2018 Commercial insurance trends and risk management.

As the year approaches its final stretch, there have been quite a number of areas to keep an eye on due to the trending claims and changing scene in the commercial insurance industry. Commercial property and auto losses have brought up a number of challenges for various businesses. Below are three main commercial insurance trends and risk management procedures that have emerged in 2018.

1. Commercial auto insurance

In the recent past, commercial auto losses have led to quite a number of challenges with fleet exposures to various risks. There have been emerging drivers to the rise in frequency of these claims. These include: advancements in technology, changing social trends and improvement in the economy.

Business needs to be proactive in managing the risks that arise by promoting fleet safety, adopting the use of telemetric data, and engaging insurance partners in order to maximize results.

2. Property losses

Due to the rising cases of disasters in the United States, damages from natural disasters will tend to increase the costs of the premium for most of the property. The best possible ways that businesses can manage this increase in rates is through working with a specific long-term broker who will be able to maintain your current pricing.

3. Cyber and data security risks

With the escalating cases of cyber-attacks, hackers are now able to access people’s sensitive information. As a matter of fact, no business is immune to a prospective breach of data. Organizations should consider cyber coverage for common tactics used by hackers. This coverage has lately been affordable to help businesses protect their employees and assets too.

4. Employment practices liability

Harassment allegations by employees have recently hit headlines. This trend is however expected to increase which will possibly lead to higher deductibles. It is therefore important to tell your insurance broker immediately to avoid risking necessities in your policy.

If you are a business facing different potential risks as a result of the trending commercial insurance trends, visit us today at Sandpoint, ID, The Insurance Shop USA for proficient advice on the best coverage and preparedness.

Boat Insurance Coverage Options

Boat insurance coverages are designed to cover any damage to your powerboats, fishing boats, pontoons, houseboats, and yachts. It covers the boat, trailer, motor, as well as the personal items in the boat. It also protects you against liability, lawsuits, and medical expenses. But, you need to get the right policy to enjoy these benefits. Fortunately, you can rely on insurance carriers like The Insurance Shop USA to get suitable coverage for your boat.

If you live in Sandpoint, ID, and you are wondering what your boat insurance coverages options are, then this post is designed for you. Boat insurance offers an essential amount of protection, and each type of coverage offers protection in specific scenarios. Keep reading to learn more.

Collision damage

If a damage occurs due to an accident, this insurance plan will cover the repair or replacement of the boat. Note that there are common exclusions that you must read carefully. These exclusions vary from one insurer to the other, so ensure you understand the exclusions in your policy.

Bodily injury liability

If one or more people get injured while using your boat, the liability coverage reimburses the hospital bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and legal expenses.

Property damage liability

If you are cruising with your boat and there is a serious problem that causes you to lose control, you may cause damage to another person’s boat, a dock at the marina, or other pieces of property. The property damage liability will protect you from paying the repairs out of your pocket.

Comprehensive coverage

This policy is designed for non-collision related mishaps. If your boat is vandalized, stolen, or damaged in an incident other than collision, this policy will cover the expenses.

For more detail on boat insurance coverage options in Sandpoint, ID, contact The Insurance Shop USA and we will help you get a perfect boat insurance plan.

The Affordability of Renters Insurance

Many people choose to rent because they want to save money. Instead of having to come up with a 20% down payment for a property, they only need to scrape together a security deposit and first month’s rent. It’s easy to dismiss renters insurance as an unnecessary luxury at this point, because it may just seem like another expense you can’t afford. But most renters fail to realize just how inexpensive renters insurance can be in Sandpoint, ID. If you’re thinking that you just can’t swing it, The Insurance Shop USA wants to give you a good piece of news. 

What You Pay 

The amount you pay ultimately depends on how much you want to ensure your valuables for, but it may only work out to a few dollars a month. It’s not unusual for people to imagine paying up to 15 times more than what it actually costs. And while not all insurance policies in Sandpoint, ID will replace everything (without any upfront costs to the renter), it’s still worth taking out as a precaution. 

Call The Insurance Shop USA 

If there’s a fire or another major disaster, the landlord will be happy to fix the plumbing or redo the plaster. What they won’t be willing to do is replace the items that were damaged during the event. When you spend hundreds of dollars on clothes and electronics, it’s an excellent idea to spend a little extra so that you can breathe easy if something does happen to go wrong. Calling us today is a great way to ask questions about our policies so that you can find one for you. We help make it easier to find a custom plan that will ensure your valuables in the case of theft of natural disaster. 

Why Should I Get Farm Insurance?

Owning a farm can be a great way to earn a living. However, a farm is also a very valuable asset that needs to be properly protected. For farm owners in the Sandpoint, ID area, having farm insurance is a practical necessity as it will provide a variety of very important types of insurance. 

Covers Farm Equipment

When you own a farm, you will likely spend tens of thousands of dollars on heavy farm equipment, such as tractors and other machinery. This is a very major investment and operating your farm without it could be impossible. Because of this, you will want to have a farm insurance policy in place that will cover these items in the event they are damaged in an accident or stolen.

Liability

Farm owners take on a lot of liability. This can include taking on liability for anyone that comes to their farm for a visitor to work. Since farm owners are taking on a lot of liability, it is very important that they have a quality liability insurance policy included in their farm insurance policy.

Personal Belongings

Most farm owners today will also still live on their farm. Because of this, they will have a lot of personal belongings stored on site. When you have a farm insurance policy in place, you will receive the coverage you need to ensure that your personal belongings at home are covered.

If you live in the Sandpoint, ID area and own a farm, you should learn more about your options through The Insurance Shop USA insurance company. When you meet with The Insurance Shop USA, you can be assured that you will learn about all of your insurance options so you can make the right choice for your farm business.

Do religious institutions need insurance?

Even though the primary role of religious institutions is to teach the society about doctrines, nowadays they have more responsibilities. With increased involvement of the society in religious activities, religious institutions now have quite a number of members and workers, plus most of the institutions now own substantial amounts of property and real estate.  In the recent past, there has been challenging times for religious leaders, from sexual abuse scandals to high insecurity levels; religious institutions seem to be facing the same risks other institutions face. That’s why it’s important for them to take religious institution insurance with The Insurance Shop USA.

Even though it’s not mandatory for religious institutions in Sandpoint, ID to have insurance, it’s important for them to protect their investment against unforeseen circumstances. Some of the coverage options to consider include:

General Liability coverage: Religious intuitions are always full of activities, which means that accidents are bound to happen. This covers any liability claims against the institution from a third party including bodily liability injury and property liability

Workers compensation coverage: Covers employees in the institutions should they suffer work-related accidents/diseases. It caters to medical expenses, lost wages etc.

Personal property coverage: Religious institutions are a store to many valuable items; from donations to irreplaceable artifacts. This coverage protects the personal property from theft, fire, and any other risks.

Professional liability coverage: Religious institutions offer several professional services such as counseling, teaching, pasturing, and much more. This covers the institution from third-party lawsuits against the professional services offered.

When it comes to choosing the right coverage, religious institutions in Sandpoint, ID face a greater challenge compared to other institutions. That’s why it’s important for them to work with The Insurance Shop USA that understands the unique needs and risks that religious institutions face. Contact us today for a decent religious insurance policy or for any inquiry.

 

3 Reasons You Need to Have Health Insurance

Over the past few years, Americans in Sandpoint, ID have become more aware of the importance of health insurance. In fact, for some time, it was required by law to have health insurance or tax filers faced having to pay a fee if they could not provide proof of a policy. And while it may no longer be a government mandate that you have this type of insurance, it is still pertinent that you understand the value of investing in a health policy. Let’s take a quick look at the top three reasons you need health insurance. 

1) You Can Actually Save Money

Investing in a health insurance plan means that you can use the tax exemption code under Section 80D to save money on your taxes. Even better is that you can receive a tax exemption not only on the premiums you pay for you, your spouse, and your children but also on your dependent parents if they are both seniors. 

2) Sets a Good Example for Your Children

Having a health insurance policy will help ensure you have the resources needed to make it to the doctor for regular checkups, which is vital to your overall health. When you invest in health coverage, you will be setting a good example for your children by showing them that their health is worth investing in. 

3) Avoid Dipping Into Your Savings

Without health insurance, you will likely find yourself dipping into your savings to pay for health-related expenses, including regular checkups as well as emergency medical bills. And with basic hospitalization expenses having increased by more than 10 percent over the past decade, the costs can become enormous very quickly. With the right insurance policy, however, you can have peace of mind in knowing the majority, if not all, of your health expenses will be covered without having to deplete your savings account. 

To learn more about the value of investing in health insurance, please contact The Insurance Shop USA serving the Sandpoint, ID area. 

Why Wedding Insurance Can be Useful in Sandpoint, ID

A wedding may be one of the most special days of anyone’s life, but very few are preoccupied with insurance coverage. A small scale wedding may not have many costs or risks, but a large wedding is another story. Since there are so many expenses on the line, many couples will choose to take out an insurance policy. If you are planning a big wedding in the Sandpoint, ID area, consider consulting with The Insurance Shop USA.

What is the Point of Wedding Insurance?

Wedding insurance is designed to protect those attending the wedding from unforeseen disasters. This can include accidents or last-minute changes to the event. The insurance policy will include exactly what is covered and the conditions.

What is typically covered?

Canceled Events: If there is extreme weather affecting an outdoor event, that is a perfect example of what is covered. Bad weather can have expenses like losing the deposit at a venue, additional hotel costs, or transportation costs.

Injuries: Accidents can happen at even the calmest of weddings. The costs associated with the injury or changed plans may be covered to a certain extent.

Liability: Thereis a certain legal liability when hosting at certain venues that do not provide liability coverage.

Unfulfilled Services: If caterers or other service providers do not show up, the last minute costs may be included in the policy.

Keep in mind, canceling a wedding due to a couple with cold feet is not likely covered under a policy. To get a good idea of wedding insurance pricing in the Sandpoint, ID area, consider giving The Insurance Shop USA a call.

 

Can I Add Umbrella Insurance to an Existing Policy?

If you have a current homeowner’s or auto insurance policy in Sandpoint, ID, that’s great. But in a situation where someone is injured on your property or another unfortunate accident, will the coverage be enough?

This is a question that many people ask the team at The Insurance Shop USA every day. The answer isn’t so simple. Because, in reality, it will depend on a number of factors whether or not your existing coverage is enough to handle the damages and injuries that occur. 

Understanding Umbrella Insurance 

This is when an umbrella insurance policy can be invaluable. This insurance is designed to provide a cushion for your existing policy by adding more protection. These policies are usually more affordable than traditional policies and provide an additional layer of peace of mind that if an accident or issue occurs, you will be covered, and you won’t have to cover any of the damages or injuries out of your own pocket. 

Buying Umbrella Insurance 

If you are ready to invest in umbrella insurance, it doesn’t mean you have to buy completely new coverage. You can add this type of policy to your existing policy. Doing this will help provide more protection, regardless of your situation or the incident that occurs. 

If you are ready to make this purchase, then you should ask your existing insurance provider about bundling policies, compare quotes and find a reputable agent to work with. This will ensure that you get the very best deal on this type of coverage. 

If you need help purchasing this type of coverage, feel free to reach out to The Insurance Shop USA serving Sandpoint, ID. They will be able to answer any questions you have and ensure you get the policy that you want and need for added protection. 

 

What Is Religious Institution Insurance?

The Insurance Shop USA offers religious institution insurance for religious organizations that cover a variety of possible risks. People who work or belong to a religious community within the Sandpoint, ID area can purchase religious institution insurance that will protect both the property and the people who work and worship at that location. There are often many questions that surround this type of policy so it’s important to talk to a licensed agent to get accurate answers.

Protection For the Property 

Religious institution insurance covers damage to churches, synagogues, mosques, cemeteries, and any other type of property that is owned by the organization. This also includes items that are used during worship services including hymnals, chalices, altar cloths, and sacraments. Many items owned by a church are extremely valuable and may not be able to be replaced. Insurance coverage can help to cover a portion of the cost of the items and repair damage to the buildings.

Protection for the People

This type of insurance also covers individuals who are employed by the church or act as groundskeepers or caretakers. The policy may also cover the cost of medical care of parishioners are injured during a service or while helping out around the property.

Religious organizations in the Sandpoint, ID area are encouraged to call the licensed agents of The Insurance Shop USA to find out what type of coverage is available for their church, sanctuary, cemetery, and other religious property.  Maintaining adequate amounts of coverage on property belonging to a religious organization ensures that the risk of financial loss is kept to a minimum. Contact an agent today to get the answers you need concerning this type of coverage.

What Are the Benefits to Using an Insurance Agent to Buy Health Insurance?

You do not need an insurance agent to purchase health insurance. You can go online and buy a policy yourself without the help of anyone. But here at The Insurance Shop USA, serving Sandpoint, ID, we can help you with your policy. This may leave you wondering what the benefits are to using an insurance agent, such as us when buying health insurance. Here are a few of the benefits. 

An Insurance Agent Can Compare Policies

One of the major benefits associated with using an insurance agent to buy health insurance is that the agent can compare different policies to help you find the right one. When you are looking for a health insurance policy, there are a variety of different policies that you have to sort through to find the right one. An agent can listen to what you are looking for in a policy and sort through them, presenting only the ones that fit your needs to you. This helps you to save time and helps you find the right policy. 

An Insurance Agent Can Explain Insurance Terms to You

The other major benefit of using an insurance agent to buy health insurance is that the insurance agent can explain the insurance terms to you. Buying health insurance can be tricky. Many people do not understand the difference between a co-pay and a deductible. Or what the difference is between an individual and a family deductible. An insurance agent can explain all of these terms to you, helping you to hone in on the right policy. 

If you are ready to get started buying a health insurance policy in the greater Sandpoint, ID area, The Insurance Shop USA would love to assist you. Contact us today and let us help you find the right policy.