Tag: indepedent agency

Understanding Small Business Insurance

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

There are four types of insurance that most small businesses purchase. The first is Property insurance. This type of coverage provides compensation if business property is damaged, stolen or lost. In addition to covering the physical business structure, property insurance covers personal property. This includes inventory, office furnishings, raw materials, computers, machinery and other items that are part of business operations. Property insurance coverage doesn’t end with protecting physical assets. It also affords operating funds when business owners are forced to take steps to get their business back on track following a major loss. Property insurance might provide coverage for broken equipment in some cases. It can also provide coverage for water damage, debris removal following a fire and several other specific items.

Business Vehicle insurance is the second type of coverage many small businesses purchase. Anyone who uses their own personal vehicle for business purposes should discuss this type of coverage with their agent. Most personal vehicle insurance policies don’t provide coverage if the automobile that is involved in an accident is used mostly for business purposes. Business Auto insurance policies afford coverage for vehicles that are owned and used by a business. Third parties injured by the policyholder’s vehicle receive compensation for damages up to the policy limit amount. Some policies might provide compensation for repair or replacement of vehicles that are damaged from flooding, theft, accidents and similar events.

The third type of coverage most small businesses purchase is Liability insurance. Any business can face a lawsuit at some point in today’s litigious society. For example, a person might claim that a business caused them harm from a service error, defective product or negligence in providing a safe environment. Liability coverage provides compensation for damages a company is liable for. However, the coverage is only provided up to the policy’s limit amounts. These policies usually also provide funds for legal defense expenses, attorneys’ fees, medical bills and several other related expenses.

Workers Compensation is the fourth type of insurance purchased by many small businesses. In nearly every state, employers are required by law to have Workers Compensation coverage if they have employees. This number usually varies from three to five, and even if a business employs fewer than three employees, it is still wise to purchase this coverage. Workers Compensation pays for a portion of lost wages for workers who are injured. In addition to this, it also covers the medical care they require. Coverage is provided to employees who are injured at work regardless of who is at fault. If workers die as a result of the injuries they sustain, the insurance company compensates the surviving family members of the deceased worker.

In addition to the four major types of coverage purchased, there are several other valuable policies some companies might want to purchase. Umbrella policies, Terrorism coverage and specialized liability policies are all helpful. Umbrella policies, much like an umbrella, cover above and beyond the normal inclusions. These are usually obtained to prevent high losses by businesses with high risks. Specialized liability policies are made up of several types of individual coverage. Terrorism coverage provides compensation for damages and medical care to a certain extent in the event of terrorism.

We are an independent insurance agency, representing over 59 insurance companies, we shop the marketplace for you making sure you get the best coverage at the right price. To find out which options are best for your business, contact one of our Protection Coaches today at 877-994-6787.

Here are 4 Easy Ways to Reach Us:
1. Call 877-994-6787 or 951-600-5751
2. Fax 951-677-6265
3. Email – [email protected]
4. Visit – agency.thebutlerweb.com

Online Insurance as Opposed to an Insurance Agency: What’s The Difference

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Just as one might use a CPA to prepare their income taxes or an attorney to help them with their estate planning, many choose to use an insurance agency to write their insurance policies. This choice is mainly made because a person feels they need professional advice during the process. Of course, everyone will have different needs and circumstances surrounding their purchase, and this is why an insurance professional’s advice can be an invaluable asset. If you’re debating buying insurance online versus through an independent insurance agency, then you should ask yourself a couple of questions:

  • Do I know for certain what specific coverage(s) I need to be properly protected?
  • Do I know all the questions I should be asking before making an insurance purchase?
  • Will the online purchase truly result in saving both time and money?
  • Can I obtain all my insurance policies through a single online insurance provider?
  • If I purchase online, am I certain that I am receiving all discounts that apply to me?
  • Can I call the online insurance provider and receive insurance advice when needed?
  • If you purchase online insurance, in the event of a claim, who will stand by your side?
  • Is the personal information I’ll be providing kept secure?

You want to know exactly what coverage(s) you need and that the insurance you’re purchasing meets those needs adequately. Insurance can vary greatly from state to state, meaning that it’s equally important for your insurance source to be knowledgeable. You certainly don’t want to purchase an insurance policy and discover down the road that it doesn’t protect you during a claim. Making an insurance purchase with an online company that fails to connect professional insurance advice to your personal insurance needs can leave you at risk of being without the coverage(s) you need. You shouldn’t be the only one taking time to ask questions. And when that unfortunate claim does occur, who will help you when the insurance company doesn’t want to pay your claim? When you purchase through an independent insurance agency, we are here to help and support you through the entire claims process.

One of the best ways to determine if you’re really saving money by purchasing your insurance online is to get a quote of your policy online. Do keep in mind that most online companies don’t offer multi-policy discounts, such as for home and auto. This is because most offer homeowner’s insurance through a different company, if at all. On the other hand, an independent insurance agency typically allows you to select coverage from several different insurance companies, Stromsoe Insurance Agency currently offers over 59 insurance companies and we shop the marketplace for you, and we can help you determine which company will offer you the most protection for your insurance dollar. Another consideration is that independent insurance agencies typically have a much more stringent screening process in relation to these insurance companies.

Unlike independent insurance agencies, many online companies will either not have the services that you need readily available or have a system that you must sign into and learn to navigate before being able to obtain what you need. One such example would be obtaining insurance documents, such as a certificate of insurance. Let’s say you’re using your vehicle to take your child and some of his/her classmates on a field trip. You learn the day of the trip that you must have evidence of your insurance before going. If you use an independent insurance agency, the documented can be faxed or emailed to the school or your smart phone with a quick and simple call. A second example would be how an insurance agency can help you meet some very challenging needs associated with needing a hard to place insurance policy. Despite the trend for online shopping, independent insurance agencies continue to thrive because of the solid reputations they build from customer satisfaction.

Insurance is often required – auto insurance by your employer, homeowner’s insurance by your mortgage lender, or even coverage(s) an owner of a space you’re trying to rent for a professional or personal function may require of you. Such requirements can often be like trying to understand the tax code. If you use an independent insurance agency, then you can email or fax any insurance requirements to your insurance agent for quick and efficient resolution.

Carefully consider how you go about purchasing your insurance. Surprises are the last things you want when it comes to the vital protection of insurance. If you have any uncertainty about what you’re really getting with online insurance, then you might want to rethink your decision. If you’d like to avoid the one-size-fits-all approach of online insurance and receive the knowledge and expertise of an independent insurance agent, then you may consider opting for a professional, independent agent to prepare your insurance policy.

If you would like to request your Free Insurance Quote or if you have more question about what an independent insurance agency, like Stromsoe Insurance Agency, offers it’s clients in addition to an insurance policy, please contact our knowledgeable team at 877-994-6787, that’s 877-99-INSURE.

Get The Best Car Insurance Rates-We Can Help!

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

You just bought a new car, and now you’re searching for affordable car insurance. Once an insurance company is supplied with such information as the make and model of your car, your age, your address, etc., they provide a quote for your premium. But how exactly do they calculate that number? Read on to learn how insurance companies determine these rates.

Different companies, different rates. Many drivers mistakenly believe that insurance rates are set by the state. Although Auto insurance companies must follow certain laws when calculating rates, the rates themselves are not set by law. When you ask for a quote, the insurance company considers many different factors as they figure out your rate. However, because each insurance company uses their own unique calculation method, you could receive widely varying rates from different insurance providers.

Crunching the numbers. Depending on the laws in your state, insurance companies typically determine your rate based on some or all of the following factors:

  • 1. The year, make, model, body type, engine size, and safety features of your car
  • 2. Your age and gender
  • 3. Your marital status
  • 4. Your driving record
  • 5. Your usage of the car (such as if you are using the car for work, pleasure, or as a collectible)
  • 6. Occupation
  • 7. How many drivers will be using the car and their ages
  • 8. How many vehicles you own
  • 9. What kind of coverage limits you want
  • 10. Where you live
  • 11. Your weekly, monthly or annual mileage

 

 Generally, this information is entered into a computerized system that automatically places you into a price group based on these parameters. The insurance company then subtracts any discounts for which you qualify from your group’s rate and you’re left with the resulting quote.

Where your money goes. If you think the quote is fair and decide to purchase a policy, you’ll start paying a monthly insurance premium. But what exactly does your monthly premium cover? Here’s a typical insurance premium breakdown:

  • – About 70% of your premium pays for losses and loss expenses
  • – About 26% of your premium goes toward marketing, commissions, and administrative costs
  • – About 4% of your premium contributes to the insurance company’s profits

 

 You better shop around. Every insurance company has differing sets of claim payments and expenses, and they set rates for each “price group” accordingly. That’s why you’ll likely receive widely varying quotes. This is why it’s so important to take the time to shop around and find the best rate. Plus, although insurance companies are prohibited by law from calculating rates based on race and religion, they are allowed to consider your age, gender, and marital status. However, each company places emphasis on different factors. For example, while one insurance company might place more weight on a driver’s gender, another company might think their driving record is more important. But how do you manage all of this information?

That’s where we come in. As your insurance agency, we provide you with the expertise and specific industry knowledge to guide you through the process. We work as an advocate on your behalf to shop your needs to the companies best suited to fulfill your unique Auto insurance needs – and at the best rates. In addition, we also consider which company offers the type of coverage you desire. Let us do the homework and find the best fit for your unique Auto insurance needs. Call our office today!

Here are 4 easy ways to reach us:
1. Phone 877-994-6787 
2. Fax 951-677-6265 
3. Email – [email protected] 
4. Visit www.SoEasyCarInsurance.com for your Free Car Insurance Quote Today

The Indepedent Insurance Agent

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Are you ever frustrated when you walk into a big box store and try to figure out what type of appliance, TV or other electronic device that you want to purchase and there is no one around to help you.  Makes me consider how much your time is worth?  For example when you get the wrong thing and have to take it back, what it costs in retracing your steps to exchange the wrong thing for what you now hope will be the right thing.

Going to an agent for your insurance and advice will save your time and money.  Only the high priced advertising companies make out on the advertising done by online insurance companies.  The customer, YOU, are their last consideration.  Why take it anymore?  Call an independent agent that “cares” about you!