Like most other goods and services, insurance is not immune to the pressure of inflation. When determining insurance premiums, insurance companies look at many factors including industry trends, number of claims and costs to repair vehicles and homes. Specifically, home building materials and auto repair have increased, chip shortages have pressured supply chains and pricing on new vehicles, and a labor shortage persists. Let’s not forget natural disasters and our litigious culture! Add these ingredients together, and you have a recipe for higher prices better known as “Insurance Inflation”. Digging a little deeper… Since the pandemic, driving behavior has become riskier. I remember the lockdown days when no one was on the road. We were driving less, fewer incidents were being reported, and insurers were even providing rebates for limited driving activity. Those days are now long past…I know I’m getting older and becoming the “get off my lawn guy”, but driving behavior truly seems more aggressive. "People picked up some risky habits," says Sean Kevelighan, CEO of the Insurance Information Institute . "And we haven't seen those risky habits go away, even though we have more people on the road." According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , the number of fatal auto accidents jumped sharply in late 2020 and early 2021. Auto insurance costs jumped more than 19% during the year ending in August, while overall inflation was 3.7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . (see image above) Gathering my Google thoughts recently lead me to this local headline: “ Coloradans report dramatic spikes in home insurance premiums heading into 2024 .” A March 2023 study conducted by the state’s Division of Insurance found that between January 2019 and October 2022, the average homeowner premium was up nearly 52%. My automated response these days to insurance customers about homeowners rates has been “we’re seeing 30-60% increases for everyone statewide”. The problem is even worse in other states like California/Florida/Louisiana where insurers have decided to no longer offer coverage in many cases. My dad lives in Florida, he recently asked “What am I supposed to do? My rate just doubled!” Other than moving to another low-risk state, there are not many clear-cut answers. Higher insurance rates may be here to stay…what can I do about it? -Ask your insurer about discounts for which you may qualify. -Claim frequency will also lead to rate increases. Before filing that next claim, ask yourself “is this worth filing? Will the claim payout be well beyond my deductible? -Explore payment options like automatic EFT payments or paying for the year in full. -Increase your deductible. -Consider a bundle of insurance coverages with one company. -Maintain a good driving record along with healthy credit (insurance companies use their own scoring model) and participate in a safe driving app offered by most insurers. -Reduce liability and coverage limits. If your net worth is minimal and you don’t have high take home pay, there is a strong argument not to have $500,000+ of liability coverage. Attorneys most likely will not come after you if you have no money. -One of the biggest ways to save is by buying an older car or a new model with a high safety rating. Do your homework, research insurance costs before purchasing your next vehicle. -Shop around, not every 6 months, but at least every other year! If you’ve been with the same company for a long time, another company will probably give you a decent offer for loyalty. -Ask about the mileage your insurer has on file. If you no longer drive as much as you used to, companies often will lower your rates based on limited mileage. Resources: http://www.rmiia.org/auto/Colorados_insurance_marketplace.asp https://www.finn.com/en-US/campaign/the-state-insurance-report https://www.apci.org/media/news-releases/release/76883/ At Badger Insurance Advisors, we understand that “stuff” happens! (that includes INFLATION). Whether you’re in our neighborhood of Aurora, or anywhere else in Colorado, we’re here to assist with all your personal insurance needs. Find us on the web at www.badgerinsuranceadvisors.com or call/text us at 303-359-1799. Kevin Volz – Agency Principal Badger Insurance Advisors

Whether it's baseball, a legal precedent, or insurance claims..."3 strikes" are not good!

It’s an issue of concern to an increasing number of homeowners each year. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, residential solar energy has experienced an average yearly growth rate of 68% over the last decade. Before taxes, an installed rooftop solar energy system can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $25,000, according to the Center for Sustainable Energy. I recently received a bid for my new home in the Painted Prairie neighborhood of Aurora, Colorado, and the number was pushing $40,000…crazy! Paying to replace a damaged system could be a big financial burden for many homeowners. Being able to insure that investment against damage from a storm or other event could be key in whether you choose to add solar panels to your home. Solar panel insurance coverage is included in most homeowners insurance policies. However, you may need to increase the amount of coverage on your home to account for the cost of the system which can then raise your premium. Solar systems and rooftop panels are considered a permanent attachment to your property, like a patio or a security system. If the panels are separate from your home's primary structure—mounted on the ground or on a detached carport, for instance—they are usually included in coverage for "other structures." If you lease your solar panels instead of buying them, ask the solar company how insuring them works. Many companies will insure the panels themselves. However, some companies may want you to add them to your homeowners insurance, or have you purchase solar panel insurance that they sell. Solar panel systems can be an excellent investment, reducing your electricity bill while increasing the value of your home. Protecting that investment with the proper homeowners insurance can help ensure you’re covered if the unexpected happens. If you’d like to discuss the implications of solar and your homeowners policy, contact us at badgerinsuranceadvisors.com . Kevin Volz - Agency Principal - Badger Insurance Advisors

BY: KEVIN VOLZ | INSURANCE AGENCY PRINCIPAL

BY: KEVIN VOLZ | INSURANCE AGENCY PRINCIPAL

BY: KEVIN VOLZ | INSURANCE AGENCY PRINCIPAL

BY: KEVIN VOLZ | INSURANCE AGENCY PRINCIPAL

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