What is the Best Business Insurance?

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Finding good business insurance can be a challenge
Better Business Insurance

It depends! Finding the best business insurance for many small businesses can be a challenge. Most small business owners in Kentucky will see that they have multiple options. Generally, competition leads to lower prices for canny consumers. With that said, commercial insurance is not a commodity and finding the best value may take a little effor.

Prices paid for Kentucky business owners’ insurance may range widely. Commercial insurance rates in Georgia and South Carolina are no different. Chances are, the more unique your business is, the tougher it will be to find a great deal on commercial insurance. Ferreting through the long list of products makes it difficult. 

Insurance Options

To find the best commercial insurance for you, start by reviewing your options. Insurance companies do not write insurance in all states. It’s not uncommon to see a company provide great rates to business in one state, but for some small businesses, you will find that they don’t have a lot of options.  Auto dealerships, certain trucking classes, and roofers are good examples. Regardless, it is important to continue your search.  

TruePoint Business insights and solutions. Great insurance starts with improving business awareness.
Knowledge is key to better insurance

Price

Commercial insurance premiums can be a cause of friction.   Would you buy a commercial auto policy if it only provided coverage on Saturday and Sunday?

If you could buy it at 10% of the competitor’s price would you do it?

Of course, you wouldn’t! This ridicules and silly example is used to get a point across. Price is significant! But only after you have determined that the policy is suitable for your business. 

Insurance is not a commodity. TruePoint agents are using transparency and communications to help KY, IN, SC, and GA business owners.
Insurance coverages change from one policy to the next

Coverage

There are many insurance agents, broke, s and carriers that sell on price alone.  Each of them would love for you to believe that insurance is a commodity. Business owners beware. As the business owner or manager, it is your responsibility to make sure any business insurance policy being considered has the coverages that you need.  When comparing multiple policies, make sure that they are on par with each other.  It is the agent’s job to provide a quote that is comparable to your current coverages.  However, it is your business that will bear the brunt.

Great insurance agents don’t sell, they inform and advise. First, they take the steps to understand the prospective business.  And hopefully, an understanding of the risk aversion of the prospect. After generating quotes and putting together a proposal.  The question of price can now be considered.  By interacting with the insured, risk management decisions can be made incorporating both coverage and price information.

Great insurance quotes don’t use deceptive practices to alter the relative value. The following are just a few ways that we’ve seen this attempted in the past:

Commercial insurance for roof blown off, business insurance deductibles in % beware
BEWARE: If your deductible has a % sign and not a $ sign.

• Deductible Changing a deductible from $500 to $1,000 without consulting the client isn’t a smart thing to do. Watching your deductible and other factors, that make up your commercial insurance policy is wise.

By committing to review your insurance policy when quoting and at renewal time you will also avoid some more adverse outcomes. While the dollar-based deductible change is concerning, beware of any deductible expressed as a percentage. Anymore it’s not uncommon to see 1% or 2% deductibles, especially for the wind/hail deductibles. If the deductible were 1% of the loss, there would be no issue. But it’s not; a 1% deductible is based on the policy limit. So if you have an office with a $600,000 value or limit, the deductible is $6,000 at 1%/ $12,000 at 2%.

Assume you have a 2% wind/hail deductible. A windstorm hits that result in $8,000 in damages. At first blush, a 2% deductible on an $8,000 claim is $160??

WRONG!

Your deductible $12, 0000. You pay for all the repairs.

• Read your application.  There are a lot of questions, people make mistakes, and even worse sometimes they assume. By signing the application, you are attesting to the accuracy of the information that is being provided.  Down the road, supplying the insurance company with bad information may muddy things up.

• What does your General Liability say about you? Your Commercial General Liability premium is a result of what and how much you do. You should review both for accuracy. Consider the following. 

You have the opportunity to be an insurance company. Today you can write a General Liability insurance to one business only.  Regardless of your choice, you will receive a premium of $500.  

Need Tree Removal insurance in Kentucky. TruePoint can help! We're also helping tree trees find insurance in Georgia, South Carolina and, Indiana.
Insurance starts with understanding risk

The first company you can insure is in the Tree Removal Business.  They also do lawn-care, snowplowing, and building demolition.  Their current policy indicates that they are in the lawn-care business.  The owner argues that this is correct as 50% of their revenues come from mowing lawns.

Do you need insurance for lawn care business in Kentucky. TruePoint is also working to insure lawn cares businesses in Georgia, South Carolina and Indiana.
We have great lawncare insurance options in KY, GA, SC, and IN

The second company is a Lawn Care Business? They mow lawns.  Period!

Pick one.  Remember, the premium will be the same regardless of your choice.

The point is you need to know what type of business your insurance policy says you are.  What if you’re the first business? 

Do you think he will be covered if a tree falls on a house?

How much?  How much business you do is also important.   Premiums for Commercial General Liability are primarily a function of what you do.  What you do has multiple meanings. For example, the type of work you do, how often you do it, how many people help you, how long you’ve done it and how many losses you’ve had.

What will happen If your application states that you have a payroll of $34,000 when the truth is you have a payroll of $95,000?

Houston we have a problem!

Rocket launch pad, experiencing problems similar things can happen to your commercial insurance

After your policy has been in force for a full year, your insurance company will perform an audit. At this point, they will discover that your payroll is almost three times higher.  What happens? They will send you a bill to offset the difference. Hold on. Things are about to get worse. After plugging your true payroll into their system, you will start receiving significantly higher bills.  One last carpet bomb; you know have a policy that is costing $2,000 more per year than advertised. In hindsight, you now have to question your decision. What appeared to be a $400 savings appears to have cost much more than the policy with all the bells and whistles. Wow!

But this is not the end of the process; it is ongoing.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re trying to buy Georgia commercial insurance or South Carolina. Great insurance is a two way street between the agent and the business owner. Constant communication aimed at awareness and identification of ever-changing exposures. Feedback to this should come in the manner of risk transfer options.  This should include their cost and some form of analysis.  The end result gives the business owner the ability to make an educated decision.

We are Kentucky Business Insurance Specialist. TruePoint will soon be on of the best business insurance solutions in Georgia and South Carolina.
Business Insurance that’s on target. TruePoint Insurance!

There is an answer to what is the best business insurance. Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as the insurance company or that insurance agent. It is a function of where you live, what you do, and what you need in regards to insurance. The formula should be extended to what insurance companies you can access.  The final factor may be the easiest place to get off track.  It is critical that you find an agent or broker that is knowledge and transparency.

In short, you are the key to determining what the best business insurance for your business is.

TruePoint Insurance Group, LLC

Our Kentucky and Indiana team can be reached at (502) 410-5089

Contact our Georgia and South Carolina commercial insurance team at (912) 330-1265

How Business Interruption Insurance Works

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One of the biggest concerns for business owners in Pooler, GA, is the potential impact if their company cannot operate for an extended period. Without income, many businesses could face closure through no fault of their own. Fortunately, business interruption insurance can help mitigate this risk. The agents at TruePoint Insurance can guide you on how to include it as part of a new business owner’s policy (BOP) or as a standalone insurance policy.

Protection Against Income Loss

Business interruption insurance protects against income loss when your business cannot operate due to a covered peril. Common covered risks include theft, fire, wind, lightning, or falling objects. This type of insurance goes beyond covering operational expenses. Most policies provide funds for the following:

  • Lost revenue
  • Mortgage, rent, and lease payments
  • Loan payments
  • Taxes
  • Payroll
  • Relocation costs
  • Extra expenses for temporary rental facilities

Business Interruption Restoration Period

Your policy will specify a restoration period, which is the duration your policy will cover lost income. This period typically lasts 12 months, although some carriers may allow you to extend it for an additional fee. Policies also generally include a waiting period of 48 to 72 hours after an incident before coverage begins. Timely repairs are crucial, as delays in restoration could potentially affect your loss of income payments.

What This Policy Doesn’t Cover

Like most insurance policies, business interruption insurance has exclusions. It will not cover the following:

  • Broken items
  • Damage caused by earthquakes or floods
  • Undocumented income is missing from your financial records
  • Utilities
  • Shutdowns resulting from communicable diseases

Learn more about how your company can benefit from business interruption insurance. The agents at TruePoint Insurance, serving Pooler, GA, are happy to explain how this coverage works. Call our office today to get started.

Will Auto Insurance Cover Parking Lot Accidents?

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Parking lots are more dangerous than many people realize. According to the National Safety Council, about one in five accidents occurs in parking lots, totaling approximately 50,000 annually. But will your insurance cover the damages?

Parking Lots Are Private Property

There’s a common misconception that insurance doesn’t cover parking lot accidents in Pooler, GA because most parking lots are considered private property. However, this is not true. Most auto insurance policies extend coverage to private property, including accidents that happen in parking lots or driveways.

Type of Insurance Coverage

The type of insurance coverage you have and the nature of the accident determine whether your insurance will cover the damages.

Liability insurance, which is required in most states, covers damages to the other person’s vehicle if you are at fault. However, it won’t cover damage to your own car, such as in a hit-and-run incident in a parking lot.

Comprehensive coverage can help if your car is hit while parked, while collision coverage provides protection in the event of an accident. Many drivers work with insurance companies like TruePoint Insurance to obtain comprehensive coverage, ensuring they’re protected no matter what happens.

Determining Fault

Who is at fault in a parking lot accident determines whose insurance will cover the damages. If two moving vehicles are involved, the police can analyze local laws and determine fault. Don’t believe the myth that parking lot accidents are automatically split 50/50; this is not true.

Generally, if one car is parked, the moving vehicle is considered at fault. However, you’ll still need a copy of the police report for insurance purposes.

Insurance agents at TruePoint Insurance can help you better understand your policy and when you’re covered. Contact us today to learn more about the different levels of coverage available. We’re proud to serve the Pooler, GA area.

When Will Home Insurance Cover Roof Damage?

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Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so when it’s damaged, it’s only natural to wonder if your insurance will step in to help. At TruePoint Insurance in Pooler, GA, we frequently receive questions from homeowners seeking to understand their coverage, particularly regarding roof repairs or replacements.

Damage from the Unexpected? You’re Likely Covered

In most cases, home insurance will cover roof damage caused by sudden, unexpected events. Think things like windstorms, hail, lightning strikes, or fallen trees. If a storm rolls through and shingles go flying or a branch crashes into your roof, there’s a good chance your policy will help cover the cost to repair or replace the damage.

Wear and Tear? Not So Much

Here’s where it gets a bit tricky. Insurance isn’t designed to cover routine maintenance or aging. If your roof is simply old and starting to leak due to years of exposure, that’s typically considered normal wear and tear, and it’s not covered. That’s why regular inspections and upkeep are so necessary. A little preventative care now can save you a lot of headaches later.

Know Your Policy—and Your Roof

Not all policies are created equal. Factors like the age of your roof, the materials used, and your policy’s specific terms can all affect how much your insurance will pay. Some insurers may even offer partial coverage or a depreciated payout if your roof has some years on it.

Let’s Talk About Your Coverage

If you’re unsure about what your home insurance covers, don’t wait until the next storm hits. Contact TruePoint Insurance in Pooler, GA, today. We’re here to help you understand your policy and protect what matters most, starting at the top.

Full-Time RV Living? Insurance You Didn’t Know You Need

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At TruePoint Insurance, we’ve observed a growing trend of people trading traditional homes for life on the road. Full-time RV living offers a sense of freedom and a break from conventional lifestyles. However, before you embark on your journey with your mobile home around Pooler, GA, it’s crucial to understand the unique insurance considerations that come with it.

Your RV Is More Than Just a Vehicle

Many people perceive an RV merely as a means of transportation from one location to another. However, if you’re living in it full time, it’s also your residence. This changes everything. A full-time RV lifestyle requires more than just standard auto insurance, from its usage to the daily risks you face. We work with RVers to ensure their unique lifestyle is adequately covered. This includes helping you understand protections you may not have even considered, such as liability situations or the impact of residing in different states for extended periods.

Protection Requires Planning

A solid plan is beneficial regardless of the adventure life takes you on. Whether you’re staying long-term at a campground or taking a cross-country trip, your risks change with each location. Having a knowledgeable insurance partner who understands full-time RV life can significantly impact your preparedness.

Discuss Your RV Lifestyle With Us

At TruePoint Insurance, we assist people who drive recreational vehicles around the Pooler, GA, area in securing the insurance they need. Whether you’re already living full-time in an RV or planning to, we would love to help you get the insurance you need. Contact us today, and let’s ensure your next adventure starts with the assurance you deserve.

Georgia Law Requires All Motorcycle Riders to Wear a Helmet

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Ensuring your financial security while riding your motorcycle in and around Pooler, GA, requires more than just excellent motorcycle insurance from TruePoint Insurance. You must also be aware of and adhere to the many Georgia laws relating to motorcycles, such as its comprehensive helmet law.

Helmet Law in Georgia for Motorcycle Riders and Passengers

Georgia law mandates that the motorcycle rider and all passengers wear a helmet. This differs from other states, so if you’ve recently moved, make sure to shop for an extra helmet before you give anyone a ride. You and your passenger must wear helmets whenever riding a motorcycle.

Only High-Quality, Motorcycle-Specific Helmets Are Allowed

The state’s law further specifies the type of helmets suitable for wear. Does yours meet state law standards? In some other states, riders can wear a military helmet or one passed down from a grandparent or parent. However, these older helmets don’t benefit from the latest technology in design, and they don’t protect from head injury the way modern helmets do. Georgia law specifies which helmets a motorcyclist can legally wear, and this law applies to the helmet provided to a passenger, too.

Contact Us Today

At TruePoint Insurance, we strive to ensure that your motorcycle insurance provides you with financial protection from loss. Through our blog, we also aim to ensure that you are aware of the relevant motorcycle laws before you hit the roads of Pooler, GA, and all points beyond. Call or email us today to schedule a motorcycle insurance review. Ensure you have appropriate motorbike insurance coverage and riding gear before the riding season begins.

Remote Work and Home Insurance: What Every Homeowner Should Know

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It’s amazing how remote work has become increasingly more common in recent years. If you work remotely in Pooler, GA, it’s important to consider how it may impact your home insurance. You may not be as protected as you think, and our agents at TruePoint Insurance can help.

Understanding the Liability

When you start working remotely, you may increase your liability risks – especially if employees or clients visit your home. If someone gets injured, your home insurance may not cover them.

If you have a remote employee who damages someone else’s property, your home address may be listed, which could lead to liability nightmares.

Many of the liabilities will depend on whether you’re an independent contractor or an employee. Discussing everything with an insurance agent will ensure you have the information you need to make important insurance decisions.

Is It Time for Business Insurance?

Your home insurance covers the basics for homeowners. However, if you conduct business out of your home, house business equipment in your home, or have more devices running that could be a fire risk, it may be time to look beyond home insurance.

Sometimes, your insurer may even classify your home as a business location, requiring you to obtain business property insurance (or at least a rider to cover more of your assets).

It’s better to ask than to make assumptions.

Discuss Your Home Insurance (and More) Now

At TruePoint Insurance, our goal is to ensure you’re fully protected. There’s nothing more heartbreaking than to see someone in Pooler, GA, file a claim with their insurance company only to discover coverage gaps. It could lead to all sorts of out-of-pocket expenses that you can’t afford.

Contact us today to talk more about your remote work and determine how to make some insurance updates so that you’re fully protected.

Coverage That Your Liability Policy May Provide

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Liability coverage is insurance that protects the policyholder against accidents or damages. This article explains how this type of coverage can safeguard homeowners and business owners.

Understanding Liability Coverage

Liability coverage shields the policyholder from accidents that result in bodily injury or property damage. These accidents can occur in a residential or commercial environment.

For a liability insurance claim to be valid, the reported incident must be classified as an accident. Liability coverage does not extend to intentional acts.

Benefits of Coverage

Property owners may not have the funds to cover extensive medical bills or repairs. A liability insurance policy is designed to cover these costs if another party sues an individual.

The policy payout can be used for healthcare expenses, legal fees, and any other costs the insured party must pay.

The Role of Inspection in Liability Insurance

If you’re considering liability insurance, an inspection process can help assess the risk of incidents that might lead to an insurance claim.

For example, if you own a business, you can arrange for an inspection of your premises. This inspection will identify any potential risks that could lead to injury or property damage.

If numerous risks are identified, adding a substantial amount of liability insurance to your existing policy might be beneficial.

Consulting with a TruePoint Insurance Agent

Contact one of our insurance agents in Pooler, GA. The agent will help you add liability coverage to your policy.

Insurance Coverage for A Special Event

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Hosting a public special event may require temporary insurance coverage. Special event insurance offers liability protection and protection against damage and theft.

Understanding Special Events

A special event is a pre-planned occasion held for a specific duration in a public or private venue. If you’re planning to host an event soon, it’s crucial to consider the associated risks and the need for special event insurance.

Assessing the Venue and Layout

Review the venue you’ll be using for the event. Inspect the layout if it’s an indoor venue or the property if it’s an outdoor event. Prepare plans outlining the placement of furnishings, booths, decor items, food, and other essentials for the event. Once you’ve recorded this information, identify any potential issues that might necessitate special event insurance coverage.

Liability Protection

Liability protection covers you if anyone gets injured at the event or if there’s damage to another person’s property. You may need different types of liability protection, especially if you’re featuring vendors at the event or if the venue requires specific coverage.

Protection Against Damage and Theft

Damage and theft protection covers any items you own and are responsible for, including repair and replacement costs.

Contact an Insurance Agent in Pooler, GA

Contact one of our TruePoint Insurance agents to discuss special event insurance. An agent will schedule a consultation to speak with you.

Trucking Insurance Considerations to Mitigate Risks for Pooler, GA Truckers

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As a trucker in Pooler, GA, navigating the scenic yet unpredictable terrain of the Appalachian mountains can present unique challenges, especially when you spend most of your time on the road. Ensuring you’re adequately covered with your trucking insurance is critical to protecting your livelihood while simultaneously mitigating as many risks as possible when you’re out driving or working. Trucking insurance that’s tailored to your specific needs from TruePoint Insurance can help safeguard you against unforeseen events, preventing you from losing your business or going without compensation or a vehicle after an accident or another disaster.

Trucking Insurance Coverage for Pooler, GA Truckers and Drivers

In Pooler, GA, it’s essential to obtain proper trucking insurance to mitigate risks. Liability insurance, for instance, will help cover any damage caused to other vehicles or surroundings due to using your car. General liability insurance can also protect against non-driving-related claims, such as accidents or injuries during loading or unloading. Other forms of protection you may want to consider as a trucker in Pooler, GA, include:

  • Cargo Insurance: Cargo insurance protects against the potential loss of freight, which is optimal for industries operating in Pooler, GA, such as manufacturing and agriculture.
  • Damage Coverage: When formulating a trucking insurance policy optimized for your needs, you can protect your truck from physical damage with collision and comprehensive policy add-ons.
  • Workers’ Compensation: Workers’ compensation insurance is another critical safeguard that fleet operations should never overlook.

Anytime you’re running a business as a trucker or working as a trucker professionally, obtaining and maintaining the right insurance is key. At TruePoint Insurance, we can help you find the trucking insurance necessary to mitigate risks anytime you’re driving or working in Pooler, GA as a trucker. To learn more about your options and for your quote and consultation, contact TruePoint Insurance today.

Emergency Preparedness for Farms: Developing a Plan for Natural Disasters and Other Emergencies

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Farming is a way of life that comes with unique challenges, especially when natural disasters strike. At TruePoint Insurance in Pooler, GA, we understand the importance of safeguarding your livelihood. Preparing for emergencies is crucial to minimizing damage and ensuring your farm’s resilience.

Understanding Your Risks

The first step in developing an emergency preparedness plan is identifying the specific risks your farm faces. Whether it’s hurricanes, floods, or droughts, understanding these threats helps create a tailored plan. Knowing the local climate and weather patterns around Pooler, GA, will also aid in anticipating potential disasters.

Creating a Response Plan

Once the risks are identified, it’s time to develop a detailed response plan. This plan should include evacuation routes, communication strategies, and roles for each family member or employee. Make sure everyone on the farm knows the plan and conducts regular drills. Having a clear, practiced response can make all the difference during an emergency.

Protecting Your Assets

Securing your farm equipment and livestock is essential. Consider investing in sturdy shelters and backup power sources to maintain operations during a crisis. Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of your assets will also be invaluable for insurance claims. TruePoint Insurance can help you understand the coverage needed to protect your investments.

Reviewing and Updating Your Plan

Emergency preparedness is not a one-time task. Regularly review and update your plan to accommodate new risks and changes on your farm. Staying informed about the latest safety protocols and technologies can enhance your preparedness efforts.

Call Us For a Farm Insurance Quote

At TruePoint Insurance in Pooler, GA, we’re committed to helping you protect what matters most. Contact us today to discuss your farm insurance needs and ensure you’re ready for whatever comes your way.