Frequently Asked Questions About Dwelling Fire Insurance

Do you have a rental property in Cincinnati, OH? You probably need dwelling fire insurance. Also known as landlord insurance, dwelling fire insurance is similar to home insurance, only that it’s suitable for people who own a home and use it for rental purposes.

Want to learn more about dwelling fire insurance? At Advantage Insurance Network, we have prepared a FAQs section to shed more light on this insurance.

Who needs dwelling fire insurance?

As mentioned, dwelling fire insurance is ideal for seasonal, non-occupied homes or homes used as rentals. This policy may also be ideal for homes under construction or low-value homes, including mobile and older homes.

Does dwelling fire insurance cover fire alone?

Unlike its name, the dwelling fire insurance policy doesn’t only cover your home against fire and smoke. This policy, like home insurance, protects your structure against several risks. The difference is that home insurance covers your home against numerous risks with a few exceptions. The dwelling fire insurance covers your home only against perils named in your policy.

What does dwelling fire insurance cover?

Wondering what’s covered by your landlord’s insurance? Here are coverage options included in this policy:

  • Dwelling coverage: This coverage protects your building structure against perils like fire, lightning, falling objects, etc. Dwelling fire coverage will only protect your home against the risks listed in your policy. Always ensure your coverage is against the replacement value of your home, not the market value.
  • Liability coverage: It covers you when accused of bodily injury and property damage liability claims.
  • Other structures: Your dwelling fire coverage protects detached structures like the fence, pool, and wall.

Still have more questions about dwelling fire insurance? Please feel free to contact Advantage Insurance Network for more information about dwelling fire insurance.

How Much Flood Insurance Do I Need?

If you live in America, you know this country is not a stranger to floods. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the US, causing billions of property damage yearly. Since typical home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, many Cincinnati, OH homeowners have invested in flood insurance to protect their homes against flooding.

Suppose you have flood insurance, congratulations! But do you have sufficient coverage? Underinsuring your home against floods may catch you off-guard when you least expect it. And because at Advantage Insurance Network, we don’t like to see our clients caught by surprise when filing claims, the post below is a guide on the amount of flood insurance you should purchase.

Satisfy your mortgage requirements

If your home is in a flood zone, your lender requires you to purchase flood insurance to protect your home. Your lender probably requires you to purchase flood insurance equivalent to or higher than the outstanding loan or the cost of rebuilding your home.

Remember that your lender’s requirements may differ from what you need. For instance, if the outstanding loan balance is way below the value of your house, you need to reconsider your flood insurance amount.

How much flood insurance do I need?

Assuming you don’t have a mortgage or want optimal protection for your home, here is the guide to help you purchase sufficient flood insurance.

  • The amount should be enough to rebuild your home: Purchase flood insurance equivalent to your home’s replacement value. This ensures your flood insurance can rebuild your home from the ground up in the worst-case scenario.
  • Your flood insurance should replace all your assets: Set up a home inventory count and value everything in your possession. Buy flood insurance coverage that can replace all your assets if swept by floods.

Still not sure how much flood insurance you need in Cincinnati, OH? No problem. Please get in touch with Advantage Insurance Network for tailor-made advice.

How To Choose The Right Motorcycle Insurance

Ohio is a great state to be a motorcyclist since there are lots of open roads and sceneries that you can discover. However, to enjoy your motorcycle adventures properly, you need motorcycle insurance. At Advantage Insurance Network, we assist motorcyclists in Cincinnati, OH, and beyond figure out their motorcycle insurance matters. Here is a professional guide to choosing the right motorcycle insurance. 

1. Don’t Just Settle for a Basic Insurance policy With low premiums

When it comes to insurance, it’s usually tempting to try and save money by picking a basic policy with low premiums. A basic policy will likely not provide you with sufficient protection to ride with peace of mind as a motorcycle rider. You should consider a motorcycle insurance policy that extensively covers you and your bike if you want sufficient protection. 

2. Confirm Whether the Motorcycle Insurance Policy Has Winter Storage Coverage

Your motorbike likely sits in storage during the winter months. Therefore, it’s critical that you pick a motorcycle insurance policy that has winter storage coverage, also known as layup coverage. This coverage enables you to pause liability and other coverages that are only important when driving until winter is over. Thus, you will be able to pay lower premiums when your bike is in storage during the winter months. 

3. Check the Premium Discount Criterion

Some insurers offer premium discounts for motorcyclists who take a motorcycle safety course, install anti-theft devices, and maintain an outstanding driving record. Check and confirm that the insurer you are considering has a similar premium discount criterion, as it will reduce the cost of the policy. 

Get in Touch With the Agent Serving Cincinnati, OH

At Advantage Insurance Network, we are committed to ensuring that you are well protected when riding your motorcycle across Ohio. Contact the agent serving Cincinnati and book an appointment today.

Debunking Common Boat Insurance Myths

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions when it comes to boat insurance. Some people think it’s a waste of money, while others believe they don’t need it because their boat is "small." This post will debunk some of the most common myths about boat insurance.

Myth 1: Boat Insurance Is a Waste of Money

This is one of the most common myths about boat insurance. Many people think that they don’t need insurance because their boat is small or they don’t use it often. Even if you have a small boat or only use it occasionally, it’s still a good idea to have insurance. Boat insurance can protect you from many different things, including damage to your boat, theft, and liability.

Myth 2: You Don’t Need Boat Insurance When It’s Docked

Another common myth about boat insurance is that you don’t need it when your boat is docked. This is not true. Even when your boat is docked, it’s still susceptible to damage from weather, vandalism, and other risks. Boat insurance can protect you from these risks, even when your boat is not used.

Myth 3: My Homeowners Insurance Will Cover My Boat

This is another myth that a lot of people believe. While it’s true that some homeowners insurance have riders that will cover your boat while it’s on your property, this is not always the case. And even if your homeowner’s insurance does cover your boat, it’s usually for a limited amount. So, it’s still a good idea to have separate boat insurance to make sure you’re fully covered.

Myth 4: Boat Insurance Is Expensive

This is another common myth about boat insurance. Many people think that because boat insurance covers a lot of risks, it must be expensive. However, this is not always the case. Boat insurance rates vary depending on several factors, including the type of boat you have, where you live, and how often you use your boat. So, it’s possible to get affordable boat insurance.

As you can see, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about boat insurance. However, the truth is that boat insurance can be very beneficial. It can protect you from many different risks, even when your boat is not used. Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH can help you find the right boat insurance policy for your needs. Give us a call today to get started.

4 Optional add-ons to a Ohio auto insurance policy

Minimum auto insurance coverage is rarely enough.

Although the Ohio Financial Responsibility Law sets specific auto insurance requirements for all drivers, these only protect against bodily injury and property damage liability. Luckily, you’ve got options.

Advantage Insurance Network can help ensure you’re adequately insured. Located in Cincinnati, OH, the agency offers countless options to minimize your risk and ensure you’re adequately covered. While this isn’t the complete list of available options, Advantage Insurance Network lists four essential auto insurance add-ons.

Collision

As the name implies, this provides additional coverage that results from a collision. These benefits can pay for repair costs that result from physical damage, no matter who is determined to be at fault. Although this isn’t required by law, some lenders may mandate collision protection to get a loan.

Comprehensive

Any other physical damage to your vehicle is rolled into comprehensive coverage. This includes most non-collision incidents, including vandalism, theft, accidents involving animals, and weather-related damage. When combined with collision, this package of add-ons is often referred to as "full coverage."

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage

Unfortunately, not everyone follows the law. If you are involved with another driver who lacks proper or adequate coverage, you may be stuck footing the bill. Uninsured or underinsured motorist protection would kick in. This allows you to make claims with your insurer to supplement repair costs and liability.

Medical payments

Medical payments, also known as first-party benefits, reimburses for medical care regardless of who is at fault. Coverage limits will vary, so it’s important to discuss this with your agent.

Contact an agent serving Cincinnati, OH.

Advantage Insurance Network doesn’t just keep you legal. Most importantly, these make sure you’re adequately protected on the roadways. Inadequate auto insurance can leave you exposed. Schedule an appointment today.

5 Questions To Ask Your Home Insurer Before You Buy a Policy

Home insurance is a tricky subject, and it’s easy to get lost in the maze of different policies and discounts. To find the right policy for your particular home, you need to know what questions to ask before you buy. Here are five questions (and their answers) that will help you make an informed decision so that purchasing a policy is one less thing you have to worry about.

1. What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

A typical home insurance policy covers damage caused by fires, storms, wind, and hail. It also covers theft and vandalism. Most policies will also cover your personal belongings, such as furniture and clothing, up to a specific limit.

2. How Much Coverage Do I Need?

The amount of coverage you need depends on the value of your home and your personal belongings. It’s a good idea to get an estimate of the replacement cost of your home before you purchase a policy. As for your personal belongings, consider how much it would cost to replace them if they were lost or damaged.

3. What Discounts Are Available?

Many insurers offer discounts for things like having a home security system or being claims-free for a certain period. Some even offer discounts if you purchase your policy online. Be sure to ask about any available discounts so you can save money on your premium.

4. What Is the Claims Process Like?

No one wants to file a claim, but it’s essential to know the process if you need to use your coverage. Find out how long it typically takes to process claims and what documentation you’ll need to provide.

5. What Is Customer Service Like?

You’ll want to make sure you’re working with an insurer with good customer service. Find out what the process is for contacting customer service and see how responsive they are to questions and concerns.

Asking these five questions will help you understand what you’re getting into when you purchase a home insurance policy. Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH, can help you find the right policy for your needs to have peace of mind knowing your home is protected. Give us a call today to get started.

What is the value of having life insurance in Ohio?

Anyone that is in the Cincinnati, OH area will need to take their insurance needs seriously. There are various forms of coverage that all people need to consider getting, one of which is life insurance. This is a helpful form of insurance coverage that offers various benefits to policyholders and their beneficiaries. 

Offer Financial Protection for Dependents

A reason that you should get a life insurance plan when you are here is so you can offer financial protection to those that you care the most about. If there are people in your life that you support, it is important that you help protect their financial resources. One of the best ways that you can do this is by getting a life insurance plan and building it to meet the needs of your dependents.

Investment Alternative

You also should get a life insurance plan as it can be a good investment alternative. One popular form of life insurance is whole life coverage. With this type of insurance, you will benefit as some part of your monthly payment will accrue in an account that will grow with interest. In the future, you can close the account and convert this to cash or use it as collateral for a loan.

There are a lot of good reasons to have a life insurance plan in Cincinnati, OH. Since this is such an important form of coverage, you will want to ensure you speak with someone that you can trust about your insurance needs. The team with the Advantage Insurance Network can help you build the right plan for your situation. The Advantage Insurance Network is able to do this by providing you with personalized support, guidance, and consultation that will help ensure they understand what your coverage needs are. 

Why a comprehensive commercial policy may be right for your OH business

If you own a business in the greater Cincinnati, OH metro area and need commercial insurance, give Advantage Insurance Network a call today.

Commercial insurance options available in our area

Owning a business is more than a full-time job. It takes a lot of very hard work and an extreme level of dedication. Building a successful business and keeping it running and growing over the years is no small task. It only makes sense to protect all of the hard work and financial investment that has gone into its success.

With a comprehensive policy, you can secure the protection your company needs. Every business’s insurance needs are different, but there are some basic similarities that many companies share. And, with a comprehensive commercial policy, you can make sure that your business has the protection it needs.

When you are choosing your policy, remember that over the years, your insurance needs and requirements will likely change. That is why we recommend that all of our commercial clients closely and carefully review their policies at least once a year. When it comes to commercial coverage, you will want to examine all of the available options to ensure that you have the right protection. 

Creating a robust insurance portfolio can help you to keep all of your hard work protected. Let us help you make sure that your commercial policy provides the protection your company needs. We are here for you!

Think of us as your commercial insurance partners!

Cincinnati, OH business owners can rely on Advantage Insurance Network for all of their commercial insurance needs. If you are looking for an insurance network that can help you protect your business, give us a call today. We look forward to working with you!

4 Benefits of Condo Insurance

Condominiums are quickly becoming popular in Ohio. And this trend will continue as people try to move closer to urban centers. If you have invested in a condominium, this is the best time to protect your investment in every way. Condo insurance from Advantage Insurance Network is one such protection you can consider for your property.

Do you own a condominium in Cincinnati, OH? Here are the benefits you get when you invest in condo insurance.

Liability protection

You might have a condo owners association policy, but this only covers liabilities happening in common areas like the swimming pool and lobby. You are responsible for injuries or property damages incurring inside your condo. For this reason, you need to invest in condo insurance to cover injuries and property damage that you, your family and your pets cause to others.

Covers your asset

In the unfortunate event you lose your assets, condo insurance covers the replacement. The same applies if your belongings are destroyed by fire and other perils listed in your policy.

Offers loss of use coverage

If your condo is damaged, you don’t have to worry about where to stay as your dwelling undergoes repairs. Condo insurance covers additional living expenses like accommodation, food, and transport you incur as your condo is being repaired.

It gives you peace of mind

With the stressful world we live in, it isn’t easy to have peace of mind. However, certain worries can be taken care of by insurance. For instance, you don’t have to worry about damages and liabilities in your condo if you have condo insurance.

Protect your condominium today

Owning a condominium can be a good investment. But if you want to protect your investment for years to come, you must invest in condo insurance. To get coverage in Cincinnati, OH, please don’t hesitate to contact Advantage Insurance Network for a competitive quote.

What Does Restaurant Insurance Cover?

Restaurants get exposed to a broader range of calamities in Cincinnati, OH. From lawsuits, fires to natural disasters, the danger is always lurking in restaurant businesses. Thankfully, you can cushion your business with restaurant insurance.

Are you a restaurant owner seeking prolific coverage to protect your business from the unthinkable? Please speak with our reputable agents at Advantage Insurance Network, and they will help you select dependable restaurant insurance to help you shun financial instances that are dreadful to overcome.

What does restaurant insurance cover?

It’s imperative to know that no restaurant business is immune to risks and going without insurance is a recipe for disaster. We have policies tailored to protect your restaurant in the below areas:

  • Liability protection: Business owner’s policy (BOP) is a popular and cost-effective viable option for a restaurant. It combines commercial property insurance and general liability insurance under one formidable plan. It’s suitable for food contamination and spoilage and potential business interruption incidences.
  • Protects workers: Many states, including Ohio, requires restaurant joints with employees to carry workers comp insurance irrespective of whether the employees are seasonal or permanent. Restaurant insurance caters to employees’ medical expenses and missed wages benefits after an injury or sickness contracted while working in your restaurant.
  • Protects your commercial vehicles: Does your restaurant own any cars or trucks to run your operations? Worry no more because commercial auto insurance protects your vehicle from accidents and other risks stated in your policy. It also covers injuries to your driver.
  • Liquor liability insurance: It caters to property damage, legal fees, and medical expenses of prevailing injuries if the liquor is sold to an intoxicated client who proceeds to harm other patrons.

If you are a seasoned restaurant owner or aspiring to become one in Cincinnati, OH, it’s critical to invest in restaurant insurance. Ready to get coverage? Please call or visit us at Advantage Insurance Network and get more information about restaurant insurance.