Insurance is a trusted financial tool that protects people and businesses from risk and plays a vital role in sustaining the broader economy. It is meant to help you return to your pre-loss financial state after a sudden, accidental and unexpected loss. Damage or wear to property that occurs gradually over time through normal use, aging, or lack of maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner. These are things people know will happen and can plan on saving money to replace or fix over time. 

Your policy outlines the coverages, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements that apply to your insurance. You can find this information in your policy documents or declarations (“dec”) page. Copies of your dec page are typically sent to you in the mail and can also be accessed through the North Star Mutual Mobile App. Your agent is a great resource to help review your coverages and answer questions.

To make changes to your policy, such as adding or removing coverage, updating vehicles or drivers, or changing your contact information, contact your independent insurance agent. They can guide you through the process and help ensure your policy stays up to date.

A deductible is the portion of a covered loss you are responsible for paying before insurance coverage applies. A higher deductible typically lowers your premium but means paying more out of pocket if a claim occurs. A lower deductible generally results in higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs at claim time. Your choice should reflect your financial situation and comfort level with risk.

There are many ways to potentially lower your premiums, including bundling policies, choosing higher deductibles, maintaining a good claims history, improving property safety features, and qualifying for available discounts. Your agent can help identify savings opportunities that may apply to you.