Life Insurance: What If The Beneficiary Died?

Posted on March 31, 2026March 24, 2026 by admin

Life insurance is designed to pay the death benefit to the beneficiary selected by the policyholder. However, questions can arise when a listed beneficiary passes away before the policyholder. Understanding how this situation is handled can help ensure the death benefit reaches the right person.

Contingent Beneficiary

Many policies allow you to list a contingent beneficiary, sometimes called a secondary beneficiary. This person receives the death benefit if the primary beneficiary has passed away or is otherwise unable to receive the payout. Companies like Senz Insurance Agency Inc. can help you add or update contingent beneficiaries at any time.

If your primary beneficiary designation includes multiple people, such as several children, all primary beneficiaries must be unable to receive the benefit before the contingent beneficiary is considered.

Beneficiary’s Children

Some life insurance policies include a clause that passes the death benefit to the beneficiary’s children if the beneficiary dies before the policyholder. This depends on the policy’s wording and whether the payout is distributed per stirpes or per capita. If this is important to you, speak with an agent to ensure your policy is structured correctly and avoids unnecessary delays or probate involvement.

When the Death Benefit Goes to Probate Court

If no living beneficiaries are listed, the death benefit typically becomes part of the policyholder’s estate. When this happens, the payout is processed through the probate court in Beloit, WI. Probate may use the funds to pay outstanding debts before distributing any remaining amount to heirs.

This process can delay payouts and reduce the amount received, which is why keeping beneficiary designations updated is so important.

An agent at Senz Insurance Agency Inc. can help you review your policy and ensure your beneficiary arrangements reflect your wishes. Contact us today. We proudly serve the Beloit, WI area.

What Type of Auto Insurance Do I Need for Older Paid-Off Vehicles?

Posted on February 27, 2026February 21, 2026 by admin

It feels great when you finally pay off your car. Without a lienholder, you have more flexibility with your auto insurance policy. However, fewer requirements do not mean fewer risks. Understanding Wisconsin’s insurance laws will help ensure you stay properly protected.

Liability Insurance Requirements in Wisconsin

Wisconsin requires all drivers to carry liability auto insurance. Liability coverage protects other drivers and their vehicles if you cause an accident. The minimum required limits are 25/50/10, which means:

\$25,000 bodily injury coverage per person
\$50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident
\$10,000 property damage coverage per accident

Keep in mind that liability insurance does not protect your own vehicle if it is damaged. To protect yourself, Wisconsin also requires uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage at 25/50.

These requirements apply whether your car is brand new or twenty years old.

Requirements Are Different for Paid-Off Vehicles

When a lender holds the title, they require both collision and comprehensive coverage to protect their financial interest. Once you own your vehicle outright, these coverages become optional under Wisconsin law. You decide whether the added expense fits your needs and budget.

Things to Keep in Mind for Car Insurance

The age and condition of your vehicle often play a major role in determining what coverage makes sense. Older vehicles typically have lower market value, which can make collision and comprehensive coverage difficult to justify. On the other hand, if you drive a newer model, protecting your investment may be worth the cost. Wisconsin’s severe weather is also a factor to consider.

An Expert Will Go Over Your Options With You

Choosing the right insurance setup for a paid-off vehicle does not have to be complicated. A knowledgeable agent can walk you through your options and help you determine the right level of protection. Contact Senz Insurance Agency Inc. in Beloit, WI, and our team will make sure you have the coverage you need.

Do Sole Proprietors Need Commercial Insurance?

Posted on January 30, 2026January 12, 2026 by admin

Sole proprietorship makes the dream of self-employment a possibility for many people. It doesn’t require the same legal filing as an LLC or corporation, yet lets you function akin to a business. Although your sole proprietorship may not have to register with the state of Wisconsin, you may need to obtain local licenses or permits and register with the Department of Revenue.

Since being a sole proprietor essentially involves running a business, we at Senz Insurance Agency, Inc., recommend commercial insurance. There are, however, some nuances to consider.

Becoming a Sole Proprietor Doesn’t Provide Automatic Liability Protection

Becoming a sole proprietor doesn’t provide protection from an insurance standpoint. It’s more for administrative purposes than legal or insurance protections. Don’t rely on being a sole proprietor as a replacement for having insurance. You’ll still have risk exposure from your business, possibly more than you had prior to starting a business. That’s why you’ll need to make sure you’re protected beyond your personal insurance policies.

Limits of Personal Policies

Homeowners insurance (or renters insurance) provides protection for personal property and liability risks that you, as an individual, face. These policies offer little to no protection for business activities, including work as a sole proprietor. In fact, most policies exclude coverage for business operations. Homeowner’s policies typically include basic coverage for home businesses, but the limits are extremely low and only apply to inventory. Your business liability, including any unintentional damage you cause to others, isn’t covered at all. If someone sued you, you wouldn’t have coverage. You might also put your home or renters insurance policy in jeopardy for not declaring your home-based business.

The team at Senz Insurance Agency, Inc. can review your current insurance to see whether it’s sufficient or if you should expand your protection.

Get Commercial Insurance

Business owners policies (BOPs) offer bundled, affordable protection that is suitable for many businesses. Commercial package programs bundle multiple coverages to provide highly customized solutions tailored to specific business types.

There are multiple insurance companies offering these policy options to sole proprietors in Beloit, WI. Contact our team for assistance in comparing your options. One of our agents will gladly help you check coverages and rates, so you can find a policy that’ll protect you well when working.

What To Know About Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)

Posted on December 31, 2025December 12, 2025 by admin

Employment-related lawsuits can devastate businesses of any size. Even frivolous claims can cost thousands in legal fees and settlements. That’s where Employment Practices Liability Insurance becomes essential protection for your business. At Senz Insurance Agency, Inc., serving Beloit, WI, we help business owners understand how EPLI shields them from costly workplace-related legal battles.

What EPLI Actually Covers

This coverage protects against claims involving wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. It also covers less obvious issues like failure to promote, wage and hour disputes, and workplace privacy violations. Don’t assume your general liability policy handles these situations. It won’t. Employment practices claims require specialized coverage that understands the complexities of workplace law.

Why Every Business Needs EPLI

You might think only large corporations face employment lawsuits, but that’s completely wrong. Small businesses are actually more vulnerable because they often lack dedicated HR departments and formal policies. A single discrimination claim can cost $50,000 to $200,000 in legal fees alone, even if you win. Most businesses can’t absorb that kind of financial hit without serious damage.

Key Policy Features to Consider

Look for coverage that includes defense costs, settlements, and judgments. Make sure the policy covers both current and former employees, and even job applicants in some cases. Third-party coverage is valuable too, protecting against claims from customers or vendors alleging harassment by your employees. Wage and hour coverage has become increasingly important as these lawsuits multiply.

Don’t wait for a lawsuit to realize you needed protection. Contact Senz Insurance Agency, Inc., serving Beloit, WI, today to discuss EPLI coverage and commercial insurance products that fits your business size and industry risks.

Do You Need Umbrella Insurance? How Can You Tell?

Posted on October 31, 2025October 24, 2025 by admin

If you have a lot of assets, you may be considering umbrella insurance for financial protection. The more you know about umbrella insurance, the easier it is for you to decide whether this is the right type of insurance for you.

The professionals at Senz Insurance Agency Inc., serving Beloit, WI, can help you make a choice. We work with many insurance carriers and can help you find a policy that meets your needs.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is a type of insurance that offers extended liability coverage. Umbrella insurance can extend liability coverage on an auto insurance policy, a home insurance policy, and other types of insurance. If you are sued for more than the liability coverage in your homeowners or auto insurance policy, umbrella insurance will kick in and offer additional coverage.

Who Needs Umbrella Insurance?

People who have many assets are often those who are most interested in umbrella insurance. If your assets are greater than the coverage amounts in your home and auto insurance policies, then you may be a good candidate for umbrella insurance.

People who are at higher risk of being sued may also be interested in umbrella insurance. For example, if you have a pool or a trampoline at home, then umbrella insurance may be a good option for you.

Shopping for Umbrella Insurance? Contact Us

If you’re shopping for umbrella insurance, the insurance representatives at Senz Insurance Agency Inc., serving Beloit, WI, can help you. Our insurance experts are available to answer your questions and give you information about umbrella insurance policies.

We work with many carriers and can shop around until we find an umbrella insurance policy that meets your needs. Call to speak with one of our insurance experts.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Special Tires, Like Snow Tires?

Posted on March 28, 2025March 27, 2025 by admin

If you reside in an area with severe winters, switching to snow tires is a wise decision for safety and performance. But what happens if those expensive tires are damaged in an accident? At Senz Insurance Agency Inc., providing auto insurance in the greater Beloit, WI region, we often hear from drivers wondering whether their auto insurance covers specialty tires like snow tires. The answer depends on your policy and the situation.

Does Standard Auto Insurance Cover Snow Tires?

Generally, auto insurance covers your vehicle as a whole, which includes the tires. If you’re involved in an accident and your snow tires are damaged, your comprehensive or collision coverage should help pay for repairs or replacements, depending on the circumstances. However, normal wear and tear or damage from improper use typically won’t be covered.

What About Theft or Vandalism?

If your snow tires are stolen or vandalized, comprehensive coverage may help replace them. This type of insurance protects against non-collision-related incidents, including theft and damage from vandalism. If you frequently switch between regular and snow tires, keeping a record of your purchases and installations can make the claims process smoother.

Should You Notify Your Insurer About Snow Tires?

Most insurance companies don’t require you to report seasonal tire changes, but if you’ve invested in high-end specialty tires, it’s worth discussing with your provider. Some policies may have specific limits on coverage for aftermarket additions.

Have Questions About Your Coverage?

At Senz Insurance Agency Inc., serving the community of Beloit, WI, we’re here to help you understand your policy and ensure you have the right coverage for every season. Contact us today to discuss your auto insurance needs and keep your vehicle protected year-round.

Senz Redieske Insurance Agency, Inc.

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