2025 | Boizelle Insurance Partnership
Can My Life Insurance Policy Cover My Student Loan Debt?
Life insurance can help cover student loan debt, but there are some important details and distinctions to understand.
How It Works:
A life insurance policy pays out a death benefit to your named beneficiary (e.g., spouse, parent, sibling) if you pass away. That money can then be used by the beneficiary to pay off your student loan debt — if they’re responsible for it.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Federal Student Loans (U.S.):
- Discharged upon death — neither you nor your family owes anything if you die.
- So, life insurance isn’t needed to cover federal loans unless a cosigner could somehow be financially impacted (rare).
- Private Student Loans:
- Not always discharged at death.
- Some private lenders do hold cosigners responsible for repayment after death.
- In this case, life insurance can protect the cosigner (often a parent or spouse).
Who Needs Life Insurance to Cover Student Loans?
You might want to consider life insurance if:
- You have private student loans with a cosigner.
- You’re married and your spouse might inherit your debts (depending on your state laws).
- You want to prevent family financial burden in the event of your death.
- You’re planning long-term and want to cover other debts or expenses too.
What Type of Life Insurance?
- Term life insurance is usually sufficient — you can match the term to your loan length (e.g., a 20-year term if your loan payoff is 20 years).
- Choose a death benefit large enough to cover the remaining balance of your student loans and any other obligations.
Example:
If you have $75,000 in private student loans with your parent as a cosigner, and you die unexpectedly, the lender might come after your parent for repayment. A $100,000 term life policy could ensure they’re protected.
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Lesser Known Facts About Motorcycle Safety
When it comes to motorcycle safety, most riders are aware of the basics—wear a helmet, follow traffic laws, and stay visible. However, beyond these well-known guidelines lie a number of lesser-known but equally important facts that can make a critical difference on the road. From the surprising frequency of crashes during short, routine trips to the often-overlooked benefits of anti-lock braking systems, these insights reveal hidden risks and essential precautions that many riders and drivers don’t consider. Understanding these lesser-known facts can not only improve individual safety but also help create a more informed and aware riding community.
Surprising Motorcycle Safety Facts
- Most motorcycle crashes happen on short trips.
- Many accidents occur within 5 miles of the rider’s home, often during routine errands or short rides, when alertness is lower.
- Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and death by 42%.
- According to the CDC, DOT-approved helmets are one of the most effective safety measures a rider can take.
- Wearing a helmet doesn’t impair hearing or vision.
- Some believe helmets reduce awareness, but studies show they do not significantly affect peripheral vision or hearing.
- Most multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes are caused by the other driver.
- Over two-thirds of these collisions are due to car drivers violating the motorcycle’s right-of-way, often because they “didn’t see” the rider.
- Left-turning vehicles are the most common cause of collisions.
- In many accidents, a car turning left at an intersection hits a motorcycle going straight—often due to misjudging the rider’s speed or visibility.
- Motorcyclists are often overlooked in blind spots.
- Because bikes are smaller, they’re more likely to be “invisible” to drivers changing lanes or merging, especially in large vehicles.
- Proper gear protects against more than just crashes.
- Jackets, gloves, and boots also protect from burns, debris, weather exposure, and road rash during minor falls.
- Most riders involved in crashes are self-taught or poorly trained.
- Riders with formal safety training (like MSF courses) have significantly lower crash rates.
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) significantly reduces fatal crashes.
- Bikes with ABS are 37% less likely to be involved in a fatal crash, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- Alcohol is a factor in a high percentage of fatal motorcycle crashes.
- In over 25% of fatal crashes, the rider has a BAC (blood alcohol content) over the legal limit.
- Even a small patch of gravel can be deadly.
- Because motorcycles have less traction and balance than cars, minor road hazards like gravel, sand, or potholes can cause a crash.
- Bright clothing increases visibility but isn’t a guarantee.
- High-visibility gear helps but doesn’t always prevent accidents, especially at dawn/dusk when lighting tricks the eye.
- Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than car occupants.
- Per mile traveled, motorcyclists face significantly higher risk compared to car drivers.
- Tires degrade faster than most riders realize.
- Motorcycle tires wear more quickly and unevenly, and worn tires can dramatically reduce stopping distance and cornering ability.
- Riding fatigue can be just as dangerous as alcohol.
- Fatigue slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and causes microsleeps—all potentially fatal when riding.
While much attention is given to basic motorcycle safety practices like wearing helmets and obeying speed limits, lesser-known factors can be just as critical to rider survival. From the importance of wearing abrasion-resistant clothing even on short trips, to the surprising risks posed by poorly maintained road surfaces and underinflated tires, these overlooked details can significantly affect accident outcomes. Moreover, studies show that visibility-enhancing gear and advanced rider training courses reduce the likelihood of collisions more than most riders realize. By paying attention to these underappreciated aspects of safety, motorcyclists can greatly reduce their risk and enjoy the road with greater confidence and control.
Read moreHow Your Commercial Insurance Covers Fires
If you own a restaurant and there’s a fire, your insurance can help cover a variety of losses, but it depends on the types of coverage included in your policy. Here’s how it typically works:
- Property Insurance (Commercial Property Coverage)
This is the core coverage for fire damage.
Covers:
- Damage to the building (if you own it).
- Damage to contents: furniture, kitchen equipment, inventory, décor, etc.
- Cleanup and debris removal.
- Smoke and water damage from firefighting efforts.
Does NOT cover:
- Damage due to neglect or arson you commit.
- Upgrades required by new building codes (unless you have ordinance or law coverage).
- Business Interruption Insurance (Business Income Coverage)
Covers:
- Lost income while your restaurant is closed for repairs.
- Ongoing expenses like rent, utilities, and employee wages.
- Temporary relocation costs if you set up elsewhere.
This is not always included — it may be an optional add-on (endorsement), so check your policy.
- Equipment Breakdown Insurance (Optional)
Covers:
- Sudden and accidental breakdown of equipment like ovens, refrigerators, or HVAC systems — but only if caused by mechanical or electrical issues, not fire.
- This doesn’t cover fire damage, but could be relevant if your equipment fails during recovery.
- Extra Expense Coverage (Optional/Included with Business Interruption)
Covers:
- Costs above and beyond normal operations to minimize downtime — e.g., renting kitchen space, expedited shipping of equipment, etc.
- General Liability Insurance
Typically does NOT cover your own property damage, but:
Covers:
- Injuries to third parties (customers, vendors) during or after the fire.
- Legal costs if someone sues you because the fire harmed them (e.g., neighboring tenants or customers).
Steps to Take After a Fire
- Contact your insurer immediately.
- Document all damage (photos, video, receipts).
- Protect undamaged property from further loss (tarping, boarding up).
- Work with an adjuster to evaluate the damage and start the claims process.
- Keep records of all expenses during the recovery period.
Important Tips
- Review your policy annually to ensure adequate coverage.
- Ensure your business interruption limits are realistic for a shutdown of 3-6 months or more.
- Consider adding ordinance & law coverage if your building is older.
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Insurance Tips for College Students
Here are some practical insurance tips for college students to help protect their health, property, and finances while staying on budget:
- Health Insurance
What to Do:
- Stay on Parents’ Plan: You can stay on your parents’ health insurance until age 26 (thanks to the ACA).
- University Plans: Many colleges offer student health insurance plans — compare coverage and costs.
- Marketplace Plans: If you’re independent, explore healthcare.gov or your state’s marketplace.
Tips:
- Use your school’s health clinic for routine care — it’s often free or low-cost.
- Always check if a provider is “in-network” before treatment.
- Renters Insurance
Why You Need It:
- Covers your stuff (laptop, clothes, etc.) in case of theft, fire, or water damage.
- Often required if you’re renting an off-campus apartment.
Tips:
- If you live in a dorm, you may be covered under your parents’ homeowners insurance — check with their provider.
- Policies can be as cheap as $10–$20/month.
- Car Insurance
If You Have a Car:
- Stay on your parents’ plan if possible — usually cheaper.
- Notify your insurer if you’re attending school out-of-state.
Tips:
- Ask about a “good student discount” (typically for a GPA of 3.0+).
- If you’re not bringing your car to campus, ask for a “student away at school” discount.
- Electronics Protection
Options:
- Renters insurance usually covers electronics, but check coverage limits.
- Consider device insurance for expensive items like laptops and phones.
Tips:
- Keep receipts and serial numbers in case you need to file a claim.
- Life Insurance (Optional)
- Usually not necessary unless you have dependents or large student loans with a co-signer.
- If you do need it, term life insurance is cheap and adequate.
- Identity Theft Protection
- College students are prime targets for identity theft.
- Some renters or bank accounts include this protection — or get a separate service if you’re concerned.
- Understand Your School’s Coverage
- Some colleges automatically enroll you in their health plan and charge you unless you opt out.
- Always review any tuition insurance or required fees tied to insurance.
Quick Tips Summary:
| Type | Tip |
| Health | Stay on parents’ plan or use school clinic |
| Renters | Covers your stuff in dorms/apts |
| Car | Use discounts and notify insurer if car isn’t on campus |
| Electronics | Ensure laptops/phones are covered |
| Life | Usually not needed unless you have dependents |
| ID Theft | Monitor credit and use protection services |
Navigating college life comes with new responsibilities, and insurance is one of them. This blog offers essential tips to help students understand the importance of various types of insurance—health, renters, auto, and even tuition insurance. From staying on a parent’s plan to finding budget-friendly student options, we break down what coverage is necessary, how to shop smart, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether living on or off campus, these practical tips ensure students are protected without breaking the bank.
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