Reasons to Buy Supplementary Health Insurance

You may work for an employer that already provided health insurance before the affordable health care passed or you may have only received health insurance from your employer after its passage. Either way, your employer may not provide the level of insurance you really need. Advantage Insurance Network serving Cincinnati, OH wants you to understand your options.

If the health insurance from your employer does not cover everything, you can purchase a supplementary health plan that ensures you always have the needed level of coverage. Many people do not realize that you can have more than one insurance policy for health and other needs. Also, since one size does not fit all, you can customize your policies to suit your needs. 

The term supplemental health insurance policy refers to health insurance that provides added or additional coverage to pay for out-of-pocket expenses and medical care not covered by the main policy.

These supplemental policies vary greatly since some pay for deductibles while others cover copayments. Some plans work as coinsurance while others cover services not provided for by the main plan such as dental or vision coverage. Health supplemental plans also exist that cover lost wages, medications, transportation to and from medical care appointments. The most widely known example of these is Medicare and its four parts of coverage. Part A covers hospitalization costs, while Part B covers doctor’s visits, examinations, and testing such as X-rays. This also gets called Medigap insurance to refer to Parts A, B, C, and D as a whole.

Other types of medical policies include critical illness insurance that pays for treatments for diseases such as cancer. A type of named peril insurance, it only kicks in if you contract one of the diseases named in the policy. Other kinds of supplemental health insurance are accident health insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance (AD&D). AD&D pays the family of the policyholder if they die in an accident. It pays a lump sum if the individual loses a limb, a sense such as sight, or becomes paralyzed. Accident health covers the medical costs that the main health insurance policy does not.

Many other types of supplementary health insurance exist. Contact Advantage Insurance Network serving Cincinnati, OH for more information and to find the supplementary insurance you need. 

Required Commercial Insurance in Ohio

Ohio Insurance

The laws of your state have a big impact on the insurance policies that you buy. Each state has its own requirements for insurance, and that includes commercial insurance. If you need commercial insurance in Ohio, call us at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH. 

Required Commercial Insurance

When you have a small business in Ohio, it is required for you to take out workers’ compensation insurance. This kind of commercial insurance will pay for the medical expenses of employees if they should become sick or injured while on your business’ premises. This required insurance is for the workers, but it benefits you as well as a business owner. In our litigious society, you can expect lawsuits if someone gets sick or injured at work. This insurance is ready with the medical expenses so that lawsuits are less likely. 

Auto Insurance

Every vehicle in Ohio needs to be insured, but a personal insurance policy won’t cut it for your business-owned vehicles. Those vehicles are required to have commercial auto insurance on them. There are mandated minimums for these policies for the amount of bodily injury liability for each person, and another minimum for all of the bodily injuries for each accident, and an amount for all of the property damage done for each accident. There is also a type of auto insurance called hired and non-owned. This isn’t required for personal vehicles used for business purposes, but it is generally best to get it for those vehicles. Personal auto insurance often won’t pay out if the vehicle wasn’t be used for personal business.

 Get Insured

If your business needs commercial insurance, call us today at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH. 

Why do I need condo insurance in Ohio?

The Cincinnati, OH area can be a great place for someone to work and live. In this area, there are a lot of job opportunities, access to professional sports, and other forms of entertainment, and many different recreational options. If you are going to live here, you should consider purchasing a condo. When you own a condo, you will enjoy the benefits that come with purchasing a home while also not having the same maintenance benefits. If you are going to purchase a condo here, you need to get condo insurance for a few different reasons.

Insurance Protects Assets

The main reason that you need to get a condo insurance policy here is that it will protect your asset. A condo is a major purchase that could be the biggest investment you ever make. Due to this, you should ensure that your investment is properly covered and protected. A full condo insurance policy will help to protect your condo as well as your personal belongings. 

Insurance is a Requirement

You will also want to get a condo insurance policy because it will likely be a requirement for you. If you have a mortgage against the condo, the lender will have specific insurance requirements that need to be met. Further, most condo owners will also be part of a larger association that will include insurance requirements that need to be met. 

When you want to get a new condo insurance policy in Cincinnati, OH, you should speak with the team at Advantage Insurance Network. There are a lot of choices that need to be made when you are looking for a new insurance policy. The team at Advantage Insurance Network can help you better understand all of your needs and options, which will help you pick a quality policy. 

What is Dwelling Fire Insurance

One of the highlights of a dwelling fire insurance policy is coverage for fire, both inside and outside the property. In most cases, the policy covers fire and a few other emergency disasters – not flood or significant hurricane, damage, but this does vary a bit from region to region. Also, fire damage may not be covered for certain purposes (electric wiring, for example), and other limitations may apply as well. If possible, dwelling fire insurance helps cover losses caused by damaged, collapsed, or destroyed property, and in most cases, the policy limits for fire, smoke, and water damage in Cincinnati, OH are determined on the premises of the property. 

In the event the policyholder is unable to cover any losses, the policyholder is required to file a claim with their insurer. Regardless of the property’s value, the policyholder’s uninsured loss coverage limit applies. If the policyholder’s uninsured loss coverage is not depleted during the insured loss period, all losses are covered under the policyholder’s own deductible. 

Does a dwelling fire insurance policy cover every cause of the insured loss? Contrary to what you might think, dwelling fire policies are not designed to protect against all of the issues related to loss in the home caused by fire. Claims must be investigated and filed in order to protect policyholders. These policies are loosely based on the premise that you are entitled to an adequate level of damages without having to exhaust the other coverage available to you. This is in line with a standard home insurance policy, however, it is a nuanced variation that expands on many of the other coverage options available in standard policies.

Dwelling fire insurance is usually not able to provide protection against losses caused by earthquakes and some other natural calamities, but they do typically provide some protection from hurricane and wind damage. To be sure about what is covered and what is not specific exclusions, and the like, you should check with your local Advantage Insurance Network agent serving Cincinnati, OH to help you decide on the policy that is best for you.

Why should I get a flood insurance policy?

Those that live in the Cincinnati, OH area should consider purchasing their home. While owning a property here can come with a lot of advantages and potential, homeownership comes with risks as well. A great way that you can continue to mitigate these risks is with a proper insurance plan. One part of this should be to get flood insurance. There are several reasons why you should get this coverage if you own a property in this area of Ohio.

Access to Water Could Put in Higher Risk Zone

One reason that you should get flood insurance here is that you could be in a higher risk zone. In this area of Ohio, there are several rivers, lakes, and other waterways that do have the potential to flood. If you do not have the right coverage in your home policy, you will need to cover the damages yourself. With flood insurance, you can be assured you will be covered for flood damages.

Insurance is a Lender Requirement

For some that are in this area of Ohio, having flood insurance is also a lender requirement. Lenders know how flood damage could jeopardize their collateral. Due to this, they will want to make sure you have insurance to mitigate this risk at all times. If you are in a high-risk zone, you may be required to get flood insurance. 

In the Cincinnati, OH area there will continue to be a need for flood insurance. If you are concerned about the effects a flood could have on your home, you should call Advantage Insurance Network. The team at the Advantage Insurance Network has helped people all over the area better assess their flood risk. They can then help you get into a policy that will give you the right protection and peace of mind. 

Expenses covered by boat insurance in Cincinnati

Boat or watercraft insurance can be purchased for various types of seafaring vessels, including standard boats, as well as jet skis, sailboats, and yachts. Boat owners in the Cincinnati, OH area should consider an overview of the items and losses that will be covered under their boat insurance policy, and get in touch with Advantage Insurance Network for more information.  

Mechanical parts

The machines and engines that keep the boat running are often very costly and important. The boat cannot operate without these parts, which is why their repairs and replacements are covered under an insurance policy. These mechanical parts are especially sensitive to things like rust and salt damage from entering and exiting the water, which makes them more likely to break than similar parts on a land vehicle. 

The body or structure of the vessel

Most boats and vessels have a hull or other main body structure. This part is covered, as things like leaks, cracks, and tears in the hull can render the boat unusable until they are repaired. 

Liability coverage

If a boat is involved in an accident, or someone is hurt while they are on your boat, it is possible that the owner can be sued for negligence. The boat insurance policy will cover these losses up to a certain amount without the owner being personally liable. Otherwise, the boat owner may have to spend time in court, legal fees, and their own money to settle the case without insurance. 

Speak with an agent about other boat insurance issues

Anyone who is considering a boat insurance policy should speak with an agent at Advantage Insurance Network. They serve the Cincinnati, OH area with professional advice and service.

What You Need to Know About Purchasing Motorcycle Insurance

It isn’t exactly a secret that you need liability insurance coverage to keep your bike legal while out on the road. However, if you’ve never purchased it before, you might not know what the process is like and that’s where our Advantage Insurance Network team is here to help. Here are a few things you need to know about purchasing motorcycle insurance in Cincinnati, OH.

Liability and First-Party Coverage

Just like when you’re purchasing auto insurance, there are two types of motorcycle insurance you have to consider: liability and first-party coverage.

Liability is what you need to stay legal. This pays for any medical bills for other people or property damage costs if you’re in an accident that is deemed your fault. Usually, liability is pretty affordable and there are a few different coverage tier levels you can choose from.

First-party coverage is what covers you, your passenger, and your bike if you’re involved in an accident. And it doesn’t matter who caused the incident.

The most common first-party coverages you need to be aware of our comprehensive, collision, and medical payments. Comprehensive and collision pay for damages to the motorcycle, while medpay helps take care of any hospital or doctor bills you might have after a crash.

Other Optional Coverages

Of course, your coverage options don’t end there. If you have any special equipment on your motorcycles, such as saddlebags or any upgrades, you’ll want to ensure your policy covers those, too. There are also coverages for emergency road service and towing, which are helpful if you’re on a ride and your bike suddenly breaks down.

Ready to purchase quality motorcycle insurance coverage in Cincinnati, OH for your bike? Please contact our Advantage Insurance Network team today for more information.

Are All of Your Possessions Covered by Your Homeowner’s Policy?

The agents of Advantage Insurance Network understand Cincinnati, OH residents’ concerns when it comes to having the right amount of homeowners’ insurance to protect their possessions. While most of your possessions will be covered in general, you may have specific items that are significantly more valuable than the others. In this case, those items may need to be insured separately so that you are fully compensated for their loss if they are damaged or stolen.

A Complete Video and Written Inventory of Your Possessions

It’s essential for you to know what you have so that you can be fully covered by your homeowner’s policy. Providing your insurance agent with a complete written inventory of your possessions is the best way to accomplish this. A video is also beneficial because you can record all of the vital numbers associated with each item. The agent will also be able to see each item’s condition and will be able to attach a replacement value so that everything is properly covered.

Antiques, Collectibles, and Other Valuables

Antiques, collectibles, and other valuables like jewelry and family keepsakes, may hold substantial value over and above their general replacement cost. Insuring these items separately will take into account their additional value and provide additional compensation if they are ever lost, damaged, or stolen. In situations like this, it is important that you have each item appraised so that you know its actual value before contacting your insurance agent.

In Cincinnati, OH, the reputable agents of Advantage Insurance Network can help you determine what possessions can be insured under your traditional homeowner’s policy and which ones need to be insured separately. Call or visit their office today so that you can get the insurance coverage you need to feel adequately protected.

Bundling Your Auto Insurance When You Marry

You have probably heard that when a couple gets married, you should combine their auto insurance policies. Ideally, this saves you money.

Sometimes though, you should not bundle because it would result in raising the insurance premiums. We want the happy couples of Cincinnati, OH to remain happy, so Advantage Insurance Network wants to explain the ins and outs of marriage and auto insurance.

When it works, the reduced rate on auto insurance comes from lowered risk and a multi-vehicle discount. You see, married couples drive safer. Getting married, statistics show, encourages you to drive more safely. The other part of the reduced rate is that you insure more than one vehicle on a single policy. Under normal circumstances, this results in up to a 25 percent reduction in premiums.

This assumes that both spouses have a pristine driving record. If one of you has incurred a number of speeding tickets or a DUI/DWI, the insurance of the good driver would go up if you bundle. High-risk drivers pay much higher premiums.

You may still be able to save a little money on premiums if you will move other insurance policies to the same carrier. This would require moving your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance and your life insurance all to the same carrier.

You need to consider the policies provided by both insurance companies. Read each policy statement carefully, so you know that both options would provide the same coverage and protection. It is not savings if your new policy does not cover the same items or cover them to the same level.

Call Advantage Insurance Network to talk to one of our agents serving Cincinnati, OH. Let us help you see how you can best bundle your auto insurance after marriage.

Variables To Consider While Researching Restaurant & Bar Insurance Policies

Advantage Insurance Network assists Cincinnati, OH residents through offering them multiple insurance policies. As an independent insurance agency, we are able to help our clients find coverage regardless of their situation.

Restaurant & Bar Insurance

Many Cincinnati, OH businesses recognize the risks associated with operating near the Ohio River. That’s why business owners have started to research Restaurant & Bar Insurance. The policy protects owners in the event that some of the physical property is damaged. Your restaurant equipment, as well as the food that you have in storage, is also covered in the event that they are damaged. The policy also covers owners against any possible liability situations if someone were to get hurt while visiting the place. If you are the owner of a restaurant or bar, here are some variables to consider while researching Restaurant & Bar Insurance.

Think About Your Establishment

Keep in mind that different types of establishments require unique coverage compared to others. If you own a bar or a small restaurant, you may require different coverage compared to someone who owns a tavern or full-service restaurant. The location of your restaurant or bar is also important.

Additional Coverage

Don’t forget to add Workers Comp and commercial insurance to your policy. Workers comp protects your employees and lets them know that they are valued, which boosts morale. Commercial insurance protects any extra assets to your business, such as a vehicle.

Other Factors To Weigh

Remember that your hours of operation, the number of years in business, the sales volume, and the different activities at your restaurant are factors to think about while researching different policies.

Consult With Advantage Insurance Network

We will sit down with you and help you find the coverage that aligns with your goals. Contact us today.