Does home insurance cover my unattached shed and garage?

Posted on by agentinsure

If you own a home in West Hartford, CT, you probably already have an existing homeowners insurance policy. Even though there are many details in your contract, you understand that your insurance will cover your losses in case of fire, theft, or some other kinds of catastrophes. An agent at StateChoice can help explain to you how to make an inventory so that if you needed to make a claim it would be easier to do so. Your insurance obviously covers the house itself, and items inside like furniture, clothing, appliances, and other personal items. But does a homeowners policy cover outside buildings?

In fact, your policy will cover the extent of your actual real estate. If someone falls on your walk and is injured, they may file a lawsuit or at least make a claim to recover damages. Your insurance company will help with that claim, including any legal fees you may incur from the incident.

As far as outside buildings, they will be covered also. It is important if you do have outside buildings, like unattached sheds or a garage, that you understand your particular insurance policy. There may be a limit to how much you can claim for the outside of buildings. You can consult your policy, and talk to your agent if you have any questions.

If you have outside, unattached buildings at your home in West Hartford, CT, it is important to make sure they are protected in case anything does happen. Please feel free to call StateChoice today to discuss your existing policy, and see if you would benefit from a change in policy limits.

How Commercial Umbrella Insurance Can Protect Your West Hartford, CT Business

Posted on by agentinsure

You work hard for your business and have a significant amount of your wealth tied up there. Even though you take every possible precaution, accidents can happen. Let’s say a few customers are hurt on your property and seek a lawsuit. What happens next? The answer to this question is very different, depending on whether you have commercial umbrella insurance.

In our scenario, you have general liability Insurance as well as a commercial umbrella policy, so your assets and business are safe. How well does your coverage measure up in real life? Talk to your StateChoice agent about your options for commercial umbrella insurance. Meanwhile, here is some basic coverage information.

What is Commercial Umbrella Insurance?

Commercial umbrella insurance is supplemental to existing liability coverage and protects you against catastrophic loss. If someone decides to target you in a lawsuit, your business and personal assets are on the line for large claims. Your commercial policy typically has a limit, but lawsuits can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

To avoid extraordinary losses, consider bolstering your existing coverage with an umbrella policy. Note that a regular commercial policy is still needed. An umbrella policy doesn’t take the place of your existing policy.

What’s Covered?

Commercial umbrella policies pay for medical bills, legal fees and damages that exceed your regular policy limits if:

  • You hold an appropriate underlying policy.
  • Your claim exceeds the underlying policy coverage.

Additionally, you might not be able to get a commercial umbrella policy unless your regular policy has a limit.

Contact Us

Significant assets are at risk when your business is the target of a lawsuit. Don’t wait until damages threaten to ruin your business. Contact your StateChoice agent today to make an appointment for a quote and to answer any questions you may have.

Memorial Day Weekend Safety Tips

Posted on by Gabriella Silva

Yes, that’s right, it is that time of year again. Time to bring out the grill, open the pool, and enjoy some s’mores around the fire pit. As Memorial Day weekend begins, we are all excited to spend time outdoors with family and friends. However, during your festivities, do not forget to be careful and avoid risks that could spoil the fun. Here are a few tips from your StateChoice team to stay safe this weekend!

1. Attention Grill Masters!

Remember to always watch your grill while it is in use. Keep the grill away from anything that could catch fire and avoid burns by using long handled tools and keeping pets and children away from the grill.

2. Fun in the Sun!

A long day out in the sun is fun but can have negative consequences if you aren’t careful. Avoid dehydration by making sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keep your skin protected with sunscreen and lots of shade; overexposure to the sun can lead to bad burns and skin cancer in the long run. Don’t forget to reapply!

3. On the Go!

If you are traveling make sure to drive safely. Driving the speed limit, wearing seatbelts, and keeping a designated driver will not only keep you safer, but help you avoid a ticket! If you can’t find a DD sign up for uber using this code (ruis213ue) to get one free ride.

4. Let Your Colors Burst!

Nothing wraps up a great weekend like the excitement of fireworks, but make sure to use only small, at home fireworks. Improper use of fireworks can lead to injury or damage so ensure that fireworks are used properly, by an adult, and at a safe distance.

5. Just Keep Swimming!

If weather permits, many of us will be enjoying time in the pool this weekend. Make sure children and weaker swimmers are always supervised around the water.

 

6. Have fun, but remember who this day is all about!

While you enjoy your holiday, remember to think about all of those who have died protecting our lives. Use Red Poppies as decorations or pinned to your clothes to honor these lost lives.

“We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.” – Moina Michael

What is Recreational Toy Insurance?

Posted on by agentinsure
Grownups also own toys, except that they are much more expensive and functional too. Most people have at least one or two recreational toys, including watercrafts, ATVs, motorcycles, RVs, and boats. All recreational toys function outdoors where they face several risks like damages caused by natural disasters and man-made damages. Unless you have a recreational toy insurance coverage with reputable insurers like StateChoice, you could suffer an unpleasant financial ordeal in case of any loss, damage, or injuries to yourself or your passengers.
Recreational toys are often used in a free-spirited nature that exposes them to higher risks. In case of an accident, they can cause serious damages and injuries that could lead to costly consequences. While recreational toys insurance coverage options in West Hartford, CT may vary, most plans have similar coverage options, which include:
Liability: Covers claims from third-party liabilities that may be filed against you, and that includes bodily injury and property damage liabilities.
Collision: Covers damages caused to your recreational toy when it hits or is hit by another object or toy.
Comprehensive: Covers damages that aren’t caused due to collisions like theft, fire, and vandalism.
Uninsured/underinsured: Covers the cost of your injuries and those of your passengers should an uninsured/underinsured driver gets you involved in an accident, or in hit-and-run situations.
While the basic coverage should be able to take care of liability risks and damages, recreational toys require additional coverage to cover risks associated with specific toys. For instance, boats/watercraft requires wreckage removal coverage while RVs may require roadside assistance coverage.
Talk to a knowledgeable agent at StateChoice to help you understand what risks your recreational toy faces and what coverage option would suit you most. We offer affordable and reliable recreational toy insurance policies to the residents of West Hartford, CT, and its environs. The plans not only keep you protected but also protect your valuable investment. Contact us today for more information.

Am I required to carry boat insurance?

Posted on by agentinsure

You may have never thought about whether you need to carry boat insurance in West Hartford, CT because you probably don’t get to use your boat most of the year. Most boats sit at home for a great deal of the years because of inclement weather and the lack of available recreational time.

If you did think about it, you may have assumed that your boat is protected under your homeowner’s policy. As long as the value of your boat doesn’t go over certain policy limits, it may be protected under your homeowner’s insurance. However, your boat is an important investment, and you may take a big loss if your boat is destroyed or stolen.

Connecticut does not require boat owners to carry insurance, but it will be important if you are ever involved in an accident where the property is damaged, such as a dock, or if a person is injured. A general liability insurance from StateChoice can keep you from having to pay for medical bills, repairs and court costs out of your own pocket. You can even get insurance that will provide towing and other roadside assistance needs.

If you still owe money on your boat, your lender probably requires you to carry a policy that provides full protection. Your loss will be their loss, too. If you fail to carry insurance, your lender may force a more expensive policy on you to protect their investment.

If you enjoy boating in West Hartford, CT, you will feel more relaxed knowing you are protected if there is an unforeseen accident. Boat insurance can be surprisingly inexpensive. Call StateChoice today to find the best boat insurance policy for your circumstances.

Understanding Motorcycle Insurance in West Hartford, CT

Posted on by agentinsure

Just like car owners, motorcycle owners are required by the law of Connecticut to have insurance coverage before going on the road. It is vital to have the protection provided to you, your motorcycle and people around you by a motorcycle insurance coverage. Having an experienced and knowledgeable agent is the best way to ensure that you get quality coverage.

Whatever needs you may have concerning motorcycle insurance in West Hartford, CT, StateChoice can help you get the policy that matches your needs. We can assist you to get the most comprehensive yet affordable insurance coverage to ensure that you are safe and prepared for any risk that you may face on the roads.

What is motorcycle insurance?

This coverage is tailored to protect the insured against accidents caused by collision, fire, flood, explosions, and earthquakes. It also protects it from disasters such as theft, vandalism, tsunami and any other malicious acts. Motorcycle insurance is designed to protect your motorbike, scooter, cruiser, sport, naked bike, dirt bike and moped bike among others.

How does motorcycle insurance protect you?

Some of the incidences when it comes in as a savior include;

When you damage someone else’s motorcycle or property – It helps you compensate the affected person by paying the cost of repair or replacement of the damaged property.

When you are sued for the damages – If the victim decides that the case is to be solved in a court of law, having liability insurance helps you pay for the legal fee whether you win the case or not.

If you get injured as a result of motorcycle accident – Having a motorcycle insurance coverage helps you pay the hospital bills or funeral costs resulting from the crash.

If you injure another person – If another motorcyclist or pedestrian is hurt as a result of an accident that you caused with your motorcycle, the policy helps you pay for the cost of expenses.

These are some of how having motorcycle insurance in West Hartford, CT offers you financial security. Get a policy from StateChoice today and stay prepared for any incidence on the road or while your motorcycle is packed.

Commercial Insurance Can Protect Your Business

Posted on by agentinsure

Protecting the company should generally be at the forefront of every business owner’s mind. There are a number of ways to do that, and one of them is through a good commercial insurance policy. But it is important not to get that policy from just anyone, or to choose a policy without really understanding what is contained in it. Instead, taking the time to work with a knowledgeable agent and get multiple quotes for their West Hartford, CT business is the way to go. StateChoice can help with that, and its agents are standing by to help business owners in the surrounding area get the information they need to choose the right insurance policy for their particular company.

With that in mind, business owners will want to consider the kind of policy they need, how much it should cover, and if there are specifics it really must include. By talking to an agent, they can get guidance that will steer them toward a policy that is just right for their needs. Many policies can be adjusted to fit the needs and goals of a specific company, so business owners should not be afraid to ask for what they are really looking for. That can help them get everything they need, and reduce the chances of a problem developing because they did not have the right kind or level of insurance.

Reach out to StateChoice today, and get a West Hartford, CT business protected the right way. That can really improve peace of mind and can make it easier for any company to continue to move in the direction of its dreams. The goal of commercial insurance is the protection of a business, and the right insurance company can go a long way toward helping a company meet that goal.

Do Mechanic Shops Need Commercial Insurance?

Posted on by agentinsure

When it comes to owning your own mechanic shop, there are several tips you need to follow to help ensure your company is as successful as possible. From having the right insurance coverage to marketing your shop in the right manner, following these tips will help boost your success as well as protect you from certain expenses. For now, let’s take a quick look at whether or not your mechanic shop can benefit from investing in commercial insurance. 

What does commercial insurance cover?

There are many different types of commercial insurance for you to invest in. It is recommended that you speak with a qualified insurance agent to determine the exact needs fo your mechanic shop. This type of insurance specialist can assess your exact needs as well as help you customize an insurance policy that meets all of these needs. For example, you may find that you need garage liability insurance. With this type of insurance policy, you are protected when claims or lawsuits are made against your garage that relates to someone being injured on your property; this can apply to clients in your garage or the employees. 

Business Interruption Insurance

Another type of insurance that will be vital to the success of your company is business interruption insurance. With this type of coverage, you can rest assured that if something happens to interrupt your business, that you will still be able to stay afloat. Take for example a fire destroys part of your garage and you are closed for four weeks while repairs are being made. Business interruption insurance will help pay for wages and income that are lost. 

To learn more about commercial insurance for your mechanic shop, please contact StateChoice serving the West Hartford, CT area. 

Are There Gaps in Your Home Insurance?

Posted on by agentinsure

There are many reasons why you may have gaps in your home insurance policy. Changes in your personal situation, home or lifestyle could affect your coverage, causing it to fall short of providing you with the protection you need. Here are a few areas in which gaps may be present in your policy.

Dwelling Insurance (Replacement Cost):  Your dwelling insurance should be sufficient to replace your West Hartford, CT home in the event of total loss. If not, there’s a gap in your coverage. Many homeowners are only covered for market value which could be far below the replacement cost of their property. If their home suffers loss, they may have to make up the difference between replacement cost and market value out of their own pocket in order to rebuild their home.

Pets:  Some policies exclude certain breeds of dogs in their liability coverage. If you own a dog, you should make sure it’s covered under your policy. Otherwise, you run the risk of being liable for dog bites should your pet attack a visitor on your property.

Natural Disasters:  Many natural disasters such as wildfire, tornadoes and hailstorms are covered by a standard homeowner’s policy; flooding, hurricanes and earthquakes, however, are not. If you don’t  obtain separate coverage for disasters not covered by your home insurance policy, you’ll end up paying for damages these disasters cause out of your own pocket.

High Value Items:  Posh jewelry, expensive sports or music equipment and costly electronics may not be completely covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. This leaves them vulnerable to theft, damage or loss. You can resolve this problem by obtaining a rider or separate policy from StateChoice to cover these goods with replacement cost.

Help close gaps in your homeowner’s insurance with a comprehensive insurance policy from StateChoice, West Hartford, CT. 

Why You Need Slip and Fall Insurance Coverage for Your Small Business

Posted on by agentinsure

Owning a small business can be a stressful endeavor, and without the proper coverage, something as simple as a slip and fall incident can have a significant, and negative, impact on your firm. StateChoice insurance agency is here to serve all of the business insurance needs for its clients in the greater West Hartford, CT area. Our agents are skilled and fully trained in a full-range of business coverage lines. Comprehensive coverage will provide protection in the event that a slip and fall occurs on your business premises. 

Comprehensive Coverage for Small Businesses

Many small businesses, as they are working to get established, operate on a shoestring budget which forces a lot of difficult choices. If you are looking to keep costs in line, our agents can work with you to find comprehensive coverage that offers you full protection while being sensitive to budgetary constraints. Slip and fall coverage is worth the expense in the event that the circumstances include a law suit or further legal accident after the fall.

StateChoice can get you the coverage that you require to protect the hard work that you have put into your business. No one wants to experience the stress and expense that a slip and fall accident can cause without the proper insurance protection. Our agents can ensure that you have the coverage that you need to withstand unforeseen circumstances.

Please give us a call today at (860) 232-1234 to set up an appointment with one of our dedicated agents that can help you procure the comprehensive business insurance that will protect your small business. StateChoice is proud to serve the greater West Hartford, CT area and would welcome the opportunity to work with you and your small business.