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5_Things_Business_Owners_Should_Know_About_Insurance_Limits_and_Deductibles

Building a business involves making countless vital decisions, including hiring the right team, buying the right software, and finding a suitable space. Understanding the basics of insurance coverage may be glossed over during day-to-day operations. Insurance is one of the behind-the-scenes essentials that can make or break financial stability when the unexpected occurs. It is vital that you fully understand your policy limits and deductibles.

Insurance Limits: Your Business’s Safety Net

An insurance limit is the maximum amount your policy will pay out in the event of a claim. When you think of insurance as a safety net beneath a tightrope walker, the higher the limit, the more protection you have in a fall. If coverage limits are too low, you could face severe financial losses. For example, when a business is hit by a natural disaster or is named in a high-value lawsuit with damages over $1 million when the policy limit is $500,000, the business will be responsible for paying the remaining $500,000. Choose your limits carefully to reflect the actual value of your business, the risks involved, and the potential recovery costs.

Deductibles: Lower Is Not Always Better

A deductible is what is paid out of pocket toward a covered claim before insurance coverage kicks in. It is a common misconception that it is always better to have a lower deductible. Of course, it means you pay less upfront, but lower deductibles often come with higher premiums. A higher deductible can save you more on monthly premiums, but you must be prepared to cover more in case of a disaster. This is a classic case of “you get what you pay for.” Consider your cash flow and risk tolerance carefully when choosing a deductible.

General vs. Specific Limits

Insurance limits are not all created equal. While general limits apply to the entire policy, specific limits can be tied to individual categories of coverage. For example, a commercial liability policy with a general limit of $1 million may have specific limits within the policy for product liability, employee injury, and other types of coverage. It is essential to know what each limit covers so you are not left high and dry if you need to file a claim.

When Raising Your Limits Is a Smart Move

Ultimately, understanding insurance limits and deductibles comes down to two questions: What is the worst-case scenario, and can your business survive it? As your business grows, so do your risks, and your insurance limits should grow with it. If you are expanding, launching new products, or taking on larger contracts, it is time to reassess the policy limits. Adjusting coverage to match the new reality could save you headaches down the road.

Business insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It should match your unique business needs, and limits and deductibles should be re-visited as the business evolves. The right coverage gives you peace of mind to focus on what matters most – running your business. Our agents are licensed professionals who can review your business policies and help ensure you have the right coverage, including limits and deductibles.

Source: www.insuranceneighbor.com/5-things-business-owners-should-know-about-insurance-limits-deductibles/

If your home is left unoccupied for weeks or months at a time, your standard homeowners insurance policy might not provide coverage in the event of a claim. Any damages or losses that occur would have to be paid out of pocket unless you have vacant property insurance. 

Unoccupied and vacant homes present a greater insurance risk than an occupied home. The emergency response time is slower and there is an increased probability of a break-in occurring. This increased risk has resulted in the exclusion of these properties in a standard homeowners insurance policy. If you own an empty or vacant house, you should purchase vacant property insurance to protect yourself and your home.

Generally speaking, if your home is left unattended for 30 days or more you’ll want to purchase vacant property insurance. Before leaving your home vacant for an extended period of time, you should contact your insurance agent and discuss how your insurance carrier defines vacancy. Below are some scenarios where a homeowner might find the need for vacant property insurance.

  • You own a vacant home that you only visit a few times per year.
  • You’ve purchased a home, but won’t be moving in for several weeks.
  • You’re constantly traveling for weeks at a time.
  • You’re remodeling your home and won’t be living there during renovations.
  • You’re renting out your home and you’re in between tenants.

Source: https://www.valuepenguin.com/unoccupied-and-vacant-home-insurance

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“Been with Bob and crew for 22 years. Always professional and a pleasure to deal with. Recommend them HIGHLY!” -Bill B.

“Contacted Ray Viola to help me get better insurance for my home and car. He took the time to explain what everything meant and provide me with better insurance for better coverage at almost the same price.” -Catty

“Bob Marmo has provided outstanding service to our family business since we relocated in New Jersey in 1990. We take great comfort knowing Bob always has our company’s best interests in mind.”-Tim Mac

“All of the people at AC Marmo & Sons are very knowledgeable, make the very best effort to find the cheapest and best insurance to cover all of one’s needs, and go beyond and outside the box.” -Theresa Z.

In an exclusive interview with Practicomm, professional John Tahmoosh provides valuable answers to controversial insurance issues… Read more