The Importance of Contractors Insurance

Work accidents can happen at any time in Cincinnati, OH. Contactors insurance can help protect you from these accidents. Contractors will face hazards every day and can be held responsible for a number of liability issues. Insurance is the safety net that helps protect you from financial ruin if you find yourself dealing with an expensive lawsuit.

There are two types of contractors insurance you should be aware of when speaking with an agent at Advantage Insurance Network. Liability insurance will cover any injuries or property damage. However, this usually doesn’t cover the cost to replace or repair any shoddy work. Construction liability insurance can be used for injury claims, damage claims, product claims, and copyright claims. It can give you protection from trespassers. When you take over a property at the start of the contract, you assume any liability for what happens on the site. This can include injury to trespassers. You also get protection for independent contractors and subcontractors. Even if these people have the right insurance, they could still sue you if they feel you are responsible for their injuries.

Workers compensation insurance will pay for injured workers and medical expenses or lost wages. It will also pay a death benefit to families for any contractors killed on the job.

Contractors aren’t the only ones who should be concerned with this insurance in Cincinnati, OH. If you are hiring contractors, you want to verify proof of insurance before you allow them to do any work for you. If you don’t, you could be held responsible for any costs if a contractor is injured or an accident occurs on the property. As a contractor, if you don’t have insurance you could be passed up for numerous jobs, affecting the bottom line of your business.

Contact Advantage Insurance Network to get a quote on contractors insurance. 

What is Condo Insurance?

For those that own a condo, condo insurance is something that you certainly need to take the time to consider. For those that live in the Cincinnati, OH area, the agents with Advantage Insurance Network can help you to create a policy that works for you and your particular condo.

So what is condo insurance? Much like traditional home insurance, a condo policy is going to protect the property itself as well as those that are staying in it and the contents of the condo. If you are renting your condo out or you are not living in it all the time, you may want to make sure that the policy has a renters clause that protects both you and the renter. Condo insurance is not like home insurance in that it does have some special extra clauses that are particular to a condo situation. These policies are tailored to condo living and to special instances that might happen in a condo.

If you own the condo you are certainly going to want to get condo insurance as you have to depend on the fact that the other tenants in the complex are not going to cause damage to the building or that some issue in another part of the building is not going to cause a great deal of issues with your unit. If you are renting you can always take out a renter policy that is going to protect your unit and your possessions within the condo should something happen. You want to make sure your belongings and your space is protected no matter what. For those in the Cincinnati, OH area, the agents with Advantage Insurance Network can help you to find the condo policy that works best for you and for your particular situation.  

3 Tips for Buying Flood Insurance in Cincinnati, OH

A flood is probably the last thing on your mind, but they do happen – even in Cincinnati, OH. For this reason, it’s important to be protected in the event that your property experiences a flood. Water damage is one of the worst experiences a homeowner or business owner can encounter. If you’re considering adding flood insurance to protect your valuable investments, here are three ways you can save money in the process.

1. Compare Several Quotes

It’s important to compare several quotes when choosing flood insurance, especially if this type of insurance is new to you. By looking in detail at more than one quote, you will get a better sense of what flood insurance covers and what it costs. From here, the agents at Advantage Insurance Network can help you understand each quote and determine which one is the best for your needs.

2. Bundle All Your Insurance Policies

Bundling is one of the best and easiest ways to save money on flood insurance. If you like the insurance carrier who currently holds your other insurance policies, like auto insurance, life insurance, and home insurance, consider bundling your flood insurance with them. On the other hand, you can always switch your insurance policies to a new carrier who offers the best discounts for bundling.

3. Work with a Reputable Agent

Working with a trusted, reputable insurance agent serving the Cincinnati, OH are will guarantee your purchase the best flood insurance for your property. Insurance agents understand the quotes and can easily explain the coverage to you.

To learn more about purchasing flood insurance, contact the team at Advantage Insurance Network today.

What is Covered by Restaurant and Bar Insurance?

Restaurant and bar insurance is different than the usual kind of commercial insurance, Advantage Insurance Network, serving Cincinnati, OH, explains. The food and beverage industry’s unique nature can leave an owner legally exposed if a mishap occurs to any of the customers he or she serves

Like other forms of commercial insurance, restaurant and bar insurance will protect you against equipment failure, theft or other crime, a disaster such as a fire or flood, and lengthy downtime because of a natural disaster. However, the main virtue of taking out a restaurant and bar insurance policy is that it covers you in case of harm done to a customer.

Suppose that a customer at your establishment suffers food poisoning or perhaps gets something caught in his or her airway. You can be insured against such expenses as legal fees, medical costs, and the cost of a settlement if your business is sued.

The liabilities of any establishment serving alcohol can be even more daunting. Any experienced bartender or server can tell if a customer is inebriated and strongly suggest that he or she get a ride home. However, some drunken customers can slip through the cracks and leave your establishment, causing a horrendous accident on the road. You, as a business owner who serves liquor, could find yourself legally liable for property damage, injury, and even death caused by the accident your customer brought about. Altercations at the bar itself between customers who have had too much to drink can also lead to legal action.

For further questions about how restaurant and bar insurance can protect you, contact Advantage Insurance Network serving Cincinnati, OH.

Does My Insurance Cover Defects in Workmanship?

Advantage Insurance Network offers contractors in the Cincinnati, OH area a variety of insurance policies that can help to protect against any type of financial loss, including defects in workmanship. As a contractor, quality and professionalism are important aspects of any business. There are times, however, when mistakes are made. Whether the mistakes are caused by defects in materials or defects in workmanship, you have a responsibility to make things right.

Defects in Workmanship

Defects in workmanship can mean anything from miscalculations in measurements or choosing the wrong type of materials. It may also mean that the completed work did not meet or exceed industry standards or the expectations of the client. In most cases, industry standards and company protocols are consistently me without question. It’s during the time when these types of discrepancies are discovered, that an insurance policy is essential.

Defects in Materials

Not every piece of material will be perfect. Defects in materials can result in defects in workmanship. In order to protect the integrity of the contractor’s work, any defective materials must be removed or replaced. If defective materials are used inadvertently, it’s important to correct the problem as soon as possible and maintain the standards of the industry in terms of quality.

The agents of Advantage Insurance Network serve contractors throughout the Cincinnati, OH and provide them with the most effective policy options available. The agents know and understand the ramifications that follow claims of defects in workmanship or the use of faulty materials. Schedule a consultation today to ensure you are fully protected against any type of claim, including those associated with materials and workmanship.

 

Protecting Your Important Asset with Motorcycle Insurance

According to the World Atlas, there are more than 402,000 motorcyclists registered in the State of Ohio, including Cincinnati, OH. These many vehicles on the road mean a need for motorcycle insurance coverage. This type of insurance is essential for you in order to protect your motorcycle from any financial loss that is accidental in nature. This includes collisions and crashes, other accidents, property damage, and bodily injury.

If you have insurance for your auto it makes sense to protect your motorcycle as well. The Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH, through those licensed agents who work with the group can provide you with the information you need to make a well-informed decision about the appropriate motorcycle insurance for you.

Motorcycle insurance is designed specifically for your motorcycle. It is also designed to meet the State of Ohio’s minimum requirements for insurance protection. If you own a motorcycle in the Cincinnati, OH area, you will need to have in place no less than $25,000 in bodily injury liability, $50,000 per accident protection, and $25,000 of property damage liability coverage.

You may also elect to purchase other options for your motorcycle. This includes comprehensive protection that provides you with the peace of mind needed in the event that your vehicle is ever damaged, stolen, or vandalized. You may also add protection against uninsured or underinsured cyclists, and put in place motorcycle insurance coverage for customized replacement parts (like chrome) instead of standard factory parts in the event of a crash or collision.

Advantage Insurance Network of Cincinnati, OH has worked with it licensed professional agents who can assess your need for motorcycle insurance. At a minimum, these agents can provide you with the minimum liability requirements for the State of Ohio. Take the important first step and find out how much insurance protection you need for your motorcycle.

Will I Need Additional Coverage with My Renter’s Association Insurance Policy?

Renters living in an apartment complex or home in Cincinnati, OH can definitely benefit from having their own policy. But what exactly is the renter responsible for? What duty falls upon the landlord? Will I need excess coverage where my rental policy falls short? If you are renting, it is beneficial for you to look into the benefits of having renter’s insurance. Advantage Insurance Network has your questions answered below.

Renter’s policies usually cover the same things a home insurance policy would cover. Things that have been damaged, destroyed, or stolen from your home are an example of these things. Other things covered by a renter’s policy? The legal liability in the case that someone is injured on your property. One of the benefits of renter’s insurance is that in the case of a lawsuit, the insurance company must provide the renter with defense.

Renter’s insurance is not required by law in Cincinnati, OH, but many landlords will require tenants to obtain some before their move-in. This requirement is often written into the lease agreement the tenant signs.

With all of these rules in place, do you really need more coverage for your rented place of residence? Renter’s insurance covers your belongings, but what about the structure of the building such as walls and flooring? In the case of renters and landlords, the responsibility to insure falls upon the owner of the home. The building owner will probably have a policy to protect the building in the case of a fire or flood. The owner of your apartment complex or home is also responsible for general liability.

If you have more questions, contact Advantage Insurance Network today.

What Can You Do To Protect Your Condo?

 Condos are a great convenient living option for many people. Keeping your condo safe and secure begins with a great renter insurance plan or condo insurance plan. In addition to that, here a few other steps you can take to make sure your condo is a safe haven.

Install and Check Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are the first line of defense in protecting your condo from unnecessary fire risks. Smoke detectors are only as effective as their maintenance, however. Installing smoke detectors properly is only the first step. Smoke detectors should be checked regularly to ensure that batteries are operating properly.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon Monoxide has been called the silent killer because those who fall victim to these toxic fumes rarely realize that they are even in danger. Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas that can build up in a room or home. Once this fume reaches dangerous levels it can become lethal for those inside. A carbon monoxide detector can alert homeowners to levels of carbon monoxide inside the home.

Install Security System

If your condo did not come with a security system, then making the effort to install and activate one is a great way to keeping your home safe. Security systems add an extra layer of protection to your home and alert rescue workers if there is an emergency.

Good Lighting

Good exterior lighting is essential to keeping a safe environment in your condo. Interior lighting is also necessary to avoid accidents at night within your condo. Keep light bulbs checked regularly in your interior and exterior fixtures.

Be Neighborly

Getting to know your neighbors is also a great way to make sure that your condo is a safe place while you’re home and while you’re away. Neighbors are a great support system to help you keep your place and the entire complex a safer place.

For more information on how to insure your condo contact an agent today at Advantage Insurance Network serving the Cincinnati, OH area. 

Do You Need A Specialty Insurer for Your Motorcycle?

There are some advantages that come with buying coverage from a specialty provider. It may or may not be necessary to buy from a specialty insurance company, depending on a number of factors. Many bike owners are more than happy covering their motorcycle with the same provider that insures their car. Others may prefer a seller that exclusively sells motorcycle insurance. Here are some factors to consider:

Some General Providers Charge More For Motorcycle Insurance

The risks that come with owning a bike may lead to higher rates with many insurance providers. Specialty providers often boast lower rates in order to attract business. This doesn’t mean that a more general provider like Advantage Insurance Network will wind up costing you more, or that any given specialty provider will cost you less, only that this is sometimes the case.

A Motorcycle Specialty Insurer Will Only Cover Your Motorcycle

Obviously, you aren’t going to get your motorcycle covered under an umbrella policy with your home and your car if you’re going with a specialty provider. This means that, even if it technically costs less to insure your bike, it could wind up costing you more overall in the discounts you could be missing out on.

Comparing Quotes Is Your Best Bet

Because there are so many variables in what will determine your rates and the kind of coverage you can get, a specialty provider might not always be your best bet, no matter how highly recommended they may be. The discounts and products available from a general insurance provider might wind up adding up to a much better deal than you’ll get from a specialty provider.

In short, keep specialty insurance providers in mind during your search, but don’t write general providers off.

 

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Auto Insurance in Cincinnati, Ohio

Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH is an independent agency that prides itself on helping its customers get the auto insurance coverage they need at the price they deserve. Below are the top five ways you can look at today to help save money on your car insurance.

  1. Multi-policy – Bundling your auto insurance with a homeowners or renters insurance policy can save up to 20% on your premium on both policies. Having both policies with the same insurance company can also help prevent dangerous gaps in coverage.
  2. Shop in advance – Many companies offer “Advance Purchase” or “Advance Quote” discounts for new customers. Thinking about and shopping your insurance around in advance of your renewal date shows a responsibility level companies like to reward. Companies can offer discounts anywhere from 3 days to 21 days in advance of your policy start date. This discount can be up to 10%.
  3.  Consider Installing a Monitoring Device – Many companies are now offering a discount for installing a monitoring device in your car. Most track mileage, time of driving and hard braking. Think you’re a good driver? This is the easiest way to get the discount you think you deserve.   This discount can be up to 30%.
  4. Ask if your company offers an e-policy or paperless discount – If you are reading this blog, chances are you have an email address you check regularly. Many companies now offer discounts for customers choosing to receive policy documents via email instead of through the USPS. Typically this discount is 5%.
  5. Buy your policy from an Independent Agent who can shop your insurance for you – Nobody wants to spend hours on the phone, repeating the same information over and over to get quotes from different companies. Advantage Insurance Network represents over a dozen companies. Just call us or visit our website (www.myadvantageinsurance.com) and give your information one time. That’s all it takes to get multiple quotes from top rated companies.

If you think you could benefit from any of these discounts, give Advantage Insurance Network a call. We can help you review your auto insurance policy to make sure you are not leaving any potential discounts on the table.