Q and A: Insurance programs can be created to meet needs of clients – Jamestown Sun

Jim Harty, president of

Harty Insurance Inc.

, answers questions about insurance and the types of coverages that are available.

What type of work does an insurance agent do?
At Harty Insurance, we provide professional insurance and risk management products to businesses and individuals. We help create insurance programs to meet the needs of our clients.

What services do people request the most from you?
We provide insurance services for individuals’ autos, homeowners, renters, business, farm, recreation vehicles, boats and life insurance needs.

Why should people start planning to get life insurance?
Individuals should consider purchasing life insurance at an early age. Our life insurance needs change as we go through our different stages of life. College education, marriage, starting a family, owning a home or business and planning for retirement are some reasons to protect yourself and family with life insurance.

How much life insurance should an individual get?
There is no one answer on how much life insurance an individual needs. Each person should sit down with their agent, go through a needs analysis and determine what is needed. Again, our needs change as our lives change.

What is covered and not covered in homeowners insurance?
There are several different homeowners products available in today’s market. Each product covers different risks and perils. There are also many different endorsements available to cover different exposures as well. Individuals should meet with their agents and discuss their needs and have a program designed to cover their individual needs.

How can people save money on their insurance coverage?
People can save money on their insurance in various ways. Today, our credit scores are a factor used in determining our insurance rates. So taking measures in bettering each individual’s credit score can make a positive difference in what individuals might pay for their insurance. Increasing their deductibles, or the portion of the loss that they want to self-insure is one way. Packaging your coverages together is another. Taking driver’s safety courses, adding smoke and anti-theft devices, new roofs on their homes, updating heating and plumbing in their homes are some other ways of reducing their insurance premiums.