Matching Health Insurance Options to Your Needs

Health insurance is essential for everyone because it allows you to manage your health and well-being throughout your lifetime. People who carefully select their insurance can access the products and services they need to manage their conditions or stay healthy. If you would like to learn more about health insurance options, you can trust the insurance professionals at Taake Insurance Agency, serving the residents of Columbia, IL. 

How to Select the Right Insurance Policy

Choosing the right insurance for your specific needs is essential for having access to medical care and options. The best way to determine the correct type of policy is to consider your medical history, family medical history, and any present conditions. 

For example, you’ll need regular medical care and attention from specialists if you have a health condition or disease. You’ll need to secure a policy to save on your co-payments and deductibles if you use your insurance frequently. 

In contrast, if you are a healthy individual with a low risk of developing diseases or degenerative conditions, you’ll want to save on your premiums instead. It’s also important to choose insurance that covers the care you require and allows coverage for procedures, treatments, and hospital visits that you know you’ll need in the future. 

The best way to know if you’re adequately covered is to consult with one of our licensed health insurance agents. They can help you determine which policies meet your needs and go over the terms and conditions so that you can make an informed decision. 

Find Out More Today

If you would like to learn more about the policy options we offer for health insurance or any of the other quality insurance products we offer, please get in touch with us today. At Taake Insurance Agency, we take pride in offering reliable insurance to the residents of Columbia, IL. 

Life Insurance Options in Illinois

Our agents at the Taake Insurance Agency serving the Columbia, IL area know how important your family and friends are to you. This is why they want to ensure that you have adequate life insurance in place when you pass away.

You do not know when it will be time for you to leave this world, and a good life insurance policy will give you the peace of mind you deserve since you will know that your loved ones will be taken care of when that day comes.

There are several different types of life insurance policies you can choose from. Listed below are the three most common types of life insurance policies.

Life Insurance Options

Term Life Insurance

This type of life insurance policy will provide coverage during a certain term. The terms are usually 10, 20, or 30 years. It is a very affordable policy but only pays a death benefit to your beneficiaries if you pass away during the term in which it is in effect.

Whole Life Insurance

This type of life insurance is part of a permanent policy that provides lifelong coverage. It is a popular choice since it also includes a cash value component that grows over time and can be borrowed against or withdrawn. This means you can pay off large bills, such as a mortgage or vehicle before you pass away, which will help lessen the load of stress on your loved ones when they are grieving since they will not have to worry about how to pay the bills.

Universal Life Insurance

Universal life insurance basically combines a death benefit with an investment account. This means that you can adjust the premium payments and death benefit over time, and the cash value has the potential to grow while being tax-deferred.

Other Types of Life Insurance Policies

Other types of life insurance policies you can choose from include variable life insurance, indexed universal life insurance, final expense insurance, and group life insurance.

Get Your Life Insurance Policy Started

Call our agents at the Taake Insurance Agency serving the Columbia, IL area today to get your life insurance policy started!

Do You Need Commercial Insurance for Your Illinois Business?

Owning your own business is probably a dream come true for you and your loved ones, which means you will want to protect it with an appropriate amount of insurance. Our agents at the Taake Insurance Agency serving the Columbia, IL area want to help you with all of your commercial business needs to protect the investment of time, energy, and money you have invested in your Illinois business.

Is Commercial Insurance Required in Illinois?

All drivers in the state of Illinois must have at least an auto liability insurance policy in place before they can legally drive a motor vehicle. This goes for your business also. This means that all vehicles owned by your business or personal vehicles that are driven for business purposes must have at least an auto liability insurance policy in place at all times.

Commercial Liability Insurance Coverage

It is very important for you to have commercial liability insurance coverage for your business and for your customers. This type of insurance is necessary to have in place in case a customer or a guest at your business is injured. This type of policy will help pay the person’s medical bills and other expenses and help you with legal fees if a lawsuit is filed against your business. Commercial liability insurance coverage will also help you out if you are involved in a libel, slander, or copyright infringement case,

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance will come in handy if there is some sort of tragic event at your business, such as a fire, natural disaster, or vandalism. Also, if you have a business with inventory, this type of coverage will help you replace it if you lose it due to damage or theft.

Call for a Quote

To obtain a quote for a commercial insurance policy to protect your Illinois business, call upon our agents at the Taake Insurance Agency serving the Columbia, IL area today!

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!

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.

How do you purchase supplemental health insurance?

Your employer now must legally provide health insurance, and the government sets minimum standards as to what the coverage includes.

You still might not have the coverage you want, but you can add a supplemental or secondary policy to your medical coverage. Most people think of supplemental medical as related to Medigap insurance. You don’t have to be on Medicare or Medicaid to purchase a supplemental medical policy.

You can purchase your own policy and the one your employer provides. At Taake Insurance Agency, serving Columbia, IL, we can help you find the secondary medical coverage that rounds out your employer-provided one.

What might a secondary policy offer? You can obtain a policy that provides drug coverage, preventative care, or hospital coverage. Some supplemental policies cover a pre-existing condition that the employer’s group plan exempts.

You can have complete medical coverage by purchasing one of these policies. With medical insurance, no such thing as a one-size-fits-all policy exists. You build your own coverage based on your own medical needs. We can help you find medical coverage for your family, too. Your employer may offer family plans. You can purchase a plan that covers your entire immediate family, too.
Taake Insurance Agency doesn’t list every option on our website. Instead, please email or phone us for a consultation. We will meet with you online or in person to explore the range of suitable possibilities to address your medical coverage needs.

An option exists for nearly everyone. Call or email Taake Insurance Agency today. We serve the residents of Columbia, IL with the medical insurance they need. Let us help you find the right supplemental medical policy.

Benefits of life insurance for a bereaved family

Taake Insurance Agency wants to help you protect your family. If you are a resident in the greater Columbia, IL area, you can count on us. Having the right life insurance policy in place can help your family cope with the stress of an unexpected death. Give us a call today and find out more about the options available in our area.

Benefits of life insurance for a bereaved family

Losing a spouse is always a traumatic event, even if you are lucky enough to enjoy a long life together. It can be even more complicated if the death is unexpected and you have young children.

In any situation, having an appropriate level of life insurance in place can make coping with the situation a bit less stressful. Of course, money cannot ease emotional pain, but grieving can be more manageable when there aren’t any financial concerns.

With a robust policy in place, surviving family members can take care of burial costs and other end-of-life expenses without worrying about filing a claim. Having financial stability can also help maintain some sense of normalcy for small children. 

Knowing that you and your family can remain in your home, even after the death of a spouse, can help the transition period for all family members, not just children.

Now is the perfect time to find out how a life insurance death benefit can help secure your family’s future, no matter what may happen. 

Call today and set up an appointment.

Taake Insurance Agency is here to help with all of your insurance needs. If it’s time for you to start thinking seriously about life insurance, give us a call today. We are proud to serve the Columbia, IL community!