What is Commercial Umbrella Insurance and Why Does My Business Need It?

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As a business owner in Fillmore, NY, you understand the importance of protecting your business from financial losses due to unforeseen events. While your standard insurance policies may provide coverage for these risks, there are certain scenarios that may still leave you unprotected. Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. is here to assist with all your queries.

What is Commercial Umbrella Insurance? 

Commercial umbrella insurance provides additional liability protection above limits included in your standard policies such as general liability, automotive liability, employer liability, and so on. It kicks in when the costs associated with a claim exceed the limits of those policies. For example, suppose you have a general liability policy with a limit of $1 million but the costs associated with the claim exceed that limit. In that case, commercial umbrella insurance will cover any expenses beyond that amount up to its limits. 

Why Does My Business Need Commercial Umbrella Insurance? 

Umbrella insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that you have extra protection if an unexpected event should occur. The additional coverage provided by this type of policy can help protect both your business and personal assets from large losses due to claims or lawsuits. 

Having umbrella insurance also helps protect your company’s reputation by ensuring that all claims are handled appropriately and quickly without any financial strain on the company itself. Furthermore, many customers require businesses to carry this type of coverage before signing contracts — so having it can be beneficial in terms of securing new business opportunities in Fillmore, NY as well.  

Get The Right Coverage For Your Needs

Contact Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. – speak with one of our agents today! We’ll be happy to assess your needs and provide guidance on how best to protect yourself with commercial umbrella insurance!

Things home insurance won’t cover

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Home insurance allows you to sleep at night. Otherwise, worrying about all the bad things that could happen might keep you awake. In spite of all the things it does cover, home insurance does have exclusions, so you are not quite as safe as you may think. At Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. in Fillmore, NY, we try to make sure all of our customers have the right home coverage and are aware of the exclusions. 

Home Insurance Exclusions

Infestation

If your house is overrun with rodents or being eaten by termites, it can be overwhelming. It is also not covered by your home insurance. This is one of those things that you need to treat before it does any damage. You must maintain your home and get termite treatment, and an exterminator is part of your responsibility as a homeowner to maintain your home. 

Flood

Floods have become a more common occurrence as the climate has been changing. Places that have never seen a flood before have been flooded. The danger is real, and the damage can be devastating. Unfortunately, home insurance won’t cover flood damage to the house or to the content.  If you want to have coverage, you can get it from flood insurance through the NFIP. 

Earth movement

When the earth moves underfoot, whether it is an earthquake, a sinkhole, a mudslide, or a landslide, it isn’t covered by home insurance. You can get an additional policy to take care of these issues. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about it. 

Wear and tear

Home insurance is not designed to cover the normal wear and tear that happens to homes. Things like roofs getting old and furnaces dying. These are things, as a homeowner, you need to budget for because they will happen. 

Give Us A Call

Contact Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. in Fillmore, NY when you are in the market for home insurance. 

Can Unmarried Partners Share a Renters Insurance Policy?

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If you are renting a home, apartment, condo, or duplex, it is important that you carry renters insurance. Renters insurance can help to cover your property, in case an event such as a fire or flood damages the home you are renting, and, in turn, damages your belongings. Renters insurance also helps to prevent you from losses in cases of accidentally damaging the property, such as leaving a candle on and starting a fire.

Here at Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc., serving the greater Fillmore, NY area, one of the questions that we are often asked is whether unmarried or unrelated renters, such as partners or roommates, can share a policy. Consult with us to learn more about this important insurance coverage. 

Can Unmarried or Unrelated Individuals Share a Renters Insurance Policy? 

Yes. Anyone who is listed on the lease for a home, apartment, or other types of residential property can share a renters insurance policy. The key to sharing property lies in not being related but in being on the lease. Only individuals who are listed on the lease can be covered. 

What Should You Consider When Sharing a Policy? 

While you can share a policy, many insurance agencies recommend obtaining your own policy. If you are sharing a policy, you have no control over the policy limits or whether the policy is canceled for late payment. When you obtain your own policy, you control all aspects of the policy, helping to control your own coverage limits and payments. 

Contact Us Today

If you are renting a space in the greater Fillmore, NY area, our insurance experts at Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. would love to answer any questions you may have about renters insurance and help you to get the right coverage. Contact us for an estimate or obtain a policy from us for all your insurance needs. 

Why You Cannot Treat Your Motorhome The Same as an Automobile When it Comes to Insurance

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Do you own a motorhome? If so, you likely have put thought into the needs around insurance for the motorhome. Without knowing much about insurance, you could easily make the mistake of thinking automobile insurance would be the same as motorhome insurance. On the contrary, motorhome insurance is quite unique. Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. in Fillmore, NY is here to help educate customers about the need for motorhome insurance.

Motorhomes Are More Than Vehicles

When you think about a motorhome, you need to think about it as something much more than just an automobile. That is exactly why automobile insurance will not be able to provide you with the coverage you need for your motorhome.

Think about the size of your motorhome in comparison to an automobile. The motorhome is much larger and thus will carry with it a higher risk for accidents. Standard automobile insurance will also not provide you with the full lineup of liability and collision coverage should you ever get in an accident.

You also need to think about the possessions inside of a motorhome. A motorhome will likely hold your clothing, appliances, computers, jewelry, electronics, and more. Homeowners insurance usually covers these things when in your home and motorhome insurance provides the same benefit. Automobile insurance would not provide this coverage.

Protecting You From the Unforeseen

Automobile insurance is not going to protect your wallet in the event your motorhome is in an accident where you are at fault. The same goes for a natural disaster that may hit your motorhome. You need protection and the best way to do that is to shop for motorhome insurance. Contact us today at  Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. in Fillmore, NY for more information. 

Do I need RV insurance if I only drive my RV once a year?

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Having an RV can be both convenient and fun. Who doesn’t like the idea of having all the comforts of home on the road? However, like a vehicle, any motorized RV must be insured with liability insurance at the least.

Of course, there may be circumstances that require you to carry more than just liability insurance. Any motorized vehicle, RVs included, must be insured with state-required liability insurance. 

Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. in Fillmore, NY is committed to helping RV owners understand the laws and get the coverage they need. 

We only use our RV once a year. Do we still need liability insurance?

Regardless of how frequently you drive your RV, you are still required to carry liability insurance. Typically, RV owners must carry standard liability insurance that meets the state minimum requirements. RV owners are also required to carry personal injury protection insurance if they live in a no-fault state.

RV owners must carry bodily injury and property damage liability coverage at $25K per injury/person, and $50K per accident. Property damage coverage must be a minimum of $10K. Uninsured liability coverage must meet the $25K per person and the $50K per accident state minimum requirements for New York. Also, personal injury protection coverage is required at $50K. 

Get RV Insurance Today

If you have questions regarding what’s required to drive your RV in the state of New York, call us. Our Fillmore, NY team at  Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. is happy to answer questions regarding state requirements for RV owners as well as insurance coverage that meets the needs of our customers.

Top 3 Motorcycle Riding Safety Tips

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Motorcycle riding is a fun and exhilarating experience around Fillmore, NY. However, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers that come with it. Consult with Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. for expert insurance coverage for your motorcycle, and be careful on the road while driving. 

Follow these top three motorcycle riding safety tips:

Wear A Helmet

Motorcyclists should always wear a helmet to protect themselves in case of an accident. Wearing a helmet can help prevent serious injuries or even death. In addition, wearing a helmet can make it easier for other motorists to see you and help prevent accidents. Thousands of motorcyclists lose their lives every year due to head injuries from not wearing a helmet. It is the essential safety gear you can ever have.

Never Ride While Impaired

There are many dangers associated with riding a motorcycle under the influence. First and foremost, it is illegal in most states. Secondly, it impairs your ability to operate the motorcycle safely. You are more likely to be involved in an accident when impaired. Third, it increases your chances of being injured or killed in an accident. Finally, it puts other motorists at risk when you ride under the influence.

Regularly Inspect Your Motorcycle

Motorcyclists need to regularly inspect their motorcycles because they are more susceptible to mechanical problems than cars. Additionally, motorcycles are less stable than cars and are more likely to be involved in accidents. Motorcycle insurance protects you against the financial consequences of a crash, including medical expenses, property damage, and loss of income. It also covers injuries sustained in an accident. For example, your insurance will pay for your medical bills and lost wages if you are injured in a motorcycle accident.

Contact Us Today

If you’re a motorcyclist in the Fillmore, NY area interested in learning more about motorcycle insurance, reach out to Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. today!

What Should I Do If My Boat Is Damaged In A Storm?

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If you’re a boat owner, you know that storms can be a huge danger to your vessel. High winds and waves can cause serious damage, and if you’re not prepared, you could end up with a wrecked boat on your hands. Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc in Fillmore, NY can provide expert insurance advice to navigate such situations.

Here are some steps to take if your boat is damaged in a storm:

Assess the Damage

The first thing you should do is assess the damage. If the boat is still afloat, you’ll want to look at the hull and see if there are any cracks or holes. If the boat is sunk, you’ll need to focus on salvage and recovery. Either way, it’s important to document the damage with photos and/or video.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve assessed the damage, the next step is to contact your insurance company. You’ll need to file a claim and provide them with all of the documentation that you have. A reputable agency such as Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. will send an adjuster fast to assess the damage and determine how much they are willing to pay.

If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of repairs. However, if you only have liability coverage, then they may only cover the cost of salvage and recovery. Either way, it’s important to get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible so that you can start the claims process.

Make the Repairs

If your insurance company is going to cover the cost of repairs, then you’ll need to find a reputable boat repair shop. They’ll be able to fix the damage and get your boat back in working order.

However, if your insurance company is only going to cover the cost of salvage and recovery, then you’ll need to find a reputable salvage company. They’ll be able to retrieve your boat and bring it back to shore.

Contact Us Today

If you’re unfortunate enough to have your boat damaged in a storm, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage. First, contact your insurance agent and let them know what happened. They’ll be able to help you file a claim and get the repairs started. Get in touch with Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc in Fillmore, NY for all your insurance needs.

What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?

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Umbrella insurance will help protect you from financial loss if your main insurance policy does not cover a certain risk. It only covers the items listed in the contract of a specific insurance policy. If living in the greater Fillmore, NY community, reach out to Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. for any insurance-related inquiries.

Know More about Umbrella Insurance 

Umbrella insurance can protect you against a range of unfortunate events that might otherwise cause you financial hardship. It may cover loss of income because of sickness, injury, or accident; loss of assets due to natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes; or even the cost of hiring a replacement in the event that a major expense like the mortgage or rent comes due. 

Some policies may even provide a lump sum payment to help you get back on your feet. Any risk that cannot be completely mitigated by another form of insurance, such as a large expense that would normally require a lot of cash on hand, may be covered by an umbrella policy. This may include the cost of major repairs to your home, medical expenses that exceed a certain amount, or the cost of replacing your car in the event of an accident. 

Some umbrella policies also offer coverage for lost wages if you are unable to work due to an accident, as well as legal expenses if you find yourself in a dispute with a contractor or a supplier. Some protect you financially if something bad happens like a fire or an injury. Other types of insurance protect you from a situation like losing your job or having a medical condition.

Umbrella insurance can help cover the medical expenses of individuals who were injured or became sick due to contaminated food, workplace hazards, or any other unforeseen event. It can also be helpful for covering the financial burden of an employee who becomes seriously ill or injured. This type of insurance is commonly referred to as “secondary” because it is not meant to replace the need for “primary” health insurance. It can be pricey, so it’s important to choose a policy that offers a large enough benefit and low enough cost to be affordable. 

Contact Us Today

Umbrella policies come in many forms and can be purchased either as a stand-alone policy or as a rider on a commercial insurance policy. The insurance covers your liability if you exhaust your main cover. It can help protect you from expensive lawsuits by providing a financial safety net in the case that an employee sues you. To learn more about your insurance options, give us a call today at Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc. in Fillmore, NY.

Do you need more insurance for a more expensive car?

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The Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc team is proud to provide insurance services for the entire Fillmore, NY community. We are dedicated to our clients, and would welcome the opportunity to work with you too!

Different factors affecting necessary levels of insurance 

Auto insurance serves many purposes, with liability protection, medical expense coverage, and collision coverage. The first two aspects are not really affected by the value of the vehicle. The amount of protection that people opt for when it comes to liability and medical expense policy levels, is generally determined by other factors.

In the instance of collision coverage, the value of the vehicle being protected is of primary concern. This coverage protects against damage to other vehicles and the policyholders in the event of an accident. This means that determining the amount of coverage necessary will need to consider more than one aspect.

A quick conversation with a local agent when selecting an auto policy can clarify the amount of protection that is necessary. In all likelihood, the policies under consideration will provide a range of coverage, up to a certain amount. Factoring in the value of the vehicle that is being insured could affect the level of coverage that is most appropriate.

Auto insurance should also be reviewed on a regular basis because of the possible changes in the policyholder’s situation and coverage needs. Like most other insurances, policy needs can change over time.

Contact our office today!

Fillmore, NY area residents can rely on Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc for all of their insurance needs. When it comes to insurance, we are here to help! Reach out to our office today, and find out more about the auto policy options that are available in our area.

How commercial insurance can save a small business

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Owning a business of any size is risky, but small businesses are particularly vulnerable to a variety of different hazards. Being able to survive something going wrong can really depend a lot on whether or not you have the right commercial insurance to protect your small business. At Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc in Fillmore, NY we work with our customers to customize a commercial policy that fits their business. 

How commercial insurance can save a small business

When a covered hazard hits your business location, whether you own it or rent it, you need to have the ability to do business. It doesn’t matter if you are a small factory owner or an electrician, you need what it takes to operate. This can be your tools,  machines, office equipment, raw materials, and inventory. If you own the building that is covered, even if you rent, you need what you use. You could lose your business without commercial property insurance. 

One of the biggest dangers to small businesses is being sued. Small businesses are easy targets for legal actions and about a third of all businesses are sued every year. With commercial liability insurance, you will be able to pay a judgment against your business and have the money to pay for legal representation. If you don’t have commercial liability insurance you might not have enough money to survive a lawsuit. 

When something happens to your business, that means that you won’t be able to do business for a time, you may not have enough savings to be able to survive with no income coming in. Just because your income goes away, your bills don’t stop coming in. With business interruption insurance, you will be able to meet your obligations if your hazard is covered. 

Contact Walker and Associates Insurance Agencies Inc in Fillmore, NY when you need to discuss your small business insurance.