ALISON JAMES & ASSOCIATES

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE QUOTES

2/9/2020

As you may know, it’s pretty easy to receive commercial insurance quotes. But what about when you get the quotes? It's crucial that you understand the information you are reviewing so you know that you have the right coverage to protect your business. Each quote tells you what kind of policy you are looking at and what kind of coverage it offers. For instance, your business owner’s policy quote may break down your coverages and their accompanying limits like this:

Liability coverage: bodily injury and property damage

$1 million: General liability per occurrence. This is the amount your policy can pay for any single general liability claim, such as a lawsuit over bodily injuries that happened on your property.

$2 million: General liability annual aggregate. This is the total your policy can pay for all general liability claims filed during one policy year.

$1 million: Personal and advertising injury per occurrence. If you’re sued over copyright infringement or defamation, your policy can contribute $1 million toward legal expenses.

$2 million: Products completed operations aggregate. If you create or sell something that causes someone physical harm, you can be held liable for the damages. Your policy can offer $2 million in coverage for legal expenses.

$1 million: Damage to premises rented to you. If you’re liable for damaging rented property, your policy can compensate the owner.

$10,000: Medical. This is what your policy can pay in immediate medical expenses (like an ambulance) in the hopes of averting a lawsuit when someone is injured on your property or by your work.
$10,000: Data breach response. This is the amount your policy can pay to help you recover after your business suffers a data breach.
$50,000: Data breach defense. This is the amount of coverage you can receive if you’re sued over a data breach.

Property coverage: Your property and your client's property in your possession
$500: Property claim deductible. You must pay this amount toward a claim in order to receive your property insurance benefits.

$10,000: Business property. If your assets are lost or damaged in a covered event (e.g., a fire), your policy can pay out $10,000 for you to repair or replace the insured property.

$10,000: Business computers and media. If your computers, tablets, or smartphones are damaged or lost in a covered event, your property insurance can compensate you up to $10,000.

$5,000: Laptop computer – worldwide. This means you can be reimbursed up to $5,000 if a covered event destroys your laptop, even if it happens while you’re out of the country.
If this particular policy costs $635 or so in annual premiums, you can see that you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. You even get some cyber liability protection thrown into the mix.
Your quotes might also include concise explanations of whether the policy meets the requirements in your client contract (if applicable). For example, you might see something like, “Meets contract requirement for commercial general liability insurance.”

Lastly, here are some keywords you’ll need to understand when looking at policy limits and coverages:

Per-occurrence limit: The highest amount of your policy will pay for any single claim.
Aggregate limit: The total of your policy will pay for all the claims in a single policy period (usually a year).
Deductible: The amount you’ll pay out of pocket before you can receive your insurance benefits.

If you have policy questions, contact us today to get the conversation started.

If you need a quote for a policy, our commercial representative will be happy to help you find the best coverage for your business needs.

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Understanding the Impact of Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts and Health Savings Accounts

1/25/2020

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For any business, investing in employee benefits is crucial. With benefits becoming a differentiating factor for many employees, companies that offer the most get to attract the cream of the crop. With the above mentioned, health benefits such as Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts – HRAs and Health Savings Accounts – HSAs are some of the best ones.

Even employers recognize that they are better than group health insurance policies, which can have restrictions imposed by the provider, have higher costs, and require active participation from employees. To simplify things, introducing HRAs and HSAs is a great idea. Both accounts also encourage consumerism from employees by helping them focus on their healthcare costs and understand how they can be more prudent regarding their healthcare.

Additionally, both HRAs and HSAs encourage contribution since all unused funds are carried forward for the next year, allowing them to start the year off with a small nest egg for their health care.

What are Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts – HRAs?

Despite the title, HRAs are not physical accounts where funds will accumulate. Instead, they can have a classification as notional accounts. These are used by employers to actively reimburse their employees with their medical expenses and health insurance. Employers also pay employees after all costs have been incurred.

Advantages You Can Get with HRAs

HRAs offer certain advantages that employers find to be better for their business. The following are the major ones in the following categories:

Control – Employers get more control on HRAs since they are the only ones who contribute to it. The coverage of medical expenses with this account will only be made to the pre-defined extent. Anything exceeding this will not be covered.

Flexibility – Usage of this account is also flexible, and employers can make contributions for single or family-based coverage. In 2019, contributions for single employees come up to $5,150, whereas families are eligible for $10,450, but these can vary based on the status of the family. Qualifying employees should meet at least the minimum essential coverage requirements. HSAs can also be used with FSA but have a few restrictions on their usage.

Simplicity – Getting coverage through HRAs is easier. Since funds are available in a company account, the employees only need to submit proof of payment, such as receipts and receive the funds. All rules for the HRAs are defined by the company’s plan and guidelines from the IRS.

Given these advantages, it is easy to see why most employers prefer to use HRAs for their employees.

What are Health Savings Accounts – HSAs?

Unlike HRAs, HSAs are financial accounts that are established with any banking institution of the employee’s choice. Individuals need to establish these accounts, but they can only be used for medical expenses that qualify for it. Additionally, the HSA has to be linked with a health insurance plan (high deductible). The good news here is that anyone, employers and employees, can contribute to this account.

Advantages You Can Get with HSAs

HSAs are designed to be advantageous for all parties involved. The following are the significant advantages in the following categories:

Control – Unlike HRAs, with HSAs, the employer pays the employees regularly on intervals, as defined by the company. This payment is made whether there are any medical expenses incurred or not. Funds will also go directly into the employee’s HSA, and employees can take these funds with them when they leave the company. Additionally, contributions can be made by employers, employees and third parties as well.

Flexibility – HSAs are incredibly flexible and have uniformity regarding coverage from employers. To qualify for HSAs, employees need to have high deductible plans which meet the requirements of the HSA. In 2019, contributions for single employees came up to $3,500, whereas families are eligible for $7,000 only. While HSAs can occur along with FSA, there are a lot of restrictions and usability is limited at best.

Simplicity – Setting up an HSA is the responsibility of the employee, which can mar the simplicity in usage. Employees need to open up the account in a banking institution or facility, which also has a separate policy with an insurance company. Employees are solely responsible for managing the account and submitting all expenses and proof for payments. IRS establishes all rules and regulations and applies them to HSAs.

The advantages offered by HSAs make them very beneficial for employers and employees, which is why they are often preferred.

Which One is Better?

When looked at comparatively, both HSAs and HRAs are beneficial and have their pros and cons in usage. Most places tend to use HRAs since they have more control over the whole process. On the other hand, having HSAs is more attractive to some employees since they can contribute to the account as well.

On the other hand, qualifying for HSAs can be difficult for employees as compared to qualifying for HRAs. Additionally, both these accounts are tax-free in different ways. Contributions for HSAs are deducted from the person’s tax returns. Contributions made for HRAs are usually excluded from the wages of the employees.

Using Both – HRAs and HSAs for Your Employees

Confused about which one should be used? Don’t be. Many employers and employees often benefit from using a combination of both HSAs and HRAs. Additionally, employers can give their employees better benefits by offering them coverage in this manner. Encouraging employee consumerism in this area is also beneficial for businesses since employees are more invested in their healthcare. Introducing plans like these are not only good for their wellbeing but can also improve their engagement in the workplace. Keep in mind that while employers can use HRAs and HSAs together t o offer the best value to their employees, not all employees can do so with ease. They need to ensure that they meet all the qualifying requirements as defined by HSAs and HRAs. These can differ so make sure that your employees are aware of this factor.

If you have any questions- contact us today!

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Meditation at Work Can Boost Your Productivity Levels

1/20/2020

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Imagine being able to rewire your brain’s functionality whenever you feel a burnout coming on. Meditation is not magic; it simply stems from your ability to practice mindfulness and switching your day off temporarily and hitting the refresh button. Most employees and leaders complain of stress and impending pressure to perform, and many workplaces have adopted meditation in their daily routine to beat the grind. Read on to see why!

Neurogenesis:
Your brain’s ability to create newer and healthier neurons is facilitated by a few minutes of meditation daily. The brain’s center of memory, intelligence and learning are boosted and your ability to perform multiplies instantly!

How so?
The simple act of meditation strengthens the brain’s most used pathways and engages the least used ones too. Who wouldn’t want an instant upgrade? Check out this video to see more of what neuroscientists found out about the love story between meditation and the brain. A stronger brain means a stronger you!

Meditate Together to Stay Together:
Some studies show that meditating in the workplace increases employee engagement, satisfaction, and teamwork. Researchers have also observed increased creativity and improved problem-solving skills. Workplace bonds create loyalty and fraternity, and meditation sessions during work hours seem to foster that; a happy team ensures employee retention and a healthier social environment. Win-win for all!

Hocus, Pocus, Focus!
You have several post-its with “to-do” lists pinned on your desk, a file staring right at you, and 10 tabs open in your head – crazy, isn’t it? Stress and anxiety tax our ability to focus and lower energy levels. Meditation helps employees in controlling their response to stress by volumizing the brain’s cortex which assigns attentional resources – meaning you’re going to be better at ignoring stressful thoughts and attending better to your work!

Various workplaces are investing in their employees’ mental health. Some have hired performance coaches, introduced “personal days” off, and even renovated their architecture. Since we care, we won’t leave you hanging, check out this article to quickly meditate at your desk and have a productive day!

Click here---> for more information on our workplace wellness options

Click here---> for an insurance review or quote

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ARE YOU COVERED FOR DATA BREACHES?

1/16/2020

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Data breaches cause companies to lose money and customers. A digital data breach can significantly impact your business finances, with incidents costing an average of $3.9 million, according to 2019 research by IBM. Exposing sensitive customer or client information can tarnish your business reputation and cause the public to lose trust in your company. In fact, a 2018 Gemalto report found that two-thirds of customers are willing to abandon a business that compromises their sensitive or financial information because of a data loss incident. Managing electronic data liability and risks entails a mix of IT security best practices, employee training, and the right insurance coverage.

General Liability Insurance vs. Cyber Liability Insurance

To assess your electronic data insurance needs, it’s important to understand the difference between general liability and cyber liability insurance and what each policy covers.

General liability insurance: is a necessity for most companies and protects against lawsuits stemming from physical injury to a third party, damage to someone else's property, or advertising and copyright infringement claims. When writing policies, insurance carriers make a distinction between tangible property and digital property because each comes with its own risks. Many general liability policies only cover tangible property and exclude information stored, created, used, or transmitted digitally. Some policyholders may get confused because their general liability insurance has a digital data protection endorsement, but this typically only covers data loss caused by physical damage, such as an employee breaking a server.

Cyber liability insurance: Companies that store or transmit digital information will likely need to purchase cyber liability insurance to respond to a data breach and protect themselves from related lawsuits. There are two different types of electronic data insurance coverage with a cyber policy:

First-party response: This version of cyber liability insurance pays for notifying affected customers that their data has been compromised and providing them with credit and identity monitoring services. It also covers PR and advertising campaigns to help rebuild the reputation of your business.
Third-party defense: Third-party electronic data insurance protects your business if customers sue you because their information was exposed in a data breach.

Note that states have different guidelines and requirements for managing data breaches, so check your local laws before you finalize a policy.

Tips for Buying Cyber Liability Insurance

When considering cyber liability insurance, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you have adequate protection. Assess your industry risks, employee count, and the amount of electronic information you handle will determine your risks and data insurance needs. Nearly all IT and e-commerce businesses should carry cyber liability insurance, but healthcare organizations actually stand to lose the most from a data breach. IBM puts the cost of an average incident in the healthcare industry at nearly $6.5 million. Healthcare practitioners can greatly reduce their digital data risks by complying with the HIPAA security rule.

Put coverage before cost since a data breach can cost a business millions of dollars, resist the urge to make decisions solely based on price when purchasing cyber liability insurance. Buying a policy with a lower deductible might save money in the short term, but if a data loss disaster strikes, you could end up paying more out of pocket to respond to it or defend yourself in court.

Review and ask questions about your coverage.Take time to review your cyber liability insurance policy, and ask your agent for clarification about any unclear language.

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WHAT YOU NEED WHEN REQUESTING A HOME OR AUTO QUOTE

12/6/2019

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You’ve made the (smart) decision to shop around for your insurance to make sure you’re getting the most coverage at the best price. But before you call to get a quote, you may wonder, “What kinds of questions will they ask me? What do I need to have available in order to get an insurance quote? What if I don’t have the info I need?” If you have these questions, we’re here to help. Knowing what to have on hand when you call for an insurance quote can help speed up the quoting process.

WHAT TO HAVE ON HAND WHEN GETTING AN AUTO INSURANCE QUOTE

Frequently comparing auto insurance carriers is a great way to ensure you’re getting the right coverage. When you’re looking for standard auto coverage, here’s what you’ll want to have on hand for your agent:

Current policy declaration page. This shows you currently have car insurance without a lapse in coverage. This does not apply to a new car or new driver.
VIN numbers for each vehicle you want to insure. You can find your Vehicle Identification Number on the driver’s side windshield or near the door.
Dates of birth for all household drivers
Driver’s license numbers for all household members and drivers
Make, model, and year of your car
Desired deductible
Approximate miles driven per year
Driving history (recent accidents or traffic violations)

Not all companies will look at your average miles driven, but it helps determine your risk and wear on the car. Most people drive about 12,000 miles per year, but a longer commute or more frequent driving might be a higher risk, while no commute or infrequent driving would be a lower risk.
Why should you report recent accidents and traffic violations? It’s always best to be honest and upfront with your agent, so they can help you compare quotes as they actually are. Insurance companies can and will check your driving history using the VIN and license numbers. They have the right to make adjustments to your policy and premium during the underwriting review period. So if you aren’t truthful in the initial consult, the number you’re quoted could be different than the number you end up paying after they see your violations. Hiding info only hurts you.

WHAT INFORMATION YOU NEED FOR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

There are a lot of factors that go into determining your risk for a claim as a homeowner. Your insurance agent will ask a few questions about your house, location, and potential liability to design your policy. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to make the process go smoothly and quickly:

The year your home was built
Square footage of living area
Total square footage
Style of home (ranch, 2-story, duplex, etc.)
Exterior material
Roof type and age
Flooring type
Kitchen and bath finishes
Any renovations or upgrades since building
Swimming pools, trampolines, and playhouses on property
Safety features associated with pools, trampolines, and playhouses
Home systems and their ages (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, septic, well, sump pump, etc.)
Supplemental heating sources (fireplaces or heating stoves)
Protective features (smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher, deadbolts, security systems, etc.)
Distance from fire hydrant
Personal property inventory value
Occupancy information (primary residence, secondary residence, number of weeks occupied)
If business is conducted on premises
Insurance history (most recent property insurance carrier, any recent claims in last five years, date of coverage)
Building coverage amount
Deductible

You’ll also want to take a home inventory in advance of your call if possible to ensure you receive an adequate amount of contents coverage. Although it can feel like a lot of questions, it’s always good to have all this information on hand regardless of your insurance. You want to know the details about your house so you are always prepared—no matter what unexpected events may occur.

Get a quote now for your car, home, condo, rental, flood, boat, and other assets.

Give one of our expert insurance advisors a call at (201) 354-6775

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MANUFACTURED HOMES

11/12/2019

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Mobile and manufactured home insurance is becoming increasingly popular. According to the census bureau, there are over 7 million people in the United State living in mobile or manufactured As policies adjust to accommodate this change in the housing market, you should be aware of what your mobile or manufactured home insurance does and does not cover.

What is a Mobile home?

These are homes that are constructed entirely in a factory and are fixed on a permanent steel chassis. They are towed to the site, and are not attached to a permanent foundation.

What Does Insurance for Mobile Homes Cover?

Just like home insurance coverage, mobile or manufactured home insurance protects your mobile home and your personal property from loss or damage caused by covered perils.

Comprehensive Coverage

This means your insurance company covers most direct, sudden and accidental physical losses like:
fire

lightning
explosion
vandalism
landslide
falling objects
explosion
burglary or robbery
water damage from bursting pipes
damage by wild or stray animals,
collapse from the weight of ice and snow wind or hail damage.

TIP: Know your location! If the area is subject to flooding or landslides, make sure you obtain additional coverage for this risk! Ask if your policy provides comprehensive coverage.

Optional Replacement Cost
Optional Replacement Cost coverage reflects the cost to replace the damaged items with new property of comparable material and quality, without any deduction for depreciation. In most states, you can receive up to an additional 20% of the amount of insurance for your home if needed to replace your home!

Agreed Loss Settlement
If your home is destroyed by an insured loss, you receive the full amount of insurance for your home (minus any applicable deductible).

Liability Coverage
This provides coverage if you're found legally responsible for an accident that causes injury or property damage to someone who doesn't live in your home. It covers costs like their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Extra Coverage

Additional Living Expenses
Trees, shrubs, plants and lawns
Debris removal

Emergency Removal Service and
Emergency Repair after a loss
Credit card and check forgery

Fire Department service
Food spoilage coverage

Popular coverage options to choose from:

Hobby farm or ranch liability
Identity fraud expense and management including monitoring
Incidental business liability
Personal injury
Water damage from sewers and drains

Earthquake coverage
Trip coverage when moving your home
Personal Liability coverage on additional residences
Scheduled Personal Property coverage
Replacement cost coverage (mobile home, other structures and personal belongings)

For More information on manufactured homes- contact us today to speak with an agent

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CAR ACCIDENT- WHAT TO DO NEXT

9/17/2019

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STEPS TO TAKE AFTER GETTING INTO A CAR ACCIDENT

Most people at some point in their lives have experienced a car accident. Whether large or small, they are never fun! Not to mention, the process after an accident can be a major pain in the you know what! Should you call the police? How do you file your auto insurance claim? Should you take notes? Follow our tips for what you should do after an accident, and make the process easier on yourself.

CHECK FOR INJURIES

Determine if you or anyone else in the car is hurt; call 911 if needed. If you are seriously injured try not move, and wait for medical attention.

GET SAFE

If you're able to, move to the side of the road or a sidewalk. If your car is safe to drive and is causing a hazard where it is, pull it to the side of the road. Otherwise, leave it where it is and get yourself to safety.

CALL FOR HELP

Whether an accident is considered a minor fender-bender or a major collision, calling the police is important — and in some states, it's legally required. The responding officers will fill out an accident report and document the scene.

TAKE NOTES

After making sure you and any passengers are uninjured, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. According to the Insurance Information Institute, here's the most important information drivers should exchange after an accident:

Full name and contact information
Insurance company and policy number
Driver's license and license plate number
Type, color and model of vehicle
Location of accident

START YOUR CLAIM

*MAKE SURE TO GET A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT *

Why you are still on the scene:
Take pictures
Get the badge number & name of police officer
Take down witnesses names & contact information

Call your insurance company right away. An accident can leave even the most seasoned driver frazzled, but following these steps may help protect you from unnecessary worries. That way, you can focus on working with your insurance company to get your vehicle repaired as smoothly and as quickly as possible.

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