Life Insurance FAQs

Like most people, you probably have many questions about life insurance. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about life insurance benefits in Oshkosh, NE. 

Life Insurance FAQs

1. What is life insurance?

Life insurance is a contract between an insurer and a policyholder. If the policyholder dies, the policyholder pays premiums to the insurer for a financial benefit, typically a lump sum payment.

2. What are the different life insurance policies?

There are four central life insurance policies: term life, whole life, universal life, and variable life.

3. What is term life insurance?

Term life insurance is the most basic and affordable type of life insurance. It provides coverage for a set period, typically 10, 20, or 30 years. If the policyholder dies during the policy term, the beneficiaries will receive a death benefit.

4. What is whole life insurance?

Whole life insurance is a more expensive type of life insurance, offering more coverage. The policyholder pays premiums for the rest of their life, and the beneficiaries will receive a death benefit if the policyholder dies.

A Western Trail Insurance agent can help you decide if whole life insurance is the right policy for you.

5. What is universal life insurance?

Universal life insurance is permanent life insurance that gives the policyholder more flexibility than whole life insurance. The policyholder can choose how much to pay in premiums and how the death benefit will be used.

6. What is variable life insurance?

Variable life insurance is permanent life insurance that allows policyholders to invest their premiums in different investment options. The death benefit and premiums can fluctuate based on the investment performance.

Now that you know a little more about the different life insurance policies, you can figure out which one is right for you in Oshkosh, NE. If you have questions, a Western Trail Insurance agent would be happy to help.

Look for these features when choosing your auto insurance policy

Western Trail Insurance is here for the greater Oshkosh, NE community. If you have questions when it comes to auto insurance, we’re here to help! Today’s auto policies offer many great features that are worth your consideration.

Great features to include with your auto policy

When it comes to auto insurance policies, it seems like insurance carriers are always offering new features every year. Whether you are interested in roadside assistance, car rental coverage, or safe driving discounts and bonuses, it makes sense to take a look at the many features that you have to choose from.

Of course, the most important part of any insurance policy is the protection from loss and/or damage. Once you have selected the policy and coverage levels that can best meet your needs, it’s time to look at some additional features. We want our customers to have the protection they need along with all of the benefits that are available and make sense for them.

Choosing the auto policy that best meets your needs can be a much easier process when you work with a local agent. Our team is here for you to answer your questions and help in any way that we can.

Now is a perfect time to review your current policy for completeness. And, while you’re doing this, why not check out some of the great features that are also available?

Call us today and find out more!

If you would like to learn more about the auto insurance policy options that are available in the Oshkosh, NE area, give Western Trail Insurance a call today! We look forward to working with you and your family.

Does My Business Need Cyber Liability Insurance Under a Commercial Insurance Policy?

What is Cyber Liability Insurance?

If your business uses technology, whether it is to store customer credit card information or names and addresses, then you are at risk of a cyber-attack. While many people assume that cyber-attacks only happen at major companies, that is a far cry from reality. In fact, most cybercrimes aren’t even being discussed because they occur at smaller businesses that aren’t going to be covered by the news.

So what can you do to protect your business from a cyber attack? Well, it’s pretty easy – purchase cyber liability insurance. Cyber liability insurance is a type of coverage that pays out when a business suffers a cyber intrusion such as a data breach, ransomware, or malware attack. When an attack of this nature occurs, businesses must take a number of steps from informing customers, to recovering lost data, to potentially settling litigation and paying fines. It is not unheard of for companies to go out of business because they can’t recover from the losses associated with cybercrime.

Luckily, cyber liability insurance can help pay for these costs and much more. Although cyber liability insurance is not required in Nebraska like workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance is, it is highly recommended that you purchase the coverage for extra peace of mind. 

When it comes to safeguarding your business, you want the best coverage possible. At Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE we have your back and will work tirelessly to customize an insurance policy that ensures your business is totally protected. Whether you are in the market for a new policy or just opened a business, let us help you and give us a call today to learn more. 

Should I File a Homeowners Claim?

Home insurance provides an extra level of protection should your house be damaged due to a covered incident, but knowing when to file a claim is almost as important as having the coverage. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to file a homeowners claim if you meet any of the circumstances outlined below:

The Repair or Replacement Costs Exceed Your Deductible

Similar to auto insurance and other insurance policies, your homeowner’s coverage includes a deductible. Let’s look at an example to understand how it works. Your home is damaged in a severe snowstorm leaving the roof destroyed and significant repairs needed. You get multiple estimates for the repairs ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 and have a deductible of $1,000. Given that the repairs are significantly higher than your deductibles, you should file a claim so you don’t have to pay more out of pocket than necessary.

It’s a Total Loss

If your house becomes inhospitable due to a fire or any other unthinkable disaster and needs to be entirely rebuilt, you’ll want to file a claim.

You Haven’t Filed a Claim in Three or More Years

When determining policy premiums and annual increases, insurance companies consider your claims history. Therefore, the more time that has passed between filing claims, the easier it will be for the claim to be processed and accepted. 

Buying a home can be stressful and at Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE we aim to make our part in that process as painless as possible. Consequently, we’re ready to answer any of your home insurance questions and help find you a policy that exceeds your expectations. 

4 Benefits of Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is a valuable investment that protects you and your belongings wherever you go. Unfortunately, many tenants don’t know how useful renter’s insurance is. In light of this, Western Trail Insurance of Oshkosh, NE has taken time to highlight the benefits of renter’s insurance, including how it protects what matters most to you.

It protects your possessions

Most tenants think that the landlord’s insurance protects their belongings. This notion isn’t true. The landlord’s insurance covers the building but not your assets. Renters insurance is the investment you need to protect the valuables you cherish.

Think of someone breaking into your room and stealing your TV or laptop. Wouldn’t it be stressful planning to purchase another one? For that reason, you need renters insurance when damage or loss occurs on your valuables.

Liability protection

Renter’s insurance protects you when accused of causing bodily injury or property damage to third parties. For instance, suppose you invite a friend to your house and trips on your staircase, dislocating the hip. While the accident was purely accidental, you could be held liable for their medical expenses. Renters insurance helps cover claims brought against you, your pets, and your family members.

Covers loss of use

If a peril listed in your policy damages your rented dwelling, renters insurance covers the additional living expenses until your home or apartment becomes habitable again.

It covers you on the go

Another advantage of renters insurance is that it covers you wherever you go. Let’s say you have gone shopping, only to find out that someone has broken into your parked car and made away with your laptop. Fear not! Renters insurance compensates you for the loss even when not near your dwelling.

Buy renters insurance today!

As you can see, renter’s insurance is more valuable than you thought. Ready to take the plunge? If yes, please get in touch with Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE for an affordable quote.

What Does Motorhome Insurance Cover?

You are excited to start traveling in your new motorhome and will want to protect the investment you made in your home on wheels. The staff at Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE can provide you one of the best ways possible to protect your motorhome and that is through obtaining motorhome insurance.

When it comes to insuring a motorhome, there are several options you can choose from but one type of insurance is required in the state of Nebraska and the is liability insurance.

Liability Insurance

You must have at least liability insurance to be able to drive any motor vehicle on the public streets and highways in Nebraska and that includes your motorhome. Liability insurance will help pay for injuries and property damage that others sustain if you or someone who you allow to drive your motorhome are involved in an accident.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance

You can add-on this type of insurance with your liability insurance policy to protect you and your motorhome if you are involved in an accident with a motorist who has failed to obtain an auto insurance policy or does not have an adequate amount of insurance to cover damages and injuries from an accident the person caused.

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

This type of insurance is very important to have in place since it will cover your motorhome if it is damaged or destroyed by a fire, some sort of natural disaster, an act of vandalism, or is stolen. If you borrowed the money from a bank or other lender to purchase your motorhome, you will probably be required to have comprehensive insurance coverage in place.

Collision Insurance

Collision insurance will pay for any damages to another vehicle that you collide with as well as a stationary object.

Get Your Policy Started

To get a quote and begin the process of securing the proper amount of insurance coverage for your beautiful motorhome, contact the insurance agents at Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE today!

RV Insurance Myths Exposed

Western Trail Insurance serves the Oshkosh, NE Community. We are an independent insurance agency. We have relationships with multiple carriers throughout the Midwest. This allows us to weigh the needs of our clients on an individual basis. We offer unique policies that align with the needs of our clients. We look forward to helping you find the coverage you need.

RV Insurance Myths Exposed

If you plan to head out of Oshkosh, NE in your RV for a camping trip, you need to make sure that you are protected. Having a good RV insurance policy ensures that you have a safety net while you’re out on the road. If your RV collides with another vehicle or object, you are protected. You are also covered if you are a victim of theft or someone vandalizes your RV. Liability coverage will protect you if you accidentally cause property damage or someone gets hurt. As you research RV insurance policies, avoid these common RV insurance myths.

I Can Rely On My Auto Insurance

This is incorrect. Many people assume that their RV is covered under their auto insurance policy, even though there are clear differences between an RV and a truck or SUV. RVs are generally bigger than large SUVs, and they carry higher risks when you operate them. RVs generally hold accessories such as trailers or campers that RVs don’t. For that reason, RV insurance is the only way to fully protect your asset if something happens.

Every RV Is The Same

This is also incorrect. Some RVs are larger than others. If you have a large RV, you can add more accessories and personal items, which means you need a higher level of coverage. Your policy may also vary according to whether you are staying in your RV year round or simply going on vacation periodically.

Western Trail Insurance Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about RV insurance.

Add-Ons for Nebraska Motorcycle Insurance You May Not Have Thought Of

Nebraska’s motorcycle insurance requirements are bodily injury for two or more persons, and for property damages. However, many Nebraska motorcyclists want more coverage than that.

At Western Trail Insurance, we know how Oshkosh, NE residents can design their motorcycle insurance policies to get the best coverage for their needs. Ask us to bundle your motorcycle insurance with your other insurance policies.

Collision Insurance

Collision insurance does not come with every motorcycle insurance policy. Whereas bodily injury will cover other parties in an accident, collision insurance will cover your property damage costs. This coverage often comes with a deductible that you can set with your insurance company.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is insurance that will cover you in the event that your motorcycle is damaged as a result of vandalism or fire. It also covers you in the event of theft, or other problems not caused by a collision.

Trip Interruption Insurance

This insurance add-on covers transportation, food, and even accommodations if you experience a motorcycle problem while you are far away from home. The limit here is often set at 100 miles away from home.

Custom Parts

Many motorcycle add-on options include custom parts coverage. This means that you can get custom parts or accessories when you purchase both comprehensive and collision insurance.

Roadside Assistance

This type of motorcycle insurance covers towing and labor when your motorcycle breaks down.

Get a Quote

When you are looking for motorcycle insurance in Oshkosh, NE, there are a lot of options available to you. You can expand your choices beyond the state’s requirements. At Western Trail Insurance, we can help you to design the best motorcycle insurance policy or bundle for your needs. Call us for a quote today.

Oshkosh Ne Boat Insurance: What Will it Cover?

Oshkosh, NE does not sit on a flood plain but they have still been victims of Mother Nature when it comes to floods in the past. The famous Nebraska flood of 2019 taught residents of many counties of Nebraska a lesson they won’t soon forget. One thing people forget is that boats are also in harm’s way when a flood occurs.

Boats can get tossed with the wind and rain against rocks or other boats, causing major damage. Sometimes, boats are completely swept away. Accidents can also occur that damage boats and create a monetary loss. 

How to Prepare

The best thing you can do to prepare for you to understand that it can happen from Western Trail Insurance. Even locations you are familiar with can experience a sudden storm or other occurrences that can toss your boat to and fro. Scary stuff. But with the right insurance, you won’t have to stay scared and you can start getting your boat repaired without a lot of personal expense from your own pocket.

Having boat insurance can protect you from unknown mishaps that you can’t see coming. 

Boat insurance can cover:

  • Damage or loss of your watercraft
  • Contents of the boat lost or damaged
  • Accident coverage and medical expenses (if applicable)

Boat insurance is there when you need it from a trusted insurance company. So, if the worst happens and your boat is damaged or worse, you will have a way to get it repaired or replaced. 

Western Trail Insurance serves the Oshkosh, NE area and they can advise you on getting boat insurance. Visit them today for more information or to get a quote. 

When Mother Nature strikes or you have a boating mishap that you didn’t expect, you need a friend in your corner. 

Umbrellas are for that Rainy Day

Umbrellas are not needed when the sun is shining. But they are needed for that rainy day. For when the rain comes down in sprinkles or in downpours, it helps to have an umbrella handy. It’s the same with insurance. Umbrella insurance covers those unexpected things that can happen for which you are not prepared. It is also like gap insurance because it covers the "gaps" that other types of insurance do not cover. 

What Umbrella Insurance is For

Types of situations umbrella insurance covers are listed below:

  • Homeowners’ insurance
  • Boat or RV insurance
  • Personal liability insurance
  • Property damage (yours or someone else’s)
  • Auto (gap coverage)

There may be other types of things umbrella insurance will cover, as well. It depends on the limits of your primary insurance and the terms of your specific umbrella insurance policy. One way to learn more about what your policy might cover is to visit your Western Trail Insurance Firm that covers the Oshkosh NE area. They have experience selling and maintaining policies for an umbrella or gap insurance policy and they can map out a plan for you, as well. 

How Much Do I Need?

The amount of coverage you need will depend on what the value of something is based on how hard it would be to replace it, the standards and limits of your primary policy, and other factors. If you think you have some high-risk areas where you are not covered enough, you may want to invest in umbrella insurance for that extra protection.

Visit with your insurance professionals at Western Trail Insurance if you are in the Oshkosh, NE area and save big on umbrella insurance. 

Remember, umbrellas are for that rainy day.