Commercial Insurance: What Are Your Options?

As a business owner, you know that commercial insurance is a necessity. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which policy is right for you. Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA offers this guide to different types of commercial insurance and help you decide which one is best for your business. Read on to learn more. 

Commercial Insurance: What Are Your Options?

1. General Liability Insurance

This is the most basic type of commercial insurance, and it covers your business against third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. It is important to have this type of coverage, even if your business is small because any number of accidents could lead to a lawsuit.

2. Professional Liability Insurance

If you provide professional services, you need to have professional liability insurance. This type of coverage protects you against claims of negligence or errors in your work. It is important to have this coverage even if you are very careful, as accidents can always happen.

3. Product Liability Insurance

If you manufacture or sell products, then you need product liability insurance. This type of coverage protects you against claims of injuries or damage caused by your products. It is important to have this coverage because even the safest products can sometimes cause accidents.

4. Property Insurance

This type of insurance covers your business property, such as your office or store, against damage from fire, theft, and other disasters. It is important to have this coverage because even the most carefully protected accidents can damage property.

5. Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If you have employees, you must have workers’ compensation insurance. This type of coverage protects your employees against injuries or illnesses that they may suffer while working for you. It is important to have this coverage because it can help you avoid lawsuits and protect your employees in the event of an accident.

6. Business Interruption Insurance

This type of insurance covers your business expenses if you have to temporarily close your business due to a fire, flood, or any other natural disaster. It is important to have this coverage because it can help you keep your business running after an accident.

Now that you know more about the different types of commercial insurance, you can decide which one is right for your business. If you have any questions or need help finding the right policy, Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA can help. Give us a call today to speak with one of our insurance experts. We’re here to help you find the best coverage for your business.

 

Common Misconceptions About Home Insurance

In today’s world, home insurance is a crucial part of homeownership. But what are the misconceptions around this important topic? Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA offers you to take a look at some common myths and truths.

Common Misconceptions About Home Insurance

Myth #1: Home Insurance Is Expensive

Truth: Actually, home insurance rates vary depending on your location as well as the type of home insurance you choose. Many affordable options are available, so you can find a policy that fits your budget.

Myth #2: Home Insurance Covers Everything

Truth: Home insurance usually covers damage to your home and property and personal liability in the event someone is injured on your property. However, it does not cover everything, so be sure to read your policy carefully.

Myth #3: I Don’t Need Home Insurance If I Live In a Safe Neighborhood

Truth: No matter where you live, accidents can happen. A fire or burglary could occur even in the safest neighborhood, so it’s important to have insurance coverage.

Myth #4: I Don’t Need Home Insurance If I Own My Home outright

Truth: Even if you own your home outright, you should still have insurance coverage. This will protect you in the event of damage to your property or liability claims.

Myth #5: My Home Isn’t Worth Insuring

Truth: It’s always a good idea to have insurance coverage, even if your home is not worth a lot of money. If something happens to your home, you may not be able to rebuild it without insurance proceeds.

Myth #6: I Can’t Get Home Insurance If I’ve Had Claims in the Past

Truth: You may be able to get home insurance even if you’ve had claims in the past. However, the premiums for this coverage may be higher. Talk to an insurance agent to find out what options are available to you.

Contact Us Today

It’s important to have home insurance, even if you think your home is not worth insuring. There are many affordable policies available, and it’s important to have coverage in case of an accident or disaster. Contact Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA for more information about home insurance. We can help you find the right policy for your needs.

 

Client First Insurance Solutions Acquires Newman Agency

Left to right: Kirk Lyman-Barner, John Newman, Jody Wade.

On April 1st, 2022, Client First Insurance Solutions purchased the assets belonging to the Newman Agency, another local insurance agency founded by Mr. John Newman.

Mr. Newman, who has decided to retire, is working closely with the Client First team to ensure a smooth transition, and had this to say to his former clients:

“We have always strived to give the best customer service to our insureds and I am confident that Kirk and his staff at Client First Insurance will be able to maintain that same high level that you have come to expect. I will miss you all and wish the very best for you.”

Any insurance policies written and maintained by Mr. Newman will continue to exist and will not be modified; the only change for customers will be that Client First will process payments, endorsements, and any other policy changes instead of Mr. Newman.

Client First Insurance is located on Lamar street next to Sweet Georgia Baking and is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Questions about Life, Health, Home, Auto, and Business insurance needs may be directed to Client First at (229) 596-1002. 

Why Umbrella Insurance Is A Must

It’s likely that you already have many insurance policies such as homeowners, life, and auto; however, those may not offer sufficient liability coverage in a time of need. Also known as excess liability insurance, umbrella insurance kicks in when your existing liability coverage has been exhausted. Ultimately, the primary purpose of umbrella insurance is to offer pivotal financial assistance in dire and emergency circumstances. Let’s look at an example for further context:

  • Steve has $500,000 of liability coverage as part of his auto insurance. Unfortunately, he is in a car accident and is at fault. Luckily, Steve has an umbrella policy of $1,000,000 that will kick in after his auto liability coverage has been exhausted. Assuming that the other party in the accident settles for $1,500,000 in damages, Steve will not have to pay anything out of pocket. If Steve did not have an umbrella insurance policy, he would be on the hook for $1,000,000 that he would have to cover personally.

Umbrella insurance boils into three main categories:

  • Bodily Injury Liability: Pays the cost of injuries to another person resulting from a car accident, injury from the owner’s pet, or guests that are injured while at the owner’s home. 
  • Property Damage Liability: Covers damage to a third party’s property resulting from a car accident or accidental damage caused by a child at a school or another location. 
  • Personal Liability: If you are sued for slander, libel, malicious prosecution, mental anguish, or similar, your umbrella insurance policy will cover the damages to the policy limits. 

At Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA, we’ll help you navigate the umbrella insurance market and determine if a policy is right for you. Give us a call today to learn more information. 

Flood Insurance Basics To Remember

Client First Insurance Solutions serves the Americus, GA community. We offer multiple policies to help our clients protect their assets. We recognize that searching for the right insurance policy can be stressful. We hope to simplify the process by connecting with our clients on an individual level. Once we have a clear assessment of our client’s individual needs, we are able to recommend a unique policy that will provide coverage over an extended time frame. We are confident that we can help you obtain the coverage you need.

Flood Insurance Basics To Remember

Staying in Americus, GA, you are aware of how dangerous severe weather can be. Tornadoes may occur in some areas during warm summers. Powerful thunderstorms leave flooding in their wake. Entire communities may be damaged by the flooding. If you stay in an area prone to flooding and other severe weather, consider the benefits of flood insurance covers your property against the potential threat of flood damage. The policy covers your personal belongings if they are damaged. However, you may need extra coverage if your luxury items such as antiques, furs, and artwork are damaged. Flood insurance also covers any damage to the structure of your home. Remember the key difference between severe flooding and a potential sewage issue. Flooding should impact everyone in the neighborhood. If your basement is damaged due to sewage backup, flood insurance will not cover the damages. Look over your policy carefully. If your home is severely damaged by flooding, you can add alternative living coverage so that you will be protected as you lodge somewhere else until your home is repaired.

Client First Insurance Solutions Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about flood insurance.  

Is Health Insurance Required in Georgia?

For businesses in Americus, GA, and its surrounding areas, Client First Insurance Solutions is here to help you select healthcare plans that are sure to impress your employees.

The state of Georgia has a few requirements for employer-sponsored health benefits. These include:

  • Emergency services
  • Ambulatory patient services
  • Maternity and newborn care
  • Prescription drugs
  • Hospital stays
  • Treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues
  • Rehabilitation services and assistive devices
  • Pediatric services that include vision and dental
  • Preventative care and chronic disease management

These are the bare minimum requirements for companies to offer their employees. The team at Client First Insurance Solutions can help your business select plans that are designed for families of many sizes and lifestyles, in order to appeal to more employees. Health insurance is certainly not a one-size-fits-all solution; you may have single employees, ones with large families, and everything in between. Everyone needs something a little different, and your health care offerings should reflect that.

Health insurance greatly contributes to the happiness of the people on your team. Many employees have large families and rely on their employer-sponsored health benefits to take care of their dependents. To remain a competitive employer, health insurance is one way you can appeal to more potential employees. 

Client First Insurance Solutions has many comprehensive healthcare options that will keep your employees happy, healthy, and well cared for. If you’re a company in the Americus, GA area and want to see what your options are, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of agents is well-versed and experienced in health care and can help you select the best coverage options for your employees. 

Contact us today! 

Do Sub-Contractors Need Commercial Insurance?

Sub-contractors help major contractors by providing specialized services that make their main job easier. At Client First Insurance Solutions, we can provide Americus, GA residents with the help that they need. But do you truly need insurance? Here’s what you need to know. 

The Law Usually Doesn’t Require Sub-Contractor Insurance 

Most states don’t necessarily demand that sub-contractors get insurance for their job. That does depend on your specific career path, though. For example, more dangerous or delicate work, such as electrical, gas, or other delicate fixes, may require insurance in some states. 

However, you may find that contractors don’t want to work with you because you don’t have insurance. That’s understandable because it puts them in a tough situation and makes them potentially have to pick up the slack for their mistakes. That’s why it’s usually good to consider some policy coverage. 

Sub-Contractor Insurance Options 

When choosing sub-contractor insurance policy options, it is important to take the time to understand the different varying options available for your needs. These include things like:

  • Liability – This choice is good if you want to avoid lawsuits due to injuries caused by your work. 
  • Errors and Omissions – If you made a mistake on a gig or omitted something, this policy protects you. 
  • Vehicle Insurance – Are you using your personal vehicles to work? Get a commercial policy for help
  • Compensation Insurance – Do you have multiple people who work with you? Get compensation for your workers. 

Help Is Available for You

If you want sub-contractor insurance for your business, make sure that you reach out to us at Client First Insurance Solutions to get help. We serve the Americus, GA area and will provide the high-quality policy that you need to avoid long-term complications with your business.

Can You Choose the Value of Your Home Insurance?

Home insurance can be a confusing matter. Many people do not know how much home insurance they need, nor do they realize that they can choose the value of their coverage.

Client First Insurance Solutions provides home insurance to the people of Americus, GA. When you are not sure how much home insurance you need, a professional can help. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know.

Consider the Value of Your Home’s Structure

When you choose the value of your insurance, you can consider the structure of your home. You need to consider the age of your home and the care it has received over the years. You also need to think about your home’s repairs and whether the home is up to code. Your insurance agent will help you consider what kind of insurance you need.

Consider the Value of Your Belongings

Then, you will think about the items you own. Your home insurance covers the belongings inside the structure as well, which means that you need to know how much money you might expect to spend to replace all your items.

Consider the Likelihood of a Major Event

Finally, you can choose the value of your insurance policy based on the likelihood that your home might be damaged by a major event. This means you might need to consider potential weather disasters, for example.

Get Home Insurance That Works

Are you looking for home insurance solutions that meet your needs? Client First Insurance Solutions serving Americus, GA can help. Get in touch with our office today to speak with an insurance agent about your options.

The Benefits of Umbrella Insurance

Have you ever heard of umbrella insurance? It is a valuable type of extra liability insurance that offers additional financial protection when your standard insurance policies are exhausted. Client First Insurance Solutions serving the city of Americus, GA would like you to know about some of the benefits that umbrella, also known as excess liability insurance, offers.

Extra Protection for Catastrophic Events

Standard insurance policies are suitable for everyday incidents, but sometimes we experience catastrophic events that we can’t prepare for in our lives. These events are when umbrella insurance, which acts as a secondary policy, is invaluable. It provides additional financial protection when your primary policies are exhausted if you are liable for an incident that will require a financial outlay that will likely bankrupt you.

Suitable for Home, Auto, and Commercial Use

You can purchase umbrella insurance as an add-on for your home, auto, and commercial insurance policies. Depending on the wording, umbrella insurance may cover any gaps that your general liability insurance doesn’t cover in your business. You cannot usually purchase umbrella insurance on its own because it is a secondary policy that acts as an umbrella to provide an extra layer of protection and sits above your other insurance policies.

Peace of Mind

One of the most significant benefits of purchasing an additional umbrella or excess liability insurance is peace of mind. A legal liability lawsuit can take a long time to settle, it is an expense for the legally liable party, and it is not unheard of for settlements to pay out millions of dollars.

Speak to Client First Insurance Solutions, serving the city of Americus, GA, about assessing your liability risks today!

Why should you get flood insurance even if you live in a low risk flood area?

Mother nature has not been kind in 2021 with flooding cases going up every day. Home insurance doesn’t cover floods. You need to seek a separate flood insurance policy to protect your home and personal belongings from damage. At Client First Insurance Solutions, we recommend learning everything about flood insurance to ensure that you buy enough based on the value of your home and personal belongings. You should definitely get flood insurance, and here are the top 3 reasons. 

Sometimes, flood insurance is required by your lender

If you intend to buy a home that is located in a high-risk flood area, your lender may require you to buy flood insurance. The policy covers the dwelling as well as personal belongings. Some mortgage companies in Americus, GA may allow you to go without flood insurance depending on the type of loan. Federally regulated mortgages will require flood insurance, which must be paid for until the mortgage is paid off.

No one is really safe from floods

Living in a low or moderate-risk flood area doesn’t mean your property is safe. Floods can be estimated, but models can quickly get outdated and may not reflect the severity of a flooding event. Remember, an inch of floodwater is enough to cause loss of property worth millions. A recent disaster risk analysis by FEMA  confirmed that there is a high frequency of flooding events in areas often associated with disasters. 

Flood insurance has a waiting period

Flood insurance comes with a 30 day waiting period, which means you cannot buy the policy when it’s convenient for you. If flooding occurs during the waiting period, you will not be eligible for compensation. It’s more prudent to buy flood insurance as early as possible, especially with the fact that floods cannot always be accurately predicted.

Buying food insurance in Americus, GA soon? Let Client First Insurance Solutions help you find a policy that matches your needs. Call us today!