advantage insurance network

How does commercial insurance protect my small business?

Posted on by AgentInsure

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?”

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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

Posted on by AgentInsure

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

Posted on by AgentInsure

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?

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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

Posted on by AgentInsure

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.

How to protect yourself as a condo owner

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Are you a condo unit owner in Cincinnati, OH? One of your concerns will be how best to protect your condo unit from weather perils, theft or damage. The smartest to do this would be to have a condo insurance policy as other factors may not be within your control.

What is Condo Insurance?

Condo insurance is cover taken by Condo unit owners to meet the financial obligation in case it is damaged by certain perils such as fire or stolen. The policy covers the interior structure of the unit, liability and loss of use, and owner’s personal liability.

Condo unit owners own a small section of large buildings, making their insurance needs very unique. Finding the right cover for your condo unit is essential. At Advantage Insurance Network, we have the top-rated insurance companies. Our dedicated agents will help find a customized cover that meets your needs.

There are different variations of the condo policy, that is, additional coverage and specialty coverage. All Condo Insurance policies will include

  • General liability coverage-This covers the condo unit from such liabilities as personal injury and bodily damage. Any injuries to third parties within your condo association may sue you for the damages. The general liability coverage caters to the financial obligations of these lawsuits.
  • Property Insurance-This covers your Condo unit and Condo association common areas from fire theft and natural disasters.

In Cincinnati, OH, you may consider having an added cover based on the location of your condo unit and other factors of your property. Condo unit owners insure themselves against any errors that could be made by the condo association through its directors.

A variety of risks need to be evaluated before taking up the condo insurance policy. Our agents at Advantage Insurance Network will guide through the process and ensure you receive value for your money. Please visit the Advantage insurance Network website or give us a call for information!

I’m Young and Healthy, Do I need Health Insurance?

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When we’re young, we feel like we’re going to live forever. We have a hard time imagining sickness or even diminishing strength and beauty. However, time sometimes tells a different story. Sometimes tome is not a factor at all. Sickness, accidents, and other unforeseen circumstances can put us in the middle of a situation that may require medical attention. Plus, this attention could be costly. What do you do if you don’t have health insurance and don’t have the money to pay for an expensive procedure or an ongoing condition?

Expect the Unexpected

The Advantage Insurance Network of Cincinnati, OH knows how misleading youth can be when it comes to young people investing in health insurance. This sense of invincibility comes from a lack of experience for the most part. However, life can and does change and sometimes those changes come quicker than we think they will. If you’re in a car accident or develop a chronic illness, the medical treatment required may be extensive and ongoing. Most of us, young and old, don’t have the out of pocket money to pay for these types of medical experiences. 

We ALL Need Health Insurance

Young or old, health insurance makes sense for everyone. Health insurance allows us to practice prevention by visiting a doctor regularly. Even small mishaps and emergencies can be costly, stitches and a broken bone can run us hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Who has the cash for that? Most of us don’t. Many young people may argue that they can’t afford health insurance. However, there are plans and different types of insurance to fit a wide variety of different situations. Honestly, you can’t afford NOT to have health insurance. Living without is is similar to hoping that you’ll never get a cold or cut yourself. Both of these scenarios are probably inevitable.

Invest In Yourself Early

The clear easy answer is yes. Young people need health insurance. Everyone does. The young and the old get sick. The young and the old have accidents and may experience chronic illness. Health insurance acts as a safety net for any health issue, large or small, that may require you to pay for it out of pocket. Give Advantage Insurance Network of Cincinnati, OH a call. We look forward to helping you navigate your health insurance needs.

New condo owner? Why you need condo insurance

Posted on by AgentInsure

With Condo insurance policy, you will be able to protect your condo units while getting personal liability and living expense coverage. This policy is also known as the wall in policy as wall in coverage as they protect your individual unit.

Types of liabilities under condo insurance

  • General liability

The condominium is covered from such liabilities as personal injury and bodily damage. If one was to fall or slip within your property, you can seek compensation from the condo association. This is what makes this policy a necessity while dealing with commercial property.

  • Property Insurance

Under property insurance, your condo is protected from disaster. In instances of fire, natural disaster, and theft, property insurance provides protection to the condo association as well as the unit.

What is covered by the condo insurance policy

  • Building and property: the condo itself including its walls and fixtures.
  • Personal liability: legal costs from claims and lawsuits against you.
  • Personal property: electronics furniture and other movable goods.
  • Loss assessment: any part of your losses shared out by the condo association.

A condo insurance policy will normally have a list of named policy to be covered. Any peril not captured may not be paid out. At Advantage Insurance Network, Cincinnati OH, additional coverage will be offered to you if more perils need to be covered or where you require a higher limit is desired.

What to consider when taking the condo insurance policy

  • Additional value

It is prudent to consider any additional value-added on the fixtures or construction to have this covered on the policy. Such factors as the renovation of structures may put the overall value of your condo over limit covered.

  • Limit required

When taking a condo insurance policy, consider the limit you would want to be covered. This ensures that in case of any disaster, you receive value proportionate to your losses.

Our professionals at Cincinnati, OH, will support you in getting an appropriate policy for you. Visit our website or call us for more information. 

 

 

 

Can You Still Pay Employees if Your Business is Temporarily Inoperable?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Do you own a business in Cincinnati, OH? Have you experienced time periods where your business was inoperable and you were not able to pay your employees? If so, you are in need of business interruption coverage that is available with commercial insurance. Below is an overview of this coverage and how it can benefit your business. 

What is business interruption coverage? 

This type of coverage refers to your business being closed for reasons out of your control, which impacts the salary of your employees. With this coverage, you are able to still pay them their regular check and maintain your employees. This coverage is available for only certain types of situations. 

It covers the following:

  • Employee wages
  • Taxes
  • Rent
  • Loan payments

This coverage helps your business stay afloat while you are not able to work so that you can jump right back into business upon reopening. 

When can I use this coverage?

Natural disasters that include uncontrollable weather are one of the most common reasons for businesses to utilize this coverage option. This includes winter weather that has removed power from the business or damaged the business to the point of repairs. Accidental fires that were not caused by the business are also situations that would call for this coverage.

However, all of these incidents must be covered initially with commercial property insurance first, as this policy is only supplemental and aids the initial policy. 

Get your coverage today.

At Advantage Insurance Network, we want to see all of our local businesses thrive even in situations out of their control. If you own a business in or around Cincinnati, OH, give us a call today to get the information you need about business interruption coverage and how it can help you.