Tips to improve your gas mileage

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Fuel economy is an important factor to consider when considering the cost of owning and operating a vehicle here in Ruidoso, NM. Driving habits, maintenance, and choices are all important factors affecting your gas mileage. Here are some tips from us at Family Insurance Associates on how to get the most out of every trip and improve your gas mileage:

  1. Drive smart: Accelerate slowly, maintain a steady speed, and avoid rapid braking. This will help you save fuel by reducing friction and decreasing the amount of stop-and-go driving. 
  2. Regular maintenance: Keeping up with regular maintenance checks is vital for getting optimal fuel economy from your vehicle. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, your oil is changed regularly, and replace air filters as necessary.
  3. Remove excess weight: Don’t carry unnecessary items in your car, as excess weight can reduce gas mileage by up to 2%. Trunk clutter adds drag and weighs down the car, so clear out any unnecessary items that aren’t needed on the road. 
  4. Use cruise control: Cruise control helps you maintain a steady speed while driving, which can maximize fuel efficiency while on the highway or on long trips. It also prevents sudden acceleration or deceleration if you tend to be an aggressive driver or frequently speed up and then slow down while driving in city traffic. 
  5. Avoid extreme temperatures: If possible, avoid using air conditioning or heating during summer and winter, respectively, as they can significantly decrease fuel efficiency. Instead, open windows for ventilation or use seat warmers instead of turning on the heater when it’s cold outside! 

For more tips, give us at Family Insurance Associates a call today. We serve the Ruidoso, NM area.

How Old to You Need to be to Receive Medicare Insurance?

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Health insurance is necessary for most individuals to ensure they can pay for routine and emergency medical treatment. Anyone currently interested in receiving Medicare can reach out to the experts at Family Insurance Associates, proudly serving the residents in and around the Ruidoso, NM, area.

Medicare Coverage 

Anyone wanting to sign up for Medicare coverage can begin the process three months before their 65th birthday. This coverage is designed for older adults 65 years of age and older. Anyone with questions related to Medicare coverage can consult with our Medicare experts to get more details. Our agents are highly trained to help customers learn more about the coverage this health insurance provides. They also review the fine print to ensure everyone understands the terms and conditions.

Medicare offers specific coverage for its individual parts. For example, Medicare has parts B and D. Some coverage covers regular medical expenses, while others cover pharmaceutical and similar health maintenance products. Medicare allows older Americans to get affordable coverage to help maintain their health and manage any health conditions.

Having Medicare is also an important financial planning tool to help manage expenses. Individuals who sign up for Medicare through our agency can access Top Notch customer service and ongoing customer care. Our team can assess each situation and submit any required documents for coverage or claims.

Reach Out Today 

Anyone interested in learning more about Medicare insurance coverage or wanting to sign up for a policy can contact us for a consultation. Call or stop by the office of Family Insurance Associates, proudly serving Ruidoso, NM. Get the quality medical coverage necessary to avoid difficulties and ensure peace of mind.

Understanding Potential Coverage Gaps in Your Home Insurance Policy in Ruidoso, NM

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Are you a homeowner in Ruidoso, NM? If so, the experts at Family Insurance Associates are here to help you understand potential coverage gaps in your home insurance policy. You must review your policy regularly to protect your home and belongings against unexpected events.

Know Your Property Value and Limits

When it comes to home insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different homeowners have different needs when it comes to their policies. You should know your property’s current value and ensure your policy covers it up to that amount. In addition, you should also know the limits of your coverage and ensure they match the value of your property and belongings. 

Understand Special Situations and Exclusions for Home Insurance

Every home insurance policy has unique situations and exclusions that standard policies may not cover. For example, you may need additional coverage for these events if you live in an area prone to natural disasters such as flooding or earthquakes. Additionally, items such as jewelry or artwork may require extra protection or a separate rider if included in your policy. 

Check for Additional Coverage Options

It would be best to consider any additional coverage options that may be available with your existing policy. This could include things like personal liability insurance or identity theft protection services. These can provide additional peace of mind if something happens while on vacation or away from home for extended periods, providing an extra layer of security while away from home. 

If you have any questions about your home insurance policy coverage, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Family Insurance Associates. We are here to help ensure that you and your family are adequately protected in Ruidoso, NM.

Are all dental and vision policies the same?

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Perhaps your employer only offers the minimum medical insurance required by US law, but you really want dental and vision coverage. Family Insurance Associates wants you to know that you can add that coverage with a personal dental and vision plan from our firm.

Dental and Vision Coverage Choices

You have many choices. Not all dental and vision policies offer the same coverage. You can choose between the two – either adding dental or vision coverage. You don’t have to add both types of insurance.

Local Doctors

Don’t worry about keeping your local Ruidoso, NM doctors when you add this type of insurance. Our plans already provide local coverage.

Essential or Comprehensive Coverage

You will need to choose between plans covering essential annual checkups and more comprehensive plans covering advanced treatments. Dental insurance refers to treatments such as braces or invisible straightening options. Vision insurance refers to purchasing glasses, contact lenses, or undergoing laser surgery.

Deciding on a Deductible

Some plans offer no deductible, while others require you to decide on a deductible you find comfortable. A deductible refers to the amount of money you’ll pay for dental and vision services before insurance kicks in and pays.

A higher deductible typically lowers your monthly premium. A lower deductible raises the monthly premium. While it might seem tempting to choose the option that results in a lower premium, consider how often you’ll need services that require a deductible. Do the math to determine which option costs you less.

If you need to purchase glasses and contacts each year, then choosing a higher premium with a lower deductible could save you money in the long run. Similarly, if you know that you want to get braces or teeth whitening or you’ll need filings eventually, choosing a lower deductible with higher premiums makes more sense.

Contact Us Today

In Ruidoso, NM, contact Family Insurance Associates for dental and vision coverage to help you remain healthier. Let us help you build an insurance plan that provides for your dental and vision care.

How to Choose the Right Life Insurance for You

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Most people don’t want to think about life insurance too soon because it gets them thinking about when they die and leave their loved ones behind. Even though it’s something most people don’t want to think about, it’s important to think about and plan for sooner rather than later. There are many life insurance policies and ways to calculate how much life insurance might be right for you.

Types of life insurance policies available

There are two main types of life insurance policies available on the market. The first is term life insurance. Term life insurance only covers a certain time rather than the rest of your life. This option does not come with the option of building cash value as the permanent option does.

The second type of life insurance is permanent life insurance. Permanent life insurance is set in place for the remaining part of your life instead of a set time. With this comes a premium rate that is set at a fixed rate. Unlike term life insurance, permanent life insurance builds up cash value.

Important things to consider

On top of deciding whether you want term or permanent life insurance, other things are also important to consider.

  • Your policy should include enough to pay off your debt in full, plus a little extra for interest.
  • Income replacement for dependents if you are the sole income provider
  • Only insure people who would be a financial loss to you if they died.

Calculating how much life insurance to get

There are a few different ways to calculate the right amount of life insurance that you should have.

  • Multiply your annual income by 6-10 and add 100,000 per child.
  • Multiply the annual salary by the number of years left until you retire.
  • Take the amount of money survivors will need to maintain a standard of living and multiply it by 20.
  • DIME: Debt, Income, Mortgage, Education

Contact us today for a quote at Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM.

What to look for when selecting a commercial policy for your New Mexico business

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Family Insurance Associates is the insurance resource for business owners in the Ruidoso, NM area. If you are looking for the right commercial insurance policy to protect your business, we are here to help! Contact our office today to learn more. 

Look for these features when selecting your commercial insurance policy 

Thinking of starting a new business, or has your established company outgrown its current policy? Finding the right commercial policy is an integral part of protecting your business. Below are a few features to consider when selecting your policy:

  • An adequate level of protection – assess your coverage needs considering the value of all equipment and machinery. Be sure that your policy limits are enough to protect your business.
  • Coverage for any specialized needs like high inventory risk or liability needs if you operate in an industry with many lawsuits associated with doing business. Liability protection is also crucial in high-risk industries where injuries often occur.
  • Work with a local agent – when you obtain your commercial insurance policy through a local agent, you will have an effective resource available if you ever need to file a claim. A local agent will also be helpful when reviewing your policy for completeness before renewal.

Finding the right commercial policy doesn’t have to be a chore when you work with a local agent!

We are here to help with all of your commercial insurance needs 

If you own a business in Ruidoso, NM, or the surrounding area, turn to the team at Family Insurance Associates for all of your commercial insurance needs. Contact our office today and schedule a consultation to find out more about commercial insurance.

How Much Comprehensive is Enough?

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If you have full-coverage insurance, that usually means you have liability, collision, and comprehensive. This multi-layer insurance package helps protect your vehicle from various risks and losses. Anyone in need of comprehensive insurance may wonder how much is enough. The expert agents at Family Insurance Associates serving the Ruidoso, NM area, are ready to help. 

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is insurance that protects your vehicle from damage related to incidents other than collisions. For example, if you receive hail damage or a wild animal destroys or damages your car, you can rely on your comprehensive insurance to cover expenses and repairs after you pay the deductible. If you want the best level of protection, you need to select the best option. 

A top insurance agent can help you determine which level of comprehensive coverage is suitable for your needs. Some determining factors are the value of the vehicle, any improvements or customization, and the potential losses incurred from a covered event. Our knowledgeable team can carefully assess your situation to recommend the best coverage. They can also assist with submitting documents, payments, and even claims if you have any. We are committed to exceptional customer service for the residents of the area. 

Reach Out to Us

The team at Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM is excited to offer top insurance products to residents of the surrounding areas. We strive to give each customer the options they need and provide the information necessary to make the best choices. Call or stop by our office today to speak to an agent and find out how we can offer peace of mind through reliable insurance products. 

Help Finding the Right Medicare Insurance

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Medicare covers persons over the age of 65, young people who are disabled, or persons requiring a kidney transplant or dialysis (End-Stage Renal Sickness). This is an insurance program by the federal government. Family Insurance Associate offers alternatives to the original plan by the national health (part A and B) for drugs and health coverage in Ruidoso, NM. Our services may include coverage for prescribed medications, or one may need to purchase part D cover separately. We also have Medigap plans B and N for Medicare supplements.

From our options, you can opt for a plan that caters to out-of-pocket expenses that Ruidoso’s original method doesn’t have, like deductibles and coinsurance. With us, you can buy part D as a standalone cover too. We follow the rules set by Medicare and dully notify our clients of any changes before starting the following enrollment period.

How Family Insurance Associates work with Medicare

Each entity (Us and the Primary payer) coordinates with each other to determine who pays for your services first. We pay for what our primary payer cannot pay or what is missing in the stated plan between our clients and their primary payer. The primary payer pays up to what the client has bargained for, and we pay the remaining costs that have no coverage on the latter’s plan.

We provide extensive research findings and sources for the best providers for vision, hearing fitness programs, routine dental checkups, and cleaning, among our exclusive Medicare drug plan coverage. All these come to ensure you get the best satisfaction.

Are you ready to purchase Medicare Insurance? Family Insurance Associate is your ultimate place of insurance in Ruidoso, NM. We strive to attend to all insurance queries you may have and help you source the best programs in New Mexico, among them Humana, Cigna, and United Healthcare Insurance. Call or visit us, and we will give you coverage that is perfect for you.

How Much Home Insurance Do I Need?

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If you have bought home insurance, it’s a great way to protect your valuable asset. However, if you want optimal coverage, you should buy the right amount of coverage. So, do you have sufficient home insurance? While each homeowner’s needs vary, Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM has a guide to help you determine the amount of coverage you need.

How much dwelling coverage should I have?

You should invest in enough coverage to rebuild your home from scratch. Typically, if your house is totally destroyed, your insurer will pay the house’s actual value after removing the depreciation. If you don’t want to dip into your pocket after a total loss, you must insure your home against the replacement cost.

You need to talk to your insurance agent for advice if you don’t know about your home’s replacement cost. We have tools to help you get the correct value for your home.

How much content coverage do I need?

Like dwelling coverage, purchase enough content coverage to replace all your assets in the worst-case scenario. However, to ensure everything in your possession has been insured, conduct an inventory count from one room to another to ensure nothing has been left out.

How much liability coverage do I need?

Most homeowners have liability coverage of $100,000. This amount may be sufficient for minor liability claims. However, if you need higher liability coverage, consider liability coverage of about $300,000. But should you need even higher coverage, we advise our clients to consider umbrella insurance or excess liability coverage.

Still not sure you have everything you need to buy the right amount of home insurance? Please reach out to Family Insurance Associates. Our team of experts will analyze your current insurance needs to determine the amount of insurance required.

Are There Any Limitations Or Exclusions With Dental And Vision Insurance?

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The best way to protect yourself from unnecessary expenses is to ensure you know what you’re signing up for. Check your company’s plan closely to ensure that these benefits are covered 100 percent. In addition, make sure you understand any waiting periods before you can receive coverage. Waiting periods vary widely, but they are often between 90 and 180 days—Call Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM for expert help. 

What to Know About the Restrictions 

Dental and vision insurance plans have strict limitations, including yearly maximums on benefits and a minimum period of coverage. Some plans have a waiting period before coverage begins. Dental plans have a maximum benefit amount for dental procedures. 

You might have a vision plan that only covers up to a certain dollar amount of prescription eyewear. Similarly, a dental plan might only cover certain procedures, such as root canals, but not cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening. 

Some dental and vision plans have limitations on how often you can visit the dentist, how much vision care you can receive, or how much you can spend on vision care. Major medical usually has a fixed dollar amount, such as $500 or $1,000. 

You may not be covered for certain services, such as orthotics, during the first few months of your policy. Some policies have a maximum value. After receiving that amount, you must continue to pay for the plan’s share of the cost of covered services. Some plans have a maximum number of visits or amount of money you can spend on vision care per year. 

Final Thoughts 

If an employee’s spouse has a vision plan through their employer, can the employee add that spouse to their vision plan to avoid paying for the spouse’s vision coverage? What if the spouse’s vision plan is better than the employee’s vision plan?

Does the employer need to keep track of all of these plans? What if an employee has vision coverage through their spouse’s vision plan and the employee’s spouse has a better vision plan? For the correct answers, call Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM.