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Protecting Yourself from the Uninsured and Underinsured Driver
Posted: 02/21/2024With over 29 million uninsured drivers in the US what can you do to protect yourself?
Why Should I Have a Personal Umbrella Policy?
Posted: 01/24/2024The main purpose of an umbrella policy is to protect you and your assets from the financial fallout of certain unforeseen events but are they worth it?
Replacement Cost vs. Taxable Value vs. Real Estate Market Value – What's The Difference?
Posted: 01/03/2024I often get asked this question by customers! Trying to figure out what each of these separate values mean, in relation to your home or commercial building, can be very confusing! To better understand the differences, here's a quick breakdown!
Halloween 2023 Agency Pumpkin Carving
Posted: 10/25/2023Darnielle held an office Halloween pumpkin carving contest and had some great entries!
How Home Replacement Costs are Affecting Home Insurance
Posted: 12/14/2022Home insurance is based on the cost to rebuild and replace your home, not its market value.
Supporting Our Community
Posted: 12/11/2020There are many individuals and organizations in need and we are finding meaningful ways to give back and support our local community we serve.
So What is this "Insurance" Anyway?
Posted: 07/12/2020All the terms about drive a person mad: perils, premiums, hazards, losses and limits. There seems no end to it, and what does it all mean?
Professional Liability Insurance
Posted: 03/23/2017Almost every business or firm can become liable for injury to others resulting from a condition on its premises or arising out of its operations, products, completed work or actions of its employees.
Update on Past Articles
Posted: 11/06/2016Here are a few updates on the past risk articles.
Winter Driving
Posted: 11/06/2016Being a Montana gal I've learned some smart things to do to prepare yourself, and your car, for winter driving.
Anti-Indemnity Statute
Posted: 10/11/2016Indemnity clauses generally are more common to construction projects primarily due to the risks involved maintaining a safe work environment.
Phishing, Don't Take the Bait
Posted: 10/11/2016Phishing has become one of the most common threats online, fooling even the most tech-savvy and cautious users.
Your Home may be Underinsured
Posted: 08/05/2016You pay for home insurance to avoid incurring large out-of-pocket expenses after something damages your house and personal property.
Ordinance or Law Coverage
Posted: 08/05/2016The situation can be specifically addressed by working with your insurance advisor and construction professional who are versed in coverage and current code requirements.
Do You Volunteer Your Time AND Insurance?
Posted: 07/06/2016If a volunteer endeavor goes bad, would a volunteer board member have coverage against a lawsuit under his or her homeowner's policy?
Directors and Officers Insurance
Posted: 07/06/2016Directors & officers of a corporation may be subject to personal liability for acts performed in their duties as an officer or director.
Home Improvement Season!
Posted: 04/15/2016Be cautious when selecting a contractor to work for you when making repairs or improvements to your home. A couple of things you should know...
Does Faulty Workmanship Qualify as an Occurrence
Posted: 04/15/2016A question asked, and tried to be answered, in many different courts! Numerous articles have been written and rewritten, along with state and federal court decisions, that all address the same question: Is faulty workmanship an occurrence?
TNC Update & Montana & the Ride-Share Industry
Posted: 02/26/2016Transportation network companies (TNC's) have become a viable part of the sharing economy.
Wow... Uber is coming to Montana!
Posted: 02/26/2016As exciting as this sounds, and as easy as it may seem to make a few extra bucks driving for UBER, insuring yourself and your car to drive for UBER is an opportunity that requires further investigation.
Hey "Sled-Heads" are you ready to go "Billing?"
Posted: 01/02/2016Snowmobiles are a significant investment and there are insurance products specifically designed to protect you and your investment.
The Independent Contractor-Addressed Again??
Posted: 01/02/2016After a Montana Supreme Court decision in 2003, "Kelly Wild vs Fregein Construction", significantly changed the status of independent contractor exemptions, the 2005 Montana Legislature re-established the conclusive status of the IC exemption certificate.
Buying Workers' Compensation Insurance
Posted: 11/16/2015In Montana, every employer who has an employee is required to purchase, or self insure, coverage for an injury or illness arising out of and in the course and scope of employment.
Reducing Your Insurance Costs ... Distinguishing Bad Advice from Good Advice
Posted: 11/12/2015Many Americans are struggling financially in the current economy, particularly those struck by lay-offs, and are faced with tough decisions about how to reduce expenses.
Condominium Association Insurance
Posted: 10/05/2015The condominium association business is managed by its by-laws and declarations. These are unique to each association and deal with the day-to-day obligations and duties of the board and unit owners.
What should I know when buying my Condominium Unit Owners policy?
Posted: 10/05/2015It is important to know that your role as a unit owner is spelled out in your association documents, namely the By-Laws and Declarations. If you can't lay your hands on a copy you should ask a member of your association board for one.
Transportation Network Companies-TNC's
Posted: 07/17/2015Since December 2014, there were approximately 163,000 active Uber drivers, offering about 1 million paid rides a day in more than 250 cities around the world!
Triggering Property Insurance Coverage, Maybe!
Posted: 06/06/2015Insurance contracts are constructed with the intent to provide coverage for certain risks of loss, but not for all of them.
Summertime and Rental Cars
Posted: 06/06/2015"Should I buy the insurance offered to me when I rent a car? Won't my automobile coverage extend?"
Insuring the Boss
Posted: 04/24/2015Workers' Compensation Coverage is generally always a substantial cost item in any business financial statement. Therefore, business owners pay special attention to the various methods in containing those costs.
"The Bakken and Workers' Compensation Coverage"
Posted: 03/13/2015The Bakken oil patch has provided great opportunities for employment for numerous workers. With work opportunities naturally goes the need for workers' compensation insurance coverage.
"All I want is a Quote..."
Posted: 02/04/2015Insurance consumers have become very price conscious and from time to time they will seek quotes to see if they can improve their rates.
An Insurance 'Intermediaries' Duty to the Client
Posted: 02/04/2015The question can then be asked: What are the duties to the client while acting in either capacity?
Buying Insurance in 15 Minutes or Less?
Posted: 01/04/2015This is where the need for a face-to-face with an insurance agent/broker is a must!
Custom Parts & Equipment
Posted: 01/04/2015Did you know that the new grill guard you had mounted on your pickup truck may not be covered if damaged in an accident?
Workers' Comp. and the Independent Contractor
Posted: 12/02/2014Montana was one of the first states to enact legislation relating to the needs of injured workers.
Negligent Entrustment
Posted: 11/01/2014In a claim for negligent entrustment you will have cause to pursue not only the driver of the vehicle for compensation, but also the owner!
The Value of Having a Local Agent
Posted: 11/01/2014Carving out that time to sit down with an agent and do a thorough review of your insurance needs will ultimately save you considerable time each year when your policies renew.
Occurrence vs. Claims Made..& Switching!
Posted: 10/06/2014Generally all Property/Casualty policies you purchase will fall into one of two categories-"Occurrence" or "Claims Made".
How you Pay your Premium affects How Much you Pay
Posted: 10/06/2014One thing that many insurance consumers do not take in to consideration is that how they pay their insurance premium can affect how much they pay.
"Claims Made" and "Reported"
Posted: 08/04/2014There are two distinct "Claims Made" policy forms and the difference can determine the outcome of a potential claim.
What to do when Montana Hail Strikes
Posted: 08/04/2014We've compiled these important steps to report your claim.
Covering Theft from your Vehicle
Posted: 07/01/2014Are you out-of-luck when your vehicle is broken into? Not necessarily...
A Serious Gap in Homeowners Insurance Coverage
Posted: 07/01/2014A number of surveys and studies have clearly indicated that consumers are largely unaware of the potential coverage gap that may be created by certain occupancy situations.
Managing Risk
Posted: 06/01/2014Risk is the uncertainty of loss. It is not knowing when or how a loss of property or income will occur
Don't get Bit by your Home Insurance Policy
Posted: 03/25/2014Just like people, dogs have their good days and bad days. Dog bites can be serious, resulting in severe injuries or even death, as well as emotional damage.
Better Personal Property Protection
Posted: 02/24/2014A Scheduled Personal Property endorsement is tailored to meet your specific needs, and protects your things that have unique and often high values.
If you loan your vehicle...
Posted: 01/23/2014Most believe auto insurance follows the driver, not the vehicle. Not the case in Montana where insurance follows the vehicle.
Burglars Are Watching!
Posted: 11/25/2013On Mother's Day weekend our house was robbed. Learn from our experience!
Should You Shop Your Insurance
Posted: 10/20/2013It is impossible to turn on the television these days and not hear insurance company after insurance company claim that they can save you money.
Coverage that Might Save More than it Costs
Posted: 03/29/2013Different circumstances and limits of coverage may apply depending upon your insurance company and policy, so review your insurance documents or talk to your agent for coverage specifics.
Do You Have Winter Driving "covered?"
Posted: 10/19/2012Most insurance companies offer some optional coverage for towing or roadside assistance.
Cold Weather Driving Safety Tips
Posted: 10/15/2012The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is to not drive at all, if you can avoid it.
Tire Safety Tips
Posted: 10/01/2012Harry Staley with Staley's Tire & Automotive says check the air pressure in your vehicle's tires regularly during the winter months.
Automobile Insurance Gets Personal
Posted: 07/29/2012Auto insurance companies set their rates based on what they perceive the risk of a loss to be, but technology has given companies new and innovative ways to better assess risk.
Insuring Your Summertime Toys
Posted: 07/13/2012As Montanans, we consider ourselves fortunate to live in such a beautiful state with so much opportunity for outdoor recreation. We relish in the adventures that can be found each summer along our highways, in our many campgrounds, and on our lakes and rivers.
We're All in this Together
Posted: 07/02/2012During the summer months, the number of motorcycles on the roads increases drastically. Here are a few tips.
Home Coverages You Never Knew you Needed
Posted: 04/21/2012Safeco Insurance Company is now offering this optional coverage to its homeowner's clients for only $2 a month.
What has your Insurance Done for You Lately?
Posted: 03/06/2012It is easy to get wrapped up in which coverages you are required to carry.
Top 10 Reasons You Need Cyber Liability Insurance
No matter what type of business you run, where you’re located, or how much time you spend online – your business needs Cyber Liability Insurance.
business riskProtecting Yourself from the Uninsured and Underinsured Driver
With over 29 million uninsured drivers in the US what can you do to protect yourself?
service autoWhy Should I Have a Personal Umbrella Policy?
The main purpose of an umbrella policy is to protect you and your assets from the financial fallout of certain unforeseen events but are they worth it?
home riskReplacement Cost vs. Taxable Value vs. Real Estate Market Value – What's The Difference?
I often get asked this question by customers! Trying to figure out what each of these separate values mean, in relation to your home or commercial building, can be very confusing! To better understand the differences, here's a quick breakdown!
service homeHalloween 2023 Agency Pumpkin Carving
Darnielle held an office Halloween pumpkin carving contest and had some great entries!
newsHow Home Replacement Costs are Affecting Home Insurance
Home insurance is based on the cost to rebuild and replace your home, not its market value.
homeSupporting Our Community
There are many individuals and organizations in need and we are finding meaningful ways to give back and support our local community we serve.
service newsSo What is this "Insurance" Anyway?
All the terms about drive a person mad: perils, premiums, hazards, losses and limits. There seems no end to it, and what does it all mean?
service autoProfessional Liability Insurance
Almost every business or firm can become liable for injury to others resulting from a condition on its premises or arising out of its operations, products, completed work or actions of its employees.
business riskInsuring Your Summer Toys
As summer loosens its grip and spring seems just around the corner, many of us look forward to heading out to enjoy our summer toys.
autoWinter Driving
Being a Montana gal I've learned some smart things to do to prepare yourself, and your car, for winter driving.
autoAnti-Indemnity Statute
Indemnity clauses generally are more common to construction projects primarily due to the risks involved maintaining a safe work environment.
business riskPhishing, Don't Take the Bait
Phishing has become one of the most common threats online, fooling even the most tech-savvy and cautious users.
businessYour Home may be Underinsured
You pay for home insurance to avoid incurring large out-of-pocket expenses after something damages your house and personal property.
homeOrdinance or Law Coverage
The situation can be specifically addressed by working with your insurance advisor and construction professional who are versed in coverage and current code requirements.
business riskDo You Volunteer Your Time AND Insurance?
If a volunteer endeavor goes bad, would a volunteer board member have coverage against a lawsuit under his or her homeowner's policy?
homeDirectors and Officers Insurance
Directors & officers of a corporation may be subject to personal liability for acts performed in their duties as an officer or director.
business riskHome Improvement Season!
Be cautious when selecting a contractor to work for you when making repairs or improvements to your home. A couple of things you should know...
homeDoes Faulty Workmanship Qualify as an Occurrence
A question asked, and tried to be answered, in many different courts! Numerous articles have been written and rewritten, along with state and federal court decisions, that all address the same question: Is faulty workmanship an occurrence?
business riskTNC Update & Montana & the Ride-Share Industry
Transportation network companies (TNC's) have become a viable part of the sharing economy.
business riskWow... Uber is coming to Montana!
As exciting as this sounds, and as easy as it may seem to make a few extra bucks driving for UBER, insuring yourself and your car to drive for UBER is an opportunity that requires further investigation.
newsHey "Sled-Heads" are you ready to go "Billing?"
Snowmobiles are a significant investment and there are insurance products specifically designed to protect you and your investment.
autoThe Independent Contractor-Addressed Again??
After a Montana Supreme Court decision in 2003, "Kelly Wild vs Fregein Construction", significantly changed the status of independent contractor exemptions, the 2005 Montana Legislature re-established the conclusive status of the IC exemption certificate.
business riskBuying Workers' Compensation Insurance
In Montana, every employer who has an employee is required to purchase, or self insure, coverage for an injury or illness arising out of and in the course and scope of employment.
business riskReducing Your Insurance Costs ... Distinguishing Bad Advice from Good Advice
Many Americans are struggling financially in the current economy, particularly those struck by lay-offs, and are faced with tough decisions about how to reduce expenses.
serviceCondominium Association Insurance
The condominium association business is managed by its by-laws and declarations. These are unique to each association and deal with the day-to-day obligations and duties of the board and unit owners.
business riskWhat should I know when buying my Condominium Unit Owners policy?
It is important to know that your role as a unit owner is spelled out in your association documents, namely the By-Laws and Declarations. If you can't lay your hands on a copy you should ask a member of your association board for one.
homeTransportation Network Companies-TNC's
Since December 2014, there were approximately 163,000 active Uber drivers, offering about 1 million paid rides a day in more than 250 cities around the world!
businessCyber Liability Insurance
In this fast paced world, rich in technology, we hang on to the hope that our personal information can remain private.
businessTriggering Property Insurance Coverage, Maybe!
Insurance contracts are constructed with the intent to provide coverage for certain risks of loss, but not for all of them.
riskSummertime and Rental Cars
"Should I buy the insurance offered to me when I rent a car? Won't my automobile coverage extend?"
autoInsuring the Boss
Workers' Compensation Coverage is generally always a substantial cost item in any business financial statement. Therefore, business owners pay special attention to the various methods in containing those costs.
business risk"The Bakken and Workers' Compensation Coverage"
The Bakken oil patch has provided great opportunities for employment for numerous workers. With work opportunities naturally goes the need for workers' compensation insurance coverage.
business risk"All I want is a Quote..."
Insurance consumers have become very price conscious and from time to time they will seek quotes to see if they can improve their rates.
service riskAn Insurance 'Intermediaries' Duty to the Client
The question can then be asked: What are the duties to the client while acting in either capacity?
business riskBuying Insurance in 15 Minutes or Less?
This is where the need for a face-to-face with an insurance agent/broker is a must!
business riskCustom Parts & Equipment
Did you know that the new grill guard you had mounted on your pickup truck may not be covered if damaged in an accident?
autoWorkers' Comp. and the Independent Contractor
Montana was one of the first states to enact legislation relating to the needs of injured workers.
business riskNegligent Entrustment
In a claim for negligent entrustment you will have cause to pursue not only the driver of the vehicle for compensation, but also the owner!
business riskThe Value of Having a Local Agent
Carving out that time to sit down with an agent and do a thorough review of your insurance needs will ultimately save you considerable time each year when your policies renew.
serviceOccurrence vs. Claims Made..& Switching!
Generally all Property/Casualty policies you purchase will fall into one of two categories-"Occurrence" or "Claims Made".
business riskHow you Pay your Premium affects How Much you Pay
One thing that many insurance consumers do not take in to consideration is that how they pay their insurance premium can affect how much they pay.
service"Claims Made" and "Reported"
There are two distinct "Claims Made" policy forms and the difference can determine the outcome of a potential claim.
business riskWhat to do when Montana Hail Strikes
We've compiled these important steps to report your claim.
autoCovering Theft from your Vehicle
Are you out-of-luck when your vehicle is broken into? Not necessarily...
autoA Serious Gap in Homeowners Insurance Coverage
A number of surveys and studies have clearly indicated that consumers are largely unaware of the potential coverage gap that may be created by certain occupancy situations.
business riskManaging Risk
Risk is the uncertainty of loss. It is not knowing when or how a loss of property or income will occur
business riskDo you have Coverage for Sewer or Drain Backups?
Were you aware that not all home owner and business owner insurance policies contain coverage for damage caused by sewer or drain backup?
homeDon't get Bit by your Home Insurance Policy
Just like people, dogs have their good days and bad days. Dog bites can be serious, resulting in severe injuries or even death, as well as emotional damage.
homeBetter Personal Property Protection
A Scheduled Personal Property endorsement is tailored to meet your specific needs, and protects your things that have unique and often high values.
homeIf you loan your vehicle...
Most believe auto insurance follows the driver, not the vehicle. Not the case in Montana where insurance follows the vehicle.
autoBurglars Are Watching!
On Mother's Day weekend our house was robbed. Learn from our experience!
homeShould You Shop Your Insurance
It is impossible to turn on the television these days and not hear insurance company after insurance company claim that they can save you money.
serviceCoverage that Might Save More than it Costs
Different circumstances and limits of coverage may apply depending upon your insurance company and policy, so review your insurance documents or talk to your agent for coverage specifics.
autoDo You Have Winter Driving "covered?"
Most insurance companies offer some optional coverage for towing or roadside assistance.
autoCold Weather Driving Safety Tips
The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is to not drive at all, if you can avoid it.
autoTire Safety Tips
Harry Staley with Staley's Tire & Automotive says check the air pressure in your vehicle's tires regularly during the winter months.
autoGetting to Know Your Homeowner's Policy
The standard homeowners form used by the insurance industry today covers many water related claims, mainly from water that is "supposed to be in your home."
homeAutomobile Insurance Gets Personal
Auto insurance companies set their rates based on what they perceive the risk of a loss to be, but technology has given companies new and innovative ways to better assess risk.
autoInsuring Your Summertime Toys
As Montanans, we consider ourselves fortunate to live in such a beautiful state with so much opportunity for outdoor recreation. We relish in the adventures that can be found each summer along our highways, in our many campgrounds, and on our lakes and rivers.
autoWe're All in this Together
During the summer months, the number of motorcycles on the roads increases drastically. Here are a few tips.
autoHome Coverages You Never Knew you Needed
Safeco Insurance Company is now offering this optional coverage to its homeowner's clients for only $2 a month.
homeWhat has your Insurance Done for You Lately?
It is easy to get wrapped up in which coverages you are required to carry.
Top 10 Reasons You Need Cyber Liability Insurance
No matter what type of business you run, where you’re located, or how much time you spend online – your business needs Cyber Liability Insurance.
business riskProtecting Yourself from the Uninsured and Underinsured Driver
With over 29 million uninsured drivers in the US what can you do to protect yourself?
service autoWhy Should I Have a Personal Umbrella Policy?
The main purpose of an umbrella policy is to protect you and your assets from the financial fallout of certain unforeseen events but are they worth it?
home riskReplacement Cost vs. Taxable Value vs. Real Estate Market Value – What's The Difference?
I often get asked this question by customers! Trying to figure out what each of these separate values mean, in relation to your home or commercial building, can be very confusing! To better understand the differences, here's a quick breakdown!
service homeOur Insurance Partners
— Protecting Everything You Value Most —
Darnielle Insurance is available to answer your questions. We are located at 1320 28th Street West, Billings, MT 59102. Give us a call at 406-652-4180.