Is Business Insurance Only for Large Companies?

Do you have a small business or a home-based business in Cincinnati, OH? Business insurance isn’t just for larger companies. Even a single person doing any kind of commercial activity can benefit from business insurance. Advantage Insurance Network offers business policies to suit even the smallest businesses.

Why Small Businesses Need Business Insurance

All business creates liability. You can sell small, handmade trinkets from home, or rent a small office space somewhere.

In all cases, you create risks just by engaging in any form of business activity. Those risks can cost you a great deal if you don’t protect yourself against them.

The risks your small business creates will depend on the type of business. Generally, if you’re selling someone a product or a service, you create the risk of that product or service causing harm in some way.

Even when the harm is negligible, someone may attempt to sue you for damages. This can happen no matter the size of your business.

In addition, your business also comes with assets. Even if all you’re using is some craft materials and a computer, you’ll want to protect those things.

For example, if someone steals your laptop, you may find yourself out of business for a little while. If a fire destroys your inventory, you’ll have to pay in time and money to replace it all.

For people working from home, you need to understand your home insurance may not cover anything business-related. Check with your home insurance policy if you’re running any business activities from your home or any other part of your property.

What Kind of Business Insurance Does Your Small Business Need

You need business insurance that will protect you, your equipment, and your finances if something untoward happens. Your business insurance needs will depend on what you’re doing and how you’re doing it. To find a business insurance package tailored to your small business in Cincinnati, OH, contact Advantage Insurance Network today.

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.

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.

Getting Commercial Insurance for a New Business or a New Location

If you are just starting a new business, one of your main concerns will be getting commercial insurance coverage that provides adequate coverage. Another thing that causes a need for an upgrade to commercial insurance is when a business expands to open a new location. Commercial insurance includes coverage for your workers for on-the-job injuries or death under the State Workers’ Compensation Insurance program. You also need to coverage of your commercial property for damage to business property. Additionally, you need liability insurance for any damages caused to customers or third-parties. 

If your new business or new location is in Cincinnati or the surrounding areas, the agents at Advantage Insurance Network LLC will be happy to discuss the details of the coverage you need to be sure you have adequate commercial insurance protection. If your business has more than one location there may be advantages of insuring all of them with one underwriter.

In order to get a comprehensive quote from your insurance agent, you will need to collect information about your business. This same information is needed for policy renewals and upgrades.

Here is a handy checklist  of the basic things you will need (additional information may be required):

  • Business Owner(s) Information – Name, Percentage of Ownership, Address, Date of Birth, Social Security # or Federal Tax ID #, Telephone, Mobile Phone, and Email Address.
  • Business Information – Business Description, Website, Legal Entity Type (C or S corp., LLC etc.), Year Business Started, Federal Tax ID #, List of Directors and Officers.
  • Employee Information – Number of Employees, Employee Breakdown by Job Description, and Payroll Information by Job Description.
  • Previous Insurance Coverage – Insurance Carriers (Past Three Years) and Copies of Current Policies.

For all of your commercial insurance needs contact an agent at Advantage Insurance Network LLC serving Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. We look forward to helping make your business a success.

Popular Commercial Insurance Policy Additions

Whether you work from home or you have a separate office space, protecting your business also protects your livelihood. To do this, you need to invest in commercial insurance. Now, commercial insurance is not a one size fits all kind of situation. There are different policy additions to consider in order to make sure your company has the right protection. At Advantage Insurance Network, we are here to make sure your Cincinnati, OH business is protected in any possible situation. 

Liability Insurance

There are multiple kinds of liability insurance options available for you and your business. This includes both General Liability Insurance and Professional Liability Insurance. Each provides slightly different forms of coverage, so you need to consider the two in order to select the option best for you. An experienced commercial insurance agent can help with this. Product liability insurance is another form of coverage to consider if you offer products to the general public.

Property Insurance

You don’t need to own your own building in order to need property insurance. This covers lost stock, signage, equipment and other materials your business uses in the event of theft or a storm. 

Vehicle Insurance

Even if you run a home business and use your own vehicle for deliveries or other business practices, you’ll need commercial insurance on the vehicle. Your auto insurance provider likely will not cover the time you are driving your vehicle for work.

It doesn’t matter what kind of business you have, the size of your company or the products you deliver, proper protection is important. At Advantage Insurance Network, we want to do whatever we can to assist with offering advice and assistance in insuring your Cincinnati, OH company. So whether you have questions or are ready to protect your business, we are here to help. 

Commercial Insurance in Cincinnati Ohio: Finding the Right Company for You

What does it mean to find the right company for you? Each person’s answers will be different because we all have different priorities. For some, the right company may be the cheapest because that’s their biggest consideration. For others, it will have to do with the caliber of people who work there and the quality of their work. We’ll give you a few hints about what to look for when you’re trying to find the right commercial insurance in Cincinnati, OH.

Figuring Out the Answers 

If you ask the insurance company to direct questions in a row, do you just get the one answer? Does the person on the other end of the conversation seem interested in how your business works or does it just sound like they’re reading off a standard form? These are truly important things to consider before signing with anyone because it will ensure that you don’t get a company who will lead you down the wrong road when it comes to picking out a policy. And it also means that you’ll find someone helpful should you have an event happen that needs to be covered. 

Understanding It All 

Advantage Insurance Network knows commercial insurance, and our agents are to here to make your journey an easier one. From reminding you about current laws to updating your coverage, we’re here to take care of it all. We make our clients the priority, which means that you won’t just feel like another face in the crowd or another number from a major insurance carrier boasting about how many people sign up with them on a daily basis. Whether you have a question or want a quote, give us a call to learn more. 

 

The Rennaissance of Norwood, Ohio

Those who lived and worked around Norwood, Ohio and the Cincinnati area in general refer to that day in 1986 as “Black Wednesday”. It was the date General Motors announced the closing of its Norwood General Motors Plant. Less than a year later, on August 26, 1987, the plant produced its last car, and a whopping 4,300 people were estimated to have lost their jobs.

It couldn’t have been a darker time for what was then, a very blue collar community. Norwood and its residents appreciated its independence from its large neighbor to the south, but it was facing potential bankruptcy. But the community and its leaders dug in. A deal was worked out for GM to demolish the giant plant and donate the land to the city. In 1990, the Central Parke revitalization began. New roadways were built. Then came the Rockwood Pavilion and Rockwood Commons. The area began attracting younger, more upscale families who gave a boost to the housing prices in the area. In 2006 the Linden Point project got underway and the progress has continued. Norwood and its 45212 zip code has been the subject of national news articles on its rebirth, including a not so pleasant eminent domain case that the community has put behind them.

The Renaissance of Norwood has been amazing, and the community has never looked back. It is an area where businesses and residents want to be.

If you are a business owner in the area, we would appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your commercial insurance. Our independent agents can get quotes from multiple companies to get you the best price possible without sacrificing coverage.

See for yourself with your personal insurance. Visit our website to get a comparative quote on your auto or homeowners insurance. For business insurance quotes, contact us.

We are the Advantage Insurance Network and we are proud to serve the resilient Norwood community. We would be pleased to serve you.

Is Your Cincinnati, Ohio Business Insurance Keeping Pace?

We have seen some big changes to Cincinnati, Ohio in recent years. Industry has expanded, retail is growing, and the Riverfront has undergone a facelift. There have been significant changes to our area highways and our sports stadiums. Many areas are rebounding from the recent recession and many businesses are growing and doing well.

If you have a business in the Queen City, is your commercial insurance keeping pace?

You can outgrow your business insurance in many ways. Perhaps you were previously leasing but have decided to purchase a building. Maybe you carry more inventory than you used to. You may have made investments in new machinery, electronics and computers. Maybe overall, you simply have more at stake. All of these can factor in having business insurance that may no longer cover you adequately.

The best solution is having a commercial insurance review. Advantage Insurance Network is an independent insurance agency serving the Cincinnati area. As independent agents, we can review your insurance, no matter who the original underwriter was. If you choose, we can scour multiple insurance providers finding the best coverage for your commercial insurance dollar. If you haven’t had an insurance review in a while, now is the time to contact us.

If you would like to compare rates for your personal insurance, visit our website. Here you can easily get comparative quotes on your homeowners or auto insurance. For a business insurance quote, contact us directly.

We have seen it all in Southwest Ohio. Advantage Insurance Network is proud of our area and our resilience. As we move forward again, make sure your business insurance is keeping up. Contact us for your free, no obligation commercial insurance review. We look forward to talking with you.

Commercial Insurance Rates in Cincinnati, OH

As the owner of a commercial property in the Cincinnati, OH area you may be wondering how to get the best commercial insurance rates. This actually depends upon several different things, but there is one thing that every commercial property owner can do that will always allow for access to the lowest possible commercial coverage prices. The best thing you can do when you want good commercial insurance rates is to compare.

There are almost countless insurance providers out there today, and they are most decidedly not all created equally. You can get nearly identical policies from multiple insurance providers today, but you might be astonished at just how much the rates on these commercial policies can really vary. This is the reason that comparison is so vital. No matter how much money you may have to devote to insurance, it just makes no sense to spend more than you really need to.

An independent insurance agency can be your best friend when you are trying to get the insurance quotes that you need to make accurate commercial policy comparisons. Independent agencies don’t work for one large insurance provider. Instead, they work for themselves and enter into partnerships with dozens of different large insurance providers, forming a working relationship with each of them so that they can secure policy quotes for their clients.

In most cases, an independent insurance agency will generate at least three different commercial policy quotes for you to compare and consider. This will allow you to make sure you’re getting the lowest rates, and will allow you to verify that your commercial coverage is comparable to that being offered by other insurance providers.

Don’t allow yourself to get stuck with high rates and poor coverage in your commercial policy. Instead, you can compare quotes on the Web through Advantage Ins Network. We will give you multiple quotes in only minutes so you can easily find the best rates and policy!