Garrett Insurance Agency, Inc.

07/10/2025

We need your help!

We have several spots that need to be filled. If we do not fill at least 9 more spots, we are going to have to cancel our blood drive. There is a huge need for blood donors. According to the American Red Cross there is a critical shortage in the US. There has been a 40% decline in donors over the past 2 decades.

Our agency is consistently looking for ways to give back to our community and the surrounding communities. This is one of them. Setting all else aside, this is about helping another person. Its about giving without expectation. Most are not aware of the significance in blood donation, unless you have been on the receiving end.

Please consider!

07/07/2024

Misrepresentation = Financial Devastation.

Folks - We will always find out!

More than 1 in 5 Americans (21%) admitted to intentionally providing false information on insurance applications in a recent survey. Insurance experts warn of the consequences.

07/02/2024

And just like that Beryl is a cat 5. Prayers for everyone and everything in the path of destruction.

Folks - Listen up you, and you in the back row, stop talking 🤫 and listen.

This cat 5 hurricane is an example of why yours, and yours and even your premiums are sky rocketing.

3 large insurance carriers, amongst several others, pulled out of FL and CA last year, prior to any natural disasters. A homeowner insurance premium is $5k - $10k in those states, if you can find a carrier.

There is so much more to insurance, so much. It's not just The Eagle Man or Allstates Mayhem.

Id be happy to answer any questions!

06/10/2024

Looking for financial advice, tips or suggestions?!

How about life insurance? Is your protected when you pass?

Garrett Insurance Agency has been partnering with Diamond Financial Services, Inc. For over 20yrs. Bob, is our go to and our only go to.

Give him a call at 708-269-4906, for any health insurance, life insurance or financial product questions.

Paying for protection could give younger clients peace of mind.

03/03/2024

Another boring but informative post.

I'm getting asked every day why insurance has gone up so much.

Here goes:

• During the pandemic, very few, if any, of the insurance companies took rate increases for the cost of insurance. Yes, your coverage increased on your homeowners policy, so therefore your price went up. But not the actual cost of the insurance.

• Due to the lack of rate increases during covid, several insurance companies have had to shut their doors. The reason for this is, they were still paying claims but not increasing the rates to keep up with the cost, therefore they just couldn't recoup, as with several thousand businesses.

• One of my companies, which I won't name, lost millions in 2022. If they did not discontinue contracts with some of their agents, let some of their staff go, lower commission rates for the agents and take rate increasees, they would not be here to even offer insurance.

• Some companies are non-renewing because they can and for no particular reason. You may not have the required minimum Insurance score. You've had claims or you don't have home and auto with them. Or maybe your property has a liability exposure.

• Insurance rates nationwide are going up 25 to 100%.

• And yes if you have a Kia or Hyundai, it is still difficult, but not impossible, to get insurance on a new policy.

• A few of the larger insurance companies have pulled out of California and Florida even before the natural disasters.

• Edit to add - Not many companies are accepting new business right now. Thank you Justin Smiley with Style Exteriors for pointing that out.

I have said the following statement hundreds of times, my agency does not make money by turning people away or referring someone elsewhere.

But I'm going to suggest that you keep the above in mind when you receive your renewal. Before you call several companies, and spin your wheels trying to find a cheaper rate, give your current insurance agent the opportunity to review your policies and see if they can save you additional premium. I always recommend this first, mainly because you already have a rapport with them, your policies are already there and chances are, right now you are NOT going to find anything less expensive without cutting coverages.

If you have any questions drop a comment below and I'll be happy to answer as best as I can.

08/19/2023

Edit to add:
If you have a home, make sure that your property is kept up, is neatly taken care of and there are no liability hazards. Insurance companies are using drones to re-evaluate your property.

Boring, but important insurance information.

If you have not experienced the following to date, more than likely, you will within the next year.

For the first time in my 30+ year career of insurance, I am seeing insurance companies non-renew policyholders, even if they are claim free. They're doing this because they can. Some companies in the State of Florida are on a moratorium for homeowners insurance, not certain about Auto. And if you can get the insurance, it's very expensive right now.

Although I have 11 companies, several of them are not accepting new business. In addition, several companies are not insuring Kia's or Hyundai's.

I have said it multiple times over the past several weeks, the insurance industry has changed 180° and not in favor of the insured, or the agent for that matter. Insurance agents commissions are dropping. Also, some insurance companies are making it impossible to insure new clients.

I am going to strongly suggest to not turn in any claims at this point in time, save your policy for a catastrophic loss. Small claims should not be turned in anyway. If your company non-renews you and you try to go to another company you may not be able to if you submitted a claim. I have never seen this in my entire career, at least here in Illinois. Make sure that your policies always stay in force and do not cancel for non-payment. I know of Agents with larger companies that are losing clients left and right because of the rates. Sadly at this point take the rate that you have and don't spin your wheels shopping. As an agent, I always do the best that I can right off the bat, but sometimes my hands are tied.

06/29/2022

Greetings!

Please note that our office will be closed from June29th, 2022 through July 11th, 2022.

Please call our office at 815-886-4488 for specific details as no business will be conducted during this time.

Regards,
Carrie Ann Labuda
President