Easy ways to cut calories from your diet

When it comes to cutting calories from your diet, there are plenty of easy and practical ways to do so. Here are a few from us at Taake Insurance Agency to help get you started here in the Columbia, IL area: 

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables- Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories and can be a great way to fill up without overloading calories. Make sure to aim for at least five servings per day! 

2. Skip sugary drinks- Sugary beverages like soda, energy drinks, and juices can add lots of extra empty calories to your day. Opt for water or unsweetened teas instead. 

3. Limit processed foods- Processed foods tend to be higher in calories than whole foods, so try to opt for these healthier options as much as possible. 

4. Watch your portion sizes- It’s important to remember that even healthy food can have too many calories if you overeat! Try using smaller plates when eating to make sure you’re not overeating. 

5. Don’t skip meals or snacks- Skipping meals or snacks forces your body into starvation mode, which can cause you to gain weight instead of lose it! Ensure you’re eating regularly throughout the day to stay full and energized while still managing your calorie intake. 

By following these simple tips, you will be well on your way toward cutting calories from your diet efficiently and sustainably! For more health tips, call us at Taake Insurance Agency today. We proudly serve the Columbia, IL area and want to help you lead a healthy life.

Protect Your Illinois Small Business With Commercial Insurance

For small business owners, commercial insurance protects their business and its assets. Whether it’s liability coverage or property insurance, having the correct type of Insurance can make all the difference in protecting what you’ve worked so hard to build.

What Is Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance is an insurance policy specifically designed to protect businesses from financial losses due to damage or destruction of property, injuries on company property, legal claims against the company, or lost income due to unforeseen circumstances. The right kind of coverage can provide peace of mind for business owners and employees alike, knowing that their hard work and investments are protected in case of an unfortunate incident.

Types Of Commercial Coverage Available

At Taake Insurance Agency, we offer various commercial insurance policies tailored specifically for small businesses in Columbia, IL.

  • Property & Liability Insurance– This covers damages caused to your building and liability coverage for third-party injuries sustained on your business premises. This also includes coverage for any lost income due to power outages or other mishaps beyond your control.
  • Business Interruption Insurance – If a natural disaster or other catastrophic event causes you to lose revenue, this policy helps cover those costs, so you’re not left high and dry when needed most.
  • Product & Professional Liability – If a product fails to perform up to the standards expected in the industry, this policy protects against any litigation costs associated with such an occurrence. Additionally, professional liability covers any mistakes made while providing services if they lead to financial losses on behalf of the client.

No two businesses are exactly alike – each has its own set of individual needs based on factors like size and scope of operations, along with industry requirements that must be met for a company to survive and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

Contact Taake Insurance Agency to learn more!

How to Determine the Right Level of Auto Coverage

Having auto insurance is a requirement in all states. However, there are different types of insurance coverage to select. Getting the right level of coverage for your specific situation is essential to help prevent losses. Anyone interested in securing top quality Auto Insurance can contact Taake Insurance Agency, serving the residents in and around the Columbia, IL area.

Auto Insurance Protection 

State-level required insurance is liability only. However, if you finance or lease your vehicle, you may be required to carry full coverage insurance. Full coverage usually refers to a combination of liability, comprehensive, and collision. However, there are other additions, such as towing, uninsured or underinsured motorists, and hospitalization. Determining the level of coverage necessary to protect yourself is vitally important. 

Our experts are highly trained to help assess your current and future needs. Once an insurance agent gets a clear picture of coverage needs, they can suggest policies that meet them. We take pride in offering exceptional service to help ensure each individual gets the auto insurance protection they need to prevent losses and reduce risks.

It’s important to know what your options are in terms of coverage and which insurance additions adequately provide the best protection. Let our team work with you to help give you peace of mind and security while out on the road or parked at home.

Call Taake Insurance Agency Today

Anyone interested in discovering more about auto insurance coverage in the Columbia, IL area can count on Taake Insurance Agency to provide reliable insurance products. Call or stop by our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our insurance agents. Don’t wait to get the auto insurance coverage you need to feel secure.

Home Insurance Coverage Options

The agents at the Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL express the importance of home insurance. If you borrowed money from a bank or another lender to purchase your home, you are required to have a home insurance policy in place, but even if you paid cash for your home, you will want to protect it with an adequate amount of home insurance.

Home insurance is designed to replace or repair your home and your belongings and other items if your house is damaged by a fire, vandalism, or even a natural disaster. It can also cover theft or robbery incidents that take place at your home and may cover the items that are stolen.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

A typical homeowners insurance policy will cover your dwelling, which is the house itself, and other structures on your property. It will also cover your personal property inside your home, such as your belongings, household items, appliances, fixtures, etc. A homeowner’s insurance policy will also protect you from liability for injuries that may occur to someone visiting your property or for any damage to their property that happens while they are visiting you on your property.

Examples of other structures on your property include decks, barns, sheds, and even swimming pools. The dwelling portion of your home insurance protection includes your house, its foundation, and anything attached to your house, such as a garage or deck.

Contact Us

To create the best home insurance policy for you and your situation, enlist the assistance of the experienced home insurance agents at the Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL. Call for an appointment today to get your policy started!

Do Teens Need Their Own Insurance Policy?

Do you have a teen driver in your household and have questions about whether or not they need their insurance policy or if they can be added to yours? The helpful agents at Taake Insurance Agency are ready to answer this and other questions from the residents of Columbia, IL.

Let us guide you through securing top-quality insurance products for your teen driver today.

Auto Insurance Coverage for Teen Drivers 

When it comes to teen driver coverage, it’s essential to know your options and which is the best for your particular situation. While having a teen driver on your insurance policy is possible, it may or may not be wise to provide them with separate coverage. This determination depends on age and various other factors.

Our insurance agents at Taake Insurance Agency are ready to help you decide which options are the best for your particular situation. Everyone is different. We work individually with each customer to assess their current auto insurance and determine if they need to make any changes or additions. 

It’s all a part of our commitment to exceptional service to ensure each individual receives the specialized attention they need to get the best protection for peace of mind. Don’t guess when it comes to teen driver coverage. Get the insight and tools available through our insurance agents to make an intelligent and well-informed decision to protect your teen driver.

Reach Out Today 

Residents in the Columbia, IL area with teen drivers in their household should seek out the services of Taake Insurance Agency to help provide great policies. We encourage you to call or stop by our offices today to schedule a consultation with one of our agents.

Home Insurance and Theft

If you have ever been a victim of theft, you know how violating and maddening it can feel. You cannot always prevent another person from stealing your items. However, you can ensure that those items are covered by your home insurance policy and, therefore, easier to replace in case of a break-in. A standard homeowners insurance policy does, in fact, cover theft of items located on the premises. In some cases, the policy could even cover your possessions if they are stolen at a separate location.

Home insurance policies can offer coverage for a variety of situations. Amongst those situations are natural disasters as well as theft. Even if the theft takes place off of the property, or if the items stolen belonged to a house guest, these possessions can still be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you have an older child enrolled in college and living in a dorm room, some of their stolen items may also be covered by the same policy. With one simple policy, you can provide your entire household with coverage that will make your lives easier.

If you need a policy covering all of the basics, Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL can take care of you. This company has been in business since 1977, so they know insurance inside and out. Taake Insurance Agency can assist you with any questions you may have about a policy that will protect your assets. While you may not have control over someone stealing your things, you have control over whether or not those items are insured. Call Taake Insurance Agency today or stop by if you are in the Columbia, IL area.

What is the difference between an HMO, POS, or PPO?

You may hear many different types of health insurance plans thrown around, so how do you know which one is the best for you to choose? Contact Taake Insurance Agency, serving Columbia, IL, for help as you navigate.

What is an “HMO?”

HMO stands for “Health Maintenance Organization.” The goal of an HMO is to focus on keeping individuals healthy and introducing structure to outpatient care. Your main point of contact for your care will be a primary care physician or PCP. If you need specialty care, your PCP will refer you to a specialist within the care network for further treatment. A referral is required to schedule.

What does in-network mean? HMOs function as part of a provider network of affiliated organizations. This helps HMOs keep costs lower, and HMOs typically offer the lowest out-of-pocket costs as a result.

HMOs generally do not pay for out-of-network care except in the case of emergencies.

What is a “POS?”

POS stands for “Point of Service.” Like an HMO, a POS will manage care through your PCP. Unlike an HMO, you will not need your physician’s permission to visit other doctors in or out-of-network.

In this model, the average costs are higher out-of-pocket than for an HMO. Receiving care out-of-network will cost more out-of-pocket.

What is a “PPO?”

PPO stands for “Participating Provider Option.” A PPO generally offers the most flexibility but at a higher out-of-pocket cost. With a PPO, you will not need to choose a regular doctor or get referrals to receive specialty care. If you need or choose to go out-of-network, a PPO will pay a portion of out-of-network costs.

Contact Taake Insurance Agency, serving Columbia, IL, for your questions and to get a quote.

Does Life Insurance Make Sense if I am Single?

We live unpredictable life. Today, you might be okay, but tomorrow you may suddenly be involved in an accident or fall ill. Given the erratic nature of life, you need to protect those you love with life insurance. But if I am single, do I need life insurance? It depends. Taake Insurance Agency of Columbia, IL looks at instances where a single person may need life insurance.

If you have a debt

Do you have a mortgage, car, or student loan? You should invest in life insurance to care for your debts when you die. Otherwise, you may leave the burden to your cosigners and loved ones.

If you have dependents

You may be single, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have dependents. If you support your siblings or parents financially, investing in life insurance would be a good idea to ensure they aren’t financially crippled when you die.

You plan to start a family.

Today you may be single, but you have plans to get married and have children. It’s a good idea to invest in life insurance now; when you are young and healthy — you may enjoy affordable premiums.

If you have a life insurance policy today, all you need is to update your policy when you get married or have children.

You own a business

When you have business partners, it can be challenging for them to cope in your absence. Life insurance buys them time as they think about the next move. Besides, life insurance proceeds can help settle debts if you have business loans.

Do you still need more information about life insurance in Columbia, IL? Please talk to Taake Insurance Agency. We may not have all the answers — just the life insurance ones.

Five Ways Commercial Insurance Can Protect Your Illinois Business

You probably already have your plate full if you are a small business owner. However, you still need to ensure you have enough coverage to protect yourself and your business. Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL offers commercial insurance, including property and liability risks. You may be able to bundle products to save money, depending on the coverage you need.

While certain businesses must have workers’ compensation, Illinois does not require general liability and other business policies. However, there are at least five reasons it makes sense to get it.

1) Protects Your Physical Location

If you own a commercial building, you’ll want to protect it in case of vandalism or fire. Work with your agent to find the property coverage you need.

2) Covers Business Equipment

Many businesses invest a significant percentage of their budget in equipment. Whether you have expensive refrigeration units or equipment needed to complete work orders, repairs and replacement costs can derail your entire year. Therefore, you may want to add equipment coverage to your policy. Remember that business insurance typically doesn’t cover regular wear and tear on equipment.

3. Handles Non-employee Injuries on Your Premises

If you or an employee slips and falls on the job, you’ll have to rely on workers’ compensation to cover the claim. However, if a customer, client, or guest falls on a slippery floor, your commercial insurance will probably handle the medical and legal expenses. Talk to your agent to ensure you have sufficient liability protection in place.

4. Covers Injuries in Case of Business Product Defects

Whether you sell food, kitchen gadgets, or cars, product liability insurance baked into your commercial policy can protect you in case of product-related injuries. Gadgets and gizmos are great, but there’s always a chance someone could cut their finger on a sharp edge or get sick after eating at your restaurant. With the right insurance, you won’t have to worry about footing medical bills and damages out of pocket.

5. Guards Against Business Interruptions

Business interruption insurance can keep you afloat if you have to shut down due to unforeseen circumstances. Covered events might include natural disasters or fires. To purchase business interruption insurance, you must first have a commercial insurance policy.

Contact Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL for more information on commercial insurance.

5 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Auto Insurance

Everyone makes mistakes. It’s only human. But when it comes to your auto insurance, making a mistake can be costly – both in terms of money and time. So, read on to find out the five most common mistakes people make with their auto insurance and how you can avoid them. Trust us; you’ll be glad you did.

1. Not Understanding Your Policy

The first and arguably most serious mistake you can make with auto insurance is not understanding your policy. Not knowing what your policy covers – or doesn’t cover – can be a costly mistake, mainly if you’re involved in an accident.

2. Getting the Wrong Coverage

Another mistake people make is getting the wrong coverage. This can be just as costly as not understanding your policy in the first place. Make sure you know what coverage you need and get them – don’t skimp on your coverage to save a few dollars.

3. Buying the Bare Minimum

Another common mistake is buying the bare minimum coverage required by your state. This may save you money in the short term, but you could pay a lot more out of pocket if you’re involved in an accident. So, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and work with your agent to get the right coverage for you.

4. Not Reviewing Your Policy Regularly

Auto insurance policies are not static. They change over time. That’s why it’s essential to review your policy regularly, at least once a year. This way, you can be sure you have the coverage you need and that your rates are still competitive.

5. Not Shopping Around

Just because you’ve been with the same company for years doesn’t mean you’re getting the best possible rate. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare rates every few years.

Avoid these five common mistakes if you’re looking for the best possible auto insurance coverage. And for all your auto insurance needs, contact Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL, today. We’ll be happy to help you find the perfect policy for your needs.