Can I Change Beneficiaries on My Life Insurance Pollicy?

Naming a beneficiary is one of the most critical parts of a life insurance policy. However, sometimes your life changes in Boise, ID. You may no longer want the original beneficiary to receive the proceeds, but can you change the designation? Fuhriman Insurance Agency can help you name or change beneficiaries on your life insurance policies.

Who Can Change a Beneficiary?

The person who took out the life insurance policy is the only person who can designate or change a beneficiary. Most companies only allow one beneficiary, but some policies allow you to list more than one. You should also be able to name a contingent beneficiary to receive the payout if the primary beneficiary has died or cannot receive the funds. You can change your beneficiary virtually without a fee or penalty.

Some situations require you to get approval before you change a beneficiary. For example, if you have your spouse listed as the beneficiary and want to change it to one of your children, you’ll need your spouse’s permission because Idaho is a community property state. You’ll also need permission if you have a designated power of attorney or an irrevocable beneficiary.

Keeping Your Beneficiary Designation Up to Date

Like trusts and wills, you should review your life insurance documents periodically to ensure the policy reflects your wishes. Certain life events, such as divorce, marriage or remarriage, having a child, or the death of a loved one, are times when you should review your policy. If you fail to keep your beneficiaries current, the wrong person could receive the funds.

If you’re interested in changing your life insurance policy beneficiaries, Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving Boise, ID, can walk you through the process and ensure you have the proper designations. Contact us to schedule your consultation.

An Insurance Checklist for New Business Owners

Entrepreneurs in Boise, ID, have many different facets to consider when starting a new business. While insurance is one of them, it is sometimes not considered until something happens. Fuhriman Insurance Agency can help you avoid this pitfall by guiding you to the most appropriate policies to suit your needs.

Getting the Right Business Insurance

Finding the right business insurance isn’t easy, especially if you are a first-time owner. Without the right type, you may end up paying out of pocket for small claims. All businesses can benefit from business liability insurance to protect their operations from a wide range of risks. Most businesses need more than one type of insurance, with many risks covered under a business owner’s policy (BOP). Data breach protection has also become essential. Getting other types of insurance depends on how your business operates. These include:

  • Profession liability when providing advice
  • Commercial property when you own buildings
  • Worker’s compensation to cover employees
  • Commercial auto when employees drive company vehicles

Questions to Ask

Asking yourself specific questions can help you determine what business insurance policies you need to protect your company adequately. Consider the following:

  • Will I have employees?
  • Will anyone drive company vehicles?
  • Will the company store sensitive customer information?
  • Will I transport or sell items offsite?
  • Will I transport equipment or products?
  • Will I or my employees provide professional advice or services?
  • Will my operation have specialized equipment?

No matter how small, most businesses will need add-on policies beyond general insurance.

The best time to determine your insurance needs is before your company officially begins operations. The professionals at Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving Boise, ID, will sit down with you to assess your needs. Contact our office today to get started on coverage.

Keys to Protecting Your Home from Pests

Pests are something that no person or home is immune from, and pests come in every type, shape, and size. Sometimes, those pests are minor nuisances, and sometimes, they can be a nightmare. The good news is there are solutions. According to one Forbes article regarding the top pest control companies in Idaho, there is plenty of help to combat pest problems, but sometimes these services can get costly. That is also why people in and around the greater Boise, ID, area rely on the Fuhriman Insurance Agency for all their pest control insurance needs.

How to Help Prevent Pests

With some pest infestations costing potentially thousands of dollars to fix, the best defense against pests and the most effective form of pest control is pest prevention. In other words, it means stopping the problem before it starts. Here are a few keys to help prevent pests from taking up residence in your home.

Maintain an Unwelcoming Environment

Pests are scavengers, parasites, and survivors. They crave food sources, and many like warm and wet environments. Keeping our homes free of open food sources and maintaining a clean and dry environment will make your home a less welcoming option for most pests.

Regular Inspections

The only way to ensure your home is pest-free is to check. Most extermination services offer regular or annual inspections, so you don’t have to guess.

Be Proactive

Last but not least, take action if you see a pest or signs of a pest. It is easier and more affordable to address pest problems sooner rather than later.

Pest Control Insurance in Boise, ID

If you live in or around the Boise, ID, area and have questions or need pest control insurance, our experienced and friendly team of agents at the Fuhriman Insurance Agency can help. Don’t get stung by pests or again by the surprising cost of pest control. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment for all your insurance needs today.

How Boise, ID Weather Patterns Can Affect Your Auto Insurance Policy

Although the weather in Boise, ID is typically mild year-round, some weather conditions can negatively impact your drive. Learn how local weather patterns can affect your auto insurance from the professionals at Fuhriman Insurance Agency. 

Winter Weather Risks for Boise Drivers

Weather conditions like snow, ice, and thick fog can lead to more head-on collisions and sideswipes as local drivers try to navigate slick or icy roads. An increase in regional auto accidents can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses without the proper auto insurance coverage in place. 

Hailstorm Risks 

The latest group of damaging storms has produced record-breaking sized hail that can wreak havoc and cause significant damage to local automobiles that aren’t safely tucked away in a protective carport or shielded from damaging hailstones by a garage. 

Wildfire Risks 

Increasing local risks for wildfires can also contribute to hazardous driving conditions for Boise area residents. Investing in a comprehensive auto insurance policy can help shield your automobile and your finances from the devastating financial fallout that can occur due to unpredictable weather in the region. 

Get Comprehensive Auto Insurance in Boise, ID 

One of the best ways to protect yourself and your four-wheeled investment from the damaging and unpredictable effects of rapidly changing weather patterns is to invest in a comprehensive auto insurance policy that covers collision and non-collision-related incidents. 

Talk to a trusted local insurance agent at Fuhriman Insurance Agency in Boise, ID, to learn more about how you can get coverage for natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and animal collisions.

Our knowledgeable and friendly agents can provide professional guidance and offer you a customized auto insurance quote based on your driving history and budget.

Common Myths Surrounding Workers Comp Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance is vital for safeguarding both employees and employers. However, it’s frequently misunderstood. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, we take pride in offering insurance products to the residents of the greater Boise, ID, area. We often encounter several misconceptions about workers’ compensation insurance. Allow us to debunk some of these common myths and reveal the facts.

Myth 1: Only Dangerous Jobs Require Workers Comp

A common belief is that workers’ compensation insurance is only essential for high-risk industries like construction or manufacturing. In reality, injuries can occur in any workplace, from offices to retail stores. Incidents such as slips, trips, and falls are common across all environments, making workers’ compensation insurance a necessity for any business with employees.

Myth 2: Workers Comp Claims are Always Fraudulent

While fraudulent claims do exist, they are not as pervasive as some might believe. Most employees submit authentic claims when they are genuinely injured. Workers’ comp insurance aims to protect both the employee and the employer, ensuring that injured workers receive the necessary care and compensation while protecting businesses from litigation.

Myth 3: Small Businesses Don’t Require Workers Comp

Another prevalent misconception is that small businesses don’t need workers’ comp insurance. In most states, including Idaho, businesses with as little as a single employee are obligated to have workers’ comp coverage. This protection is crucial for small businesses, which might lack the resources to manage the costs of workplace injuries out-of-pocket.

At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving the community in Boise, ID, we’re here to help you understand the intricacies of workers’ compensation insurance. Contact us today to ensure your business is comprehensively protected and to clear any other misconceptions you might have heard.

Protect Your Toys with Toy Insurance Solutions

There are many reasons why people use insurance, and for some, it goes beyond the basic protection insurance affords. Yes, insurance can help with many needs, from costs for repairs to expenses for damages caused and more, but insurance is about more than protecting people from claims and exorbitant bills or repairs. In some circumstances, like driving, insurance is a legal requirement. In other scenarios, insurance is a standard expectation for doing business for vocations and work such as general contracting. For whatever reason you need insurance, however, having the right insurance partner can make a difference, which is why so many people from in and around the Boise, ID area rely on the Fuhriman Insurance Agency for all their insurance needs.

Toy Insurance to Protect Your Most Valuable Toys

Everything costs are rising, and toys, like electronic gaming systems, are no exception. Then, there are also those old collectibles that cost very little back then but are worth considerably more today. So, how do you protect those expensive toys or those toys that are now highly valued collector’s items? With toy insurance, of course. For the protection your toys need and perhaps even your memories, there is toy insurance to help.

Toy Insurance in Boise, ID

Do you have questions about toy insurance? Are you looking for protection for your toys? The friendly and professional team at Fuhriman Insurance Agency can help. Find the insurance solutions you are looking for at Fuhriman Insurance Agency. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment for all your insurance concerns today.

How to Build a Fool-Proof Renters Insurance Policy

Signing your first rental agreement with a landlord is a monumental moment in a young adult’s life. Although state and local government agencies do not require an individual to have renters insurance, having such coverage is in their best interest. Regrettably, too many renters are unclear about how this insurance policy works. Fuhriman Insurance Agency in Boise, ID, can assist you in creating a fool-proof renters insurance policy to protect your personal property.

Shielding Yourself From Liability Claims

Renters insurance covers all the legal expenses if you are involved in a liability lawsuit, typically filed by a guest who was injured or had their property damaged inside your home. Most renters have not accumulated enough personal wealth to pay for the injured party’s medical bills, lost wages, and repair or replacement costs. The coverage provided will cover all of these expenses.

Protect Your Possessions

For most residential buildings, insurance policies only provide coverage for the structure and do not cover a tenant’s possessions. Renters insurance protects your items from theft, vandalism, fire, and water damage. However, you will need to inventory your possessions with a dollar value for each item, either through photographs or a short video. Completing the inventory process guarantees swift financial assistance to repair or replace all lost, damaged, or stolen items.

Additional Living Expenses Coverage

Standard renters insurance policies include a clause for additional living expenses (ALE) coverage. If your rental property becomes uninhabitable following a natural disaster such as flooding, fire, or a severe windstorm, this could necessitate relocation. The ALE coverage helps pay for unexpected costs like an extended hotel stay while your residence is being rebuilt. Other ALE coverage includes temporary home unit rental agreements, moving expenses, and pet boarding costs.

For new renters, understanding additional insurance coverage can be confusing. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency in Boise, ID, our staff can assist you in creating a fool-proof renters insurance policy that safeguards you from financial catastrophe. Call and schedule an appointment today.

What are the Advantages of Umbrella Insurance For Seniors?

Most seniors want to pursue their interests and not worry about money. Yet, despite having the typical combination of home and auto insurance coverage, many leave themselves exposed by not carrying an umbrella insurance policy. So, we’ll review how umbrella insurance can be especially valuable for protecting seniors. After reading this article, consider contacting Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving Boise, ID, to discuss including umbrella insurance in your insurance plan.

How Umbrella Insurance Helps Seniors

If you have reached retirement age, you know that accidents happen, and we use insurance to protect ourselves against the unexpected. You use your auto and home insurance policies to cover your liability for home or auto accidents for which you bear responsibility.

Your home and auto policy limits are high enough to cover your liability in most accidents. However, when your liability exceeds your policy limits, your responsibility for paying the difference may put your savings or other assets, including your home, at risk. Such a situation is especially problematic for seniors who are often past their prime earning years.

Umbrella insurance protects against those situations by providing coverage that extends beyond your standard policy coverage limits. Umbrella insurance premiums are relatively inexpensive since most people never tap their coverage. Yet, it offers an extra layer of financial protection and peace of mind since you know you have protected the assets you worked so hard to accumulate against misfortune.

Working With Fuhriman Insurance Agency

It is comforting to know that you and your family are fully protected in a world where anything can happen. The Fuhriman Insurance Agency, which serves the needs of seniors in the Boise, ID, area, is here to help. Call us at (877) 342-7935 to discuss whether umbrella insurance offers the protection you need.

Risky Times When You May Need More Life Insurance

For some, insurance may seem complex or even a bit boring. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency of Boise, ID, we have a different point of view. We see insurance as a valuable financial and asset protection product that helps secure our clients’ futures. Insurance can evolve and adjust with changes in your life.

A good example is life insurance. There are times when risks in your life can be reduced through an increase in life insurance. Here are a few.

When You Have a Child

Having children increases your responsibilities and risks. These responsibilities last through a child’s early adulthood, so parents should increase life insurance during this period.

When You Buy a Home

Whether you finance a home for 15, 20, or 30 years, additional life insurance can cover your remaining mortgage balance. Many will buy 20—or 30-year term insurance to provide additional protection during these years.

When Buying or Starting a Business

Buying or starting a business gives you additional responsibilities to your business partners and employees. If you are also a key employee, that increases the risks to your business in the event of your death. Additional life insurance can help cover the risks and responsibilities of ownership until your company can mature.

Peak Earning Years

The amount of life insurance you carry should be reflective of your earning power. When your income is rising, so should the life insurance you carry.

Reach Out to Fuhriman Insurance Agency For a Quote Today

Make sure your insurance coverage adjusts to your lifestyle and financial situation. We can help. If you live in the Boise, ID, area, get the service you deserve from Fuhriman Insurance Agency today. We provide personal, exceptional coverage and service our clients appreciate.

We look forward to assisting you.

Exploring Lesser-Known Commercial Insurance Coverages

Certain commercial insurance coverages are often overlooked when protecting your Boise, ID business but can be crucial. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, we’re able to offer a variety of lesser-known commercial insurance coverages that can safeguard your business against risks that likely wouldn’t otherwise be covered. Here are three to consider:

1. Crime Coverage

Crime coverage is a commercial insurance protection specifically for stealing. It may cover losses resulting from theft, fraud, or embezzlement. 

While theft by a burglar is frequently covered under commercial property coverage, this coverage commonly excludes internal theft by employees. For embezzlement and other forms of employee theft, there’s crime coverage.

2. Keyman Coverage

Keyman coverage, or key person insurance, is important if your Boise, ID business highly relies on you (or another essential person). This coverage might help cover costs if a critical employee becomes disabled, passes away, or otherwise can’t run the business. Costs may be paid until another qualified employee can be found, or a lump-sum payment might be given to investors if the company must close.

(Having an employee temporarily not work due to illness typically isn’t covered, nor is an employee leaving for another job.)

3. Business Income Coverage

Business income coverage might help your business survive a prolonged and unexpected interruption financially. If your business must temporarily close due to a covered event, such as a fire or natural disaster, the coverage could pay supplemental payments to cover utilities, rent, wages, and other expenses.

Fully Protect Your Business Today

Ensure your business is protected from the many different risks it’s exposed to. Contact Fuhriman Insurance Agency for help finding all of the commercial insurance coverages your business should carry.