02/25/24

Nine factors that determine the cost of an auto insurance policy

Auto Insurance

Several factors determine how much you will pay for car insurance—from the type of coverage you have to your driving record to where you park your car. While not all companies use the same parameters, here’s a list of what commonly determines the bottom line on your auto policy. These factors vary depending on the insurance company and the specific policy, but common ones include:

Driving record: Your driving history, including accidents, tickets, and other violations, significantly impacts your insurance premium. A clean driving record typically leads to lower rates.
Age and gender: Younger drivers, especially teenagers, generally pay higher premiums due to their lack of driving experience. On the flip side, olde seniors also may see a rate increase due to increased accident risk. Gender can also be a factor, as statistics show that young males are more likely to be involved in accidents compared to young females.
Vehicle type: The make, model, year, and safety features of your car influence your insurance premium. Expensive or high-performance vehicles usually cost more to insure because they’re more costly to repair or replace.
Location: Where you live affects your insurance rates. Urban areas with higher traffic congestion and crime rates may have higher premiums compared to rural areas.
Coverage level: The extent of coverage you choose affects your premium. Liability coverage is typically the minimum required by law, but additional coverage options such as collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will increase your premium.
Credit/Insurance score: In some states and for some insurance companies, your credit/insurance score can impact your premium. Studies have shown a correlation between credit score and the likelihood of filing insurance claims.
Annual mileage: The more you drive, the higher your risk of being involved in an accident. Insurance companies may ask for your estimated annual mileage to determine your premium.
Prior insurance coverage: Having continuous insurance coverage without lapses can lead to lower rates, as it demonstrates responsibility and reduces the likelihood of insurance claims.
Additional drivers: Adding other drivers to your policy, such as teenagers or individuals with poor driving records, can increase your premium.

Remember, each insurance company weighs these factors differently, and at EPB&B our team of professionals is knowledgeable about various auto insurance products and can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and circumstances. We can help you understand different coverage options, policy terms, and discounts available, ensuring you make informed decisions.

02/19/24

Business Insurance: The Importance Of Ordinance and Law Coverage

Insurance for Businesses

By: Justine Avera, Producer, EPB&B Insurance, Portland, OR

Many businesses in the Portland area are are still working though the aftermath of the recent ice storm that swept through the city. Burst pipes, flooding, collapsed structures have forced some businesses into partial or full reconstruction of their sites, leading to inclusion of expensive but required upgrades in new structures.

The Changes That Have Been Made To Building Requirements

Recent changes to building codes and fire protection codes can lead to unexpected additional expenses after a loss. In 2024, the International Building Code (IBC) was updated to include new sections regarding new structural and roof requirements for tornado loads and stresses, and snow and ice loads. Fire codes were also updated, as were requirements around common HFC refrigerants in cooling systems. The IBC has been adopted in all fifty states and is an essential tool to preserve public health and safety that provides safeguards from hazards associated with the built environment. It addresses design and installation of innovative materials that meet or exceed public health and safety goals.

How This Change Can Effects Your Business Insurance

When a loss occurs causing significant damage to the building or premises, it is a common requirement that the structure is built back tothe most current code. Policyholders can select specialized “Ordinance and Law” coverage to pay for the costs of demolition, along with the increased costs to rebuild to current code. The limits that are automatically built in to the policy are not normally sufficient, so it is important to be familiar with current code changes, and the potential cost for compliance.

How EPB&B Can Help You Prepare

Insurance can be tricky to understand, especially when it comes to changes in your business. Frequent building updates and annual inspections can lessen exposure of code violations, but having a knowledgeable team in your corner to help you naviate your insurance needs is imparative. Contact us for a complementary policy review and we will help you find the right insurance to protect your your business.

02/14/24

EPB&B recognized as a Liberty Mutual Elite Agency

Recognition

As a result of outstanding performance, and our solid partnership, Elliott, Powell, Baden, and Baker has been recognized as Liberty Mutual Elite Agency for the first time.

This recognition is especially gratifying as it is awarded to less than 10% of independent agents who sell Liberty Mutual products.

“We are honored and humbled with the recognition that we have received as an Elite Agency from Liberty Mutual,” says EPB&B President Marc Baker. “Our growth in our partnership and book of business has resulted in a win, win, win for our customers, our Liberty Mutual partnership and for Elliott, Powell, Baden and Baker.”

Thank you to Liberty Mutual, our team, and our valued insureds.

Congratulations team for this well deserved recognition.

Contact our team and we will do a one on one insurance review to ensure your personal insurance is customised to your specific needs.

02/11/24

EPB&B Insurance Newsletter goes digital

General Interest

EPB&B In The News

At EPB&B we strive to stay connected with our valued insureds, and a quarterly newsletter is just one of many ways we like to reach out. Traditionally in hard copy format, our newsletter has received such positive feedback we are taking it digital too. Offering everything from Insurance tips and trends, ideas for living a healthy life, team member spotlights and community philanthropy, we hope you find our newsletter to be a valuable and enjoyable resource.

In this Winter 2024 edition you will:

Meet the Newest EPB&B team members.
Learn why annually reviewing your insurance is important in protecting you, your business and your family.
See highlights from our rewarding Winter philanthropy and the positive impact we are making for those in the Portland community.
Find simple yet meaningful ways to spread kindness in 2024.
Learn how you can win money and gifts courtesy of EPB&B.

If there is something you would like to hear about, let us know. We want to hear from you. Of course for those of you who prefer paper in hand, our newsletter will continue to find its way to your mailbox every quarter. Happy reading.

Quarterly newsletter

02/09/24

EPB&B recognized as a Safeco Elite Agent for third consecutive year.

About EPB&B

Insurance for Individuals

Insurance Products

As a result of outstanding performance and an unwavering commitment to our customers, Elliott, Powell, Baden, and Baker has been recognized as Safeco Elite Agent for the third consecutive year.

This recognition is especially gratifying as it is awarded to less than 10% of independent agents who sell Safeco personal lines products.

“Elliott Powell Baden and Baker has been in a professional partnership with Safeco for over fifty years,” says EPB&B President Marc Baker, “and we appreciate the recognition of the amazing work our personal lines team puts forth day after day with Safeco to provide superior insurance options to our customers.”

Thank you to Safeco, our team, and our valued insureds.

Congratulations to the EPB&B Personal Lines team for this well deserved recognition.

02/04/24

Heart Health Awareness: Take Action Today

General Interest

Do you ever find yourself racing to Google to do a symptom check when something feels off in your body? That works for minor aches and pains but during a heart related incident, an internet search is probably not your best choice. This month we are joining millions in raising awareness about heart disease and how taking action today can help prevent falling victim to this national health epidemic. Understanding its facts, recognizing signs of a heart attack, and adopting healthy habits are necessary steps toward preventing and managing this prevalent disease.

Facts about Heart Disease

Leading Cause of Death: Heart disease ranks as the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It encompasses various conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Risk Factors: Several factors contribute to the development of heart disease, including hypertension, high cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s family medical history.
Gender Disparities: Heart disease affects both men and women, but there are gender differences in symptom presentation and risk factors. Women may experience subtler symptoms, and heart disease is often underdiagnosed in this demographic.
Preventable through Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the risk of heart disease. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco use are essential preventive measures.
Global Impact: Heart disease poses a significant economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The costs associated with treatment, hospitalizations, and lost productivity due to heart-related conditions underscore the urgency of effective prevention and management strategies.

Signs of a Heart Attack

Chest Discomfort:

Persistent chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, squeezing, or fullness, is a classic symptom of a heart attack. The sensation may last more than a few minutes or come and go.

Shortness of Breath:

Difficulty breathing, accompanied by or without chest discomfort, is another common sign of a heart attack. It may occur before or simultaneously with chest pain.

Pain Radiating to Arms, Neck, or Jaw:

Pain or discomfort spreading to the arms, particularly the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, is a warning sign of a heart attack. This radiating pain is characteristic and should not be ignored.

Cold Sweats and Nausea:

Profuse sweating, often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, can be indicative of a heart attack. These symptoms may occur with or without chest discomfort.

Light-headedness or Fainting:

Feeling light-headed, dizzy, or fainting can signal a compromised blood flow to the heart. It is crucial to seek medical attention if these symptoms arise.

Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Regular Exercise:

Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling or dancing, to promote cardiovascular health.

Balanced Diet:

Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.

Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of heart disease. Combining a nutritious diet with regular physical activity is key to weight management.

Tobacco Avoidance:

Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke significantly lower the risk of heart disease. The benefits of smoking cessation are evident in improved cardiovascular health.

Regular Health Check-ups:

Schedule regular check-ups with healthcare professionals to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart health. Early detection and management of risk factors contribute to better heart outcomes.

Understanding the facts about heart disease, recognizing signs of a heart attack, and adopting healthy habits are crucial components of a proactive approach to cardiovascular health. Through education, lifestyle modifications, and regular healthcare monitoring, individuals can take significant steps toward preventing and managing heart disease, ultimately improving their overall quality of life.

As an employer providing a comprehensive health benefits package is crucial in tracking and retaining the best employees in you field. Contact us and we will help you find the right benefits package for your team.