Showing posts with label auto insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label auto insurance. Show all posts

Monday, November 21, 2016

News Alert: Teen Drivers Safer with Parent/Teen Contract


Student 
Drivers Ed
Ending?




Teen drivers whose parents take a more active role in passing down their own knowledge make safer drivers.  When communication is open ended rather than sounding like a lecture, teens are more likely to take this experience to heart. Share personal stories of your driving experience; include the funny, the unusual and the bad.  There are also things your teen driver should know.

Teens who can relate that their parents encountered similar situations may be more open to ask questions and share concerns with their parents. As your student is unfolding into their adult role; let them know you are encouraging their independence.

Be sure to never fill them with your own personal fears. Communications should be in a positive light.  If you have something that feels awkward to communicate; try these for openers:
  • Of course, you know . . .
  • I was so embarrassed when . . . 
  • Your almost a man/woman, but my heart sometimes just sees the little boy/girl you used to be . . .
  • My friend once did this and it raised a fear in me for when I had children of my own . . . 
  • I was so goofy I once . . . (thought, did, tried etc.)
  • Ok. Because I'm a Mom/Dad I have to say this . . . 
Your student, excited with new found possibilities, will need you to help them keep sensibly grounded. A Teen Driving Contract, can open doors for discussion and clarify the expectations of both parent and child. When boundaries are known upfront, rather than made up as you go along, a teen has the chance to think more responsibly. You have provided tools for them to consider and discussed your own personal family rules and values.

Part of maturing is learning to respect authority, when your child knows this, they are better equipped to make responsible choices.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Save on Auto Insurance in Steger Illinois



Consumers saved an average of $691 when switching to Farmers Auto insurance. It is important to have excellent car insurance coverage and you don't have to settle for a subpar policy. Saving money is usually the first motivation in making a wise purchase.

We have been serving many Illinois communities for over 36 years. We have a great team that works hard to streamline a policy that suits your needs. Our friendly agents take the time to help you understand your auto insurance plan to make sure you are not purchasing coverage you don't need.

We do not believe one size fits all and are willing to go the extra mile to assure you have a plan that works for you and your budget.


Call Us Today
We Have A Quick & Easy Process
To Get You on Your Way

(800) 324-1004


Farmers/Jeff Sopko Insurance offers low cost car insurance that provides protection that offers you peace of mind. We serve the city of Steger, Chicagoland, Suburbs and parts of Northwest Indiana.

Many find while searching for the cheapest car insurance plan pleasantly suprised that a trusted Farmers insurance plan provides the best solution to their needs.

Monday, June 20, 2016

NEWS RELEASE: INSURANCE FOR UBER RIDESHARE AUTO DRIVERS, CHICAGOLAND AREA


Great News!
    
     A new insurance program is being offered to Uber, Lyft and Rideshare Drivers. Now available to drivers serving the Chicagoland Area and its Suburbs. This is great news as many have discovered that their current insurance policy does not protect when public rides or livery conveyance is involved. 
     A standard full coverage auto insurance policy protects a person, passengers, vehicle and most property in the event of an accident. These policies are underwritten with the purpose and understanding that this is a personal vehicle used for the normal course of the personal driving that occurs in a general lifestyle.
     When you change the purpose of your car, as in business delivery or transporting people it is important to contact your insurance company to adjust your policy to cover new additions to your transportation.
     THIS PROTECTS YOU by having the proper coverage in the event of an accident that injures the people you are transporting. Under an old policy, an insurance company could deny any claim if you were using your vehicle while conducting commerce. This would make you personally liable for damage to your car, any other vehicle involved, property damage and medical bills for your passengers. In addition you could be sued by your passengers to be compensated for things beyond their medical bills.
     Uber, Lyft and other Rideshare drivers offer a much needed and valued service to our communities. This emerging business allows a wonderful opportunity for income and flexibility for those who desire to control their own schedules and income.
     For Rideshare drivers, this is your business and it definitely needs to be protected. Understanding every aspect of your business is the key that will make you successful. This gives you peace of mind to conduct your business and plan for your future.
     Farmers Insurance/Sopko Agency is dedicated to offering you an affordable service that helps your business prosper.  We support emerging businesses knowing they make our communities better.
     Contact us today for a No Obligation Consult/Insurance Review and we will answer your insurance questions concerning your Rideshare operation.  As always we offer Free Quotes with no obligation to you.

(800) 324-1004
 



Monday, May 9, 2016

Free Low Rate Quotes On Motorcycle Insurance


Ready to Shake Off the Dreary Winter? 

Motorcycle season is here! Time to play in the fresh air.  Stop in for your Free Motorcycle Insurance Review. See how you can insure your motorcycle with a policy that can be customized to fit your specific needs.

Specialists will take the time you need to help you get a low rate on excellent coverage. We will help you plan either short term insurance or comprehensive coverage that includes your motorcycle, medical and roadside assistance,

Save even more when you bundle your insurance with home, auto or other recreational vehicles.  Looking for some sweet cruise ideas, we have you covered.

CALL US TODAY FOR YOU FREE QUOTE

FREE REVIEW OF CURRENT POLICY

800.324.1004



CHECK OUT OUR OTHER AFFORDABLE INSURANCE 

HOMEOWNERS            AUTO          HEALTH          LIFE 
SMALL BUSINESS          RECREATIONAL VEHICLES          RENTERS INSURANCE 

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

THEY INSURED WHAT! Auto Insurance and Life Insurance Pale in Comparison


They Insured WHAT!!!!!!
You Won’t Believe What People Have Insured

     Searching for an affordable insurance? We all need to protect what is valuable to us and auto insurance and life insurance helps us to do so. Here is a fun glance of what others have insured. Remember when it is your time to consider insurance take the best route and insure at a low rate with great coverage. To be certain, odd things to insure has made a place in our world.
     I remember when I was very young my Father telling me that an actress had her legs insured for $1 million. This film beauty that appeared in many movies when they were still in black and white must have had some amazing legs. I recall my Father saying they were beautiful. Of course, being a young child I did not understand the whole insurance and relevance connection. I did understand that back then one hundred dollars was considered a lot of money. I could buy a dozen eggs for 19 cents. In perspective one million then would be equivalent to $9.9 million now.
     I visited my Father recently to ask the name of the actress with the WOW legs. Her name is Betty Grable and I chuckle now wondering how many reading this actually know who she is or have had the pleasure of watching one of her movies.
     Insurance protects from loss. As an adult I now realize that having this insurance was a way to protect her livelihood and acting career. Had she been incapacitated or severely marred, her career could have ended instantly. So in the spirit of curiosity I decided to find out what else people may have insured.
     I’m sure most would recognize the name of the famous dancer Fred Astaire even if you could not pick him up out of a line-up.  His nimble dancing legs insured for $150,000 back then.  While I do a little name dropping, some policies have confidentiality clauses.  At first you may think some of these policies are vanity; but realize companies and others who have a vested interest take out policies to protect their investment and their contracted “money maker.”  Inflation has certainly led to higher insurance dollar amounts.
    
·         Rolling Stones Keith Richard’s hands insured for $1.5 Million
·         $1 Million HAIR, yes hair, of a famous football player
·         $2 Million legs of famous 2004 model
·         $195 Million famous soccer player insured against injury, illness, disfigurement
·         $5.5 Million for voice and vocal cords of Bruce Springsteen
·         $10 Million for Smile of Actress (agency promoting her foots this bill)
·         $1 Million per finger of famous Guitarist
·         $120 Million ANKLES famous baseball player
·         $1 Billion legs famous singer
·         $400,000 on a handle bar Moustache
·         $1 Million for Game Show Insurance Who Wants To Be A Millionaire
(Yes they are insured in case they have to pay out)

           Worried about Alien Abduction?  No problem there is insurance for that. You too can be insured for celestial bodies invading our world and taking you captive, if you manage to make it back to your broker to file, prove and collect of course.  How does that rate on the weird insurance scale.
     My personal favorite and perhaps you may be inspired to embark on a journey to capture the finder’s fee. Earn a smooth $1.5 million from the Cutty Sark Company for the live capture of the Loch Ness Monster!  Of course, they have an insurance policy in place to pay the adventurer who achieves this task of wrangling Old Nessie and bringing her in.


IF YOU ARE NOT STRANGE AND NEED "NORMAL INSURANCE" CHECK US OUT FOR:

AUTO INSURANCE    LIFE INSURANCE    HOME OWNERS/RENTER INSURANCE

HEALTH INSURANCE AND MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE


Monday, July 20, 2015

Scam Alert - Insurance: Teen & Family are Protected with Awareness

Don't Fall For This One The Surprise Will Be On You


     Here is one of the newest scams floating around.  A text message appears on cell phone stating you just won a lottery prize 
     DO NOT FOLLOW THIS LINK, before they ask you for personal information which of course you should never give out, your phone could be hacked and vital info contained on your phone could lead to identity theft and give access to bank accounts you may monitor from your phone or data plan.
     This is a lottery scam circulating on phones and teens or children could press this link out of curiosity.

To Review other Scams that have popped up in Illinois, please click link below.



This message brought to you by:

 Affordable Insurance Policies

AUTO INSURANCE      MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE     HOME INSURANCE

TERM LIFE INSURANCE       HEALTH INSURANCE     LIFE INSURANCE

Jeff Sopko, Farmers Insurance Agent at Sopko Insurance Agency.  Providing the best in low cost insurance for Illinois, Chicago and Suburbs, and Indiana.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Home Owners Insurance Should Include Flood Insurance: Mistaken Ideas You Need to Avoid

75% of Households Are Not Prepared!

     Your household should carry flood insurance. Over 75% of households do not have a flood insurance policy.  The decision to opt out of this insurance arises from a misunderstanding of what flood insurance actually provides. 
     Naturally, the first impression is often, I don’t live on or near the river, I don’t need insurance.  While this may sound logical, a high percentage of insurance claims for flood damage were from people their homeowners insurance did not have a flood policy in place before this occurred.
     A home owners insurance policy does not include flood insurance.  This is an additional coverage option.  It is very inexpensive and well worth the small price.  Your flood insurance policy has to be in place before the flood occurs.  Here are the types of situations flood insurance covers.

 During a storm, if you lose power your sump pumps or other pumps cease to work.

This was widespread in the Midwest at least 3 times in the past 15 years.  While people were prepared with pumps, the loss of power rendered the pumps useless. The local hardware stores saw a rush of people trying to buy generators.  The few they had in stock were sold quickly.  Another problem that arose was that local gas stations lost power and were unable to supply gas for these new generators.

In the event of a storm or city construction project, sewers and retention ponds back up.

We saw this happen in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago.  Community sewers were overwhelmed and began to back up. The result is that many homes had raw sewage pouring in their home.  While many did not lose power there was no way to prevent the back flow of the city sewers.  This is much worse than rainwater invading your home.  Home protection can be simple when done early.

In the event of an appliance accident or malfunction such as water heater, washer, air conditioner etc. dumps water into your home that leads to water damage.

The damage this can cause is 400% or more of the price of carrying flood insurance on your home.  Having this is place beforehand is well worth the peace of mind to know your protected.

Flood insurance is available to renters, home owners and businesses and is often overlooked at the time insurance policies are purchased.

CALL TODAY and Make Sure Your Are Covered. 
FREE INSURANCE REVIEWS

708.754.1221

Specialists in Home Insurance   *    Auto Insurance   *   Life Insurance   *   Flood Insurance




Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Insurance Reviews Can Lead to Discounts on Insurance

Something You Don't Want To Put Off 

     Insurance reviews of your auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance and health insurance are actually a good idea if you are trying to save money. By comparison shopping you can update your policy to accommodate changes in your life.
     In having your policy reviewed, your agent can sometimes save you money by offering the latest discounts. Changes in family, jobs, or home improvements are important to be updated.  This makes sure you are covered in your risen status.
     Auto insurance reviews are especially important if you have had custom work done to your car, or have begun using it for your business where you transport tools or business equipment in your vehicle.
    Life insurance policies are a good time to ask any questions you may have forgotten to ask at the time of purchase.  Changes such as upgrades or downgrades can be discussed to keep your plan current.
    Home insurance is important, especially if you don't have flood insurance. Many assume they only need flood insurance if they live near a body of water. This insurance is cost effective as it protects your property if community sewers back up, your plumbing structures fail and flood your home, or appliances cause flood damage.  It is harder to get flood insurance after the fact, but an inexpensive safeguard we usually don't think of.
     Our agency has been serving the communities of Chicago Heights, Sauk Village, Crete, Beecher, Steger, Homewood, Glenwood, Park Forest, Matteson, Monee, Richton Park and its surrounding cities for over 35 years.  Our personal service has earned us a Better Business Bureau Rating of A+ so you know we are a company you can trust.
     Call us for a free review and make sure your most precious things are protected.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Thank America's Teachers - $100,000 Dream Big Teacher Challenge


     Farmers Insurance Agency announces it Dream Big Teacher Challenge.
A unique initiative for people all across America to go on-line and personally thank any teacher present or former.
     In addition to thanking a teacher, you can vote for a proposal to help a teacher receive a $2,500 grant for a school educational project.  Creative minds all over America have submitted project proposals that could lead to community dollars for their school.  These dedicated teachers are working hard to bring innovative opportunities to the children they serve.

Our Local Teachers Being Sponsored

K. Husarik        Parkview Elementary School
M. Lorenzatti    Parkview Elementary School
      K. Burgan         Columbia Central Jr. High School
A. Schaaf         Parkview Elementary School


     MARCH VOTING IS HAPPENING NOW!

     Anyone can cast their votes for one or all of their teacher's proposals in their local communities or across the country.  You can even vote once per day. Winners will be announced in April.  
     This grant proposal contest has three seasonal phases.  Three amazing chances for teachers to secure $2,500 for advanced learning for their students. Proposal winners will then be able to apply for the $100,000 Grand Prize Dream Big Challenge.

Contest Period          Teacher Proposal        Public Votes           Winners
                                         Submissions                                          Announced
__________________________________________________________

SPRING                         FEBRUARY                 MARCH               APRIL

SUMMER                            MAY                       JUNE                 JULY

FALL                        AUGUST/SEPTEMBER       OCTOBER           NOVEMBER

________________________________________________________________

     We encourage you to thank a teacher, vote for proposals and help get the word out.  Encourage your school districts teachers to submit proposals for summer and fall seasons.  Working together to bring the best in educational opportunities to students in your area.

     For the benefit of our children, it is wonderful to have a 

VOTE EARLY & OFTEN 

Community involvement project we can all participate in.

Visit

                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                               .  auto insurance   home insurance      life insurance     motorcycle insurance   .

Monday, August 18, 2014

Doing A Great Job is the Key to Longevity

Former Mayor Louis Sherman, Jeff Sopko, Insurance Agent
and New Mayor Ken Peterson
Independant Writer, Steger Community
Mayor Louis Sherman served his community of Steger, IL for an astounding 40 years from 1973 to 2013. He was in attendance at the 2nd Annual Steger Music Days that was host to two days of music, community and family fun. The event was co-sponsored by Sopko Insurance Agency.

Mayor Louis Sherman had the incredible experience of watching a community grow and having a hand in guiding the city of Steger. A community of friendly people that with their leaderships guidance has kept Steger a safe place to live. His many years of experience earned him much wisdom that the community and those who knew him well benefited from.

When asked about the Mr. Jeff Sopko of Sopko Insurance Agency, he replied "He has been an asset to the community. I have known him for over 35 years, he has been active in community events, sponsoring community projects, coaching baseball and sponsoring teams."

Upon speaking with members of the community, both residents and other business owners I learned some of the secrets to how a community moves forward even during hard economic times.  There is definitely a spirit of cooperation when things need to get done. Not only has Mr. Sopko served on governing boards, but he has been in places where he rolls up his sleeves and joins others to make the community a better place.

To my amusement the most repeated phrase about Mr. Sopko was "He's really a great guy and he cares for people.".Evidence of that obviously seen in his longevity in his business practice. More than just an insurance agent he is a friend and lends his wisdom to others. He understands people deeply and that helps him to really offer customized insurance plans that provide better coverage and more competitive prices than others can offer.  Even an ABC News story ranked his agency as providing more discounts that other insurance companies. It takes extra work help people save on a products you know they need. Mr. Sopko has proven his willingness to role up his sleeves and go that extra mile in finding discounts, savings or special programs that may save his customers their hard earned dollars.  

A standard that He and his staff hold to is "Doing a Great Job." Of course proclaiming this is his rating with the Better Business Bureau.

With insurance being a necessity of life, its important to know, I have done my very best to serve someone well. That they can have the peace of mind knowing they have protections in place to cover the things that are important to them.

Up to the challenge is Steger's New Mayor Ken Peterson who will guide the community of Steger in the upcoming years. Around him is a community that is working hard to keep its community safe and growing with business leaders willing to lend their expertise and rolled up sleeves.
 OKAY STEGER, WE'RE INSPIRED AND WATCHING -- KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!