Bussian Insurance Agency, LLC

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

Let's Talk Insurance:

🚗 “I haven’t had an accident or filed a claim… so why did my auto insurance go up?”

This is one of the most common questions we hear from clients, and it’s a completely fair question!

The short answer is: your insurance rate isn’t based only on YOUR driving record.

Insurance companies look at a much bigger picture when determining rates, including:

🔹 Repair costs – Vehicles are becoming more expensive and more complicated to repair. A simple accident can involve cameras, sensors, computers, calibration, and expensive parts, and high hourly labor rates.

🔹 Medical costs – When someone is injured in an accident, medical treatment has become significantly more expensive.

🔹 Claims in your area – Insurance companies look at the number and severity of accidents and claims happening within a geographic area. Even if you've never had a claim, you can be affected by the overall loss experience.

🔹 Weather-related claims – Hail, wind, flooding, and other severe weather events can create enormous losses for insurance companies, particularly when they affect large numbers of vehicles at once.

🔹 Distracted driving & accident severity – Today's accidents can be more expensive because of vehicle technology, higher speeds, and the increasing cost of medical care and repairs.

🔹 Inflation & parts/labor costs – The cost to repair or replace vehicles has increased substantially. Insurance companies have to account for those higher claim costs when setting premiums.

So when someone says:

“But I've never had a ticket or an accident!”

We completely understand the frustration. We are agents, but we are also customers, and we get it! ❤️

Your clean driving record still matters and can absolutely help you qualify for better rates and discounts. But insurance pricing is also based on the cost of claims the company is paying overall.

Think of it this way:

👉 Your driving history helps determine your individual risk.

👉 The insurance company's claims experience helps determine how expensive it is to insure that risk.

And that's why two people with similar driving records can sometimes see very different premiums.

💬 Have you ever wondered why your insurance went up even though nothing changed on your end? You're definitely not alone!

08/26/2026

🌪️ Illinois has already seen 210 tornadoes in 2026. And yes, that matters when it comes to insurance.

Take a look at this map. As of August 25, 2026, Illinois is sitting at 210 reported tornadoes—far more than many of the surrounding states.

For those of us who live and work in Illinois, this is more than just a weather statistic. It helps explain some of the changes we’ve been seeing in the insurance market.

Over the past few years, insurance companies have been dealing with an increasing number of wind, hail, and tornado claims, along with much higher costs to repair and rebuild homes, barns, outbuildings, and other property.

And when insurers pay out more in claims, they have to adjust how they underwrite and price policies. That can mean:

🏠 Higher premiums
🌪️ Stricter wind/hail guidelines
🏚️ More scrutiny on roofs and older buildings
🔨 Higher required dwelling and replacement-cost limits
📋 More underwriting inspections and documentation
💰 Higher deductibles in some situations
🚫 And, unfortunately, fewer companies willing to insure certain properties

One thing we always try to remind our clients is that insurance isn't just about what your home is worth today—it's about what it could cost to rebuild it after a major loss.

A house, barn, garage, or outbuilding that was adequately insured a few years ago may not have enough coverage today because construction materials and labor costs have changed so much.

That’s why reviewing your coverage every year is becoming more important—not just to see what your premium is, but to make sure your coverage limits, deductibles, roof coverage, replacement-cost provisions, and other important details still make sense.

The insurance market is changing, and unfortunately, none of us can control the weather.

If you haven't reviewed your homeowners or farm policy recently, now is a good time to do it. We would be happy to help you understand what you have, what has changed, and where there may be gaps in your coverage.

08/24/2026

REPAIR WORK EXTENSION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 🏠🔨

When widespread damage occurs after a major storm or weather event, contractors can quickly become overwhelmed. This can lead to repair work getting delayed, and sometimes homeowners may not be able to complete their repairs within the 180-day timeframe.

Don’t panic! If you’re approaching that deadline, reach out to your insurance claims adjuster or your insurance agent.

To help determine whether an extension may be possible, be prepared to provide:

✅ What work has already been completed
🔨 What work is currently in progress
⏳ What work has been delayed — and why
📅 The expected date the repairs will be completed

The important thing is communication. Don’t wait until the 180 days have passed. If you know repairs are going to take longer than expected, contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Every claim and policy is different, so an extension is not automatic—but asking before the deadline can help avoid unnecessary problems.

📌 Insurance Tip: Keep records of contractor delays, scheduling issues, material shortages, and other circumstances that are preventing repairs from being completed on time. These details may be important when discussing an extension with your insurance company.

08/13/2026

***The More You Know***

Now that we’ve talked about "recoverable depreciation" in our previous post, here’s one more important thing to keep in mind. 👇

Typically, recoverable depreciation is only available for a certain period of time after your claim is settled. (A common timeframe is 180 days from the date of loss).
With all the work that has been needed in our area, those 180 days can go by quickly.
-So, what happens if you’re approaching that deadline and your work isn’t finished yet?
-Will you still be able to collect the recoverable depreciation?

The best answer: Talk with your claims adjuster, and your insurance agent!

**As you get closer to the 180-day mark, many insurance carriers may accept a letter from your contractor that includes an estimated completion date and may offer an extension- so that you are able to collect that recoverable depreciation.

If you’re getting close to that deadline, the best thing you can do is:
✅ Talk with the claims representative assigned to your claim
✅ Provide any information they request
✅ Get an estimated completion date from your contractor in writing that you can provide
✅ Share that information with your insurance company, and insurance agent as soon as possible.

Communication with the claim adjuster assigned to your claim and your insurance agent, can help make sure you understand your options and that you don’t miss an important deadline.

Also- make sure to let them know what work has already been completed, and keep the documentation that shows it.

As always, every policy and claim can be different, so be sure to check with your insurance agent about your specific situation.

08/11/2026

🏠 What Is Recoverable Depreciation?

If you’ve ever had an insurance claim, you may have heard the term “recoverable depreciation” and wondered, What does that actually mean?!

Here’s the simple version:

When your insurance company calculates the cost to repair or replace damaged property, they may initially subtract depreciation based on the age and condition of the item. This can mean you receive a smaller payment upfront.

If your policy provides Replacement Cost Coverage, you may be able to recover that depreciation once you actually repair or replace the damaged property.

💡 Example:

Let’s say your gutters and downspouts are damaged in a covered loss and the estimated cost to replace them is $9,000.

Replacement cost: $9,000
-Deductible: $1,000
-Depreciation: $3,000
=Initial claim payment: $5,000

Once the gutters and downspouts are replaced and you provide the required documentation showing so, the $3,000 of "recoverable depreciation" may be paid to you, bringing your total insurance payment to $8,000.

⚠️ One important detail: Not all depreciation is recoverable. Your policy, the type of property, and the circumstances of the claim all matter.

📋 The takeaway: If you receive a claim payment that includes "recoverable depreciation" check your claim adjuster which items DO have recoverable depreciation, and ask your agent what documentation/proof is needed in order to collect it.

Insurance can be confusing. That’s what we’re here for! 😊

Have questions about your coverage? Give us a call—we’re happy to help!

Send a message to learn more

08/03/2026

Just a reminder! ☀️

Our Freeport office phone service will be temporarily unavailable today, Monday, August 3, until approximately 10:00 AM while we switch to a new phone system.

📞 During this time, our Lena office will be answering calls. Since only one call can be answered at a time, you may be directed to voicemail. If that happens, please leave a message—we'll be checking voicemails regularly and will return your call as soon as possible.

☎️ You can also leave a voicemail for our Freeport office, and we'll be monitoring those messages and returning calls as quickly as we can once we are up and running!

If you need immediate assistance during this time, please contact your insurance carrier directly using the customer service number found on your insurance ID card, your policy documents, or your carrier's website.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this transition!

Send a message to learn more

07/31/2026

Good Morning! ☀️

Just a quick heads-up! Our Freeport office phone service will be temporarily unavailable on Monday, August 3, until approximately 10:00 AM while we switch to a new phone system.

📞 During this time, our Lena office will be answering calls. Since only one call can be answered at a time, you may be directed to voicemail. If that happens, please leave a message—we'll be checking voicemails regularly and will return your call as soon as possible.

☎️ You can also leave a voicemail for our Freeport office, and we'll be monitoring those messages and returning calls as quickly as we can once we are up and running!

If you need immediate assistance during this time, please contact your insurance carrier directly using the customer service number found on your insurance ID card, your policy documents, or your carrier's website.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this transition!

Have a wonderful weekend! 😊

Send a message to learn more

07/28/2026

🚧 Storm Repair Reminder! 🌤️
Hello, customers and friends!
As more homes are in the process of being repaired following the March and April storms, we wanted to share a couple of important reminders to help make sure your claim is fully completed, so it can be closed and we can put this chapter behind us! We know it's been a stressful time that has tested the patience of many!

✅ Don't forget about your recoverable depreciation!
If your insurance claim includes recoverable depreciation, this is money that is paid to you after the approved repairs have been completed. To release these funds, your insurance company will typically require:
• A *detailed* contractor invoice or certificate of completion- a handwritten receipt that say's "paid" is rarely accepted, as they need to ensure the items receiving the recoverable depreciation are in fact complete!
• Documentation showing all approved repairs were completed

✅ Let your insurance agent know when the work is finished
Once your repairs are complete, send your agent:
📸 A few photos of the completed work
🧾 A detailed invoice
💳 Proof of payment
Keeping your policy up to date helps ensure your home is insured correctly and reflects any improvements that have been made.
If you have any questions about the claims process or what documentation you need, we're always happy to help. If you're not sure give us a call to ask! Thank you for trusting us to protect what matters most! ❤️

Send a message to learn more

07/24/2026

Happy Friday from everyone at Bussian Insurance! Our Lena branch location is having the roof replaced today, and the exterior of the building is taped off for the public's safety. If you need assistance please call the Lena office at 815-369-4747 or call the Freeport office at 815-235-6107.