Kim DeBoe knows the uncertainty some clients may carry when it comes to insurance.
“It’s really amazing to me how many people really don’t what insurance is,” Kim shared, “and I’m guilty of that because when I started here, we paid the bill, and that was about all I knew about insurance.”
Holding secretarial positions throughout her career, Kim joined Leliaert Insurance Agency in August 2022 as an administrative assistant. Following an invitation to learn more about the industry from principal agent Matt Leliaert, Kim grew confident in her new direction.
“I met everyone from the office and talked to everybody and it just felt right, this is where I belonged. I really enjoyed the people who I would later work with. So, I gave it a shot,” the mother of two said.
“I took the insurance test and I passed it first time, which was really great because I heard that isn’t an easy feat.”
Since coming aboard, Kim’s communication with clients and colleagues has helped her identify overlooked or sometimes misunderstood aspects of certain policies.
Collision vs. Comprehensive Auto Coverage
“It’s just kind of crazy to me how people don’t know the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage,” she said.
Both are types of coverage that can offer protection for different types of damage to your vehicle. While collision insurance focuses on damage resulting from a car crash, comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle against all other kinds of damage, including theft, vandalism, fire and natural disasters.
Collision insurance protects against the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle in the case of a collision, regardless of who was at fault. This type of insurance is particularly important for those who have vehicles that are still being financed or leased, as it can help cover the costs of repairs or replacement if your car is deemed a total loss. It can also help cover the costs of repairing damage to other vehicles and property if you’re found at fault in a crash.
On the other hand, comprehensive insurance covers loss or damage to your vehicle that’s not related to a collision. This includes damage caused by natural disasters, such as hailstorms, floods or tornadoes, as well as theft, vandalism and fires. While comprehensive coverage can be more expensive than collision coverage, it can help provide peace of mind, knowing you’re protected against a wide range of potential risks.
When choosing between comprehensive and collision insurance, Lelieart agents can help in carefully examining your individual needs and risks that you face as a driver. If you have a newer car or live in an area that’s prone to natural disasters or theft, comprehensive insurance may be the better choice for you. However, if you have an older vehicle or are a safe driver, collision insurance may be more practical.
ERIE Insurance Rate Lock
“ERIE Insurance has a lot of different things that are beneficial to people that I haven’t seen with other carriers,” Kim explained. “ERIE Rate Lock is really great rating system that’s more personalized.”
The ERIE Insurance Rate Lock option is a distinct feature of the carrier that allows policyholders to lock in the cost of their insurance premiums. This means the rates policyholders pay for their current insurance policy will remain the same for the duration of their policy term, as long as there are no changes of driver, vehicle, or you move to another location.
This option is particularly beneficial to policyholders who are concerned about fluctuations in the insurance market and want to avoid any unexpected premium increases. With the Rate Lock option, policyholders can budget confidently knowing the cost of their insurance will not change during the term of their policy.
It’s important to note that the Rate Lock option is subject to certain conditions and limitations. For example, policyholders must maintain continuous coverage with ERIE Insurance to keep their rate locked in, and the premium rate may change if there are changes to the policy or if the policyholder moves to a different location. However, these conditions are clearly outlined in the policy agreement and can be discussed with a Leliaert agent.
ERIE Guaranteed Replacement Cost for Homeowners
“One of the things that I think is super impressive about ERIE is that it has Guaranteed Replacement Cost; that’s the only carrier I’m aware of that offers that,” Kim said.
ERIE’s Guaranteed Replacement Cost option ensures policyholders can rebuild or repair their home to match its original state, no matter the cost. It covers any unexpected expenses that would arise due to inflation, labor costs, material costs or other unforeseen expenses beyond the property’s insured value.
“Every year, it will get re-rated,” Kim explained. “Because with everything going on in the world today, you know, building materials are going up as well. So, a lot of people right now are finding their dwelling coverage is increasing because it’s costing more to repair or replace a home.”
This coverage option applies to both the structure of the home and other structures on the property, such as garages or sheds. ERIE Insurance’s Guaranteed Replacement Cost also includes a provision that covers the cost of debris removal and any necessary upgrades to bring the home up to current building code standards.
This coverage is essential in protecting homeowners from the financial burden that comes with rebuilding or repairing a home. It offers an extra layer of protection against unexpected expenses due to rising costs, inflation, and building code upgrades.
How Leliaert Insurance Agency Can Help
Leliaert Insurance Agency’s team of experts is committed to guiding our clients in finding the most appropriate insurance coverage to meet their needs. Whether you need assistance with auto, home, business or life insurance, we have the knowledge and expertise required to help you make informed decisions.
At Leliaert Insurance Agency, we recognize insurance can be complex and overwhelming for some. That’s why our team is dedicated to taking the time to explain dense insurance concepts in a way that is clear, concise and easy to understand.
Have a question about your existing policy or pending changes? Are you unsure of your next step? Contact us today and one of our team members will be happy to assist you with all of your insurance needs!