Gateway Insurance Network Blog

The Real Advantage of Independent Insurance Agents

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 17:05:11 GMT

Why Independent Insurance Agents Put Customers First — And Why It Matters When Shopping for Insurance

When people shop for insurance, they often compare prices, click through quick online quotes, or look at whatever a single carrier offers. But the truth is simple: the best protection comes from someone who works for you, not for one company. That’s the core advantage of independent insurance agents — and it’s backed by industry data and expert commentary.

Independent agents represent multiple insurance companies, giving customers more options, unbiased guidance, and long-term advocacy. They simplify the shopping process, tailor coverage to real-life needs, and stand beside clients during claims — all at no extra cost.

1. Independent Agents Work for the Customer — Not the Carrier

Captive agents can only offer one company’s products. Independent agents can compare many insurers at once, ensuring customers get the best fit for their needs, budget, and risk profile. This flexibility allows them to focus on what’s right for the customer instead of steering them toward a single carrier’s lineup.

2. More Options = Better Coverage & Better Pricing

Insurance is not one-size-fits-all. Families, retirees, and business owners all have different priorities. Independent agents can access multiple carriers, compare coverage differences, and identify which company is most competitive for a customer’s specific situation — whether it’s home, auto, life, or commercial insurance.

This wider view helps customers avoid:

Hidden coverage gaps
Overpaying for unnecessary extras
Policies that look similar but differ significantly in deductibles, exclusions, or claims service

3. Unbiased, Personalized Advice Based on Real Risks

Independent agents start with the customer’s actual life circumstances — not a preset corporate script. They tailor recommendations based on:

Family needs
Business exposures
Local risks
Budget
Long-term goals

This personalized approach helps customers understand what they’re truly buying, beyond just the price on page one.

4. One Point of Contact for All Policies

Instead of juggling multiple agents or call centers, customers get one trusted advisor who can handle home, auto, umbrella, business, cyber, and more. This continuity remains even if the customer switches carriers — the agent stays the same.

5. Independent Agents Save Customers Time & Confusion

Insurance shopping can be overwhelming. Independent agents simplify the process by:

Gathering customer info once
Shopping multiple carriers
Narrowing down the best options
Explaining differences clearly

This saves customers hours of research and reduces confusion when comparing policies.

6. Local Knowledge = Better Protection

Independent agents often live and work in the same communities they serve. They understand local risks — storms, floods, liability exposures, building codes — and know which insurers perform best in the area. This local insight helps customers get coverage that actually fits their environment.

7. Claims Advocacy When Customers Need It Most

Filing a claim can be stressful. Independent agents act as customer advocates, helping:

Report claims correctly
Explain coverage
Communicating with adjusters
Ensure fair resolution

Instead of being routed through a rotating call center, customers get a consistent, trusted advisor who knows their situation.

8. Proactive Risk Management & Ongoing Support

Good independent agents don’t just sell policies — they help customers anticipate risks and adjust coverage as life changes. This includes:

Annual reviews
Loss prevention advice
Coverage updates
Identifying new discounts

This proactive approach keeps customers protected long-term.

9. No Extra Cost to the Customer

Independent agents are paid by the carriers, not by charging customers a fee. Customers get expert guidance, multiple quotes, and claims support at no additional cost.

Bottom Line: Independent Agents Deliver Better Protection, Better Value, and Better Service

Customers deserve someone who works for them — not for a single insurance company. Independent agents provide:

More choices
Better pricing
Stronger coverage
Local expertise
Claims advocacy
Long-term support

All of this adds up to one thing: the customer’s best interests come first.

Gateway Insurance Network: Missouri’s Independent Agents, Dedicated to YOU

At Gateway Insurance Network, we believe every Missouri family deserves an agent who puts their needs first — not a carrier’s quota. As a fully independent agency, we shop multiple companies on your behalf, compare real coverage differences, and fight for the best value without cutting corners. Our commitment is simple: honest guidance, local expertise, and protection that actually fits your life. When you choose Gateway, you’re choosing a team that works for you, stands by you, and protects what matters most to you — every single day.

Why Missouri Auto Insurance Rates Are Rising in 2026

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

A Local Look for Desloge, Farmington & St. Francois County

If you’ve noticed your auto insurance rates creeping up this year, you’re not alone. Drivers across Missouri — especially in Desloge, Farmington, and St. Francois County — are seeing increases from nearly every carrier. But the reasons behind the rising costs aren’t always clear.

At Gateway Insurance Network, we believe in transparency. Here’s what’s really happening in 2026, why Missouri drivers are feeling the impact, and how you can protect your wallet without sacrificing coverage.

1. Repair Costs in Missouri Are Higher Than Ever

Auto repair shops across Missouri report higher prices for:

Parts
Labor
Specialty components
Technology‑based repairs (sensors, cameras, ADAS systems)

Even minor fender‑benders now involve expensive recalibrations. When repair costs rise, insurance companies adjust premiums to keep up.

2. More Severe Weather Claims in St. Francois County

Missouri has seen an increase in:

Hailstorms
Wind damage
Flash flooding
Tornado‑related claims

Drivers in St. Francois County and surrounding areas have been hit especially hard. Weather‑related claims are one of the biggest factors affecting premiums in 2026.

3. Higher Medical Costs After Accidents

Medical expenses continue to rise nationwide, and Missouri is no exception. When injury claims cost more, insurance companies adjust rates to cover the increased payouts.

4. More Vehicles Totaled Instead of Repaired

With repair costs rising, carriers are totaling vehicles more often. Total losses cost insurers more — which affects everyone’s premiums.

How Missouri Drivers Can Save in 2026

Here’s the good news: you can lower your costs, and Gateway Insurance Network can help.

✔ Shop Multiple Carriers

As an independent agency, we compare rates across several companies — not just one. This is the fastest way to find savings.

✔ Bundle Auto + Home

Missouri drivers often save 15–25% by bundling.

✔ Review Coverage You Don’t Need

Many drivers carry outdated or unnecessary add‑ons.

✔ Ask About Safe‑Driver Discounts

Telematics programs can reduce premiums for good driving habits.

✔ Update Your Mileage

If you drive less than you used to, your rate may drop.

Why Local Matters

Working with a Missouri‑based agency means:

Real‑person support
Faster answers
Better carrier options
Local knowledge of weather, claims, and risk factors
Honest guidance without pressure

Gateway Insurance Network serves Desloge, Farmington, St. Francois County, Jefferson County, and surrounding Missouri communities with personalized, transparent insurance support.

Ready to See If You Can Save?

A quick quote could reveal lower rates — especially if you haven’t compared carriers recently.

Call 573-327-8040 for a fast, friendly quote from Gateway Insurance Network.

Home Generator Safety in Missouri

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Storms or natural disasters in Missouri can have the ability to knock your power out for an extended period of time. During an outage, portable generators can offer temporary power, but there are potential risks associated with the use of these generators. Generators can be dangerous and can lead to illness, injury and even death if used improperly.

When using a portable generator, it is important to take precautions for your safety and the safety of those in your home. Follow these guidelines for safe generator use:

Read the manufacturer's safety and operating manual before using your generator.
Never leave your generator running when you are away from your home or business.
Check your generator regularly during operation.
Use caution when touching your generator as many areas become hot and can burn you.

Be sure generator is connected correctly to avoid electrical hazards

Electricity supplied by a generator has the same hazards as your regular utility-supplied electricity. You can face additional risks if your generator bypasses safety devices, such as circuit breakers, that are built into your electrical systems. Travelers recommends contacting an electrical contractor or the generator manufacturer for the proper installation of your generator.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for properly grounding your generator to help avoid electrical shock.
Be sure your hands are dry and that you are not standing in water before touching the generator.
Never plug your generator into a wall outlet.
Plug appliances directly into the generator using manufacturer-specified cords or three-pronged extension cords with the proper amperage rating for the intended use.
Be aware that portable generators become hot while running and remain hot for a significant amount of time after they are shut down, creating a potential fire hazard.

Never operate a generator indoors

Generators should not be operated indoors, in garages or basements, or near windows, vents or doors. Your generator should be kept well away from your home or business. A minimum distance of 25 feet is recommended; however, you should check your local ordinances and the manufacturer’s recommended practices for additional information. Be sure to take your neighbors/neighboring businesses' windows, vents and doors into account when positioning your generator. The exhaust from a generator can build up carbon monoxide (CO) – a colorless, odorless toxic gas – that can cause severe illness or even death.

Maintain a clear space of three to four feet on all sides and above the generator to allow for proper ventilation.
Help safeguard your home or business by installing CO alarms that are battery-operated or plug-in/hardwired with battery backup. Be sure to routinely test them and replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.

Refuel safely

You should always use caution when refueling your portable generator. There is a risk of fire or getting burned because of the nature of the task. Follow these safety tips to ensure you properly refuel your generator.

Shut down your generator and allow it to cool completely before refueling. Gasoline, kerosene or other fuels used to run generators can ignite if spilled on hot engine parts.
Do not try to refuel a generator while it is running.
Make sure all generator fuels are stored and transported in approved containers.
Fuels should not be stored in or near your house or business. They should be stored in a separate, well-ventilated area or in an approved flammable liquids storage cabinet.
Do not smoke around fuel containers or while refueling your generator.

For more tips on safeguarding and protecting your home, visit GatewayInsuranceNetwork.com — your trusted Missouri independent agency committed to keeping families protected.

Why Did Car Insurance Rates Go Up in 2024?

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Car insurance rates have continued to rise, impacting drivers across the country. Here are some key factors contributing to this trend:

Increased Severity of Bodily Injury Claims: The LexisNexis 2024 Auto Trends Report highlights a 20% increase in bodily injury claim severity compared to 2020. As medical costs rise, claimants are turning to attorneys to secure higher payouts.
Rising Material Damage Repair Costs: Repairing vehicles after accidents has become more expensive due to advanced technology and complex vehicle designs. These costs directly impact insurance rates.
Legal Intervention: Claimants seeking higher payouts are involving attorneys, leading to additional legal expenses for insurers. This drives up overall claim costs. Now let’s explore some effective strategies to save money on car insurance in 2024, especially considering the rising rates:
1. Comparison Shop: Start by getting new car insurance quotes. Comparison shopping allows you to find the best rates and coverage for your specific needs. Different insurers offer varying prices, so it’s essential to explore your options.
2. Bundle Policies: Consider bundling your car insurance with another policy, such as home insurance. Bundling can lead to discounts and overall cost savings. Check with your insurer to see if this option is available.
3. Higher Deductibles: opt for higher deductibles. While this means you’ll pay more out of pocket in case of an accident, it can significantly lower your premium. Evaluate your risk tolerance and adjust accordingly.
4. Discounts: Inquire about available discounts. Insurers offer various discounts based on factors like safe driving, anti-theft devices, and good student status. Ask your provider which discounts you qualify for.
5. Get Quotes Before Buying a New Vehicle: If you’re planning to purchase a new car, get insurance quotes beforehand. Some vehicles are more expensive to insure due to factors like repair costs and safety features.
6. Safe Driving Habits: Prioritize safe driving. Maintaining a clean driving record can lead to lower premiums over time. Avoid accidents, speeding tickets, and other violations
7. Adjust Coverage Levels: Review your coverage levels. If you have an older car, consider reducing coverage to save money. For example, if your car’s value is low, you might not need comprehensive coverage.
8. Minimum Coverage Policy: Evaluate whether a minimum coverage policy meets your needs. While full coverage provides comprehensive protection, it comes at a higher cost. Assess your risk tolerance and financial situation.
9. Remember that each state and metro area have unique insurance landscapes, so explore local options and tailor your approach accordingly. By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the 2024 car insurance landscape more effectively and save on costs.
Contact Gateway Insurance Network to discuss your auto insurance rates.

Safety Tips for Company Vehicles

Mon, 29 May 2023 14:52:00 GMT

Whether you have one company car or an entire fleet of vans, you want to make sure you’re taking the right safety steps. Follow these tips to reduce accidents, keep employees safe, and protect your business vehicles.

Keep Track of Maintenance and Registration Requirements

Staying on top of oil changes, tune-ups, and regular vehicle maintenance will help your company car or truck run more efficiently, thereby saving on fuel. It also reduces the likelihood of breakdowns and accidents, which could have a negative impact on your business operation and revenue and also put workers at risk. Likewise, create reminders for when your state registration must be renewed so you or your employees aren’t pulled over and cited by law enforcement for out-of-date tags.

Make Sure Employees Are Comfortable Driving Your Vehicles

The bigger your company vehicle, the more challenging it will be to operate for many employees. Some common difficulties include:

Parking
Operating in reverse with only side mirrors
Changing lanes
Making tight turns
Judging appropriate slowing distance before stopping
Driving at highway speeds
Towing a trailer
Operating in inclement weather

Don’t ask workers to drive vehicles they’re not comfortable with. To assist them, let them practice on the company premises. Even better, enroll all drivers in a defensive driving class, which should cover the above concerns and will let them drive alongside a pro who can offer instruction about typical problem areas.

Don’t Require Workers to Drive in Dangerous Conditions

Recent severe weather events across the US have demonstrated that sometimes it’s better not to be on the road at all, lest a driver become stuck for hours or caught in a pileup. When bad weather is in the forecast, do your best to reschedule trips and deliveries. Aim to have all employees off the road before storms or freezing temperatures arrive.

Plan for Emergencies

Sometimes, no matter what you do to safeguard your workers and your vehicles, emergency situations arise. You can plan for these scenarios by doing the following:

Make sure every vehicle is outfitted with safety cones, flares, flashlights, and reflective vests, at a minimum. In snowy areas, you may wish to add cat litter or sand, as well as a shovel and provisions in case a driver is stranded (food, water, hand warmers, and a blanket).
Check that your company cars carry spare tires.
Switch to snow tires or chains as appropriate in winter.
Equip company vehicles with basic first aid supplies.
Jumper cables—or better, a fully charged cordless battery jumper—should be in every vehicle.
Instruct employees on what to do in case of an emergency on the road.
Keep insurance and roadside assistance information in the glovebox.

Get the Right Insurance Coverage for Your Protection

For both your employees’ protection and coverage for your vehicles, be certain to have the right commercial auto insurance policy. You want a policy that gives you high liability coverage, collision insurance, and comprehensive insurance for things like theft, vandalism, or fire.

Ask your insurance agent if your commercial auto insurance policy covers cases where you or your employees are using personal vehicles for work or renting vehicles while traveling for business, or if additional coverage is needed for those scenarios.

To learn more about auto insurance coverage for your business, or about business insurance in general, call us today, or send us a message online. Don’t be caught without the protection you need, or you could jeopardize your workers, your assets, and your business itself.

Rental Property Insurance Basics

Mon, 29 May 2023 05:00:00 GMT

If you own a rental property, it’s no doubt a source of income for you. Therefore, you want to protect your property with the right insurance coverage. Read on to learn why you likely need rental property insurance, what this insurance typically covers, and why it’s important as a property owner regardless of whether or not you're a full-time landlord.

Why Do You Need Insurance for Your Rental Property?

When you derive revenue from a rental property, you count on that money, whether it’s your entire income or a side hustle. If something were to happen to the property through no fault of your own, what would you do without your rental income? How would you pay for expensive repairs? These and similar things are why rental property insurance exists.

What Does Rental Property Insurance Cover?

Rental property insurance covers single-family homes, duplexes, apartments, and condos owned by you and rented out to others. A typical policy covers the property in the normal ways a homeowner policy does, paying for expenses related to repairs or rebuilding in the event of fire, storms, vandalism, and many natural disasters.

The structure itself is covered by the insurance policy, as well as elements inside the property that are owned by you, such as appliances, furnishings you supply tenants, carpeting, and window treatments. Everything you own that is not property of a renter is typically protected. So, if you rent out a fully furnished property, both the interior and exterior of the home are likely covered by the policy.

Additionally, rental property insurance covers elements of being a full- or part-time landlord that are not included in a conventional homeowner policy. For example, if a tenant causes serious damage to your property and you can’t rent it out, your insurance not only covers repairs but also can cover loss of income until it’s made habitable again.

Liability is also often covered for situations like:

Injuries on your property
Wrongful eviction
Discrimination against tenants
Libel and slander

What About Vacation and Homestay Rentals?

Just because you rent out a property only some of the time doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have rental property coverage. If you own a vacation rental or homestay property (like Airbnb, Vrbo, FlipKey, etc.), you still want to treat it like a business that provides income. Otherwise, you could be on the hook if renters seriously damage your property or take you to court over an alleged grievance.

If you want the peace of mind of knowing your rental property is covered with the right insurance, we welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Contact us today or request a quote online.

Six Tips to Minimize Risk of Extreme Weather on Your Business

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Extreme weather can wreak havoc on your business. Tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, windstorms, flash floods, snowstorms, and blizzards — are you prepared for any of these to strike?

Taking precautions against Mother Nature is always a smart business move because nobody wants to be caught in a financial nightmare. If you haven’t already, it’s about time you mapped out an emergency plan to best prepare your company for sudden eventualities. Here are six tips that will help you weather-proof your business:

Protect your workers and business property

Identify weather risks your business is most vulnerable to and design an emergency action plan to safeguard your employees and your commercial property. Safety procedures include keeping emergency booklets in common areas and designating offsite locations where your employees can assemble and seek shelter. To minimize damage on your property, install safety systems to shield windows, structures, electronic equipment, and inventory from debris and water damage.
Prevent file and data loss

If you haven’t taken that digital leap yet, now is the right time to do so. With cloud storage systems, storing and accessing files and data is easier than ever. Make sure to schedule regular backups of data and records, including photos, videos, important documents, customer contracts, and inventory.
Keep communication lines open

Natural disasters can overload or knock out power, phone, and internet. However, you can still devise ways to communicate with your employees and customers amid an emergency. Develop a “phone tree” (a system for delivering a message to a large group of people) or utilize mass texting apps to update them about the status of your business operations. You can also alert them through social media posts or emails.
Run your business remotely

Disasters can cripple a business. But having a business continuity plan in place will help you to continue serving your customers in times of disruptions to operations. This includes setting aside funds for recovery efforts, rotating staff, renting a temporary office space, contacting third-party organizations for assistance, and even allowing employees to work from home.
Stash away emergency necessities

Aside from investing in a backup power source, you should also stockpile emergency items such as flashlights, external batteries, first aid kits, food, and water. These are essential when staying put in the office is safer than going home.
Make sure your business carries up-to-date insurance

The elements can impact everything in your business. Stay ahead of the weather by periodically reviewing with your agent to adjust coverages when necessary. This will help ensure your business has adequate protection.

Severe weather cannot be avoided, but its impact on your revenue, costs, and profits can be mitigated by putting comprehensive measures in place.

Get in touch with us today and we can make sure your business is properly covered.

Choosing the right business or commercial insurance plan for your business can be very confusing, so we have developed many different options and programs to meet the needs of our commercial insurance clients throughout the state of Missouri.

Energize the Office with These Energy-Saving Tips

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 01:13:53 GMT

No matter what size office your business occupies these days, it seems like energy costs are going up, up, up. Here are some tips on how you can save money and help the environment.

Perform Regular Maintenance Checks on HVAC

If you own your business property or are responsible for the heating and cooling systems, you'll want to have them checked on a regular basis. Typically, having a professional give them the once-over in spring and autumn is best. Cleaning and replacing worn parts or filters can go a long way in increasing HVAC efficiency.

Automate Your Utilities and Lights

Using automation for lights and utilities gives you better control when they’re operating, which reduces needless use. This includes:

Using a programmable thermostat to decrease heat or A/C usage during non-business hours
Installing automatic light switches in break rooms and restrooms
Using photocells or motion sensor lights outside

If you set up automation to be controlled by a mobile device, you can make adjustments on the fly, such as when someone needs to work on the weekend, or you forgot to turn off the lights at the end of the day.

Switch to LED Light Bulbs

It used to be the case that compact fluorescents were the answer to energy-hogging incandescent bulbs. However, LED bulbs offer even greater energy savings. While LED bulbs cost a bit more up front, they last months or even years longer than old-fashioned bulbs. They draw significantly less electricity, too.

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances and Electronic Devices

From break room refrigerators to office computers, you can save with energy-efficient appliances and devices. Look for Energy Star appliances, which often include discounts at tax time, and swap out desktop PCs for laptops and tablets. If you’re not sure what to change, consider having an energy audit conducted by a professional consultant or your utility company.

Change from Overhead to Task Lighting

If you’re like many businesses, you have overhead lights on all day, everywhere, when you don’t really need them. You can shut off those lights and change to tabletop lamps in many cases. As a bonus, it makes the office more appealing to workers and can reduce eye strain, too.

Seal Up Places Where Heating or Cooling Is Lost

Your office may be losing money to the outdoors if your heat or cooled air isn’t staying in the building. Look for places where you’re running up your energy bills unnecessarily and make improvements. Seal doors and windows, install windbreaks by entrances, insulate flimsy walls, and hang energy-efficient window treatments.

Turn Off Equipment When Not in Use

You can operate the most energy-efficient equipment in the world, but if it’s left on when no one is around, you’re still wasting money. If you can’t automate some items, create an end-of-the-day checklist to make sure they’re switched off or unplugged. When replacing equipment, look for models that shut off after a certain period of inactivity. And you can use an energy monitoring device to see how much power any electrical item is drawing when both turned on and on standby (known as electrical leaking, phantom load, or vampire power). Sometimes it’s simply better to unplug something when it’s not in use.

Want to save even more money for your business? You may be paying too much for your commercial property insurance or other business insurance.

Call us today to see where you could be saving or reach out online to get a competitive quote!

What to Check Before Buying a Used Car

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:42:59 GMT

With the new car market impacted by shipping delays, many people are choosing to buy used cars lately. And some people only purchase a used vehicle because it saves them money and lets the first owner figure out if it’s a lemon or not (most major problems show up by around 60,000 miles). Here’s a checklist for things you should assess if you’re looking at used cars.

Tires and Brakes

While tires can be replaced, they can run hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Make sure the tires are in good shape with no worn treads or patches; otherwise, this can be a good opportunity to knock some money off the price of the vehicle with your offer.

The brakes should be in excellent working order too. There should be no noise when you apply the brake pedal, and you shouldn’t have to pump the pedal or push hard on it to stop the vehicle. No brake warning lights should be illuminated on the dashboard.

Suspension and Alignment

The vehicle should ride smoothly when you take it for a test drive. Before you get in, check to make sure the car or truck sits level on the pavement. Also, the alignment should be correct, and the vehicle should not pull to one side or the other.

Air Conditioning and Heat

No matter where you drive, you’ll want air conditioning or heat… or both. Don’t forget to turn them on to ensure they’re working properly. Check all the vents, including those in the rear, if there is a separate vent system behind the driver’s seat.

Safety Elements

If certain components are not functioning, driving the vehicle may not be safe, and you can get a traffic citation. This includes:

Headlights, taillights, and directional signals
Seat belts and airbags
Dashboard lights
Horn
Windshield (no cracks or stars) and wipers

Make certain the door locks and window controls work too.

Accident History and Repair Record

Ideally, you want as many records for the vehicle as you can get your hands on. There are multiple sites online where you can enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if it’s been in an accident. The owner’s certificate (pink slip) should not indicate that it’s a salvage vehicle.

If the owner has repair and maintenance records, that’s even better. It’s a good sign if a seller can provide this documentation because it usually shows they have nothing to hide and have been meticulous about the car’s upkeep.

If you’re not sure about a car’s mechanical soundness, take it to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. It’s well worth the money to save yourself from buying a vehicle that needs too much work.

Miscellaneous Other Items

Depending on the vehicle you’re buying, there are other elements you may wish to check:

Sound system
Luxury electronics like navigation systems, smartphone connections, video players, etc.
Seating (fabric, heating, adjustment controls, etc.)
Trunk or hatchback mechanism
Sunroof or convertible roof
Spare tire and jack
Roof rack, trailer hitch, running boards, etc.
Exterior paint condition

Insurance Quote

Before you buy, it’s wise to get a quote on what it will cost to insure the vehicle, so there are no surprises. And, of course, you'll want to have the vehicle insured before you start driving it if you do decide to purchase it. Most states require liability insurance to register and operate a motor vehicle, plus you probably need collision and comprehensive coverage to be fully protected.

Have you found the used car you want and are ready for an auto insurance policy?

Get in touch today to make sure you have the protection you need.

Should I Notify My Insurance Company About a New Puppy?

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 20:24:54 GMT

Having a new puppy join your household can change your life. The snuggles and kisses make getting up in the middle of the night for potty breaks worth it, but in the whirlwind of change, it’s easy to forget some practicalities. For example, should you inform your insurance company about your new dog? Are there things you can do to keep your puppy safer? What about protecting yourself financially if your dog bites someone? Here’s what you need to know as a dog owner.

A New Puppy and Insurance Coverage

Whether you own your own home or rent, you probably have insurance coverage for the property. And you should definitely let your insurance company know if you have a new puppy because it may change your policy.

First, you want to know if you’re covered for things like damage caused by your dog. Also, you need to find out if you should add more protection (see dog bite liability below).

Pro tip: while you’re inquiring about insurance coverage, it’s worth asking your insurance agent about your vehicle. Are you covered if your pooch chews a hole in the seat (it doesn’t just happen in the movies) or punctures something with its nails?

Keeping Your Pup Safe

Did you know that Great Dane puppies grow as much in a year as the average human does from birth to high school? While your dog may become practically pony-size very quickly, you still need to protect it while it’s tiny. Here are some home puppy-proofing tips, so hopefully, you won’t have to rely on that pet insurance policy:

Remove attractive items like shoes and kids’ toys until your dog learns not to chew on human belongings or can reliably respond to “Leave it!”
Investing in pet gates can protect your puppy from hazards and rooms you want to keep dog-free.
Decide from the start if you want to allow your puppy on the furniture. Once you have a policy, be consistent. It’s perfectly okay to insist your pup sleeps in its own bed and doesn’t romp on your sofa.
Keep your pup on a leash, even at places like the dog park, until its recall (coming when you call its name) is trustworthy. Never walk your puppy off leash in places where this is not allowed, even if you think your dog won’t roam. It can still get into garbage or chase a squirrel into the road.
Seriously consider crate training your puppy. This will give you a safe place to leave your dog in your absence or when you have workers in the house. It’s also great for calming down an anxious or high-energy dog — bonus points for helping with potty training, as dogs generally won’t go where they sleep.
Don’t forget about your yard. It’s best not to leave very young dogs unsupervised there, even for a minute, but you still need to check for toxic plants, gaps in the fence, and other dangers. Make sure gates shut firmly and consider posting a sign if people enter your yard for landscaping or playtime with kids. Chasing a loose puppy through your neighborhood (they always seem to get away when you’re still in your pajamas) isn’t nearly as fun as it looks!

Find a good vet before you bring your new puppy home or soon thereafter, and they can offer more tips specific to your breed and lifestyle.

The Importance of Dog Bite Liability Coverage

Even the friendliest dog can wind up biting someone if it is scared or believes it’s defending its owner or home. And of course, some breeds are more protective than others, particularly as they grow, and larger breeds can inflict serious damage with a bite.

That’s why every new puppy owner should discuss dog bite liability coverage with their insurance agent. Your current renter's insurance and homeowners' insurance policies may cover liability up to a certain amount, but dog owners might want to supplement that with a personal umbrella policy.

Do you need to double check your insurance coverage as a new puppy owner? Would you like to know more about pet protection including help with vet bills? Get in touch with us today. We can help ensure you’re properly protected when it comes to your new four-legged household member.