Who Needs Dwelling Fire Insurance?

Though dwelling fire insurance is often compared to class home insurance, these types of policies are different. Dwelling fire insurance is coverage for properties that are not considered the owners’ primary residence. Besides fire, it also covers hail, lightning, wind, vandalism, and other losses. In order to understand this type of insurance better, you need to know who dwelling fire insurance is for:

  • Owners of vacation properties

 If you have a secondary residence where you do not keep all your expensive and precious possessions, then it makes sense to get dwelling fire insurance for this property instead of traditional home coverage. 

  • Rental properties owners

Whether you have the second house that you rent to someone else, or you are an owner of 30 other rental properties throughout the country, dwelling fire insurance is what your tenants need. This policy will still protect the property itself without the contents inside it. In order to protect their own possessions, tenants will have to carry rental insurance. 

  • Homeowners who are not qualified for home insurance

 If a homeowner has a low credit score, or the property is in poor condition and has past claims, then classic home insurance might be unavailable. In this case, the best option will be to get Owner Occupied Dwelling Fire Insurance. 

Whether you are looking for insurance for your vacation house or rental property, Advantage Insurance Network serving Cincinnati, OH is dedicated to assisting you in your search. The mission of trusting and experienced agents of Advantage Insurance Network is to find the best rates for you based on your budget and needs. If you are a property owner from Cincinnati, OH, do not hesitate to give us a call today for more information. 

What’s Covered by Flood Insurance in Ohio?

Ohio is no stranger to natural disasters. During the course of the year, Ohio homeowners may face such threats as wildfires, severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding. Floods can occur almost anywhere in the state, including Cincinnati Flood insurance from Advantage Insurance Network can compensate you for a flood loss. Here’s what you should know about flood coverage.

What Flood Insurance Covers

Flood insurance offers two-fold coverage for your home: protection for your home structure and protection for your contents.  

Structural coverage protects your home structure to include its foundation, walls, wall-to-wall carpeting, electrical system, plumbing system, and built-in appliances. You can purchase this coverage for up to $250,000.

Contents coverage protects your belongings – your clothes, electronics, minor appliances, furniture, sports gear, paintings, etc. for up to $100,000.

What Flood Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Items such as cash, stocks, and bonds and precious metals are not covered by flood insurance and should be kept in a location safe from flooding. Property located outside your home such as grills, patio furniture, landscaping, pools and pool decks, and hot tubs are also exempt from flood insurance coverage.   

Who Needs Flood Coverage

Many homeowners are under the misconception that floods only occur in high-risk flood zone areas. Contrary to popular belief,  floods can occur almost anywhere. A substantial amount of rain can cause rivers or dams to overflow, causing flooding in Cincinnati, OH and other inland areas.

It only takes a few inches of floodwater to devastate a home. As home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, lack of flood insurance protection could lead to financial ruin. Knowing the extensive damage that floods can cause should prompt you to add flood coverage to your home’s insurance package.

To purchase flood insurance for your Cincinnati, OH home, contact an agent from Advantage Insurance Network.

Do I need workers comp insurance in Ohio?

For anyone that wants to start a small company, coming to the Cincinnati, OH area can be a great option. This is a great place to start a company as it has a large population and good economic benefits. When starting a company here, you are going to need many forms of insurance to provide protection. One important form of insurance to obtain is worker’s compensation insurance. There are a variety of reasons why getting worker’s compensation insurance is important. 

Required by Law

One of the primary reasons why you need to have workers comp insurance in Ohio is because it can be required by law. Depending on the type and size of your company, you may be required by state law to carry this form of coverage. If you do not have it, you could face a variety of penalties, which could include losing your right to operate your business.

Provides Valued Coverage

Even if worker’s comp insurance was not required for your company, you should still consider getting it. The workers’ compensation insurance will provide coverage to an employee if they are hurt while working for you. Ultimately, this makes it a great form of insurance coverage and benefit for your employee, but it also helps to reduce your business’s liability risk as employee injuries will be covered by this insurance. 

If you want to start a business in the Cincinnati, OH area, it is very important that you know all of your insurance obligations. For those that are looking for insurance, the team at Advantage Insurance Network can be a great resource. When you call the Advantage Insurance Network, you can receive the advice and support you need to choose any type of insurance for your company, including worker’s comp coverage. 

What are the benefits of toy insurance in Ohio?

If you live in the Cincinnati, OH area, there are plenty of great areas where you can use a recreational toy. When you own a recreational toy, it will give you plenty of fun and exciting memories. While one of these recreational toys will be a lot of fun to own, you also need to remember that it’s a valuable asset. You can benefit in several ways by getting insurance on your recreational toy in this area.

Receive Liability Protection

One of the advantages of getting a toy insurance policy is that you can receive liability coverage. Any time you take out your recreational toy, you could cause an accident that leads to damages. If this does occur, you will be required to pay for these damages. When you have a toy insurance policy, you will receive the coverage that you need to protect you against this liability risk.

Covers the Asset

Another benefit of your toy insurance policy is that it will protect your asset. When you purchase a recreational toy, you are going to be spending a lot of money on a big investment. To ensure that you are properly protected, you should get an insurance policy that will give coverage to repair or replace your asset. 

When you are in need of a toy insurance policy in the Cincinnati, OH area, it is important to reach out to someone that you can trust. The team at Advantage Insurance Network can be a great resource for you to utilize. When you reach out to Advantage Insurance Network, the team will evaluate your situation to determine whether a recreational toy insurance policy is right for you. They can then help you to get into a new policy that provides the right type and level of coverage to protect you and the toy. 

How does commercial insurance protect my small business?

While it comes with many innumerable benefits, starting a business means exposing yourself to all manner of risks. A small business is also vulnerable to accidents and perils that can possibly wipe it out before it has the chance to sprout. Fortunately, commercial insurance can help take care of your small business so that you can only worry about critical matters like customer attraction & retention and hiring.

Advantage Insurance Network can help you find a policy customized just for you. If you intend to start a small business in or around Cincinnati, OH, here are three major coverages that can help protect your small business.

General liability insurance 

Also known as commercial general liability insurance, liability coverage helps pay for injuries that a visitor or customer can sustain while at your business. It can also be used to pay legal fees in case you are sued and are found to be at fault.

Business property coverage

Like home insurance, property coverage helps protect the business premises and all its contents against the covered perils. Common perils like theft and fire are always on the list of most commonly covered accidents. Your insurance provider will either replace or repair the property based on the damage. You can choose your coverage limit based on the estimated repair or replacement cost.

Business interruption

Also known as business income coverage, business interruption coverage is essential in reimbursing extra expenses and lost income when your business gets interrupted by a peril. For instance, if your business catches fire and burns down completely, business interruption coverage will come in to pay for a temporary office, rent costs, and any other expense that may surface as a result of the peril.

Whether big or small, businesses need to have some form of protection. This will give you some peace of mind and help you focus on what matters to you most. To learn more about commercial insurance, visit Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH today!

What Are “Living Benefits?”

The simplest way to explain life benefits may be as follows: Where death benefits payout at the time of the policy holder’s passing, living benefits can be claimed while the policyholder is still living.

Living benefits come from the cash value of a life insurance policy if you are buying cash value life insurance. If you call Advantage Insurance Network and ask for a cash benefit policy, you will be paying a higher premium, but you will also be able to reap a number of benefits, owing to the cash value that you are building in your policy.

Examples of Living Benefits

  • Loans

You can borrow against your cash value in your policy. This means that if you want to put a down payment on a house or buy a new car, you have options available to you.

  • College savings

For most policyholders, this means sending the kids off to the college of their choice.

  • Tax deferment

The cash value that you build up in your policy is tax-deferred, meaning that you won’t pay any taxes on that money until you are ready to withdraw it.

For some policyholders in Cincinnati, OH, a cash value policy may be unnecessary. If you already have savings and don’t feel the need to put any cash value into your life insurance policy, you may simply want to go for a more streamlined policy that will pay out death benefits to your loved ones.

In either event, if you want to ensure that you and your family have the coverage that you need, give Advantage Insurance Network a call or send them a message and see what they can do for you.

3 Ways to Maintain Your Home’s Value

When most people think of their home, they think of their family. You should also think of it as an investment. Maintaining your home’s value is important and should be one of your biggest concerns when it comes to home insurance. In Cincinnati, OH, the agents of Advantage Insurance Network understand that many homeowners put their life savings into their property.  There are several things you can do to help your home maintain its overall value.

Maintain Your Yard

Keep your yard looking nice. This adds to your home’s "curb appeal" and also reduces the risk of injury to anyone who may come onto your property. Keep your grass at a convenient height, remove any weeds or debris, and keep your landscaping looking its best at all times.

Keep Up on Home Maintenance and Repairs

Keep up on all of your home maintenance and repairs. This includes changing your furnace filters and inspecting your home on a regular basis. Check your roof to ensure there are no loose shingles. Repair any cracks to your sidewalks or cement patio. If you see something that needs to be fixed, make the repairs as soon as possible. 

Add a Privacy Fence

Putting up a privacy fence is a great way to keep your home looking its best and also to protect your family and property from unwanted intruders.

The agents of Advantage Insurance Network offer residents who live in the Cincinnati, OH area sound advice when it comes to keeping their property well maintained. They can offer several recommendations on how you can help your home maintain its value through the years. Call and request the information you’re looking for today!

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Auto Insurance

If you live in the Cincinnati, OH area and need auto insurance, you want to make sure you get a trusted agent and the right policy for your vehicle and situation. At Advantage Insurance Network, we can help with that. We’re here to make sure you get the information you need, so you can make an informed decision about your vehicle policy needs. Then we can help you choose a policy that’s right for you. We work with several different insurance carriers, so you’ll have choices to pick from based on what you’re looking for. Here are five things you might not know about car insurance, that you’ll want to consider.

1. State minimums vary, but nearly all states have them.

2. You can raise your coverage beyond the minimum, but there are top-end limits, as well.

3. The type of vehicle you drive will affect specifics about your policy.

4. You should review and update your policy at least once every year.

5. Your agent is your very best resource for questions or concerns.

You don’t have to settle for less than a quality policy you feel good about. With the right car insurance, you can have plenty of peace of mind to help you feel better on the road. Contact us at Advantage Insurance Network today if you’re in the Cincinnati, OH area, and we’ll be happy to help you find a great auto insurance policy you can feel good about. That will help protect you and your passengers, along with others on the road. Call or stop in today, so we can work with you and make sure you’re properly protected. Your vehicle is important, and the right insurance policy is one of the best ways to help take good care of it.

Does Restaurant And Bar Insurance Cover Lost Liquor Inventory?

There are a variety of risks associated with owning a restaurant or bar. That’s why there is specialty restaurant and bar insurance available. It specifically provides protection these businesses need to protect against risk and liability. There are a few points of interest that those who are shopping for this type of coverage may be unclear about. This is why working with an insurance agent can prove extremely beneficial.

Does Restaurant and Bar Insurance Cover Liquor Inventory?

When it comes to inventory for a restaurant or bar, the insurance policy will usually cover both perishable and non-perishable items, including liquor inventory. When owners are searching for a compatible insurance policy, they should have documentation of inventory and all of the equipment and furnishings in the establishment. To get the best policy, enlist the help of a licensed insurance agent who can help outline needs and offer options that work for each individual situation. 

Comparing Policies

Not all insurance policies are the same, which is why owners need the insight and experience of a skilled insurance agent. They can work one on one with the client to explain each policy’s fine print and point out any gaps in coverage that could create losses should there be a covered event. Those who are currently in the market for restaurant and bar insurance should consult with Advantage Insurance Network, serving Cincinnati, OH. They are ready to assist with any questions and help compare policies to help provide the most comprehensive coverage available. 

Shopping for restaurant and bar insurance in Cincinnati, OH doesn’t have to be confusing. Get the information necessary to make the right policy choice by calling or stopping by Advantage Insurance Network today for more details. 

Starting a Contractor Business? Here is the Insurance Needed

If you just got your contractor’s license, congratulations! However, before you run out to pick up a hammer to do your first job, take the time to consult with your insurance agent at Advantage Insurance Network serving Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding area. The contracting business has significant insurance needs.

Here are the types of insurance needed for a contractor:

  • Worker’s Compensation: This is required by law to provide protection for your workers for on-the-job injuries and accidental deaths.
  • General Liability: This is the basic foundational coverage needed by all businesses for protection against third-party injuries and damages.
  • Professional Indemnity Insurance: This is also called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance and provides protection if you make a mistake.
  • Commercial Vehicle Insurance: If you use any vehicles for business purposes, even if only occasionally, you need to have commercial vehicle insurance for them and all the drivers that use them.
  • Public Liability Insurance: This insurance provides protection if someone is injured or property is damaged at your business premises, on the job site, or in public spaces.
  • Bonding: Most contractors need to be bonded to be licensed properly. Being bonded means that the contractor purchased a surety bond. A bond is a financial instrument that may be called upon, if a contractor fails to complete a job, does not pay suppliers, doe not pay for permits, or fails to pail for other job obligations.
  • Property/Casualty (PC) Insurance: This insurance provides protection for real estate, equipment, and other property owned or leased by the contractor.
  • Business Interruption: This protection helps pays the bills if the business cannot operate normally, through no fault of its owner, such as during a natural disaster.
  • Key Person: This provides protection for the person that is critically important for the ongoing business operations.

Summary

Talk with your agent at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH to get a comprehensive commercial insurance review, which includes recommendations for adequate coverage for all your contractor’s insurance needs.