Commercial Auto Insurance

Do you own a small business? Do you use a car for your business?

Did you know most Personal auto insurance policies exclude the coverage if the car is used for business?  Most policies exclude the coverage if the auto is used primarily for business, but where is the line? When does occasional use become primary use? Most carriers don't have a set answer for that question.

If you use you car at all for business, you should research and consider purchasing Commercial Insurance. A serious accident can financially ruin a small business. Is that risk greater than the premium? That is what you have to decide.

If you are considering commercial insurance, answer these questions:

* Is the car in your personal name or the business? (if business, personal policies rarely cover the claim)

* Do employees drive the car in the course of business?

* Do you pick up goods or people for a fee?

* Do you visit job sites often?

If you answered "business" to the first one and/or "yes" to any of the other 3, you definitely want to consider commercial insurance.

A commercial auto policy covers you in much the same way a personal auto policy does. There is Liability coverage, Uninsured Motorist, Collision and Comprehensive. You can get towing and rental. There are different types of coverage you can add on as well, such as "non-owned"autos. This covers your employees if they use their personal car to run business errands such as make deposits, get lunch for the office...). Or "hired autos" which cover you if you lease, rent, hire or borrow a car from someone other than an employee.

Your limits can be higher with a commercial auto policy than on a personal auto. Liability can go into the millions, thus protecting your small business. Again, it can save your business from going under after a claim. The premium is no fun, but when are they? Better to pay the premium than lose the business!

If you are considering Commercial Auto, be sure to call an Insurance professional.Ask questions. Know the coverage you need and make sure you get it. 

Don't have an agent you trust? Give us try! Call The Brockman Agency toll free 877-987-8683

Boating Insurance

We are not all in the same boat!

Boating season is upon us. Whether you are an experienced boat owner, or a potential buyer, you need to evaluate your Insurance. Boats are unique. Their insurance needs to be unique also. Some Homeowners policies will  cover small boats (usually without motors). But if you have a motor boat of any kind, you need a policy with specialized coverage tailored for boat owners. 
What makes a Boat policy different from a Home or Auto policy?
Boat policies are a mixture of Home and Auto policies. 
Similar to Home insurance, a boat policy will cover liability if someone is injured on your boat and it gives you the choice of Replacement cost coverage (you want this!) or Actual Cash Value coverage (this is less coverage). 
Like auto insurance, boat coverage typically includes coverage for bodily injury that your boat inflicts on others, property damage your boat inflicts on docks and other boats, and physical damage to your boat should you hit something or run aground. You can also add comprehensive coverage for theft, vandalism, fire and flood, personal property coverage for your fishing gear, uninsured boater insurance and even roadside assistance in case you need a tow (on land or water!). 
Some policies will allow you to "suspend" coverage during non-boating seasons, thus saving you a little money. 
Many carriers, like Progressive, Safeco and Travelers offer additional coverage that is specifically designed for boats. 
* Fuel spill liability coverage the cost of damage caused by an unintentional spill for which you are liable.
*Wreckage removal will pay the cost of any attempted or actual removal of the wreckage of a covered boat if you are liable.
* Personal effects replacement cost pays for our personal items while they are on board the boat.
*Fishing equipment replacement cost pays for your tackle, rods and reels. (There is usually a set limit)
*Total Loss Replacement replaces your boat with a brand new one of similar make and model. 
*Pet Injury covers the cost of Vet bills (usually up to $1,000) if your dog or cat is injured in an accident while on your boat.

Being out on the lake with family and friends is one of the best ways to spend a summer day. Make sure your boat and those you have on board are properly covered!


Questions? Call the Brockman Agency and let us take care of you! toll free 877-987-8683

Electrical Safety

Don't Get Shocked!

Fire Fighters respond to over 44,000 home fires involving electrical issues each year. These fires can cause untold damage to homes and their owners, including injury and death. These fires will raise your Homeowners Insurance rates. Many of these fires are preventable. Follow these tips and make your home a safe place for you and your family!
    ·         Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.

·         Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.

·         In homes with small children, make sure your home has tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles.

·         Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.

·         Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

·         Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.

·         If outlets or switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuits, or flickering or dimming lights, call a qualified electrician.

·         Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage.

·         Make sure your home has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen bathroom(s), laundry, basement, and outdoor areas.

·         Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) should be installed in your home to protect     electrical outlets.                                                                                                                

Safety tips need to be followed by everyone in the home.
Need a Kid-Friendly version? click here                                     

If you have an electrical fire in your home, call your insurance agent/carrier to file a claim.