When Can You Claim Your Commercial Insurance?

Running a business is a risky venture, and anything can happen at any time. The trickiest part of running an enterprise is that a single mistake can bring down your lifetime investment. That is why every business owner in Cincinnati OH should have a commercial insurance policy from Advantage Insurance Network to protect his/her business from suffering significant financial losses when the unexpected happens.

A commercial insurance policy offers property and liability coverage that will ensure your company can still run even when the worst happens. However, the big question among business owners is; when can I file a claim on my commercial insurance policy? Basically, you should file a claim when something goes wrong and causes a significant impact on the normal operation of your business. You should file a claim when:

A Lawsuit Is Filed Against Your Business

Today, lawsuits are common, and a client can file a lawsuit against your business any time. We all understand the fact that court cases can be expensive and the results of court cases may not always favor your business. Your business liability coverage is there to make sure that your company can go through the expensive lawsuits without hurting business processes. Therefore, if a client feels aggrieved or dissatisfied with your products or services and files a lawsuit demanding compensation, you should file a claim so that you get the right legal representation in court.

Your Business Property Is Damaged By a Covered Event

Disasters can strike any time, and the aftermath of it can be devastating. Imagine a huge fire destroying your entire business premises. Your property protection coverage is designed to reimburse you when you go through such scenarios since it covers your business premises and everything inside it. File a claim so that your commercial insurance provider in Cincinnati, OH can help you restart your business and take it to the level where it was before the disaster struck.

Are you a business owner in Cincinnati, OH? Contact Advantage Insurance Network and let us help you protect your business.

When Can You Claim Your Renter’s Liability Insurance?

Renter’s insurance is meant to protect items in an apartment. If someone gets injured or you lose items in your apartment, your renter’s insurance company will reimburse you. It is, therefore, important to have proof of the things in your apartment just in case you lose them. A video documentation accompanied by a written documentation is advised. At Advantage Insurance Network, we help our clients access the best quotes for their needs. We are located in Cincinnati, OH.

The following are some of the reasons you can claim your renter’s liability insurance;

  • Unfortunately, a quarter of America’s population suffers an apartment or house fire at least once in their lifetime. This means that losing your valuables to a fire is likely. You may also lose your property to theft or vandalism. In such situations, you can make a claim for your renter’s liability insurance. Depending on the limits of your insurance limits, you can claim most or all of your lost property.
  • If individuals get injured in your apartment, the personal liability part of your renter’s liability insurance covers you. Medical payments can be made to guests who sustain a bodily injury while in your apartment. It also covers you for property loss or damage in your apartment.
  • If you incur unforeseen expenses due to a covered claim, the additional living expenses section covers you. If you, for example, have to find alternative shelter after a theft or fire in your house, you will obviously spend more than planned. Addition living expenses cover you in such instances.

Cincinnati, OH has no shortage of insurance agencies. However, Advantage Insurance Network strives to meet the specific needs of all clients. We have a team of informed and professional agents that will help you make the best insurance decisions. 

3 Benefits of Condo Insurance

While many people believe you only need to purchase a policy if you are purchasing an actual home, purchasing condo insurance is actually recommended for condo owners as well. For condo renters and owners alike, the following is an overview of 3 benefits of condo insurance.

Avoid Under-Insurance

While many condo owners and renters choose to settle for the master insurance policy held by the Condo Association, be advised that just because you are paying a fee for it doesn’t mean you are sufficiently insured. Quite the contrary, the average person who settles for the general insurance package finds themselves to be under-insured when the time comes for them to rely on their benefits. 

Theft and Water Damage

Speaking of which, theft and water damage are one of the most commonly occurring issues among renters and owners of all kinds. If you refuse to purchase your own policy for your condo, you will likely be on your own in the event that you experience a burglary or your home is flooded. 

Loss of Use

Finally, loss of use seems to be one of the least considered elements of renting or owning a condo. In other words, there are many reasons why you may be forced from your condo for a prolonged period of time. The master policy will likely not provide you with any compensation in order to secure housing. By purchasing your own policy, you will have the financial support when you need it most. 

Do you live in Cincinnati, OH and need a condo insurance policy? You’re in luck. Advantage Insurance Network offers condo insurance as well as a variety of other types. Simply call, stop in the Advantage Insurance Network office, or email today to find out how you can start your policy today and protect your most prized possessions. 

Should I Get Whole or Term Life Insurance?

Having life insurance in place is very important.  For those that are in the Cincinnati, OH area, one of the first things to do when choosing a new life insurance policy is choosing between whole and term life insurance.  It is very important to understand the differences between these policy types to ensure you make the right choice for your situation.  

Length of Coverage

One of the biggest differences between whole and term life insurance is the amount of time that it will provide you with coverage for.  Whole life insurance is a type of insurance that will provide you with coverage for your entire life.  During this time period, a small portion of your life insurance premiums will accrue and will turn into a cash value that can be liquidated at any time.  Term life insurance, on the other hand, will only provide you with coverage for a certain amount of time and will have no cash value.  

Cost of Coverage

The other major difference between whole and term life insurance is the cost of the coverage.  In general, the cost of term life insurance is much lower than it would be for a whole life insurance policy.  The cost of term life insurance will vary based on your age, current health status, and the length of the term of the policy that you want.  

Since picking the right life insurance policy is such an important decision, those that are in the Cincinnati, OH area should meet with the Advantage Insurance Network to discuss their life insurance needs.  The Advantage Insurance Network is an insurance agent that can help to explain all of your insurance options and help you get into a policy that provides you with the right amount of coverage.   

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

Moving into a new home in the Cincinnati, OH area can be a very exciting experience. If you are renting your home, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying new furniture and personal belongings. However, you also need to carefully consider other important factors as well. One important factor to consider is your renter’s insurance policy, which is likely a requirement under the lease agreement.  There are several types of coverage that you will receive in a renters insurance policy.

Liability Protection

The most important types of coverage in your renter’s insurance policy is liability protection. Whenever you have somebody come over to your property, you are taking on a certain amount of liability for that person. If they happen to be injured while in your rental unit, you could be found liable. A liability insurance policy in your renter’s insurance will provide you with coverage for these situations.  

Personal Property

Another important part of any renters insurance policy is the personal property component of your policy.  When you have an apartment, you will likely have a lot of personal assets stored in the home at all times.  This can include electronics, furniture, clothing, and other expensive items.  If your home is damaged, vandalized, or robbed, you will be able to receive insurance coverage for your personal belongings up to the amount of your total coverage.  

If you rent an apartment or another home in the Cincinnati, OH area, you should contact the Advantage Insurance Network.  The Advantage Insurance Network will be able to explain all of the benefits of having a quality renters insurance policy in place.  They will also be able to provide you with insight into what your needs are and make sure you get the right policy for your situation.  

What Should Small Businesses Know about Workers’ Comp Insurance?

Even though workers’ compensation insurance can protect businesses from lawsuits and provides payouts for employees injured on the job, many small businesses in Cincinnati, OH go without it.

Many small business owners go without workers’ compensation coverage because they are owned by the sole proprietor and aren’t required to purchase the policy. Additionally, some believe that their risk is small based on the size of their businesses. However, even if you think the risk is small, there is still a chance that your business will deal with any injury claim in the next 10 years, even if you only have one employee.

It doesn’t matter what industry your business is in. Some people think workers’ compensation is only necessary for jobs where physical labor is required, but even if employees are sitting at a desk all day, you still need to protect them.

Workers’ compensation covers injuries, illness, medical treatments, rehabilitation so that employees can return to work, lost wages, and death. It may be an added business expense, but it can protect you from expensive litigation should an employee be injured or worse on the job.

Workers’ compensation is required in Idaho except in a few instances, depending on the industry. It’s important to note that businesses that operate in multiple states have different requirements, and it’s a good idea to speak with your agent at Advantage Insurance Network.

OSHA affects small businesses as well, even though workers’ compensation insurance is regulated by states. Businesses with less than 10 employees don’t have to keep records for OSHA, but they do have to report any employee fatalities or any hospitalizations.

Looking at the safety of the work environment can help reduce claims and may lower premiums. Speak with an agent at Advantage Insurance Network serving Cincinnati, OH for information regarding your specific needs for workers’ compensation.

Ride With Confidence with Proper Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that each year, about 13 automobiles of each 100,000 are involved in a fatal accident. For motorcycles, this number is about 72 annual deaths per 100,000 motorcycles. This means you are over five times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than an automobile accident.

That is a shocking figure. This is why it is important to have adequate motorcycle insurance coverage to be able to ride with confidence. If you have an accident, you want to make sure that medical expense and property damage is covered and in the said case of your death, it is a good idea to leave some insurance benefits behind to help those that are near and dear to you.

Consult with your agent at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH if you are buying a new motorcycle or to check with an insurance review to make sure your insurance coverage is adequate. It is especially important to check in with your agent if your motorcycle will be used by different riders or will be stored in a different location. You do not want to be caught off-guard by having inadequate insurance coverage in the case of an accident or theft of your bike.

Just like having good safety gear such as wearing a leather jacket, gloves, and wearing a helmet, insurance is part of your complete protection.

The agents at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH are super nice and their goal is to help you find the insurance solution that is adequate for your needs and covers you in the best ways possible. There are many variations in coverage, so be sure to discuss all the options with them. Contact them today to get an insurance quote for motorcycle insurance.

Winter Vacation Condo Insurance Benefits

Owning a vacation home can be rewarding, providing your family with a relaxing getaway all year round. The top way to keep your investment safe is to have insurance on the home. By having insurance on your vacation home, you will mitigate financial risks, which will provide you with much peace of mind.  Here are a few more reasons you should keep insurance on your winter vacation home.

Roof Failure

During the winter months, ice and snow can cause damage to your roof.

Trees

Trees can fall due to the weight of ice and snow

Busted pipes

Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, causing major damage and mold.

Fires

Fires are more common in the winter months because of the dry air and heating appliances.

Hail

Hail can cause major damage to your porches, siding, and roof.

Please note that not all insurance policies will provide coverage for the claims relevant to the instances listed above. The best way to determine what your insurance does and does not cover is to speak with an insurance specialist. There is no way to prevent winter storms but by having insurance on your vacation home, you can mitigate the risk of out of pocket expenses for damages on the property. This is why it is so important to take the time to find the best insurance for your vacation home so that you are fully covered and prepared for what winter brings. Plus, if you have a mortgage on your vacation home, your lender may mandate that you keep insurance on it. So, not only will you be providing protection for your home, but you will also be staying in compliance with your lender’s requirements. If you would like more information on protecting your winter vacation home with insurance, please contact the Advantage Insurance Network serving the Cincinnati, OH area. 

Condo Conundrums

Condos can be tricky.   They aren’t quite an apartment,  they aren’t a house. A condo lies somewhere in between, especially for insurance.

Renters insurance and condo insurance are quite different because the properties involved are different. A condominium unit might be any one of the following:

  • an apartment
  • a townhouse
  • a penthouse

The difference is not the type of property that it is, but, in fact, the type of ownership that exists.

For example:

  A property owner might own a block of eight apartments.  Thereby holding a single deed, that makes him the owner of an entity,  If someone rents an apartment, then rented space within a designated area is the renter’s responsibility to ensure their possessions within the apartment.  However, here’s the trick, the property owner should have separate insurance to protect the building.

The owner is not responsible for a renter’s personal property, legal liability to others within the premises, accidental injury or property damage that might happen on the premises or from the renter’s personal actions.

Conversely, a condo owner has a deed but this is only to private living space, and the  "common areas," like walkways, clubhouses, entrances, stairs, workout areas, grounds, and pools.

Therefore, the Condo association is responsible for the insurance coverage of the building and the grounds.  However, an event that the condo association’s insurance doesn’t adequately cover for common areas, it may become the responsibility of the condo owner and his insurance to handle the injury of a visitor, or the damage incurred to the building.

Advantage Insurance Network serving Cincinnati, OH understands your needs and requirements and can define what is best for you. They are there to help you make your condo a home and avoid the sticky and tricky elements of condo insurance.

 

Ice Damage And Dwelling Insurance: Are You Covered?

Cincinnati, OH homeowners live in a cold environment that often suffers from extremely cold weather and rapid temperature changes. As a result, it is important to know whether or not their dwelling insurance covers ice damage. We at Advantage Insurance Network can answer this question for you.

Dwelling Insurance Covers A Variety Of Ice Damage

In most cases, your dwelling insurance should cover your home and the items on it from serious ice damage. For example, hail damage is usually protected from this danger. You can also get coverage for problems as diverse as ice dams and as damaging as severe ice buildup on your windows and walls.

The exact nature of your coverage will, naturally, vary depending on your policy. Most dwelling insurance types will cover your garage, barns, and storage sheds from this kind of damage. Just as importantly, they will keep your home from serious injuries caused by ice storms.

Roof Collapse May Also Be Covered

Typically, your dwelling insurance will also cover the collapse of roofs on your home and other buildings on your property. For example, the kind of ice and snow buildup that occurs on older sheds may cause them to collapse unexpectedly.

This shocking situation can be even worse if it happens to your home. Thankfully, you should be able to get some kind of coverage for this problem. This type of insurance can not only provide you with coverage for repairs but any temporary-relocation costs. For example, if a collapsed roof forces you to live in a hotel for a few months, you should be covered. 

Staying Covered With Us

At Advantage Insurance Network, we provide Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding area with dwelling insurance that can protect your home from serious ice damage. Talk to us today to learn more.