DEV Community: Adaisd Wilsma

Understanding Pet Insurance: A Guide for New Pet Owners

Adaisd Wilsma — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 14:58:52 +0000

Becoming a pet parent is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it also comes with its share of responsibilities. One of the most important decisions you'll make as a pet parent is whether to invest in pet insurance.

While some pet owners might consider it unnecessary, others swear by it as a way to ensure their pet’s health is well taken care of. Understanding how pet insurance works can help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your furry friend.

This guide is designed to help new pet owners understand the basics of pet insurance and why it could be an essential part of your pet care plan.

What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is a type of health coverage specifically designed for pets, offering protection against unexpected medical expenses. It works similarly to human health insurance, where the pet owner pays a monthly premium in exchange for financial assistance with veterinary bills. Depending on the policy, pet insurance can cover a range of expenses, from routine wellness visits to emergency surgeries or chronic illnesses.

Pet insurance policies vary, so it's important to choose one that best suits your pet's needs and your budget. The coverage typically includes:

Accident and injury coverage: For injuries caused by accidents, such as broken bones, bites, or cuts.
Illness coverage: For illnesses ranging from common infections to more serious conditions like cancer.
Preventive care: Some plans cover vaccinations, flea control, and other routine care services.
Why Should You Consider Pet Insurance?
As a new pet owner, you might be wondering if pet insurance is necessary. After all, pets can be expensive to care for, and adding another monthly payment may seem like a burden. However, there are several compelling reasons why pet insurance can be a wise investment:

Financial Protection Against Unexpected Costs
Pets, like humans, can develop health issues that require expensive treatments. If your pet is in an accident or falls ill unexpectedly, the cost of veterinary care can quickly add up.

Pet insurance helps cover these costs, potentially saving you thousands of dollars over the course of your pet's life. For instance, if you are asking, is pet insurance worth it for a dog or puppy, the answer depends largely on the dog's breed, age, and overall health. Certain breeds may be more susceptible to specific health conditions that could require expensive treatments or surgeries.

For puppies, preventive care like vaccinations and spaying/neutering is essential, and having insurance can help you manage these costs.

Peace of Mind
One of the best benefits of pet insurance is the peace of mind it provides. As a pet owner, you never know when an emergency might arise. Pet insurance allows you to focus on your pet’s health rather than worrying about how to afford treatment. Whether your pet is experiencing a minor illness or something more serious, you can rest easy knowing that you're financially prepared.

Access to Better Veterinary Care
With pet insurance, you may have access to higher-quality veterinary care because cost is less of an issue. Pet insurance can help cover specialized treatments, consultations with specialists, and emergency procedures that may not otherwise be affordable. This ensures your pet gets the best possible care when they need it most.

Types of Pet Insurance Coverage
When shopping for pet insurance, it’s important to understand the different types of coverage available. These can vary from one provider to another, but most pet insurance policies fall into one of the following categories:

Accident-Only Coverage
This type of policy provides coverage for injuries caused by accidents, such as car accidents, falls, or bites. It does not cover illnesses, so it’s a more limited and affordable option. If your pet is generally healthy and you're looking for basic protection, this might be a good choice.

Accident and Illness Coverage
Accident and illness coverage is one of the most common types of pet insurance. It provides coverage for both accidents and illnesses, such as infections, allergies, and even chronic conditions like diabetes. This is a good option if you want comprehensive coverage for your pet’s health needs.

Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive policies offer the most extensive protection. In addition to covering accidents and illnesses, comprehensive coverage may also include preventive care, like vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, dental care, and wellness exams. While these plans tend to be more expensive, they provide the most complete coverage, which could be beneficial for pets with ongoing health needs.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet insurance works similarly to other forms of health insurance, but with a few key differences. Here’s a breakdown of how it typically works:

Choose a Plan: After selecting an insurance provider, you will choose a policy that fits your needs. You’ll typically choose the level of coverage, deductible amount, and reimbursement percentage.
Pay Your Premiums: Once you’ve selected a plan, you’ll pay a monthly premium. Premiums can vary depending on the type of coverage, your pet’s breed, age, and health status.
Visit the Vet: When your pet requires medical attention, you take them to the vet as usual. Depending on your insurance provider, you may need to pay upfront for services and then submit a claim for reimbursement.
Submit Claims: After the vet visit, you submit a claim to your insurance provider. The insurer will review the claim and determine how much they will reimburse you based on your coverage.
Receive Reimbursement: After the claim is approved, your insurance provider will reimburse you for the covered expenses, typically after you’ve met your deductible.
What Factors Affect Pet Insurance Premiums?
Several factors influence how much you'll pay for pet insurance. These include:

Pet’s Age: Older pets tend to have higher premiums because they are more likely to need medical care.
Breed: Some breeds are more predisposed to certain health conditions, which can impact the cost of insurance.
Location: The cost of veterinary care varies by location, and this can influence the price of insurance.
Coverage Type: Comprehensive coverage tends to be more expensive than basic accident-only policies.
Deductible and Reimbursement: Higher deductibles or lower reimbursement percentages may result in lower premiums, but you’ll pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim.
How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance Plan
With so many options available, choosing the right pet insurance plan can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:

Compare Multiple Providers: Take the time to research and compare different insurance providers. Look for reviews and ratings to get a sense of the company’s reputation and customer service.
Consider Your Pet’s Needs: If you have a puppy or a breed that’s known for specific health issues, you may want to choose a plan with comprehensive coverage. If your pet is young and healthy, an accident-only plan may be sufficient.
Read the Fine Print: Be sure to read the policy’s terms and conditions carefully, including exclusions and waiting periods. Some plans may not cover pre-existing conditions, so it's important to understand what’s covered from the start.

Pet insurance is an important consideration for new pet owners who want to ensure that their pets are covered in the event of an accident or illness. While the cost of insurance can vary, the benefits of having coverage—such as peace of mind, financial protection, and access to quality veterinary care—often outweigh the expense. By understanding the different types of coverage, how pet insurance works, and how to choose the right plan for your pet, you can make an informed decision that will benefit both you and your furry companion for years to come.

How to Lower Insurance Premium on Your Stored Summer Vehicles

Adaisd Wilsma — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 18:33:27 +0000

Here today, gone tomorrow. Living in New England, it can sometimes seem like warm and sunny weather can turn cold and wintery overnight.

And if you have an antique car, sports car, or some sort of vehicle you only use in the summer, this time of year usually corresponds with storing that vehicle away until the nice weather returns.

But while your seasonal vehicle is sitting in the garage collecting dust for several months, you’re still getting those insurance bills for it every month, which can be frustrating. We know that nothing seems quite as pointless and wasteful as paying for something you aren’t using.

If you can relate, you might think it may just make sense to cancel insurance for a car you aren’t driving, right?

Well, it’s not that simple.

At Berry Insurance, we often help some of our clients with seasonal vehicles reduce insurance costs while the vehicle isn’t in use. And we can help you too!

There are actually several ways you may be able to save premium on your summer vehicle. We’ll get into them all in this article.

Is cancelling my car insurance policy an option?
In Massachusetts (and other states), in order to maintain a vehicle’s registration, you need to have at least the state’s minimum auto insurance requirements.

If you wanted to cancel insurance on a vehicle altogether, you would need to cancel the registration with the Registry of Motor Vehicles first. While you could do that, it probably wouldn’t be worth the hassle to cancel, then reinstate and pay for the registration when you’re ready to drive it again.

Plus, if you did cancel your car insurance, your vehicle wouldn't be covered if it were stolen or damaged while in storage, and your policy could become more expensive when you renew in the spring.

Here’s how you can actually save on your summer car insurance:
While you can’t cancel auto insurance or remove the vehicle you aren’t using from your policy, there are some other options if you want to save money on your car insurance.

See if you’re eligible for a low mileage discount:
Most insurance companies offer low mileage discounts to drivers who do not drive often.

After all, the less you are on the road, the less risk you are at of having a claim and costing the insurance company money.

So if you don’t drive your summer vehicle often, there is a good chance you may be eligible for a low mileage discount.

The average American drives approximately 13,000 miles per year, but if you drive less than 7,500 miles per year, you may be eligible for a discount from 5-10% depending on how little you drive, and the rate your insurance company designates for you.

Generally, the less you drive, the greater your discount will be.

To assess your eligibility, your agent or insurance company can check Registry of Motor Vehicles records for the mileage reported on your vehicle during your last inspection. But keep in mind, if you’re late getting your inspection, you may miss out on the discount because your insurance provider will not have an up-to-date mileage record to use.

Even if your car is more of a summer vehicle, you should consider driving it occasionally throughout the year to prevent any engine buildup and assure the car is running smoothly by the time summer rolls around. Learn more tips on protecting stored vehicles by checking out this article: 6 Tips to Maintain a Car You’re Not Driving.

Consider classic car insurance
If your summer vehicle qualifies as a classic car, you may be able to save money by getting classic car insurance rather than standard auto insurance.

Classic car insurance, sometimes referred to as antique car insurance, covers a variety of classic cars, trucks and other vehicles, including antiques autos, collector and vintage cars, some modified and newer vehicles, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles. It is similar to standard car insurance, offering most of the same protections, but it is designed for collectible vehicles that aren’t driven every day. That means it has lower prices and unique services.

In fact, you can generally save around 35% on a classic policy vs. a standard one, so it may be worth checking with your agent to see if you qualify.

Remove Optional Coverages

As we mentioned above, you shouldn’t just cancel your auto insurance policy if you aren’t driving your vehicle. You should at least maintain MA state minimums, and comprehensive coverage which will cover your vehicle from risks such as storms, fires, and theft.

However, there are some option coverages you may be able to go without while storing your summer vehicle.

Collision:

Collision insurance offers coverage to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident.

Since you will be storing your vehicle and not driving it, you could consider removing collision coverage.

However, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is stored safely away from other operational vehicles, because without collision, your vehicle would not be covered if it was damaged in a hit and run.

Substitute Transportation:

Substitute transportation insurance will pay for at least a portion of the cost of a rental vehicle if you need one due to a covered loss while it is being repaired or replaced (if you have collision insurance).

Since your summer car is likely your secondary vehicle, you probably don’t need substitute transportation in the first place, so if it is included on your policy, you may want to remove it.

Roadside/towing:

Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance or towing insurance if your car breaks down on the side of the road and you are unable to get it to a mechanic.

Since you aren’t driving your vehicle, this is another coverage you do not need.

Lower your coverage limits:
If you aren’t driving your vehicle, reducing your liability coverages to the state minimums to maintain your registration may save you some money.

Keep in mind however, if you have an umbrella insurance policy, you will not be able to reduce your liability limits.

It’s also worth noting the state minimums are usually not enough to cover you when using your vehicle, so if you begin driving it again make sure you raise your limits.

Choose a higher deductible plan
Of course, you can also lower your premium in general by selecting an auto insurance plan with a higher deductible.

Doing this means you’ll be paying less per month, but will have to pay more if you get in an accident, so if you select a higher-deductible plan, you’ll want to make sure you have enough money set aside in case you need to cover damages from an accident, or change it back to a lower deductible plan once you start driving again.

Bundle policies:
Many insurance companies offer incentives for the more business you provide them. By bundling your car insurance with other policies (such as homeowners/renters/condo) within the same insurance company, you may be able to save approximately 5-25% on your policies.

If you’re not already bundling policies, this will help you save money on your summer vehicle’s premium, regardless of the time of year.

Pay via EFT/ACH or pay ahead
Paying for your auto insurance through electronic funds transfer (EFT), automated clearing house (ACH), or paying the premium up front can eliminate billing fees.

If you’re comfortable with your payment automatically withdrawing from your bank account each month, or if you can afford to front the premium, these methods can save you both time and money.

Ask your agent about any discounts:
Your summer vehicle may also be eligible for other discounts, such as:

Being a member of an association (such as AAA, AARP, alumni associations, wholesale clubs, military organizations, honor societies, and more)
Giving to a charity
Getting good grades (insurance companies reward both high school and college drivers for earning good grades)
Being a safe driver (drivers without accidents or violations for a certain period – usually five years – can save hundreds on their insurance through a safe driver or good driver discount)
Ask your agent if you are eligible for any discounts that aren’t already applied to your policy.

Protect your summer car year round
When it comes to your summer vehicle, your insurance needs change throughout the year. So how do you make sure your insurance is up to date?

It’s simple. Just keep in mind the words of Carole King:

Winter, spring, summer, or fall. All you have to do is call (your insurance agent) and they’ll be there (to make sure your car is protected based on your current needs and driving situation).

(I apologize if “You’ve Got a Friend’ is stuck in your head for the rest of the day.)

Your agent can help you reduce coverages when the weather gets wintery, and reinforce them when you’re ready to break your car back out again.

But just remember, before you drive your car again (whether it be taking it back out on the road for the season, or just taking it for a quick spin on one of those fluke warm days in December) you need to make sure you reinstate any of the summer coverages you had to be fully protected.

If this is the case for you, it sounds like you may be talking to your insurance agent more often than the average policyholder. So you definitely want to make sure you’re working with an agent who is experienced and trustworthy, and who you get along well with.

Individual and family dental insurance plans

Adaisd Wilsma — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:10:56 +0000

A dental plan that maintains your healthy smile
If you are moving from your employer’s insurance to a plan of your own, this may be the right coverage for you.

With this preferred provider organization (PPO) plan, the focus is on maintenance, so you benefit from being someone who already takes care of your dental health.

Highlights of the Humana Complete Dental plan
135,000 dentist and specialist locations across the U.S.*
Pay your premiums by mail, by phone or online
You’ll pay an annual deductible of $50/person or $150/family—but there is no deductible if you use in-network providers for preventive services!

Plan details and benefits
Preventive care
Receive these services with no waiting period:

2 routine oral examinations per year
2 cleanings per year
2 topical fluoride treatments per year
1 limited oral evaluation per year
In-network coverage: 100% covered with no deductible (some limits apply)

Basic care
A 6-month waiting period† applies to these services. Waiting periods may be waived on basic services if the member had prior coverage for 12 continuous months.

Emergency care including extractions and root removal
1 filling per tooth per 2 years
Initial placement for space maintainers for ages 14 and under
Prefabricated stainless steel crowns
In-network coverage: 80% covered after paying the deductible (some limits apply)

Learn More

Major services
A 12-month waiting period applies to these services. Waiting periods may be waived on major services if the member had prior coverage for 12 continuous months.

Oral surgery, including 1 root canal per tooth per lifetime
Complete and partial dentures once per 5 years, plus repairs and adjustments
Crowns, onlays and inlays, 1 per tooth per 5 years
Also included with no waiting period: Periodontal maintenance (limit 2 per year) and periodontal scaling and root planing (limit 1 per quadrant every 3 years).

In-network coverage: 50% covered after paying the deductible (some limits apply)

This plan is available to residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.