Why Many Places Require Renters Insurance

There are a lot of apartment complexes and even individual landlords that require renters insurance in Cincinnati, OH. It is designed to protect you and your belongings. When you sign the lease, you might even be required to show proof of your insurance policy. Understanding why you’re being required to have a policy will make it easier for you to spend the money.

Property Insurance Doesn’t Cover You

Many people make the assumption that the property in Cincinnati, OH has its own insurance. While this is true, it covers the building. It does not cover any of your personal belongings. As such, it’s important that you have a renter’s insurance policy under your name. Agents at Advantage Insurance Network can assist you with finding affordable insurance.

Anything Can Happen

All sorts of things can happen when you’re renting a home. The apartment above you could flood, sending water down on your furniture. The unit next to you could have a fire and spread into your home. You might even encounter a theft. If anything of yours is stolen or damaged, you have the ability to file a claim with the insurance company.

The level of coverage will vary by insurance company and what you choose. When you have more expensive items, you might need a higher level of coverage than what is typically offered. It’s important to identify how much you need. Some places will even set a minimum level based upon what they have seen needed in the past.

By requiring renters insurance, places take care of you. They identify that they are not responsible and they make sure that you have the coverage on your own. When you call Advantage Insurance Network, one of our agents can help you find the right policy to meet your needs.

 

 

Understanding Condo Insurance Coverage

If you decide to buy a condo instead of renting an apartment or buying a house, you will need to consider condo insurance. Condo insurance is a safety net to protect you and your new property. The Cincinnati, OH agents at Advantage Insurance Network are here to offer you support in your search for the appropriate amount of condo insurance.

Why Condo Insurance

In Ohio, the condos have homeowners associations that maintain insurance for their property. Because you own the unit and not the property, their insurance usually does not cover you. If there were a fire to the exterior of the building, the association would be able to repair the damage with their coverage. If your property inside becomes damaged, you may not be covered.

What You Get from Condo Insurance

Having a condo means you’ll need insurance, just as you would if you owned a house.

  • Personal Liability – if there’s an accident inside of your home, you may be liable for their injuries. You could have to pay the cost of medical bills, equipment, and lawyers’ fees if their injuries are a result of your negligence.
  • Personal Property – if your property is stolen, vandalized, or destroyed, the only way to recover the cost is to have insurance. For example, your condo is burglarized, but you don’t have condo insurance. You would have to replace all of those items out of your own pocket.
  • Building Property – associations may cover the cost of the exterior of your unit, but they don’t generally cover the cost of walls that hold fixtures and built-in bookcases. Condo insurance can help with that.

Buying a condo is a great way to start your life. Make sure to keep your home protected by contacting the agents at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH.

Dwelling FIre Insurance Explained

While a standard home owner’s insurance policy covers the structure and its contents against numerous hazards, a dwelling fire insurance policy covers against a much more narrow set of hazards. It costs less than a home owner’s policy and it’s customizable nature lets you pick what is covered.

What Dwelling Fire Insurance Covers
Don’t let its name mislead you. Depending on the insurer, a dwelling fire policy may cover: 

  • fire damage
  • smoke-related damage
  • explosions
  • wind damage
  • vandalism

The policy lists only the specific hazards covered. You can choose to cover only the structure or its contents, too. You can customize a dwelling fire policy to cover exactly what you need, including liability. 

Who Benefits from a Dwelling Fire Policy?
Many home owners don’t need a full home owner’s policy. Dwelling fire insurance makes the ideal choice for the following:

  • Landlords who need to insure the building, but not its contents.
  • Property owners whose home is under construction or renovation.
  • Owners of a second home or a vacation home.
  • Home owners of properties with a very low cash value like mobile homes or manufactured homes.
  • Home owners of historic properties whose structural features make a homeowner’s policy cost prohibitive.
  • Owners of significantly older structures in disrepair.

Visit Advantage Insurance Network of Cincinnati, OH to discuss whether a dwelling fire insurance policy works for you. Your Advantage agent can help you design a policy that exactly fits your needs. Remember that only a flood insurance policy covers flood, so if your home resides in a flood zone that requires coverage, you’ll need a separate flood policy. Let us help you design the perfect dwelling fire policy for you.

Will Motorcycle Insurance Cover My Lost Wages If I’m Unable to Work After a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic. Even a small bump from a car can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their bike and fall off. This can cause a lot of bodily damage. As such, you may be unable to work for weeks or months if you were injured in a motorcycle accident. Advantage Insurance Network, serving the greater Cincinnati, OH area, is often asked if motorcycle insurance will cover lost wages if you are unable to work because of a motorcycle accident. Here is the answer to this question.

If you are unable to work because you were involved in a motorcycle accident, your motorcycle accident coverage will typically cover your lost wages as long as a doctor states that you are unable to work for this period of time. Additionally, the lost wages fall under bodily injury. This means that you have to have enough coverage under your policy for these wages to be covered if you are at fault. For example, if your policy only covers $50,000 in bodily injury and your hospital bills amount to this amount, there will be nothing left over for your lost wages. If you were not at fault for the accident, the other driver’s insurance should kick in and help you, up to their maximum. You may also be able to sue them if you go over what their insurance covers.

As a general rule of thumb, lost wages are covered if a doctor states you are unable to work after a motorcycle accident. However, there needs to be enough coverage to cover this expense. Advantage Insurance Network, serving the greater Cincinnati, OH area can ensure you have enough coverage for catastrophic events. Call us today and let us put together the right motorcycle insurance policy for you.

Getting Your Boat Ready for Summer

Summer is here. It’s a time to enjoy the nice weather, especially if you have a boat. However, if you’ve put your boat away for the winter, you need to prep it for the boating season. 

1. Change the Oil

If you didn’t change the oil at the end of last fall, do so now. Acids and other byproducts build up in the oil, and these substances can cause corrosion and excessive wear. Ultimately, you’re putting your boat at risk of losing power and having poor fuel economy. It’s also possible for it to cause engine failure. Take the time to change your oil filter at this time as well.

2. Change the Antifreeze

Flush your cooling system. Change the antifreeze in the system. This fluid should consist of 50 percent water and 50 percent coolant. 

3. Inspect the Hull

Check the hull of your boat for chips, cracks and blisters. Examine the hull for a chalky residue. Fix any damage done to the hull, and if you have a chalky residue on it, it’s usually an indication of oxidation. Make sure you remove all of the chalky residue to restore the boat’s gelcoat to its original state. 

4. Test the Engine

Make sure you conduct a thorough test of your engine. By checking the engine, you can make any necessary repairs to avoid breaking down when you’re in the middle of the water. 

5. Inspect the Vinyl and Canvas 

Check the bimini top, covers, seats and other canvas and vinyl areas for dirt, mildew and tears. Clean the material and repair any holes or tears. 

6. Get Boater’s Insurance

If you don’t have boat insurance already or have it on a seasonal hold, make sure you have insurance before you take it out on the water. 

Contact Advantage Insurance Network, serving Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding area, today at 513-922-9460 to get boat insurance you can count on. 

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. 

Do You Really Need a Home Inventory?

A home inventory can be extremely useful when it comes to making an insurance claim. Having complete documentation of all your valuables makes it easier to make an accurate claim if your property sustains damage or loss due to an event covered by your insurance policy. Making a home inventory enables you to keep better track of your goods and their value. Here are a few reasons why this information is to your advantage.

Ensures Proper Insurance Coverage

Through a home inventory, you gain a better perspective of the value of your personal goods. This makes it easier to select the insurance coverage to protect your interests. After reviewing your home inventory, your Advantage Insurance Network agent in Cincinnati, OH can provide you with insurance options suitable for your situation. Having adequate insurance coverage ensures your goods are well protected against any eventuality.

Facilitates Insurance Claims

A written or digital home inventory provides documented proof of ownership of personal goods covered under your insurance policy. If your goods suffer damage or loss, you can refer to your home inventory to make a claim. Your inventory should include a list of personal effects, date of purchase, receipts (if any), a detailed description of each item and photos of costly goods such as antiques, heirlooms, jewelry, etc. Having this information on hand can help you avoid delays in making a claim. It also serves to verify the value of the item you lost so you can receive its replacement cost under your insurance coverage.

A home inventory is a valuable tool that homeowners can use to their advantage. With a home inventory, there’s less chance of forgetting to claim valuable items lost or damaged in a flood, fire, or other catastrophes. For greater insight into making and maintaining a home inventory, contact Advantage Insurance Network, Cincinnati, OH.

 

Your First Auto Insurance Policy: Here’s what You Need to Know

All states have their own auto insurance laws, including Ohio. If you own a car in Cincinnati, OH, here are some basic things you can expect when purchasing your first auto insurance policy. Many of these topics can be further explained by a reputable insurance agent, however, here are some of the basics to help you gain a better grasp.  

1. Liability Insurance: There are two areas that fall under liability insurance. These are bodily injury coverage and property damage coverage. This only covers other drivers/passengers or vehicles if you are liable. If the other driver is liable, their insurance covers any property or bodily injury you may incur.  

2.  Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: These are considered optional coverage unless you have a loan on your vehicle. If you are financing your car through a bank, then this coverage becomes mandatory. Collision insurance covers damages to your vehicle if there is an accident. Comprehensive insurance covers those less common damages to your vehicle, such as theft or vandalism.  

3.  Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you are in an accident with an uninsured motorist, this coverage will take care of damages.  

4.  Personal Injury Protection: This insurance pays your medical bills regardless of fault.  

To learn more about these and other insurance coverage options for your first-time auto insurance policy, contact the Advantage Insurance Network. We serve drivers in the Cincinnati, OH area and can be contacted at 513-922-9460. Speak with one of our expert and friendly insurance agents to find the right auto insurance policy for your particular driving situation. At Advantage Insurance Network will answer all your questions, look at different options, and help you compare quotes. 

 

 

Possible Exclusions on a Home Insurance Policy in the State of Ohio

While no one wants something to happen to their home, we all know that things occur. That’s why many homeowners get an insurance policy to cover that risk. Home repairs can get expensive, and the damage can result in higher costs than you might be able to afford. However, a home insurance policy won’t cover everything, so you need to be aware of any possible exclusions.

Possible Coverage Limitations

Home insurance is broken down into four different parts:

•    Dwelling
•    Other Structures
•    Personal Property
•    Loss of Use

While they will cover most of the possible occurrences, there may be some limitations on the following items:

•    Computers, laptops, and other business equipment.
•    Antique furniture and art.
•    Theft of jewelry, watches, precious stones, and furs.
•    Theft of fine silverware and china.
•    Theft of guns.
•    Theft of sports cards and other collectible items.
•    Theft of hand tools.

There may be other items for which there may be coverage limitations, so be sure to reach out to the Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH. We have agents who will gladly help you, so feel free to contact our office today!

What May Not be Covered

While there are several items that may have limitations in coverage, there are some things that won’t be covered under a home insurance policy. Some of these may include:

•    Earthquakes
•    Landslides
•    Vandalism
•    Damage caused by neglect
•    Damage caused by normal wear and tear

If you want to know more about what a home insurance policy won’t cover, the Advantage Insurance Network has a team of agents that can answer any questions you may have. If you live in Cincinnati, OH, be sure to get in touch with us today!

Teen Drivers, Learners’ Permits, Licensing and Insurance

Before your teen gets a driver’s license in Cincinnati, OH, you should be aware of how this life change will affect your insurance rate. Advantage Insurance Network can help you get insurance if you are in need of it for yourself or for your teen.

Temporary Permit

Teens in Ohio are able to get a temporary permit, or a learner’s permit, at the age of 15 1/2. This allows teen drivers to learn to drive while under the direct supervision of a parent or other trusted adult. Teens will need to pass a written driver’s licensing test and a vision screening. Drivers can go to deputy registrar licensing agencies to complete the final steps of getting a drivers license. Teens must provide proof of legal name, birth date, Social Security number, citizenship, and Ohio residency. Additionally, parents have to be present with legal ID to co-sign for the temporary permit. When a teen gets a temporary permit, it is the responsibility of the parent, guardian, or owner of the vehicle that the teen is operating to have insurance coverage.  Teens do not have to have their own coverage until they have a regular driver’s license.

Probationary Driver’s License

Before teens can receive a probationary license, they must take a driver’s instruction course and log 50 hours of driving practice under the supervision of an adult. Ten of those hours must be night driving.  They must also hold a temporary permit for at least six months and be at least 16 years old. Teens must also take the road test, demonstrating their abilities behind the wheel of a car. After passing the test, teens will still have to follow certain restrictions until they are 18 years old. 

Once a teen is granted a probationary driver’s license, he must then be added to the parent’s insurance as a driver or get his own insurance policy. Generally, insurance rates will go up with a younger driver on the policy. 

If you have a teen driver in Cincinnati, OH, the helpful people at Advantage Insurance Network can help you figure out the best way to insure your teen driver.