SouthGroup Gulf Coast - Your Trusted Choice

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Spring cleaning tips from SouthGroup Insurance

Spring cleaning tips from SouthGroup Insurance

Of course, because spring is a time for new beginnings, cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle that monumental chore, read on for some helpful information. (And if you’re so tidy and organized throughout the year that spring cleaning isn’t a big chore for you, well, keep that to yourself! Unless you want your friends and neighbors to be jealous, that is.)

+Take it one room at a time. Deciding to clean or organize your entire home can quickly get overwhelming. If you focus on just one area or room, then move to another only when you’re finished, you’ll likely work more efficiently.
+Follow the six-month rule. Generally, if you haven’t used something in six months (with the exception of seasonal items), it’s a good idea to consider throwing it away or donating it.
+Don’t forget the kitchen. Just like other rooms, your kitchen likely has things that haven’t been used in some time — and this includes food in the refrigerator or freezer. Give those appliances a thorough cleaning and get rid of anything you won’t be eating.
+Set yourself up for success. Paper clutter is something we all could probably cut back on pretty easily. Setting up a few recycling bins throughout the house gives you a convenient alternative to just setting that old magazine or paperwork down somewhere and watching the pile grow.
+Make some money! Of course, the spring cleaning garage sale is a tradition for many homeowners, and can be a great way to bring in some extra income. Talk about a win-win situation — you get rid of stuff you don’t need, and someone pays you for it!
+Stay safe. When you’re cleaning or maintaining your home, be mindful of the physical risks involved. Lift with your leg muscles, not your back. Avoid prolonged repetitive motions. Use ladders, lawnmowers and other dangerous tools with caution.

Contact Us!

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Tracy Arnold, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Mark Strickland, Johnny Walton and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, phone: 228-466-4498 fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast, or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Suite 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy. We help you save money on insurance!
#trustedchoice #southgroup
#southgroup @stateauto @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Ground Hog Day Tips -- Get Ready For Spring!

With Groundhog Day just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about spring. (Or time to at least hope that springtime is coming, anyway.) And whether Punxsutawney Phil or the local groundhog sees his shadow or not, we here at SouthGroup Insurance have you covered.

Get ready for spring

Although everyone thinks of cleaning when it comes to spring, there are a number of things you should do to make sure your home is ready when the weather changes. Below is a selection of maintenance tasks from the National Center for Healthy Housing (you can see the full list at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=DOC_12334.pdf).

+Check to make sure your roof’s shingles are in good condition, and check your attic for any possible roof leaks that should be repaired.
+Look for peeling paint and repair/touch up as needed.
+Check for signs of leaks at window and door sills and use caulking or weather stripping to seal.
+Clean your dryer vent and make sure exhaust ducts are clear.
+Make sure there are no puddles or wet spots in your basement or crawlspace.
+Look for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc. Call an exterminator if you suspect an infestation.
+Clean your gutters and downspouts.
+Clean air conditioner coils and drain pans.
+Check/replace the batteries your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
+Replace filters in your air conditioner and dehumidifier.

What? Six more weeks of winter?

Well, you can take solace in the fact that spring will be here eventually. In the meantime, here are some quick tips from Johns Hopkins University to avoid the “winter blues” and get through those long weeks of waiting.

+Keep active. Exercise releases endorphins that will elevate your mood.
+Eat well. High-sugar foods and large amounts of caffeine can feed depression and actually decrease your energy level. Foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and lean meats can help your immune system.
+Go to the light. Bring as much light into your life as possible, by spending time outdoors, opening your shades so your home receives more natural light, or even get help from a “light box.”
+Get your rest. Go to bed around the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning. You’ll have more energy during the day.

Of course, if you have strong feelings of depression, please seek assistance from friends, family or a trusted health-care provider. There are people ready to help, whatever the season.

SIDEBAR: Time for an insurance review?

If an annual insurance review wasn’t included in your New Year’s resolutions, why not get it done while you’re in the cleaning and organizing mood this spring? Your life changes over the course of a year — sometimes in monumental ways. That means your insurance needs can change, too.

At SouthGroup Insurance, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time utilizing all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at {agency-phone-#}. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Tracy Arnold, Mark Strickland, Johnny Walton and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, phone: 228-466-4498 fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast, or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have 2 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi and 412 Hwy 90 Suite 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

New Year's Resolution - Get Life Insurance

You are not planning to have a heart attack tomorrow, or get a cancer diagnosis, or accidentally step out in front of a bus. For that reason, and especially if you are young and healthy and have no dependents, life insurance probably isn’t for you. Or is it?

Let’s look at what life insurance is, what it covers, and why people buy it. Then you can decide if now is the time to contact an independent agent in the Trusted Choice network who specializes in life insurance. Because these agents work with multiple life insurance carriers, they can compare policies and options on your behalf and help you make the best choice. Contact a local agentwww.southgroupgulfcoast.com for help meeting your life insurance goals.

Life Insurance Statistics

40% of American adults have no life insurance
Over 50% of U.S. households lack adequate life insurance coverage
About 40% of people surveyed say they would have immediate financial trouble if the primary wage earner in their household died

Why Buy Life Insurance?

As with all insurance, life insurance plans are about preparing for the unexpected. We don’t plan to have a heart attack or meet an untimely end. We may fret about the unforeseen, but there are few ways to prepare for it. Life insurance provides a way to be prepared and get peace of mind.

The main reason to buy life insurance is for financial protection for your family and dependents. If you are the sole income earner or the major provider in your family, then life insurance definitely makes sense. If you should die unexpectedly, your policy will help your loved ones pay your final expenses and potentially receive ongoing support. The amount they receive will depend upon the size of policy you buy.

Do You Need Life Insurance When You Are Young?

Most people don’t think about buying life insurance when they are young, healthy and single. However, if something should happen to you unexpectedly, a life insurance policy could pay for your student loans or other large outstanding debts, as well as your funeral expenses. These are never fun things to think about, but evaluating risks is a first step to preparedness.

Another good reason to consider buying life insurance at a younger age is to lock in rates. The affordability of life insurance is based largely on your age and risk factors, and life insurance for adults becomes increasingly expensive. While you are young and healthy, you will pay lower premiums. With short term insurance you can choose a lock-in term, such as 15 or 20 years at a preferred rate.

It is important to know that many term policies can be converted into permanent policies later on, without having to re-qualify. If you develop a severe or chronic condition at any point, your life insurance is already secured. Essentially you can insure your insurability.

Life Insurance Over 30

Most people begin seriously thinking about buying a life insurance policy at about the time they start a family. If you are like many people, the light bulb may come on at about the age of 30, when you realize that you are mortal, and that you have real financial responsibilities.

An important consideration for anyone who wants to purchase life insurance is that it will never be cheaper than it is today. It’s not too late at the age of 30, 40 or 50 or even later to buy life insurance that will protect your dependents from financial hardship or provide for you in retirement. But your costs will go up the longer you wait. If you do buy life insurance now, you can lock in a life insurance premium at a more affordable rate than it will be a few years down the road.

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

Choosing a life insurance plan requires a bit of math. You want to figure out how much your family needs for daily spending and major upcoming expenses in the event that you pass away too soon and cannot provide for them. Or, if you are young, single and healthy, you can look at the cost of paying off any debt you have accumulated, or the cost of care for an aging parent.

For the following simple example, we will pretend there is no interest or tax. But in reality those factors will affect the amount of benefit your beneficiaries receive.

Example:

You purchase a $500,000 life insurance policy.
Upon your passing, your family spends $10,000 for your final expenses, leaving $490,000 to be divided up over the payout period for your designated beneficiaries.
If the payout period is 20 years, the payments would be about $24,500 per year, or about $2,040 per month.

Again, interest and tax are not figured into this simplified example. What makes life insurance so confusing is that there are several different types of coverage, including term life and whole life or permanent life insurance. Additionally, the details of the policy you choose will be unique to your personal situation.

Life Insurance Terminology

It can be difficult to make sense of life insurance terminology. Here is a brief overview of the most common terms:

Accidental death insurance: Also known as accidental death and dismemberment insurance, or AD&D, this coverage pays you or a beneficiary a benefit if you are in an accident that results in your being killed or dismembered.
Annuities: An annuity is a type of insurance that either pays income after your initial investment (immediate annuity) or accumulates income (deferred annuity). Either of these types of annuities can be fixed (guaranteed) or assigned a variable rate that pays out based on the policy’s associated investments. Life insurance companies typically offer annuities to help people obtain a stable income during retirement.
Critical Illness Insurance: While not a life insurance policy, critical illness insurance is often available through life insurance companies. You might buy critical illness insurance (or CI) if you have a family history of heart disease or cancer in order to ensure that you have the financial resources to pay for your care if you are diagnosed with a severe illness.
No exam life insurance: This is life insurance coverage that some companies offer without requiring a medical exam first. Typically, this option will be more expensive because without submitting the results of a medical exam to the insurance company, you are an unknown and potentially greater risk.
Term life insurance: This is a life insurance policy that provides a death benefit only. Your annual premiums are locked in for a set term, such as 10 or 20 years. In the event that you pass away during this period, a death benefit is paid to your beneficiaries.
Permanent life insurance: This is a long-term policy, such as universal life insurance or whole life insurance, that includes an investment component and can cover retirement expenses in addition to providing a death benefit.
Universal life insurance: A permanent life insurance policy with a “liquid” account that accrues cash value, as well as interest, with each premium you pay. You can take out loans as needed for unexpected expenses or opportunities, such as a home purchase. You also can pay more than the scheduled premium, or take breaks from paying premiums.
Whole life insurance: Whole life is a permanent policy with an investment component that provides for your financial needs similarly to universal life insurance, but without the liquidity of the funds. This life insurance policy accrues a cash value and pays out at the end of the policy, if it is kept current.

Finding the Right Life Insurance for You

Life insurance causes more confusion for people than perhaps any other type of insurance, partly because there are several different types of life insurance products, and partly because the best life insurance is unique to each individual. Should you buy term life or permanent life insurance? Do you need a broker or can you get life insurance from an agency? Should you buy life insurance coverage online or is that too risky?

While you can buy online life insurance, it may be difficult to know what you are getting and whether it will adequately meet your family’s needs. Buying life insurance is a very personal decision. You may want a policy that builds cash value over time, or you may simply want to purchase coverage that will provide a death benefit if you should pass away within a specific term.

Depending upon the ages of your children and how long it is until they graduate from college, a 10-year, 20-year or 30-year life insurance term policy might be appropriate for you. Or, you may need life insurance to cover only your final expenses. These choices are individual, and for this reason it is smart to consult with a knowledgeable life insurance agent.

How an Independent Agent Can Help Find the Best Life Insurance

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Tracy Arnold, Brittany Jones, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Mark Strickland, Johnny Walton and Whitney Zimmerman Webb at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, phone: 228-466-4498 fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast, or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have 2 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi and 412 Hwy 90 Suite 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy. We help you save money on insurance!
#trustedchoice #southgroup @southgroup @stateauto @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Friday, December 1, 2017

Over the river and through the woods …

Millions of Americans will do some traveling this holiday season - the majority of it by car. Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on the roadways, whether you’re simply driving around.

At SouthGroup Insurance, we’d like to help you not only enjoy your holiday season, but help ensure you’ll be around for future holidays, too! So please take these winter-travel safety tips to heart.

Prepare your car for winter
Before leaving on your trip, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? Your tires need to be in good shape for driving on wet or snowy roads, and be sure your radiator and cooling systems are up to snuff. And - we know you’ve heard this before, but bear with us - your car should have an emergency kit. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand (to provide traction should you get stuck in snow or ice) are good ideas as well.

Before you leave
Know exactly where you’re going, with printed maps, and check weather conditions along your planned route. Let someone know your itinerary, so if you don’t arrive on time, officials know where to look for you. If your car has snow or ice on it, make sure it is completely cleared off before you depart. Don’t forget to clear your headlights and other lights, along with the roof - ice and snow blowing from your car could create a hazard for other drivers.

When you’re on the road
Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Sorry for repeating ourselves, but it’s absolutely vital to, yes, take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others on the road. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses and shady spots. Remember, having four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean your car will stop or steer better on ice.

If you’re caught in a storm that seems like it’s too much for you to handle, seek refuge as soon as you can. Of course, sometimes it’s best not to drive in snow and ice at all - stay home if you can.

If your vehicle becomes disabled
Nobody wants to think about being stranded on the side of the road in a storm, but it happens to thousands of people every year. If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it. Run your engine and heater for short intervals, and open one of your windows slightly to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now’s the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross-streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.

We hope you enjoy your holidays with friends and family, and we look forward to serving you in the New Year!

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tracy Arnold, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Mark Strickland, Johnny Walton and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, phone: 228-466-4498 fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast, or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Suite 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Daylight Savings Time is also Daylight Safety Time

Daylight Savings Time is also Daylight Safety Time.

In most places in the United States, November 5, is Daylight Saving, when clocks are moved backward one hour. We here at SouthGroup Insurance want to remind you it’s also a great time to improve your family’s safety.

Be safe in your home

Health and safety agencies often use the approach of Daylight Saving Time to remind people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms. The American Red Cross suggests you test your smoke alarms and talk with your family about your fire escape plan. Wherever you live, practice the plan too – at least twice a year.

Daylight Saving is a great time to check your emergency preparedness kit to make sure it’s fully stocked with fresh supplies.

Carbon Monoxide a concern too

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 people die annually in the US from carbon monoxide poisoning. The CDC recommends changing the batteries in your CO detectors when moving your clocks forward this Sunday.

The CDC says the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.

See the CDC’s site for more ways to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.

We here at SouthGroup Insurance hope these tips help and that you’ll consider sharing them with the people you care about so they can live safer lives too.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Mark Strickland, Tracy Arnold, Johnny Walton and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, phone: 228-466-4498 fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast, or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Suite 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Lowest Cost Commercial Vehicle Auto Coverage

Commercial Vehicle Insurance - Cover Drivers and Vehicles

The risks you face as a business owner vary widely from liability concerns to workers compensation issues to the possibility that one of your workers could be responsible for an accident. If you have staff members who get behind the wheel, your commercial vehicle insurance will protect your business financially in the event of incident on the road.

One of the best ways to identify the right commercial vehicle policy for your needs is to work with an independent agent in the Trusted Choice® network. These professionals have relationships with many different insurance companies, so they can help cover every aspect of your business insurance needs. Contact a local member agent in your area to get your questions answered and find the protection you need.

Who Needs Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

Freight companies and other businesses that use commercial trucks
Independent contractors who drive during the course of doing business
Any business that makes deliveries or transports goods
Limo services, taxi services, bus companies and other transportation services

If you or your staff members use a vehicle for commercial purposes, you need a commercial auto policy, as your standard personal auto policy will typically not cover you for business use of that vehicle.

The risks associated with commercial use of a vehicle, whether it is personally owned or company owned, often call for higher policy limits and different policy provisions.

Do You Need Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

In some cases, it is obvious that you need a commercial vehicle policy. For example, if you have a delivery service, limousine service, or a restaurant that delivers food, you know for certain that your business takes on risk each time you or a staff member drives one of your vehicles.

But there are many confusing scenarios where business car insurance is concerned. What if you use your personal vehicle to drive your kids around and to deliver cakes from your home bakery service? What if you attach a plow to the front of your truck each winter and offer snow plowing services?

It is typically a question of primary use, but you may have a unique situation to address. If you use any vehicle for business purposes, it definitely pays to talk with an agent who understands both personal and commercial vehicle insurance so you can make sure you have the right protection to meet your needs.

What Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cover?

Commercial vehicle policies, like personal auto policies, are primarily designed to cover your liability risks and provide compensation for damage to your vehicle. But instead of just covering your personal use of the vehicle, the policy covers you and any other person who drives the vehicle. If you have employees who use their own vehicles for work related to your business, you need to make sure your commercial auto policy covers those employees and their vehicles.

A typical policy will include:

Liability: Covers expenses resulting from an accident you or an employee causes, including:
- Bodily injury to another person
- Property damage to another person’s property
- Legal fees
Medical payments: Covers hospitalization and other medical expenses for you or your employees, and any passengers in your vehicle
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Covers bodily injury and property damage you or your employees and passengers incur if an uninsured or underinsured motorist caused the accident.
Collision coverage: Covers your vehicle when another object or vehicle causes damage.
Comprehensive coverage: Covers “other than collision” perils such as weather damage, theft and vandalism.

Get the Right Business Vehicle Insurance for Your Company

With commercial vehicle insurance, there is no “one size fits all.” The variables that affect the kind of coverage you need include the size of your company, whether you have one company car, a dump truck, a fleet of limousines or freight trucks, or a few delivery vans. You also may need special coverage for transporting hazardous or flammable materials.

In addition to these factors, your commercial vehicles may be subject to state and federal regulations that impact your insurance coverage. Every business is unique, and therefore each commercial vehicle policy must be tailored to the business.

To get the right policy and the right amount of coverage for your company, talk with an agent who will fully explore your commercial vehicle usage and risks. When you meet with your agent, be sure to provide all the important facts regarding your company vehicle use, such as:

How is the company organized (from a legal perspective)?
What types of vehicles does your company use?
Who owns them?
Who drives them? You will need to provide driver’s license information for each driver.
How often do you or your employees drive these vehicles?
Do you transport people? Transport or deliver goods? Use the vehicles to provide services? What kind?

The bottom line is that a business needs a flexible, tailored company car insurance policy, and it is important to make sure your policy adequately covers your real world use and risks.

Get a Commercial Vehicle Insurance Quote for Peace of Mind

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

The SBA defines a small business as one that employs fewer than 500 people. By this definition, there are more than 27 million small businesses currently operating in the United States. These can range from incorporated, self-employed individuals to community banks and construction firms. If you own a small business, it's a good to consider acquiring the proper insurance to protect your business venture.

If you are one of the millions of entrepreneurial Americans who have started their own businesses, you can turn to an independent agent in the Trusted Choice® network for guidance when shopping for small business insurance. These agents can work with several different insurance companies to provide you with several policies and premium rates to compare. Contact a local agent near you to start comparing small business insurance quotes today.

U.S. Small Business Statistics

There are currently more than 27 million small businesses in the U.S.
More than 70% of these businesses are owned and operated by a single person
77 million people, or 57% of this country’s workforce, are employed by small businesses
Approximately 70% of all small businesses remain in operation 2 years after inception
Approximately 50% of all small businesses remain in operation 5 years after inception
54% of small businesses are home-based

What Types of Insurance Do Small Business Owners Need?

Very small businesses often do not have employees and are therefore exempt from insurance requirements. However, if your company does have employees, you may need the following insurance for small businesses:

Workers compensation insurance: This coverage can be purchased either through your state’s worker’s compensation insurance program or through a commercial insurance agent. Refer to the guidelines set by your state or speak with an agent in the Trusted Choice network for more information.
Unemployment insurance: This coverage is paid for through unemployment insurance taxes collected by your state. Once you establish and register your business with your state’s workforce agency, you will begin paying this tax.
Disability insurance: Small business owners are currently only required to purchase this insurance for their employees if they are located in one of the following six locations: California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island or Puerto Rico. Otherwise, this coverage is optional.
Medical insurance: Under the recently passed Affordable Healthcare Act, small businesses that employ more than 50 people could be required to purchase healthcare coverage plans for employees. Medical insurance for small business does not have to be unmanageably expensive. A Trusted Choice member agent can help you find insurance providers that offer affordable rates through group insurance for small business.

Regardless of whether or not you have employees, you may want to consider the optional coverage provided by a small business insurance policy.

What Is Small Business Insurance?

Small business insurance is an optional insurance plan that provides you with the coverage necessary to keep your business operational, especially in the aftermath of a catastrophe or a lawsuit. Catastrophes can include fires, major weather events, and accidents with extreme losses. Lawsuits can also devastate your business. These insurance plans can be customized to meet the inherent risks faced by your particular business.

Nearly half of all businesses that are forced to temporarily stop operations because of a natural disaster fail within 5 years. Of those that are unable to resume operations within 10 days, nearly 80 percent close within one month. A solid business insurance policy can prevent this from happening by allowing your small business to remain profitable, even in the face of disaster.

Small Business Insurance Protects Against Property Loss and Damage

There are many different kinds of small businesses, all with varying degrees of property coverage needs. Here are some considerations:

If your company is home-based and your business equipment and materials have a value lower than $2,500, you might be best served by purchasing a business property rider on your homeowners or renters insurance policy.
If your assets are between $2,500 and $10,000, a home-business insurance policy may be your best choice.
If your property coverage demands exceed this amount or your business is located outside of your home, you will most likely need the protection of a small business insurance policy.
If you own the building in which your business is located, you will want to make sure that you purchase enough insurance to cover the structure of the building as well as any contents within. This coverage will provide the compensation necessary to repair or replace lost, damaged or stolen materials and equipment.
These policies almost always exclude damages caused by floods, so you will want to consider purchasing a flood insurance policy as well.

An agent in the Trusted Choice network can provide you with more information about various property coverage options as well as flood insurance policies, and help you choose the right small business insurance for your unique needs.

Small Business Insurance Protects Against Liability

Small business liability insurance is one of the most important components of your commercial policy. Different industries have different liability risks, and for this reason, small business insurance policies can be customized. You need only purchase the type or types of liability coverage you require. Your small business liability insurance options can include:

General liability: This covers most liability claims that may be brought against you. It protects against payments for bodily injury, property damage, libel and slander. It will also cover court costs and legal fees associated with covered events.
Professional liability: This coverage is also known as errors and omissions insurance. It protects your business from liability claims due to malpractice, negligence and errors. Some states may require certain businesses, such as those in the medical field, to have this coverage.
Product liability: This is important for companies that manufacture, distribute or sell products. If a product defect results in illness or injury, your company may be sued. This will provide coverage for this type of lawsuit.

Your small business liability insurance rates will depend on how much coverage you purchase and the likelihood that your business will face liability charges.

Insurance for Small Business Offers Other Coverage Options

Small business insurance policies can be customized to fit your business plan. Some other coverage options include:

Loss of income insurance: If your business is forced to temporarily cease operations because of a covered event, this coverage can provide you with continued income so that you can pay employees and cover your monthly bills and expenses. This coverage is usually limited to one year.
Fidelity insurance: This coverage will shield you from losses resulting from the illegal actions of an employee, such as theft or embezzlement.
Commercial vehicle insurance: If you drive a car, taxi, truck, delivery van or other vehicle for your small business, you will typically need a commercial vehicle policy to cover your risks. If your employees drive while on the job, you will also need this coverage.

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