Do You Need Commercial Insurance for Your Illinois Business?

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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!

I just paid off my late model car. Do I still need full auto insurance coverage?

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As a driver, you’re only required to carry auto liability insurance. However, other situations may require you to carry more than the state-required minimum coverage. At Taake Insurance Agency, our team knows that understanding auto insurance can be confusing. It’s not easy to know what type of coverage you need. We’re here to help our Columbia, IL residents understand and explore their options.

State-Required Auto Insurance Coverage

All states require drivers to carry liability insurance. Liability insurance provides coverage for any accident where you’re deemed at fault. However, it doesn’t cover any personal injuries that you may incur. It also doesn’t cover any damage to your vehicle or personal property. Any insurance agent can help you determine if liability insurance is enough for your personal situation. If you have a car loan, lenders usually require you to carry full coverage auto insurance. 

I just paid off my late-model car. Do I still need full auto insurance coverage?

Most lenders require you to carry full coverage auto insurance if you’re financing your car. Liability coverage isn’t enough. However, many drivers are uncertain about continuing full coverage auto insurance once they’ve paid their car loan in full.

More often than not, if you own a late-model car, you should continue to carry full coverage auto insurance. Especially if you can’t afford to pay for auto accident repairs out of pocket. Generally speaking, many insurance companies recommend continuing to carry full coverage if your car’s value exceeds the cost of your deductible and your full coverage auto insurance policy. Many late-model car owners couldn’t replace their cars without a full coverage auto insurance policy. If you have questions regarding how much auto insurance you need, call us. We can help you explore your options.

How to make your home a safer place

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A safe home is what most homeowners strive for. The danger in your home can come from within and outside. Knowing what your risks are, you can take the preventative action that is required. At Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL, we have offered our customers security and peace of mind since 1977. As independent insurance agents, we can also provide more choices. 

Security

Security is an integral part of making your home a safer place. It needs to be safe from threats outside. Begin with a basic security system. They come in a wide variety of options. You can have an installed system that is monitored, or you can install a system yourself. Many of the new systems can be monitored by you with your cellphone. Some are as simple as a doorbell camera. In addition, having motion sensor lights can help keep the exterior of your home lit. 

Windows and doors have locks, and it is essential that you use them. That means every door and window in your home. 

Safety

Making your home safe requires a little diligence on your part. Some important things need to be handled on a timely basis. Your chimney should be cleaned every year. The batteries in your smoke detectors need to be changed every six months and tested regularly. 

Poison chemicals should be kept in a locked cabinet out of the reach of children and pets. If you use poison to treat insects or weeds, do not let children or pets play in the area until it is safe. Also, keep any medication out of the reach of pets and children. 

When you are in the market for home insurance, contact Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL, to talk to one of our experienced agents. 

Easy ways to cut calories from your diet

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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?

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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.