Questions you should ask when choosing health insurance

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Your health insurance is vital to your healthcare. If you are not covered for things you need, you may not get them done, or you may avoid visiting the doctor even when it is in your best interest to do that. You need to be able to afford your medication. Your choice makes all the difference. At Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best products at the most affordable prices. 

Is my doctor in the network?

When you have a doctor with whom you have developed a relationship, you want to remain with them. Not every doctor is in every network so making sure they are in the one you choose is important for your continued health care. 

What is my deductible?

The deductible is the amount that you need to pay out of pocket before your health services start to be paid for by your insurance. The higher the deductible, the more affordable the policy but the more you need to pay. 

What kind of prescription coverage do I have?

If you take prescription medication, you need to know that your medication is covered, and you also need to know how much it will cost you a month. 

Are dental and vision included?

Vision and dental are important parts of your overall healthcare, and you need to know if they are included or if you will need to purchase additional policies.  

Can I use a provider outside the network? 

Depending on the type of managed care you choose you may or may not get any coverage for services outside the network. If you like choices, this is an important issue 

Contact Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE when you are in the market for health insurance. 

Common Life Insurance Terms That You’ll Want To Know

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Everyone thinks about life insurance, but few people really understand all the important things it can provide. It is more than just the death benefit; it can be part of a lifetime financial plan. It offers protection to people of all ages. At Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE, we offer over 30 quality companies to our customers. We are dedicated to providing the best coverage at competitive prices. We are here to answer your questions, so you can make an educated decision. 

Underwriting

When you apply for a life insurance policy, your application is sent to underwriting. Their job is to determine the risk you pose to the insurer. They will look at your health, your occupation, your medical history, and your family health history. The result of this process will determine if you get a policy and the premium. 

Beneficiary

The beneficiary is the recipient of the death benefit of your policy. You can choose one person, multiple people or an organization. 

Death benefit

The death benefit is the amount that will be paid tax-free to the beneficiary of your life insurance policy on your death. It is the face value of your policy. 

Cash surrender value

The cash surrender amount is the amount you will be paid if you cash in your permanent life insurance policy. How long you have had the policy will determine what portion of the face value you will receive. 

Contestability period

If you die within the first year or two after purchasing a life insurance policy, the insurer can refuse to pay the claim if they find any evidence of fraud.  

Exclusions

Exclusions are reasons the insurer may refuse to pay the death benefit and include lying on your application, omitting information, or dying while committing an illegal activity. 

Contact Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE with your life insurance questions. 

Auto insurance FAQs

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Driving a car means you need to have auto insurance. When you first become a driver, you may be on your parent’s auto insurance policy, so you don’t have to worry much about what goes into choosing the right policy. Once you are an adult and out on your own, you need to make sure you have the right coverage for you. At Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE, we try to give every customer a positive insurance experience. We will shop the over 30 carriers we do business with to find the best policy for your needs. 

Do I need to have collision coverage?

If you have a car loan, the answer is yes. If there is no lien on your vehicle, then you have the option of not carrying it. Before you make your decision, consider the value of your vehicle. If it is $3000 or less, you probably don’t need collision coverage. If it is worth more, think long and hard about your ability to repair your car if you had a car accident where you are at fault or the only driver. Would you have the money to repair your vehicle? Could you live without it if you couldn’t get it fixed? 

What is comprehensive coverage?

Not as complete as the name implies. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from unforeseen events that could damage it, things you cannot control. Theft, vandalism, hail, wind, and large animals such as deer, can cause devastating damage. You may also have full glass coverage, which doesn’t have a deductible, unlike other comprehensive parts. 

Do I need auto insurance in Nebraska?

Yes, you must carry liability insurance in the amount of 25/50/25, $25,000 injury for one, and $50,000 per accident with $25,000 damage to property. 

When you are in the market for auto insurance, contact Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE. 

Tips for buying commercial insurance

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Owning a business comes with plenty of worries. So many things can go wrong. Commercial insurance helps to mitigate some of the perils out there but just choosing your commercial insurance coverage comes with its own set of perils. If your business is in or near Oshkosh, NE, you can feel confident choosing Western Trail Insurance to help you to find the right commercial policy. 

Work with a respected insurance agent.

Ensuring that you have the kind of commercial insurance that works the best for your particular business is important. While you may not know all the ins and outs of a particular type of commercial policy, your insurance agent will know, and they can recommend the types that will have benefits for you. 

Know the laws about commercial insurance in your state

The laws governing businesses and insurance differ from state to state. In Nebraska, if your business owns a vehicle, it must be covered by commercial auto insurance. If you have one or more employees, whether full or part-time, you must provide workers’ compensation insurance. 

Compare several insurance quotes.

Having an independent insurance agent makes this easy to do. They do all the work and get the quotes for you without contacting multiple carriers yourself. Prices can vary greatly from one to the other, and you want to make sure you are getting the best deal while making sure you get the coverage that makes sense. 

Combine coverages

Consider getting a BOPs (Business owners policy)  or CPP (Commercial Package Policy). Both of these combine coverages into a package that ends up being more affordable for you. 

If it is time to get your first commercial insurance policy or you are ready to reevaluate the one you have, at Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE, we are here to give you the benefit of our experienced advice. Come to our office or call us and let us give you a quote. 

Making your Nebraska home as safe as possible

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Making your Nebraska home as safe as possible lessens the chances you will have to file a claim against your home insurance policy. A history of claims can affect your premium. It makes good sense to do everything you can to make your home safe. Safety means removing or avoiding potential hazards, and if you follow a few common-sense tips, you can make your home a safer place. At Western Trails Insurance in Oshkosh, NE, we are there for you in the good times and in bad, and if you ever need to file a claim, we have your back. 

Smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against a home fire. They are designed to go off early, so you have time to escape from your home before the fire is fully engaged. Check your smoke detectors every month to make sure they are working and replace them every 10 years. 

Carbon monoxide detector

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that causes more than 400 deaths in the United States every year, and more than 20,000 people end up in the emergency room. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and replace the batteries every spring and fall. 

Fireplace safety

Be sure to get your chimney cleaned every year before your first fire. Keep flammable material away from the fireplace and have a fire extinguisher close by. Never leave a fire burning when you go to sleep.

Remove Clutter

Falls are one of the main causes of injuries in the home. They account for more than 30% of all nonfatal home injuries. Clutter contributes to falls. Keep stairs and hallways clutter-free to improve home safety.  

At Western Trails Insurance in Oshkosh, NE, we know that having good home insurance contributes to a feeling of safety in your home. Let us help you find the coverage you need. Stop by our office or give us a call for a no-obligation quote.