Is Officers And Directors Insurance Included In Commercial Insurance?

When you are looking at insurance for your business in Ft. Worth, TX, it’s critical to look at what is included in a policy. It may be necessary for you to provide protection to the officers and directors within your company. You want to build your insurance to include any potential coverage that you might need in the event that something happens.

Traditional commercial insurance will include such things as liability coverage in the event that a person injures themselves on your property or an employee damages the property of a customer. However, officers and directors insurance is, typically, not included in a commercial insurance policy.

It is possible to add officers and directors coverage. It is commonly referred to as D&O insurance. This can be added to your full commercial insurance package, which may include other coverage options, too, based on the individual aspects of your business.

At Main Street Independent Insurance, an independent insurance agent can work with you to determine if you need to have D&O insurance. It would provide the liability coverage to cover directors and officers if there is a loss as a result of a legal decision made by a director or officer as well as for defense costs.

You don’t want to leave your business vulnerable to anything that could happen. It’s best if you can plan for anything that may happen so that you’re prepared. Otherwise, you could find your business on the hook for thousands of dollars that you’re not prepared to pay for.

To learn more about how to cover officers and directors with your commercial insurance package, it’s essential to work closely with an insurance agent. Contact Main Street Independent Insurance today to learn more about the options that are available to you in Ft. Worth, TX.

 

Is having auto insurance always a necessity?

Driving a car is a necessity for many people in the Ft. Worth, TX area. Most people that drive a car in this area are aware that they will need to have auto insurance in place at all times while they are driving. However, there are situations in which you do not necessarily need to have auto insurance on your car.

You Won’t Drive It

One situation in which you will not need to have car insurance in place is if you do not plan on driving your car. If you plan on having a car that will simply sit in your garage or sit in a storage unit, you do not necessarily need to have the minimum liability coverage. However, if you cancel car insurance when your vehicle is in storage, you could create a gap in your insurance history and will not have any coverage if the vehicle is damaged. Further, if you do take the car out of storage, you need to make sure that you have liability coverage in place the second it hits the road. 

No Loan on the Vehicle

Another situation where you may not need auto insurance is if you do not have a loan. If you have a car that is going to simply sit in storage and is not collateral for any type of loan, there will not be a loan agreement that will require you to carry insurance. 

If you have a car in the Ft. Worth, TX area, the team at Main Street Independent Insurance will be able to help you to get a reliable insurance policy. When you meet with the team at Main Street Independent Insurance, you will receive help in picking a policy that provides you with the right level of protection. We also serve residents in Colorado as well.

What Does Commercial Insurance Cover For E-Commerce Business?

Almost everyone knows that if you are in business, you will likely need commercial or business insurance. What exactly does the insurance coverage for e-commerce businesses though? If you are an e-commerce business owner, you need to be familiar with what the coverage offers and what items are protected. Find an agency that knows the e-commerce market and can counsel you through the insurance process. 

E-Commerces Business Coverage

Even business owners who operate online need commercial insurance coverage. Your commercial insurance will cover your office supplies such as your computer and will also cover your inventory. In some cases, you may be able to cover special items necessary to operate your company. Consult a commercial insurance expert to help you outline your individual situation. Once you know what you need to cover, you can begin finding the products that match your business goals and needs. 

Working With Professional Agents

Having professional agents to guide you throughout the life of your company is necessary to give you the top-notch protection needed to avoid distant and costly events. If you have a company operating in Texas or Colorado, you should speak with an agent from Main Street Independent Insurance. They will work closely with you to find the products that will give you peace of mind. The right insurance can mean avoiding costly losses and financial devastation.

Don’t leave your company unprotected if you have an e-commerce business. Call or stop by Main Street Independent Insurance, servicing Colorado and Texas, to find out what your options are. Start protecting the things that are essential to operating successfully in today’s e-commerce market. 

How to Avoid Home Insurance Claims during the Winter

Winter is full of friends, family, and festivities, but the extra cooking, decorating, and celebrating that occurs during the season can lead to more risks in the home. With the right tips, you can avoid having to file an insurance claim in Ft. Worth, TX.

  • Decorate Carefully: Reduce the risk of fire by using non-flammable and flame retardant decorations. If you are using a fresh Christmas tree, keep the water levels in check, and if you are using an artificial tree, decorate with UL listed lights. Keep the tree away from any heat sources.
  • Be Careful with Candles: December is the peak time for fires that are started by candles. Keep candles away from anything that can burn and be sure that candles are out of reach from children and animals. Be sure to extinguish candles before going to sleep and leaving the room.
  • Prevent Theft: There are usually more break-ins during the holiday season. Lock doors and windows and keep blinds closed to prevent thieves from looking at new presents. If you get new valuables for the holidays, update your insurance policy with your agent at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies, Inc.
  • Protect Pipes: Poor insulation, drops in temperature, and keeping the thermostat too low can cause frozen pipes, so be sure to insulate pipes to prevent them from bursting.
  • Host Responsible Parties: If you are serving alcohol at a holiday party, be sure you are covered from liability. Offer that guests stay the night or have a designated driver and ensure no one is driving after drinking.
  • Test Smoke Detectors: Since the winter holidays create more fire hazards, make sure you are checking your fire safety prevention system.
  • Be Careful in the Kitchen: With more cooking this time of year, fires are increased. Stay in the kitchen while food is cooking.

Contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies, Inc. serving Ft. Worth, TX, to get a quote on home insurance in Colorado and Texas. 

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Auto Insurance

Many car owners make the mistake of choosing the cheapest car insurance policy without truly considering the coverage it provides. When an accident happens, they discover they weren’t as protected as they thought. By being careful in your choice of car insurance, you can avoid the following mistakes and get the quality coverage you desire.

Not Comparing Policies or Researching Companies  

Comparison shopping for auto insurance may take time, but it will save you money in the long run. It will also help you find a reliable company to work with for your coverage. By researching both policies and insurers, you can get the best deal overall. 

Not Knowing Minimum Requirements

All states have minimum car insurance requirements. When purchasing car insurance, Texas auto owners should make sure they are fulfilling these requirements.   

Compromising Coverage for Costs

Car insurance should provide you with the protection you need to cover the costs of an accident. If you compromise coverage for low insurance cost, you could wind up paying thousands of dollars for damages out of pocket. At Main Street Independent Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX, we can help you get essential insurance coverage at reasonable costs.

Not Exploring Discounts

Most insurers offer discounts on car insurance coverage. By taking the time to explore these discounts, you can save substantially on your policy. If you have a safe driving record, have safety features on your vehicle, or bundle home and auto coverage, for example, you could qualify for a discount on your policy.

Getting Needless Coverage

Many auto insurance policies come with add-ons that aren’t really useful to your coverage. Eliminating these add-ons can save you money on your premium.

For more information on auto insurance coverage and costs, contact Main Street Independent Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX.

Can you Have Both Commercial and Property Policies on the Same Property?

When it comes to owning a commercial property, it is always important to make sure that the property is insured to protect your investment. Without the right insurance policy, you can end up losing everything. For those in the Ft. Worth TX area, the agents with Main Street Independent Insurance can help you find the right commercial policy to protect your business.

Commercial Property Policies

There are a few different things to keep in mind when it comes to a commercial policy. Most commercial policies cover the actual business and possibly the health of employees and patrons of the business. This is a great way to make sure that if you do have a business that is open to the public, that your investment and your patrons are both safe.

With a property policy, the main thing covered is the property itself plus any named items. Property policies are not exactly right for commercial properties simply because they do not always cover the people that may be on the property. In most cases, a property policy is just going to insure the property listed and any buildings that might be there. If you have a commercial property you may be interested in a commercial property policy, however. This gives you the best of both types of insurance.

A commercial property policy is going to protect the business and its patrons as well as the property that is on the premises. This is a great policy to have if you are stuck between choosing one or the other.  For those in the Ft. Worth, TX area, the agents with Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. can help you determine what policy works best for you and what policy is going to best protect your commercial interests.

How Organizing Your Home Can Make It Safer

How organized is your home? Do you have clutter and chaos in certain areas or even in every room? You need to get things tidy and organized in order to improve safety and well-being. Here are some specific tips and ideas, courtesy of Main Street Independent Insurance, serving the Ft. Worth, TX area.

Paper Clutter Cleanup

Getting rid of stacks of paper can reduce fire risk, so send those magazines, catalogs, newspapers, and miscellaneous papers into the trash can or recycling bin. Get them out of your house. Not only will you be improving your home’s appearance, but you will also be making things much safer and more organized.

Fire Extinguishers Assessment

Do you have any fire extinguishers in your house, and if so, how many, and where are they in your house? Do you have enough fire extinguishers, and are they in proper working condition? Knowing where the fire extinguisher is can give peace of mind. One key step to take as you get organized involves making sure you have enough fire extinguishers and that they work the way they should.

Evaluating Trip Hazards

You might have clutter around your home in the form of items that are creating trip hazards. And you need to remove trip hazards like dangling electrical cords to improve safety and peace of mind. Remember to assess all areas in your home, including all levels and rooms of the house, stairs, garage, and outdoor areas like the yard and sidewalks.

Do you need information about home insurance and how to make your house safer? Feel free to contact Main Street Independent Insurance, serving the Ft. Worth, TX area, for further guidance and details.

Protection Again Uninsured Drivers in Texas

Drivers in Ft. Worth, TX and around the state are required to have automobile insurance before they get on highways and interstates of the Lone Star State. Many people drive without insurance. If one of them hits you, will your insurance cover the damages to your car or your personal injuries? The same can be asked about hit-and-run drivers.

Ask your representative at Main Street Independent Insurance whether you should include coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers your auto insurance policy.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Under Texas law, you can buy additional coverage that pays for damages and injuries due to an accident caused by uninsured and underinsured motorists. Optional coverage means that you don’t have to include this part of your regular insurance policy. However, you must put it in writing that you refused the coverage.

This type of coverage protects your family members and other passengers inside your vehicle at the time of an accident. It also includes anyone driving your vehicle with your permission.

This versatile policy covers medical or funeral expenses, car rental, auto repairs, and the replacement of a vehicle if necessary. Ask your agent if you should include the following in your uninsured motorist coverage:

  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement, and disability (up to your policy’s maximum)

Contact Us

You work too hard for your money to let someone else’s irresponsible actions put you at risk. Contact your representative at Main Street Independent Insurance to discuss your uninsured or underinsured insurance options. Feel free to make an appointment for a quote at our Ft. Worth, TX office. If you have any questions about auto or other types of insurance, call us at 855-662-6246 today.

 

4 Ways to Get the Best Commercial Insurance Coverage

When you have a business, you want to make sure it’s operating correctly. It needs to perform well to stay growing and meeting customer needs. But one of the areas you might accidentally overlook is insurance. You need the right policy for your company, because you need to protect your business, your employees, and your customers. By working with Main Street Independent Insurance, you can get the right commercial insurance policy for your Colorado or Texas business. Here are four ways to get the best commercial insurance coverage, along with some important peace of mind.

  1. Make sure you talk to an agent who really understands what commercial insurance products are available in your area.
  2. Be upfront about the kind of business you operate and the type of coverage you’re looking for.
  3. Get quotes from multiple companies, and compare what they’re offering along with the premiums they’re requesting.
  4. Periodically review your policy with your agent, and update it as needed so you can stay current on your level of protection.

By carefully finding the right policy and making sure you update it as necessary, you can get the best commercial insurance for your company’s needs. That’s a great way to make sure you’re protected, and the peace of mind you’ll have from that matters.

Reach out to us today at Main Street Independent Insurance. We understand the needs and goals of your Colorado or Texas business, and we’re here and ready to help you get the policy and coverage that works best for you. Not every business needs the same type and level of insurance, so working with a knowledgeable agent is key to making sure your company gets what it needs to be properly protected.

What Type Of Contents Does Home Insurance Cover?

Before selecting the type of homeowner’s insurance policy you need, there are a few things you must consider to be adequately insured. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the contents of the home. Most people know that the structure is protected, but did you know that you can add contents to the policy? Knowing that you can add contents to the coverage, what exactly does the policy cover?

Covering Contents

When it comes to covering contents, you must ask the insurance agent what the policy will cover. Items such as art, furs, and jewelry usually are covered, but other items such as clothing and small trinkets are not. Before purchasing your contents coverage, you need to document all of your possessions that are going to be covered. Keep receipts and photographs of these items to expedite the claims process and avoid issues. Contents coverage has limits and exclusions. If you own expensive items, they may not be covered for their actual value, but rather for a set amount. There is additional coverage available on some policies as a rider. The rider requires that you have a receipt or an appraisal on file for the item in order for the coverage to be valid.

Getting The Right Contents Coverage

Before you decide on your insurance coverage, especially when it comes to providing contents coverage, you should consult a reputable, knowledgeable insurance company like Main Street Independent Insurance. We take pride in serving residents in and around the Ft. Worth, TX area. We can answer any questions you may have about home insurance and help guide you while shopping for the right amount of coverage. 

If you live in or around the Ft. Worth, TX area and want to protect your home and its contents, then call or stop by the Main Street Independent Insurance office for more information. We can also help residents in Colorado with insurance policies.