Q. Does my homeowner’s policy cover me if I work out of my home?
A. A standard homeowner policy provides very limited coverage. Loss of business property is normally limited to $2,500 in coverage and will barely replace your computer and media coverage in the event of a loss. Normally, this business property coverage is limited to your premises only and is not covered if inventory is taken off the property. It can be insured through a commercial inland marine policy.

There is no coverage for a liability loss under your homeowner’s policy. Therefore, if you have clients visit your home or even if your mailman falls and injures himself delivering business as well as personal mail, your homeowner’s policy will not respond to cover the business if named in the suit. You need to either purchase a rider on your homeowner’s policy, if available for your type of business, or a general liability insurance policy. Our experienced business professionals can help guide your through the process and you might be surprised at how inexpensive the package might be for property and liability coverage.

Q. I’m just getting my business started. Do I need coverage right away?
A. The law states that if you have any employees, you need to carry worker’s compensation insurance for them right away. Large fines could be imposed on you if you don’t carry this. As long as you made such a large investment in time and money to start a business, why not invest a small amount more to insure it rather than wait until you have income. A loss can happen on the first day and you could lose everything. Studies have shown that more losses happen when a business first starts up until procedures get fine tuned. Why not let one of our trained business professionals put a program in place to protect your investment?

Q. How does business income coverage work?
A. If your business is shut down due to a covered loss, this coverage will pay for the extra expenses to help get you back up and running. It will also provide for your net income (profit) to be paid based on prior sales history had the loss not occurred. It is a vital coverage to help you maintain the status quo in your checkbook while your operations are being restored.

Q. Why do I need an insurance agent?
A. In this litigious society, insurance issues are very complex. It takes many years for an individual to acquire the knowledge as to what coverage is needed to protect a business and how to handle the different situations that occur. Most business owners are experts in their field. How can you try and run your business and be an insurance expert at the same time? Our staff is constantly taking continuing education to provide you with the best possible knowledge in any given instant.

It is also important that you have a buffer between you and the insurance company. We know how to handle claims and audits. We work for you to make sure you are treated fairly from the original purchase of the policy and during any potential claim. As an independent agent, we can decide year to year if you might be better served to move the coverage to a different carrier. We can review all the options for you and make the best choice. You are not locked into one insurance company.

Please take the time to read our philosophy. When you put your confidence in us, it is not a responsibility we take lightly. We’ve worked hard to earn our client’s trust.