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4 Ways to Lower Workers Comp Insurance Costs by Keeping it Honest

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Oct 12, 2013

Control workers compensation costs. Buy the right workers comp insurance from us. Serving Reading, PA, Philadelphia, Allentown, Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Erie, State College, and beyond with high quality workers compensation insurance coverage.The Washington Post reported in April that federal workers compensation costs have roughly doubled since 1995, with 8.8 million Americans receiving disability benefits to the tune of $260 billion per year. Over a quarter $ trillion annually - that's a trully staggering figure.

The Post went on to claim that much of the increase may be due to the changing demographics of an aging population. Whether you buy that explanation or not, many employers fear that some employees are cheating on workers compensation insurance and staying away from work longer than legitimately needed.

Workers Comp 101: How Much Should You Trust Your Employees?

Let's face it, as with almost everything in life, things are seldom black and white. Seemingly good and honest employees sometimes do dishonest things when they feel threatened or insecure. Workers compensation can be an area where a good employee is tempted to stretch the limits of a workers compensation insurance package if your internal company policies are not balanced in such a way as to help keep the system honest and balanced.

Incentives and Disincentives to Return to Work: How Do Your Workers Comp Policies Stack Up?

Many view our national unemployment policies as lacking the common sense checks and balances required to filter out waste and abuse. Fair enough, but have you analyzed your own policies by the same yardstick? A well-balanced set of policies is one that properly provides for the needs of employees during a disability while also achieving the checks and balances that keep the system honest by removing disincentives to return to work, and removing incentives to stay out longer than legitimately needed. And that insurance principle applies as much for a small business as for a larger one.

Here are some things to consider when striving to keep your workers compensation policies properly balanced:

  • How long will you hold a job open while an employee is out on disability? Is there a defined limit? Obviously a reasonable but limited time period should be the goal. In today's job market, fewer are willing to gamble with finding a new job should they exceed the period that their current position will be kept open for them.

  • What percentage of an employee's salary is collected during a workers compensation event? If your policies are too generous then the incentive to stay off longer increases.

  • Do you allow benefits to accrue while an employee is away from work? For example, will sick time and vacation time continue to accrue? If so, should the policy be changed?

  • What about high-end benefits? If you offer special benefits such as a company car or other benefits directly related performing on the job, then consider placing them on hold until the employee returns to work.

A Workers Compensation Lesson from Ronald Reagan?

Regardless of your politics, President Ronald Reagan had a principle that served the US well in dealing with foreign policy, and one that President Barack Obama recently quoted: trust but verify. Yes, we would like to trust all employees to do the right thing when it comes to workers compensation insurance benefits. However, given that things are rarely black and white when it comes to human behavior, it is wise to craft your company polices in such a way as to verify that your hard-earned dollars spent on workers compensation costs are being wisely used and not wasted.

Need Help with Workers Compensation Insurance? 

We're here to help. We're an independent insurance agency with the resources to find the right workers comp insurance to meet your needs and budget. Click to contact us today to learn more, or call us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848.

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4 Top Reasons for Using an Independent Insurance Agent

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Oct 05, 2013
Your Trusted Choice independent insurance agent serving Berks County, Reading, PA, Philadelphia, Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Allentown, Bethlehem, Pittsburgh, Erie, Pennsylvania and beyond

Considering the millions of dollars spent daily on TV commercials for single-brand insurance offerings, you would think that the independent insurance agent is a thing of the past. It's tough to go an hour on TV without seeing at least one commercial for AllState, Nationwide, GEICO, State Farm, or other single brand ("captive") insurance solution. That's because with few exceptions, only the big brands can afford to run national TV ads.

Bigger May Not be Better When it Comes to Insurance

Most people realize that big budget advertising does not necessarily equate with the best solution for all kinds of things in life. That's why, for example, many people avoid the pay-per-click ads found on search engines and instead click on the unpaid search results: they seek a high-quality answer to their search instead of one paid for by the competitor with the deepest pockets. In plain English, they don't want to be "spun" by the marketing machines behind the ads.

Let's apply the same thinking to an independent insurance agent vs. the mega-brands. Here are 4 reasons why an independent agent is likely to provide a superior personal or business insurance solution to satisfy your needs.

#1. Your Needs are Unique and Your Insurance Policy Should Fully Meet Your Needs

Insurance is complicated. It is difficult, if not impossible, for those outside the insurance industry to understand all the insurance options for meeting their needs. Only an independent insurance agent understands the pros and cons of each insurance company and their policy offerings as it pertains to protecting you against your unique combination of risks and liabilities.

#2. Independent Insurance Agents are a Valuable Advocate, and They Cost You Nothing

Your independent insurance agent will check multiple companies and insurance solutions in detail to arrive at the best combination of value, price, and insurance protection to properly and fully address your individual or business insurance needs. That can be very time-consuming, but that service typically costs you nothing.

#3. Your Independent Agent is a Single Source for All Your Insurance Needs

Insurance companies typically handle only certain types of insurance. However, your independent insurance agent handles insurance from multiple companies, thereby covering virtually any need, including business insurance, homeowners and car insurance, boat, RV, and motorcycle insurance, life and health insurance, umbrella insurance, pet and vacation insurance, workers compensation insurance, disability insurance, and virtually every kind of liability insurance to protect any type of business need. Being a single source with access to multiple insurance companies and solutions, your agent can create the best blend of policies to provide the right protection with minimal overlap and waste between and among your insurance policies.

#4. Unparalled Service

When you have an insurance question or need, your independent agent is there for you. You are not relegated to a faceless, nameless individual connected to an 800 number. Instead, you have the comfort and confidence of dealing with someone who you know, like, and trust for all your insurance needs. Think about it. Doesn't that kind of service and flexibility mean more to you than putting yourself in the hands of someone you don't know, and who offers only one solution or brand? 

 

We're Independent Insurance Agents, and We're Ready to Serve You

At American Insuring Group we pride ourselves in helping our customers not only save on insurance, but also in finding the right insurance protection. We'll put together a plan that will meet your needs, and we'll review your needs on a regular basis to see if it may be time to adjust your insurance to meet your changing needs, or to take advantage of better pricing that may become available as your needs change. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Learn more. Contact American Insuring Group today to learn about your options for business insurance, personal insurance, health and life insurance, car and house insurance, commercial liability insurance and more.

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Business Insurance Reality Check: Is Your Business Vulnerable?

Posted by David Ross on Wed, Sep 25, 2013

Business Insurance questions to ask to determine risk and insurance coverage. Serving Reading PA, Berks County, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Allentown, Pittsburgh, Erie, Pennsylvania and beyond with quality commercial insurance.Too Busy to Assess Your Risk?

Many small business owners are so busy these days that they have little time to slow down and properly analyze their risks and business insurance needs.  And it’s no wonder. Small businesses from Reading PA in Berks County, to Philadelphia, Allentown, Lancaster, and all across the nation drive a significant portion of the country’s economic growth. However, they tend to be lean, which means the typical small business owner is wearing many hats and putting in long hours. Many are too busy to take the time to properly analyze risks, and to obtain adequate insurance protection to address the risks of their growing businesses.

Just How Big Can a Small Business Be?

Statistics available from the US Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) indicate that small businesses employ more private sector personnel than mid-sized and large businesses combined.  In the US, small businesses are generally defined as manufacturing businesses with less than 250 employees, and non-manufacturing companies with under $7 million in annual receipts.

Engines of Economic Growth 

Small businesses are the engines of private sector economic growth, creating approximately 2/3 of new non-government jobs while generating over 40% of the private payroll in the US. Small businesses account for a similar proportion of total US high-tech jobs as well.

Questions Small Business Owners Must Ask to Determine Risk and the Right Level of Business Insurance Protection

Regardless of how busy you may be, busyness is no excuse for ignoring risks that could sink your business.  Here is a brief list of questions every business owner should answer as a first step in assessing risk and the need for stronger insurance protection:

  • Disability Insurance:
    Who will run my business if I become disabled permanently or for an extended period? Will my company have the financial resources to pull through this type of crisis?

  • Life Insurance:
    If I die will my business survive? Will my employees all lose their jobs? Will my family be able to keep our house and maintain a good lifestyle?

  • Key Person Insurance:
    What if a person who is vital to my business dies or becomes permanently disabled? Will my business have the financial resources to survive until a new person can be found, hired and fully trained, or will it set me back several years?

  • Workers Compensation Insurance:
    Are my employees properly classified for workers compensation insurance? Could my business survive a workers compensation insurance audit without undergoing major penalties for misclassifying employees? Is my workers compensation insurance coverage fully up to date to reflect my changing business needs and the expanded types of positions my employees currently hold?

  • Property Insurance and Business Interruption Insurance:
    Are my buildings, equipment, and other business property insured against the full range of potential risks? In the event of a claim that disrupts my cash flow for a prolonged period, will I receive compensation for the loss of income during that time, or merely for the cost of the damage to my business property?

  • Professional Liability Insurance:
    Am I covered if an employee were to cause harm to a customer or to their business, and a court found it to be due to negligence? How vulnerable is my business to various types of lawsuits?

 

Be Smart – Be Informed on Business Insurance

Our staff can properly address these and other business insurance questions. We’re a Trusted Choice independent insurance agency. That means we offer a range of business insurance plans from competing insurance companies. We’re well positioned to find the right business insurance coverage at a significant savings.

Contact us today at 610-775-3848, or click to Contact Us online.

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Restaurant Insurance & Hurricane Sandy: Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Posted by David Ross on Fri, Aug 09, 2013

Among the Most Destructive Storms In US History

Restaurant insurance protection lessons from Hurricane Sandy: we provide smart restaurant insurance protection for businesses in Reading, PA, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Allentown, Bethlehem, Pittsburgh, Erie, and beyond.Hurricane Sandy was one of the most destructive and deadliest hurricanes in United States history. Twenty-four American states and seven other countries were affected. Coastal towns once pulsing with beachcombers by day and clubbers by night were submerged within hours. Businesses were out of operation for much longer than ever anticipated and the damages sustained were astronomical.

Catastrophes of this magnitude are rarely expected, even in the world of insurance. Sewers backed up. Equipment broke. Food spoiled. Power was lost. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy we discovered insurance protection that proved critical for restaurant owners, including: sewer backup, equipment breakdown, food contamination, and loss of sales/ loss of income due to extended power outages.

Insuring Against Sewer Backup

We all know the quote from Jumanji: “A little rain never hurt anybody…but a lot can kill.” Well, a lot of rain can kill your sewer system. When more rain pours down than your sewer and pump can handle, raw sewage backs up and escapes in some less-desirable places, such as the bathroom faucet - need we say more? Unfortunately, most people do not realize that sewer backup is generally not covered under their personal or business insurance policies. This additional coverage is not only recommended, but can be invaluable to your business.

Equipment Breakdown

Equipment breakdown coverage is usually considered “optional” on an insurance policy. If just one of the primary machines in your restaurant breaks down, such as the air conditioner or water heater, you are probably not covered for fixing the equipment or for the loss of income sustained due to the failure. Be sure you are covered if 100 degree temperatures inside your restaurant due to an air conditioner failure turn away potential customers. 

Food Contamination

No matter how diligent you and your employees are, food contamination and food spoilage can strike anyone in the restaurant industry. If a machine breaks or your power goes out temporarily and food spoils, you will be held personally liable for the expenses incurred unless you are insured for this type of event.

Insuring Against Loss of Sales/ Loss of Income from a Power Outage

Hurricane Sandy not only flooded businesses, but also caused large-scale power outages. Is your restaurant covered for business income losses due to loss of power? There is a good chance the answer is no. Unless you have a best friend who sells generators and you specialize in candle-light dinners, power loss is never good. When power loss equates with income loss, you want to be sure you are covered.

Learn from Hurricane Sandy:
Get the Right Restaurant Insurance Protection

We all hope and pray that a disaster of this magnitude never again strikes our land and our loved ones. Yet, as we in the insurance industry know all too well, you can never be too prepared. As restaurant owners, it should be easy to grasp the importance of insuring against these four risks that Hurricane Sandy uncovered.

Peace of Mind and Protection from Uncertainty

By being properly insured, you will be protected if the big rainfall that surpasses the five-inch prediction causes your sewer to back up. If storm winds topple the power lines down the street and you aren’t prepared to play Pioneer Days with your customers, you will be covered. If your employee mistakenly undercooks the chicken for your famous chicken piccata dish, you will be covered. If your air conditioner works overtime and decides to take a siesta for a day, you will be covered.

Play it smart: contact us today to be certain that your restaurant business is fully insured! 

(610) 947-1270

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Who Needs Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

Posted by David Ross on Sat, May 04, 2013

Have you recently started a new business, or perhaps suddenly come to the realization that your personal vehicle insurance may not fully protect you when using your car, van, or truck for business purposes? 

Commercial Vehicle Insurance Coverage Differs by Company

Is your personal vehicle insurance protection adequate when using your vehicle for commercial purposes? Learn why you should obtain commercial vehicle insurance. We serve Reading, PA, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Allentown, Pittsburgh, Erie, Hershey, Pennsylvania and beyond.Although each insurance company has different guidelines for determining to what extent your personal vehicle may be insured when used for commercial purposes, it is nonetheless risky to assume your personal vehicle will be properly covered, if it is covered at all. Rather than taking chances, consult an independent insurance agent to learn the details of your coverage, and to select the best insurance company and policy to meet your commercial insurance needs.

How to Know if Your Vehicle Use is Commercial or Personal

The most obvious indicator that you are using your vehicle for business purposes occurs when you are using your car, van, truck, or other vehicle to transport merchandise or people, or to perform services for a fee.

For example, if you are using your vehicle to:

  • Deliver flowers or restaurant food, such as pizza or other food items
  • Perform landscaping services, such as delivering workers and/or materials
  • Perform snow removal services
  • Tow a trailer used for business purposes
  • Travel to customers for sales calls or to perform consulting services 

Who is Covered Under a Commercial Vehicle Insurance Policy?

Unlike a personal policy, commercial vehicle policies allow you to cover any of your employees when your vehicle is used for business purposes. If your vehicle is driven by employees, that’s a sure sign that you need a commercial policy. Likewise, if your vehicle is owned under a corporate partnership, or used to haul heavy equipment, or to make deliveries requiring federal or state filings, then you definitely need commercial vehicle insurance protection.

Amount of Vehicle Insurance You Need for Business vs. Personal Use

Commercial vehicle insurance policies generally provide greater protection than personal policies, with higher liability limits. However, it’s very important to make sure you are fully protected for both business and personal use if your vehicle is used for both.

Don’t Take Chances!

By now we hope you are thoroughly convinced that it is not worth taking chances with your commercial vehicle insurance coverage. Whether you hail from a larger city like Philadelphia or Allentown, or smaller areas like Reading or Lancaster, you need the right insurance protection. Please don't take chances with your future.

To learn more about commercial insurance for your car, van, truck, or commercial fleet, click here.  Or, contact us online. You may also reach us at (610) 775-3848. We’re independent insurance agents who stand ready to help you find the insurance protection that’s right for you, your budget, and your business.

Save on commercial vehicle insurance in Reading PA, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Erie, Allentown, Bethlehem, Pittsburgh, Hershey, Pennsylvania and beyond.

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Workers Compensation Insurance Warning: Don’t Misclassify Employees

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Mar 16, 2013

Yes, Workers Compensation Insurance Can be Costly, but Don't Cheat

Workers compensation insurance and guidelines for determining independent contractor vs employee status. Get affordable workers compensation insurance from American Insuring Group, serving Reading PA, Berks County, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, York, Allentown, Lancaster, PA and beyond.Providing workers compensation insurance for employees can be a significant expense, especially in industries prone to serious injuries, such as those requiring heavy or potentially dangerous machinery.  While some employers may be tempted to misclassify workers as independent contractors rather than as employees in order to avoid worker’s comp insurance and other costs, the penalties for misclassifying employees as independent contractors can be severe.

IRS Guidelines for Determining Independent Contractor Status

According to the IRS:

You are not an independent contractor if you perform services that can be controlled by an employer (what will be done and how it will be done). This applies even if you are given freedom of action. What matters is that the employer has the legal right to control the details of how the services are performed.  

Consequences of Treating an Employee as an Independent Contractor

If you classify an employee as an independent contractor, whether to avoid workers compensation costs or purely by accident, and you have no reasonable basis for doing so, you may be held liable for employment taxes for that worker as well as incur severe penalties. See the IRS guidelines for determining employee vs. independent contractor status for more information. 

Some Common Sense Guidelines for Determining Independent Contractor Status

While the IRS provides detailed guidelines for determining independent contractor status, it may be helpful to consider how one state simplified the criteria. New York State noted these requirements to be eligible for independent contractor status:  

  • Advertising
    Has his/her own advertising (business cards, commercials, phone book listing, etc.)
  • Authority
    Performs work via his own contract, permit, or authority
  • Control
    Controls the manner and time for work performed
  • Different Work and Customers
    Performs work that differs from the primary work of the hiring business, and performs work for other businesses
  • EIN or Business Tax Return
    Has a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Federal IRS or has filed federal business or self-employment income tax returns for work or services performed in the prior calendar year
  • Equipment
    Provides all equipment and materials needed to perform services under the contract
  • Liability Insurance
    Has liability insurance (and if appropriate, has worker’s comp and disability insurance policies) under its own business name and Federal EIN
  • Obligations
    Has recurring business liabilities and obligations
  • Profit & Loss
    Operates under a specific contract, is responsible for satisfactory performance of work, is subject to profit or loss in performing the specific work under such contract, and is in a position to succeed or fail if the business's expenses exceed income
  • Separate
    Maintains a separate business establishment

Protecting Your Business from Workers Compensation Insurance Penalties

The above information is intended to be used only as an overview regarding independent contractor status. If you are in doubt as to the status of an independent contractor, seek professional advice from a local tax attorney, or get an opinion from the IRS by filling out form SS-8.  The stakes for misclassification can be high, and disputes over worker status can be both expensive and disruptive to your business, sometimes resulting in crippling retroactive penalties

Get the Right Workers Compensation Insurance Coverage for Your Business

If you would like help in acquiring affordable workers compensation insurance for your business, please Contact Us. Our helpful and courteous team will help you obtain quality insurance coverage at an affordable price. To learn more about workers compensation insurance, please click below.

Learn about workers compensation insurance from American Insuring Group, a Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agent

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5 Drivers of Business Insurance Costs in Berks County and Beyond

Posted by David Ross on Thu, Feb 14, 2013

Use Knowledge to Offset Higher Business Insurance Costs

5 Drivers of Business Insurance Costs Berks County Reading PA 250Having the proper business insurance can be vital to growing your company and protecting your future. While every business varies in terms of exposure to risk and the related cost of coverage, knowing the 5 key cost drivers can help you reduce your insurance costs, whether you are in a mid-sized city like Reading or Allentown, a smaller city like York or Lancaster, or a large city like Philadelphia, especially if you consider costs before launching your business.

In the end, the cost of business insurance is driven by risk levels as perceived by your insurance carrier, and increases due to higher levels of risk. Regardless of the precise details associated with your business, your costs will be affected by some factors that statistically are related to your company type, company location, and other factors. 

Here are 5 Key Drivers of Business Insurance Costs:

#1 - Coverage Level Desired

It goes almost without saying that the cost of your business insurance coverage depends largely on the amount of coverage you desire. It is wise to get the advice of a trusted independent insurance agent before finalizing your coverage level. In some cases you may be able to reduce coverage in a policy if the coverage overlaps with protection already provided in another policy.

#2 - Business Location

Insurance costs may vary widely by state and by city. Businesses located in high-risk areas will pay higher rates. Risk assessments are affected not only by crime rates, but by the likelihood of incurring damage due to storms and other natural disasters. Check with your insurance agent regarding insurance costs prior to relocating your business or purchasing a new property.

#3 - Market

A business in an industry known for high losses will incur higher insurance costs, all else being equal. Industries known for physical risk and high worker's compensation losses will incur higher commercial insurance costs. Expect considerable swings in insurance rates based on the percentage of your employees working in an office setting vs. a construction or other setting known for physical risk.

#4 - Business Insurance Claims History

As with auto insurance and homeowners insurance, businesses also incur higher rates as the frequency of their claims increases. Consider potential cost increases that may result from filing a claim vs. covering the cost out of pocket without filing a claim, especially when you are considering changing insurance carriers. 

#5 - Optional Coverage Selected 

Although adding optional coverage increases your total insurance bill, optional coverage may be to your benefit. Consider business interruption insurance and key person insurance for executives and others who cannot be easily replaced, and whose absence is likely to cause a slowdown in business.

Do it Right - Get Help

Knowing the key drivers of business insurance costs and planning accordingly can help you navigate your insurance coverage options, and help you achieve the right level of coverage at the right price. Ask your independent insurance agent for assistance in understanding your options and the impact on cost.

We're Ready to Assist You with All Your Business Insurance Needs

American Insuring Group is an independent insurance agency located near Reading, PA, in Berks County. We can help you get the right business insurance coverage for your business at the best price by researching the most affordable insurance costs from our many competing insurance carriers.  Contact us today at 800-947-1270 and request a no-obligation, no-cost consultation, or fill out the form on our Contact Us page to get started.

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14 Business Insurance Terms for Berks County Entrepreneurs

Posted by David Ross on Tue, Feb 05, 2013

Is Business Insurance Too Complicated?

Business insurance: mention the topic and count down the seconds until yawns form and eyes glass over. For some, commercial insurance is just slightly more interesting than reading the phone book or memorizing the periodic table of elements.

Perhaps that’s because business insurance seems complicated, or because we suspect we’ll never really need it.  Talking about what might occur, such as a catastrophe requiring financial assistance, rather than what is likely to occur (business as usual), can seem so abstract, such a waste of time.  

3 Things Needed for Entrepreneurial Peace of Mind

Business insurance peace of mind for Reading, PA, Berks County, Philadelphia, and LancasterAh, but think of it this way: wouldn’t it be great to have the peace of mind of knowing that you are financially covered against many of the uncertainties life can throw at you? Isn’t that better than the nagging feeling that you may be unprotected against some unknown liability for which you failed to get the needed business insurance protection? 

To get to that blissful entrepreneurial state of mind, you need 3 simple things, none of which require yoga classes or the  help of a Zen master: 

  • Knowledge of basic business insurance terms and types of protection
  • A trustworthy and capable independent business insurance advisor
  • Decisiveness

Get all three, and in no time you’ll be covered with the right business insurance protection. Whether your business is in Reading, PA, Berks County, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Allentown, or beyond, every business owner who meets those 3 simple criteria sleep better at night. 

Buiding Your Business Insurance Knowledge: 14 Terms You Need to Know

While we can’t cover everything you need to know in this short post, we can get you started by presenting 14 key commercial insurance terms, each with a brief definition, in alphabetical order.  Read over them and then jot down some follow up questions for your independent insurance agent.  Once you have solidified your knowledge, decisiveness will follow. Take action for the good of your business, your employees, and your family.

  1. Bonding
    A guarantee of performance required for many businesses, and often by general contractors, janitorial companies, and businesses with government contracts

  2. Broker
    An independent insurance agent who represents multiple insurance companies, and is therefore in a better position to find the right business insurance at the right price vs. a single-company insurance salesman

  3. Business Interruption Insurance
    Coverage to replace lost sales and income suffered due to a covered loss

  4. Direct Writer
    The opposite of a broker, a direct writer represents a single insurance company

  5. Disability Insurance
    Insurance that pays a fixed monthly benefit if one becomes disabled and unable to perform their regular job

  6. Employment Practices Liability Insurance
    Coverage that protects the business from being sued due to the actions of employees, such as discrimination, abuse, sexual harrassment or wrongful termination

  7. Errors and Omissions Liability Coverage
    Protection for accountants, consultants, and other business professionals against damages due to an error or omission in work performed

  8. General Liability Insurance
    Business insurance protection against accidents of bodily injury or property damage to other persons or property

  9. Key Person Insurance
    Life insurance taken out against a key person, typically an executive or other key person, with the business itself as the beneficiary

  10. Package Policy
    A business insurance policy combining several types of protection in one package

  11. Property Insurance
    Protects equipment and other physical property from losses due to fire, theft, and other incidents, and is available in the form of “named peril” and “all risk” versions

  12. Replacement Cost Insurance
    Insures the business for the full current replacement cost

  13. Umbrella Coverage
    Liability insurance protection for amounts exceeding coverage on main policies, in the event a lawsuit exceeds underlying limits of coverage

  14. Worker’s Compensation Insurance
    Business insurance for medical, rehab, and lost wages for employees who are injured at work (usually state mandated)

There you have it. 14 simple business insurance terms that probably have you wondering what coverage you are missing, and ready to contact your independent insurance agent. Do that, and then get ready to be decisive. You’re almost there. 

How to Get Help with Your Business Insurance

Need help in figuring out the right commercial insurance protection for your Reading PA, Berks County, Philadelphia, Allentown, or Lancaster County business? Call us today at (800) 947-1270 for a free consultation, or click to contact us.

Contact us for help in getting the right business insurance in Reading PA, Berks County, Philadelphia, Allentown, and Lancaster Pennsylvania

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Umbrella Insurance: Get Protection for Your Income & Assets

Posted by David Ross on Thu, Jan 10, 2013

Do you need umbrella liability insurance? Tips for individuals and business owners in Reading PA, Berks County, Allentown, Pittsburgh, Erie, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Hershey, Philadelphia, and beyond.Are You at Risk?

Even if you have good automobile and homeowner’s insurance, you may be liable for excessive damages resulting from a major lawsuit.  Consider what would happen if you were to injure a doctor, lawyer, or other highly paid professional in a car or other accident that prevented him from earning his regular income for the rest of his life. A court could easily award damages far exceeding the limits of your auto, watercraft, or homeowner’s insurance policy. Such damages could drastically alter your lifestyle for many years to come.

That’s where umbrella liability insurance comes in.  The right policy will provide the additional protection needed to withstand such an event. 

You May be at Higher Risk for a Lawsuit

Higher-income individuals who cause an accident have a far greater risk of being sued as lawyers seek out those with deep pockets. In such cases an umbrella policy may provide the protection that could be the difference between maintaining your lifestyle vs. paying punitive damages out of pocket for the rest of your life.

An Umbrella Liability Policy May be More Affordable Than You Think

Umbrella liability insurance tends to be more affordable than other types of insurance because it comes into play only after your other insurance has been exhausted.  For example, a $1,000,000 umbrella policy would cover up to an additional $600,000 of protection on a homeowner’s policy with $400,000 of coverage. The same principle applies to automobile and watercraft insurance. Increased savings may be found by purchasing your umbrella policy from the same insurance provider as for your home, car, commercial property, or watercraft.

Commercial Property and Umbrella Insurance

Are you a business owner or landlord? If so, you are at greater risk of incurring a lawsuit. Landlord insurance in the form of an umbrella liability policy can provide additional protection against lawsuits from tenants, as well as from being sued for slander or libel by disgruntled employees.

Do You Have an Adequate Umbrella Policy?

If you would like help in obtaining the right level of insurance protection then please click to contact us, or call us at 800-947-1270.

Affordable umbrella liability insurance for Reading PA, Berks County, Philadelphia, Allentown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Pittsburgh, Erie, Pennsylvania and beyond.

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What is Landlord Insurance and Do You Need It?

Posted by David Ross on Fri, Jan 04, 2013

Landlord insurance tips for Berks County, Reading PA, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Erie, Allentown, Bethlehem, State College, PA and beyond. Landlord Insurance Basics

Landlord insurance is designed to protect the landlord from incurring losses on his or her rental properties. This ranges from property damage to court/legal costs and more, including loss of rental income from a property that becomes inhabitable due to storm damage or other causes.

Do You Need Landlord Insurance?

Does life throw unexpected circumstances our way? If you are a landlord, then of course you need landlord insurance. The question is not whether you need it, but what types of coverage and how much of each type you need.  For example, with lawsuits rampant in today’s society, it is wise to consider coverage for discrimination and slander, even if you are certain that you would never commit either. To sleep better at night you may even want to consider comprehensive coverage, which protects you against circumstances not specifically identified in your policy.

Your Property is a Major Investment. Treat it as Such.

Would you go without homeowners insurance or car insurance? Then why consider going without landlord insurance? Your rental property value may easily eclipse your home value, and a loss of your rental property due to fire, storm damage, or other factors can lead to a long-lasting financial upheaval and loss of cash flow that can be easily avoided with the proper insurance coverage.

Not All Landlord Insurance is Created Equal

It is important for landlords to understand exactly what is and what is not covered under their policy. Policies may vary widely, so be sure to work with your insurance agent to understand all the important aspects of your current coverage and to uncover your potential vulnerabilities. For example, your policy may cover only certain types of damage, such as exterior vs. interior damage.  Likewise, legal costs may be excluded from your policy. Be sure to ask your independent insurance agent what types of additional coverage are available from your current carrier and from competing insurance carriers, and then consider switching carriers or upgrading your policy if needed.  Your independent insurance agent represents multiple insurance companies, so changing to another carrier is easy with the right agent.

Need Help Understanding Your Landlord Insurance Options?

Contact us today for a free evaluation: 800-947-1270

Learn more about landlord insurance. Serving Berks County, Reading PA, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, York, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, State College, Pennsylvania and beyond.

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