Search Results

If you’ve noticed your insurance premiums increasing, you’re not alone. Over the past few years, insurance companies have struggled to remain profitable due to historically high losses from natural disasters, rising repair costs, and inflation. The result? Higher premiums for consumers. But while this trend might feel frustrating, there are ways you can take control of your insurance costs and make smarter financial decisions for the future. Why Are Insurance Rates Rising? Insurance companies base their rates on historical claims data, and recent years have been rough. Catastrophic weather events, inflation in construction and vehicle repair costs, and a rise in litigation expenses have all contributed to higher losses for insurance companies. They have had to adjust premiums to account for the increased risk to remain solvent. The Power of Higher Deductibles One of the most effective ways to lower your insurance premiums is by raising your deductible. While accepting more out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim may feel counterintuitive, it can be a smart financial move. Why? Because higher deductibles mean lower premiums, allowing you to keep more cash in your pocket each month. Instead of paying extra for a low-deductible policy, you can set aside the savings into a fund for future claims. This approach lets you maintain financial flexibility rather than handing that money to the insurance company. A Smart Solution: Insurance Savings Accounts (SB 25) Kansas is considering legislation allowing consumers to set aside tax-free money to cover higher deductibles. The Insurance Savings Accounts (SB 25) bill, supported by the Kansas Association of Insurance Agents (KAIA), is designed to help Kansans save for rising insurance premiums and deductibles. This bill would provide tax-free savings opportunities for insurance costs, similar to a Health Savings Account (HSA). Policyholders could contribute pre-tax dollars into these accounts and use them to pay for premiums and deductibles, giving them more financial flexibility while reducing overall insurance expenses. Understanding What You Pay For Insurance policies can include various endorsements and add-ons that enhance coverage but also increase your annual premium. While these features can provide valuable protection, it is important to evaluate whether you genuinely need each. For example, do you need roadside assistance through your insurance, or would a third-party provider be a better deal? Are you paying for coverage on out-of-pocket items you could afford to replace? These are essential questions to ask when trying to balance risk and affordability. A Short- and Long-Term Win By raising your deductible and assuming more financial responsibility for more minor claims, you achieve two significant benefits: You turn in fewer claims, making you a more desirable customer for insurance companies.  Insurance carriers prefer policyholders with fewer claims, which can result in lower premiums over time. You keep more cash in your pocket.  Rather than paying higher premiums, you can use those funds to build your emergency fund, giving you financial security and peace of mind. Final Thoughts The cost of insurance is rising, but you have options. By considering higher deductibles, setting money aside tax-free (if SB 25 passes), and evaluating what features you truly need, you can take control of your financial future while still being protected. If you have questions about your policy or want to explore ways to optimize your coverage, I’m here to help. Let’s build a strategy that keeps you covered while making the most of your hard-earned money. Reach out to me anytime at Mike@goodmaninsurancesolutions.com or visit kansasinsuranceagent.com  to learn more! Stay protected and financially savvy! — Mike Goodman, Goodman Insurance Solutions

By Mike Goodman | Goodman Insurance Solutions Let’s talk car insurance for a second, specifically how it’s changing. Traditionally, your rate was mainly based on factors like age, where you live, car type, and… insurance score. That score is a blend of your credit report, past claims, and how you stack up against folks in your demographic. The problem? That doesn’t always feel fair. You could be a safe driver who happens to have a dinged-up credit report or a younger driver who's more careful than most, but you're still being lumped in with the averages. But there’s a shift happening—and it’s worth paying attention to. The Rise of Driving Data Insurance companies are increasingly leaning into actual driving behavior to underwrite policies. Think things like: How fast do you drive? How hard do you brake or accelerate? What time of day are you on the road? How much do you drive?e They get that data from plug-in devices or smartphone apps that track your driving habits. It’s called telematics, and while it might sound a little Big Brother-ish at first, there are some real benefits. Why It’s a Good Thing For one, you’re rated on yourself, not on what other people your age or in your zip code are doing. If you’re a safe driver, you should get rewarded for that. And these programs often come with discounts right out of the gate, just for participating—sometimes 5-10% up front, and more after a few months of good driving. I’ve seen clients, especially households with multiple vehicles, save a few hundred bucks a year just by opting into these programs. Is It Worth Doing? If you’re already a solid driver—not speeding, not braking hard, not on your phone all the time—it’s a no-brainer. Even if you’re just an average driver, the initial discount still makes it worth trying. Worst-case scenario? You learn a little more about your habits and how to improve them. Best case? You save real money each renewal. A Quick Heads-Up Not all programs are created equal. Some track for a few months, and then you’re done. Others stay on and keep collecting data in the long term. I always walk clients through the pros and cons of each, based on their driving style and comfort level. But if you’re tired of feeling like your insurance rate is out of your control, this is a way to take some of it back. Want me to check if your current company offers a program like this or compare options with ones that do? Just holler. Text, email, call—whatever works for you. Stay safe out there, Mike Goodman Goodman Insurance Solutions 📱 620-531-0261 🌐 kansasinsuranceagent.com

We’ve all been at that family picnic where slick Uncle Tommy brags about how he “got the insurance company to pay” for a roof that should’ve been replaced ten years ago. And maybe you’ve heard enough of those stories to start believing that’s how it works. But here’s the truth: insurance is for sudden, accidental losses — not long-overdue repairs or neglect. And that myth about “getting one over on the insurance company”? That’s not just untrue — it’s costing everyone money. (Also, if Uncle Tommy’s giving out financial advice between hot dogs and conspiracy theories… maybe take it with a grain of salt — and some antacid.) Insurance Fraud and the Ripple Effect According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, insurance fraud costs the U.S. about $308.6 billion annually. The FBI says this behavior raises the average family’s premiums by $400 to $700 annually. So when folks file sketchy claims for things that could’ve been avoided with basic upkeep, everyone else ends up footing the bill. Your Claims History Isn’t a Secret One thing a lot of people don’t realize? Insurance companies talk to each other. Anytime you file a claim, the details go into databases like CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) or A-PLUS. That means your history goes with you when you shop for a new policy, like that friend who always brings up your college stories. Here’s what they can see: How many claims have you filed? What caused the damage How much was paid out Whether it was preventable That info sticks around for 5–7 years and can seriously impact your ability to get good coverage at a fair price. Why Premiums Keep Going Up Let’s be real — rates are rising, not just because companies feel like it. There are some legit reasons behind it: Rising Construction Costs – Lumber, shingles, HVAC units, labor… all more expensive than ever. Natural Disasters – In 2023 alone, the U.S. recorded 28 billion-dollar weather events. That’s the most in a year, totaling over $92.9 billion in damages. More disasters = more claims = higher premiums. Too Many Preventable Claims—Old roofs, leaky plumbing, worn-out systems are showing up in claims that should’ve been handled with regular maintenance. (Kind of like that cousin who never brings anything to the potluck but takes home all the leftovers. Someone’s always picking up the tab.) Don’t End Up in the High-Risk Pool Here’s the part most people don’t hear until it’s too late: If you file too many claims — especially preventable ones — your insurance company might non-renew your policy. At that point, you get pushed into the Excess & Surplus Lines (E&S) market. And trust me, it’s not a fun place to be: Much higher premiums (sometimes 2–3x more) Limited coverage with tons of exclusions Big deductibles Fewer companies are willing to work with you. Once you’re there, getting back into the standard market can take years — and a squeaky-clean record. Take Pride in Ownership Your home is probably the most significant investment you’ll ever make. Taking care of it isn’t just responsible — it’s part of protecting your future. Insurance is there for the fire, the storm, the unexpected disaster. Not for that 25-year-old roof that’s finally had enough or the faucet that’s been dripping since Thanksgiving. Final Thoughts I’m sorry if someone told you otherwise — maybe even Uncle Tommy. Here’s what you need to know: ✔️ Insurance companies can see your full claim history ✔️ Maintenance claims are usually denied ✔️ Too many claims can knock you out of the standard market ✔️ And we all pay the price when the system gets abused Take care of your property. File when it truly matters. Keep your insurance record clean because that record follows you everywhere.

If you own a home in Kansas, you know wind and hail aren’t “if” events — they’re “when” events. Out here, storms can chew up roofs, siding, windows, and anything else in their path. That’s why many insurance companies in Kansas now use a wind and hail deductible that works a little differently than your standard deductible. Here’s the short version: instead of a flat amount like $1,000, a wind/hail deductible is often a percentage of your home’s insured value. Example: If your home is insured for $250,000 and you have a 1% wind/hail deductible, you’re paying $2,500 out of pocket before insurance pays the rest. Why are companies doing this? Storm damage is expensive in Kansas. Percentage deductibles let carriers share more of that risk with homeowners and keep premiums from skyrocketing even more. What you need to know: It only applies when the loss is caused by wind or hail. Higher percentages mean lower premiums, but bigger bills when you file a claim. If you’ve got an older roof, you might also have “Actual Cash Value” coverage instead of Replacement Cost — and that changes your payout even more. Bottom line: know your percentage, and be sure you’ve got money set aside in case a storm rolls through. If you’re not sure what your wind/hail deductible is, or how it works with your roof coverage, call or text me at 620-531-0261. I’ll walk you through it in plain English so there’s no surprises later.

When Kansas winds roar, you shouldn’t face unexpected out‑of‑pocket costs. Across Sublette and nearby counties, many insurers adjust deductibles based on home value or ZIP‑level risk. Instead of accepting one carrier’s terms, you can work with an agent who helps you compare options and, if appropriate, facilitate a policy change. The deductible landscape Percentage‑based vs. flat: Some plans tie deductibles to a portion of dwelling value; others still offer flat‑rate options. ZIP‑specific adjustments: Properties in hail‑prone areas may face higher thresholds. Your action plan Side‑by‑side deductible quotes We gather both percentage‑based and fixed‑rate options so you understand potential claim exposure. Policy change facilitation If you decide to switch carriers, we handle the paperwork—subject to carrier approval—to help you transition smoothly. Mitigation advisory We can connect you with local contractors for home improvements that may qualify you for alternative deductible options. Case Study (Hypothetical): After exploring both deductible structures, a Dodge City homeowner selected a flat‑rate option that aligned better with their budget. The transition process was managed by our team to help ensure continuous coverage. Next Steps: Call 620‑531‑0261 to request a free, no‑obligation deductible comparison for your Southwest Kansas home. Disclaimer: Deductible structures and savings depend on carrier rules, property characteristics, and underwriting decisions. This is not a guarantee of coverage or cost reductions. Consult policy terms and your carrier’s guidelines for specific details. 3. 3 Strategies to Keep Your Southwest Kansas Property Insurance Affordable You want reliable home protection without overpaying. As premiums and deductibles evolve, partnering with an agent who can review multiple carriers is your best advantage. 1. Annual market review Each renewal cycle, we pull fresh quotes from our carrier network—so you can evaluate any new opportunities for savings. 2. Strategic bundling Combining home, auto, and umbrella policies—whether with one carrier or across several—can yield multi‑line credits. We present the options and guide you through the potential benefits. 3. Proactive carrier monitoring When an insurer updates its rates or deductible guidelines, we notify you and can assist with a policy change to help maintain your desired balance of cost and coverage. Local Example (Illustrative Only): A Garden City family reviewed bundled options and uncovered savings through a multi‑carrier approach—without altering their overall coverage needs. Next Steps: Call 620‑531‑0261 to schedule your annual carrier review—because exploring all available options may help you find a better fit. Disclaimer: Insurance products, discounts, and coverages vary by carrier and underwriting criteria. Not all options are available in all areas. This information is provided for illustrative purposes and is not a commitment to provide insurance. All coverage is subject to carrier approval and policy terms.