover during natural disasters.

What’s Included in the Standard Policy?

When reviewing your policy, you need to make sure that you understand everything that is included in the coverage. Here is everything that you need to know about your policy’s storm coverage.

Earth Movements or Earthquakes

Damages due to earthquakes or any movement of the tectonic plates are mostly not covered by a standard home insurance policy. The truth is, insurance companies may offer a separate policy that gives you earthquake coverage in your area.
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Here in South Florida it’s not a major concern for our clients, but if you’d like to discuss your options we’d be happy to.

Water Damages

It doesn’t matter if it’s in the form of hail or rain, everyone knows that water can severely damage homes. Most homeowners insurance covers hail damage but there are also limitations stated in your policy. Water damage coverage differs depending on what happened. Another example is when your pipe bursts and your insurance covers it. But when flood ruins your home, your standard insurance policy will mostly reject your claim.

The best thing to do is to talk to your insurance agent and ask them how you can get coverage for different types of water damages in the house. Chances are, just like earthquake coverage, you need to buy separate policies for them.

Power Surges and Lightning Strikes

Lightning strikes that lead to fire or property damages are most likely covered by a standard homeowners policy. There are also companies that cover power surges or power outages caused by a lightning strike resulting to damages in your appliances. Of course, there will be limitations when it comes to the total covered cost so you need to check how much coverage you have.

During a storm, your house can be under serious threat and heavy winds can blow your roof off. Most home insurance policies cover wind damages. The standard home insurance policy also covers fallen trees due to the storm, hail damages, snow that gets inside the house due to the roof falling because of the wind and many more. To get the whole list of coverage, you need to inquire with your insurance agent.

It's best to be prepared at all times especially right now as the peak of hurricane season is approaching. Reviewing your homeowner’s policy should always be your priority before paying your premiums so give us a call.

At American Trust, we take pride in making sure our clients are well protected at prices they can afford. To learn more about how we can help you please contact our agency at (305) 270-2220 or Click Here to request a free quote.

Unfortunately for most of us here in Miami, insurance can be quite costly. Regardless of this, it is important to have insurance on property and automobiles. It could be catastrophic to your finances if you don't have insurance. We don’t think anyone should over pay for insurance, that’s why we’ve rounded up recommended ways we help clients here in Miami save on car insurance premiums.

​1) Get Multi-Policy Discounts
 
Check with your agent if combining home and auto can give you a discount. Many carriers want clients to have all their policies under one roof and they offer discounts if you do. It’s best not to assume that having all your policies with one carrier will always save you the most amount of money, but it can be the case and it’s always worth exploring.
 
2) One Policy vs. Multiple Policies
 
Putting all your vehicles under one policy may allow you to get a discount from your insurer. But, if one of your drivers has a poor driving history the overall premium might be higher that way. It’s always worth checking with your agent if you have one driver in the house who has a significantly worse driving record.
 
3) Give Full Payment
 
Paying monthly often makes insurers add a finance charge to your bill. As much as possible, choose payment schemes like annually or quarterly at the least. Less payment every year entails less administrative costs to the company and also less cost to you. This isn’t always the case for every insurance carrier here in Miami so it’s worth a discussion with your agent.
 
4) Choose a Collision Deductible as High as You Can Afford
 
You will have a collision deductible depending on your plan. It is the amount you’ll need to pay out of pocket if you have an accident while you’re driving your car. Ask yourself the amount you are willing to pay if you file a claim insure. Getting a higher collision deductible will lower your premium for collision coverage by a lot.
 
5) Consider Your Car’s Value When Purchasing Collision Coverage
 
Check if you need to carry collision coverage at all. Canceling the collision coverage has pros and cons. You may save on insurance expenses but if an accident happens and your car has damages, you may have to take more money out of your pocket. Changing the deductible is like self-insurance but the insurance company will never pay more than the value of your vehicle, so if it’s only worth a few thousand dollars it might be wiser to hold off on the coverage entirely.
 
6) Buy a Different Car
 
Some cars have higher insurance cost compared to others. It will depend on the rate of theft, replacement or repair cost, among others. Check with your agent when you’re shopping for new cars.
 
7) Check for Discounts
 
Inquire with your insurer if they can provide discounts. It can be for your car's Automatic Emergency Braking Systems and Anti-theft devices.
 
At American Trust Insurance we think our clients should get every possible discount they deserve and we work hard to make sure they do. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (305) 270-2200 or Click Here to request a free quote.

​If you are moving to Florida some steps are involved in the process to keep your car insurance in order. Lots of factors may affect your auto insurance coverage when you move to Florida so we wanted to run through some of the most common questions we get asked here in the agency.

Can I save money on car insurance if I move?

It’s hard to say whether you’ll save money on your car insurance or not. Car insurance rates vary by state and location so moving to Florida might make your rates go up or they might go down. You might even find the coverage options are different here than they were in the state you came from and you may be required to purchase additional coverage or less coverage than you had before. The best way to know for sure is to talk to an independent agent here in Florida.

Can I avoid a coverage gap when I move?

It is illegal here in Florida to drive without car insurance so if you are transferring, you need to leave your old insurance policy in place until it’s replaced by a new insurance policy here in Florida. Driving without coverage isn’t just illegal, it can also lead to increased rates. Here are ways to ensure that the new policy is in effect:

1) Confirm with the insurance agent that your old policy has an official cancellation date.

2) Confirm the new insurance coverage start date with your new insurance agent here in Florida.

3) Get new insurance ID cards from your provider.

What Effects Car Insurance Rates When I Move to Florida?

1) Requirements in State Insurance

Every state has insurance requirements that determine the minimums and coverages needed on your policy. These can give impact on the insurance's overall cost. Moving to a new state that has lower requirements in auto insurance can help save money, but it can put you at risk for financial loss and lawsuits.

2) New Zip Code

Aside from the state requirements, zip codes may also affect the money you pay for auto insurance. They can help carriers adjust for the risk factors like natural disasters, crime rates, and traffic.

3) Changes in Life

A lot may change in your daily routine when you move. Be aware if there are variations in the driving habits of you and the policy members so you can inform your insurer and make adjustments. These are the major life changes:
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• Marriage
• Getting a new home
• Buying a new vehicle
• Adding drivers to your policy
• Changes in your usual mileage

In order to be fully safe prior to moving to Florida, we recommend reaching out to an independent insurance agency one week before you plan to arrive to discuss the process and make sure you’ll be ready to get your new insurance at the right time. 

Here at American Trust Insurance we help people moving to Florida and Miami every day with their car insurance. To learn more about how we can help you make this move as easy and affordable as possible please contact our agency at 877-279-9210 or Click Here to request a free quote.

What’s the first thing that comes to our minds when we hear about car maintenance? Oil change! But do you know there’s a lot more to car maintenance than making sure you’re not running flat or changing the oil regularly? Well, here are some car maintenance tasks you shouldn’t skip.

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Tire Pressure Check and Tire Rotation
 
Tires are important for your vehicle to run smoothly and safely. They provide you a good grip that your vehicle needs to accelerate and stop. And because it plays a significant role, it is important to maintain it regularly.
 
Note that tires inflated to incorrect pressures may cause it to wear quickly, decrease vehicle handling, and may affect fuel consumption. If you don’t have an idea as to the correct tire pressure for your car, you can find it in the owner’s manual or the sticker located on the driver’s side door. The pressure listed are cold pressure. Thus, make sure that you adjust it before you drive extensively.
 
Friction can cause an increased tire pressure, thereby giving a false reading. It is important that you rotate your tires to make sure that they will wear out evenly.
 
Regular Air Filter Checks
 
Having your air filter checked is crucial if you own an older car or if you reside in an area that has high levels of air pollution. Like humans, your car needs air to function. The air that your engine uses passes through the engine air filter. Making sure that this filter is clean will ensure that your engine is delivering a peak performance.
 
Fuel Filter Replacement
 
Most cars nowadays have fuel injection pumps. Fuel injectors are essential pieces of equipment that don't respond very well to contaminated fuels. The fuel filter constantly runs while you’re using the vehicle. That means it has a relatively short life. Most cars replace fuel filter every 30,000 miles. However, some have a more aggressive schedule.
 
Fluid Level Monitoring and Replacement
 
Your car uses different types of fluid to function properly. So, aside from engine oil change, you need to make sure that you check and replace other fluids as well. These fluids include:

• Brake fluid: This fluid can be seen in a reservoir. Unlike other fluids, the brake fluid is hygroscopic. That means that it absorbs moisture from the environment over time. Thus, it results to a squishy brake pedal and reduced boiling point of the brake fluid.
• Coolant and power steering fluid: These fluids can easily be checked by inspecting the reservoir. If the levels are low, you can add fluids. Note that your coolant needs to be tested for quality even if it may seem that it is in good condition.
• Transmission fluid: This fluid can be checked using a dipstick in the engine bay of an automatic transmission car.  Unlike checking or an oil level, your car should be on idle on a level surface.

 
It is important to have your car maintained regularly. That way, it can last longer, and its value won’t reduce quickly. Aside from that, a well-maintained car can get you insurance discounts.
 
American Trust Insurance​ offers car insurance that you can tailor according to your needs and preference. We offer car insurance rates at a reasonable price. Know how much you can save, get a free quote from us. You may talk to one of our agents at (305) 270-2220 or visit us at our office today.

1)  Primary Focus on the Price
When shopping for insurance, most people are focused on finding the best price. Finding a good deal is important, but make sure that even if you are buying cheap insurance, it should be adequate to provide the needed coverage.

2)  Avoid purchasing a policy for the wrong occupancy
Some people live in the house that they own, but some just rent. There are some cases when the houses are unoccupied. These are scenarios that need insurance. Choose the right coverage for the type of occupancy so you can avoid claim problems in the future. Also, ensure that you are updating the policy if there are changes in your occupancy.

3)  Failure to understand exclusions to your policy
It is important to correctly read the policy because it can avoid confusions in your coverage as well as its exclusions.

4)  Check the inclusion of flood insurance
People are usually confused with flood insurance coverage because most people are unaware that the homeowner's insurance policy does not cover flood. You can always purchase a separate flood policy to make sure you have coverage in the case of a flood.

5)  Underinsurance of your home
The only concern of a mortgage company is the protection of their asset. They will typically only require enough coverage to cover the amount of the mortgage. Through this, there will be nothing for you, and everything will go straight to the bank.

6)  Choose an “actual cash value” coverage over “replacement cost” coverage
It is better to opt for the “replacement cost” than “cash value” because it can provide a brand new replacement for any covered item. "Actual cash value" only provides the item's reimbursement minus depreciation.

7)  Lower your premium by increasing the deductible
It is a big no-no to reduce your premium by decreasing the coverage. Over time, the cost to rebuild a home will typically go up because of inflation and cost of materials, so if anything it is better to periodically increase your coverage. In order to save on premiums, increasing your deductible is better - but make sure you always have the deductible amount in savings in case of disaster!

8)  Check if your policy will cover other people's personal property
Whenever you rent a house, always remember that your "landlord" policy may not cover the loss of individuals who occupy the property. Therefore, tenants should also have an insurance coverage for renters. It provides liability and covers their personal property.

9)  Non-involvement of the “pros.”
Whenever you get an insurance policy, make sure that you will get all of your needed coverage. It is best that you properly understand the system. Always ask questions to your agent if there is something that may not be clear to you.

Start protecting your home today. We at American Trust Insurance will do everything to help you get the right coverage for you.

Protect your home today. We at American Trust Insurance can ensure you have the correct coverage for your unique needs. Inform us how we can help you by calling 305-270-2220 or visit us at our office. You may get a free quote ​ here.​