Monthly Archives: June 2014

Does commercial insurance with sewer backup insurance cover the business properties?

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A septic system backing up is a problem that may not be part of a basic commercial insurance policy, so you may be recommended to purchase coverage against the potential threat. When you purchase a commercial policy that includes sewer backup coverage, you may assume that it will always pay for the damages to the property. Unfortunately, the situation can play a role in the options that are available for your company property.

A Backed Up System

In most cases, the additional protection will pay for any damages that are directly related to the sewer backing up and damaging the property. The coverage is specifically designed to address the possibility of a backed up septic or sewer system, so your business property may be protected from some basic damages.

In the Case of Flooding

Even though you may be covered in most situations, it is possible that any sewer or septic system that backs up into your company property during a flood may not be covered. Many commercial insurance policies can have limitations on the coverage that is provided for flood damages, so your policy may or may not cover a backed up septic system if it relates to a flood in the area.

When your insurer has limitations on flood damage, it is possible that your property is not protected in that particular situation. Insurers vary, so the details of your plan and the situations that may be covered can differ between companies and policies.

A sewer backup policy is only one area of coverage, but it can help in certain situations. Depending on your plan, it may or may not cover damages to your property. Contact us to talk to an agent for more details about your options and commercial coverage.

As a college student, isn’t my personal property covered under my parents’ homeowners insurance?

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Attending college in Bethlehem, PA does not necessarily mean that all of your personal belongings are covered by your parent’s homeowner’s insurance policy. Depending on the situation, you may need to purchase additional protection for your belongings.

Living in the Dorms

Although every insurance policy is different, it is possible that you may be covered under your parent’s homeowner’s policy if you are living in the dorms at your university. The reason is that insurers do not usually consider the dorms at a university as moving out of your parent’s home.

As long as you are still living at home and attending college while staying in the dorms, you may have coverage under your parents. Even though that may apply in many cases, your parents will need to evaluate their policy to determine if you are still covered based on the details of their plan. Some policies may not offer protection for students who are staying on campus.

Renting an Apartment

Renting an apartment might seem like a financially savvy solution if your university has a high cost for dorms, but it can also mean that you are no longer covered under your parents. Any belongings that you own in a rented space are your responsibility to maintain.

If you are not covered under your parents, then you may need to consider a renter’s policy to protect your personal belongings. The policy is designed to protect personal belongings and prevent liability concerns from arising.

Moving away from home is challenging, but that does not always mean that you must seek coverage for your belongings. In some cases, you may still have protection under your parent’s plan. Contact us to talk to an agent to learn more about the coverage that is available for your needs.

Does my business need employment practices liability?

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Purchasing a business insurance policy that is appropriate for your company in Bethlehem, PA can seem complicated. There are many different factors that you may want to consider, including the possibility of facing a lawsuit if you fire an employee. Any business that hires employees should consider purchasing a business insurance policy with employment practices liability protection.

What is Employee Practices Liability?

Although liability protection is necessary for most companies, it may not be necessary to purchase a plan with employee practices protection. The liability plan is designed to address concerns associated with the termination of employees for any reason.

The reason that you may want the protection is related to discrimination laws. The plan is designed to address particular concerns regarding lawsuits when your employees decide that they have been wrongfully terminated due to discrimination or a similar concern.

Protecting Your Company

Business insurance is designed to address the concerns of your company, so it is important to select a plan that addresses several problems. If you do not have any employees or do not plan to hire employees in the near future, then it may be possible to wait on an employee practices liability plan.

Any time that you have hired employees, you want to take measures to protect your company and your workers. Depending on the nature of your business and the services that you provide, the best type of plan to address your concerns may vary.

Taking measures to protect your company means that you may need to purchase some liability protection. Protecting your company from discrimination or wrongful termination lawsuits will require some protection in the form of employee practices liability. Contact us to talk to an independent agent for more information about business coverage and the plans that may be appropriate for your company.

If my business is home-based, do I need liability coverage?

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Running a business from home provides a variety of benefits, particularly when it comes to the costs and expenses that are associated with the company. Unfortunately, a home-based business does not necessarily mean that you can overlook liability coverage on your business insurance policy. Liability protection is not based on the location of your company, but on the nature of your products or services.

Evaluating Risks

The risks associated with your business are the key factor to determining how much liability protection you need to purchase on a business insurance plan. For example, if your business sells a beauty product online, then you may need to consider the risk of allergic reactions or accidents associated with those products. Liability protection will help ensure that you are not paying for those medical bills personally.

Since risks can vary based on the type of business that you are running, the amount of protection that you need to purchase can depend on several factors.

Accidents on the Property

Even though accidents on your property is usually covered by any insurance that you may have on the property, read your policy thoroughly before you assume that you do not need liability coverage for the possible injuries that may take place in your home.

Some insurers may have limitations or exceptions on the policy that prevent you from making a claim on your property protection. A liability policy may still be necessary if your clients come to your home.

Home-based businesses may offer some benefits, but they do not necessarily limit the insurance that you need. It may still be necessary to purchase coverage for liability concerns. Contact us to speak to an agent for more details about the coverage options that are available for your company.