Alexander Insurance Agency St. Charles Archives - Alexander Insurance Agency

11Sep

Scaling the Grid+ Adequate Coverage During Your Gig: What Uber and Lyft Drivers Need to Know

If you have recently started a work gig driving for a company such as Lyft or Uber, capable rideshare insurance will provide you much-needed coverage if anything happens suddenly while on the job. The entity you’re employed with does offer some coverage, but it can end up very inadequate in the long run, and drivers could be faced with paying out-of-pocket for skyrocketing medical or repair bills.

Rideshare insurance is an excellent choice for a worker who wants to effectively bridge the gap between their personal car insurance coverage and the frequently inadequate options offered by their employer. Before you enthusiastically clean your interior and get ready to pick up a new rider, here are some of the most important things to know.

The Stages of Rideshare Driving

To fully understand the types of insurance for rideshare driving, it’s important to know the three phases one can be situated on while the rideshare app is ticking.

Available: The driver is ready and available to pick up a passenger.
En Route: The driver has accepted an assignment and is on the way to pick up the passenger.
On the Trip: The driver has picked up the passenger and is safely escorting them to their destination.

While your Uber or Lyft rideshare app is turned off, this drive time interval is covered by your personal auto insurance. Once your right shaft air is on and you’re working, Uber and Lyft provide some coverage. Every minute you’re behind the wheel, knowing the gaps between coverage is crucial to making sure that you are completing the job while properly protected.

During the Available stage, both Uber and Lyft provide $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, and $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident. They also cover $25,000 in property damage coverage per incident.

During the En Route stage, Uber and Lyft offer $1 million third-party liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. They also provide contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of a car with $1000 deductible.

During the On the Trip stage, Uber and Lyft provide $1,000,000 in liability coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. Once again, they also provide contingent comprehensive and collision coverage, up to the actual cash value of the car with a $1000 deductible.

What Do These Terms Mean?

Here are some definitions of the terms related to insurance for drivers provided by rideshare companies.

Third Party Liability Coverage pays for bodily injury and property damage caused by a third party in the event of a car accident. A third party is someone or something other than the driver themselves or their vehicle. If you as a rideshare driver collide with another car, auto liability insurance will make required payouts to the other driver.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage will pay for injuries suffered by rideshare drivers and their riders if the accident occurs during an actual rideshare journey. If another driver is at fault and isn’t sufficiently covered, this type of coverage also applies. This coverage also will apply in the unfortunate case of a hit-and-run accident. The specific coverage limits provided by the rideshare insurance company vary depending on their state of residence.

Contingent Collision and Comprehensive Coverage are provided during the time that you embark on the trip to pick up a rider or have a rider in the car. The deductible reduces the potential claim payment while using this type of coverage. If you do not carry collision and comprehensive coverage on your personal vehicle, rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft will not rise to the occasion and provide it either.

Is my Personal Insurance Policy Ever Adequate for Rideshare Work?

Personal auto coverage will typically not cover rideshare trips. The companies have priced your policy under the guise that you are driving yourself, any other relatives or acquaintances, and that you are generating revenue from the driving you are doing. Traditional car insurance is not efficiently set up for the liability and medical payment allocation that a driver exposes themselves to while getting paid to safely transport individuals. Personal car insurance policies all have a clause that clearly excludes commercial activities such as ride-sharing.

What Type of Insurance do Rideshare Drivers Need?

There are three main types of insurance every driver should consider. Comprehensive and collision coverage are the predominant types to be concerned with as you pursue ridesharing and viable income.

Liability: This type of coverage is mandatory in every state and takes care of injuries to any person or damage to their property after an accident for which you’re at fault. This type of coverage will never cover your own car or your injuries. Some states now mandate low limits that may not be adequate to fully cover damage or injuries to other drivers if an accident occurs. You must pay out of pocket to fill the gap, so it is a good idea to purchase additional liability coverage.
Collision/Comprehensive: If you have taken out an auto loan or car, your lender typically requires that you have this coverage in place. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident. The comprehensive part of the policy covers car damage that is not related to said accident, such as a weather event or random vandalism. Some richer drivers will be tempted to skip this coverage, but that is not wise unless you’re prepared to pay outright for an entirely new vehicle.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: If you are involved in an accident and the other driver is not covered, uninsured motorist insurance covers your needed medical expenses, along with those accompanying you on the ride. It also will cover lost wages, along with obligatory pain and suffering. If the driver who hits you has insurance with low coverage limits, underinsured coverage will cover the difference. When you are debating this type of coverage, it’s best to go with amounts that will match your own liability limits.

Chauffeur Clients With Confidence:

The cost of a functional rideshare endorsement or insurance policy varies depending on which company you choose. After looking at nationwide averages, a general rule is to expect an additional 15% to 20% added to your standard policyholders premium. It’s a good idea to sit down with us here at the Alexander Agency of Saint Charles, just to make sure you understand the full scope and outcome potential of what’s specifically covered by the policy you choose. Shield your rideshare journey and boost your economic outlook by contacting us today!

05Sep

Protection From Prying Eyes: The Role of Crime Insurance in Risk Management

As soon as you begin your dream endeavor, it’s guaranteed that you’ll feel certain you made the right choice! Even during quite uncertain times, the friends and family who will support you, the idea that was winning from the beginning, and your on-point customer service are guaranteed to take you to amazing heights. Business crime insurance can protect you from the increasingly severe losses that occur after business-related crime rears its head. Your protection will cover assets, cash, merchandise, or other property loss.

How Does Business Crime Insurance Work?

Business crime insurance is available because most commercial property or business policies do not cover crime-related losses. It is possible to purchase business crime insurance as part of an industrial package policy. This is a unique combination that protects the business from crime, property loss, liability, and other scenarios. A business is also able to purchase business crime insurance as a standalone policy, and then combine it with another insurance policy already purchased.

When this type of coverage is purchased as a standalone policy, you can specify what types of crimes you will be protected from. This is very valuable when you know you are susceptible to a specific form of intrusion. Embezzlement via electronic payment, merchandise being outright stolen, and forged checks are a few of the scenarios this accounts for. As things become more difficult nationwide and the squeeze is on once again due to inflation, this type of coverage will be sensible for businesses of all sizes here in Missouri.

What are the Impacts of Business Crime?

The various threats of business crime pose a threatening liability for companies of all sizes. Most companies worldwide lose an estimate of about 5% of their hard-earned revenue to fraud annually, and the problem is becoming even more widespread. Small businesses are the most vulnerable to this type of hit, partly because they have less staff to procure auditing and extra safety procedures. There is also a level of trust that these owners instill in their employees, because they know them on a personal basis, and interact with them every day.

In 2022, the companies with the fewest employees underwent the most staggering average losses. These averaged around $150,000 each, and ultimately inflict so much damage on smaller companies since they do not have as much capital or resources as those higher up the chain. As artificial intelligence and other high-tech innovations are growing every day, there are more unfortunate opportunities for small business owners to suffer losses. A business crime insurance policy will provide various limits of coverage for losses that differ greatly for those that happen on the property versus those that take place offsite.

What is not Covered by Business Crime Insurance?

Each policy comes with different terms and exclusions, and talking with us here at the Alexander Agency of St Charles will steer you in the right direction regarding the details. Here are some of the items that are generally NOT covered by your crime policy.

Legal expenses against thieving employees
Investigative expenses to prove the crime’s extent and execution.
Losses your organization incurs after you already knew an employee has taken from you previously.
Intellectual property, writing, client lists, and important company documents.
Losses that are based on inventory records, minus hard evidence.
Salaries or commissions already paid out to employees who were stealing.
Indirect losses such as income from work, or projects that can’t be started without valuable terminals and other equipment.

What are Some Tips for Preventing Business Theft?

Knowing your employees is a very essential practice when it comes to preventing business theft. Performing background checks on potential hires allows for a “true indicator” of one’s past and present. Even though checking references is key to having a snapshot of personal behavior and credibility, a background check can provide criminal records as well as a credit history.

Close supervision is one of the best ways to prevent various types of business crime. Employees know that they can potentially get away with more when it comes to illicit activity if prying eyes aren’t watching. When it comes to the all-important financials of the business, they can sometimes pay to have more than one person meticulously looking out regarding your flow of money.

Purchase order protocol allows for the payment, receipt, and preparation of purchase orders to exist as entirely separate functions, and to be handled by individuals with different titles. Using purchase orders is a good way to verify what is incoming, and not allowing people lower on the chain to handle things that could provide them an opportunity to steal.

The surprise informal audit has been proven over time to be one of the best ways to keep deceptive employees on their toes. This is the kind of activity that comes unannounced. It can thoroughly uncover wrongdoings as well as prevent more bad occurrences in the future. It is still good practice to use an outside firm for the yearly audit that is expected by all employees.

Heightening computer security measures is one of the biggest tools that you can leverage to prevent business crimes against you. It’s a good idea to restrict access to all computer terminals and vital records and make sure that you stay on top of periodically changing entry codes. Computerized functions are the origin point for so many different instances of business crime, and this is one area that you must be very diligent when acting upon.

Tracking business checks thoroughly is one of the ways to ensure that nothing goes immediately beyond your constant scrutiny as a business owner. It’s best to always use pre numbered checks, with exact amounts and payees clearly written in permanent ink. QuickBooks is a good form of financial software that allows you to produce all checks instantly, always being of help in the battle against business crime. If you keep a signature machine and blank checks on the premises, it is always a good idea to make sure they are locked up.

An eye on accounts receivable is another practice that will be a wise use of time in the age of skyrocketing business crimes. Mail opening and posting should always be separate functions, and official recording of checks and cash should only be for deposit, no matter what the circumstances.

As it is impossible to not notice the world of business getting more frightening every day, your Peace of Mind is just a simple call or click away! After all the hard work you have cultivated developing your ideas and routine, you don’t want to leave your organization vulnerable to various threats. Reach out to the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles now, and begin the journey with us as your trusted partner for your future safety.

28Aug

Surviving the Twists of Fate: Insurance Essentials for Tornado-Prone Areas

If you are a homeowner, you are likely already familiar with the many ways that home insurance protects your structure. We promise you that it’s all worth it, as you will spend many memorable and rewarding years here. While your dwelling is where you find peace, safety, and sanctuary, the first few years can provide many newcomers with a fair amount of anxiety! Home insurance may also be a requirement if you are under the guise of any type of mortgage.

The Powerful Potential For Massive Losses + Damage:

Missouri is situated on the northern edge of the Great Plains tornado belt and has been affected by some of the deadliest tornadoes in the history of the nation. In 2003, an incredibly unique and strong series of four tornadoes ripped through Kansas City and detrimentally cost $15 million in damage within minutes. In this guide, we will tell you more about the basics of home insurance, and how to locate the best homeowners insurance policy for your needs. As soon as you are affected by one of these fierce and disastrous events, you’ll want to know that you are primed for recovery and rebuilding.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Home insurance will provide coverage for risks that homeowners face from both Mother Nature and threats from humans. Most home insurance policies cover peril specifically by name, which is the term for losses that are clearly stated in your policy documents. Among these generally are:

Fire and lightning
Wind and hailstorms
Ice, sleet, or snow
Civil unrest
Damage from airplanes or cars
Smoke damage
Results of vandalism
Theft
Falling objects
Volcanic eruptions
Water or steam’s accidental discharge
Damage from an electrical current
Accidental damage from freezing

Most homeowners policies will provide standard wind damage coverage, but your premium unfortunately may be higher if you’re situated in an area that is deemed at high risk of tornadoes. There are also “open perils policies” that will protect you against any losses that are not explicitly excluded. An open perils policy is a bit pricier to obtain but is there to provide you a bit more through protection for your personal items and structure if you do suffer an incident.

What Does Homeowners Insurance not Cover?

Here are some of the losses that can tend to be excluded from most homeowners insurance policies:

Earthquakes
Floods
Mudslides
Landslides
Sinkholes
Acts of war
Nuclear occurrences
Rust, mildew, and mold damage
Pests and infestations
Damage from animals or pets
General wear and tear
Routine maintenance

Flood protection is also very crucial for homeowners, as this type of damage can cost you so much money and distress. Flood insurance policies will usually need to be purchased separately, and if your mortgage is backed by an FHA loan, the federal government mandates that you possess it. FEMA’s interactive map is a good start while finding out whether you live in one of these zones. Even if you learn that your residence is outside of a very high-risk area, flood insurance could still be a very good idea. The national flood insurance program is managed by FEMA and boasts a competent network of more than 50 insurance providers.

Guardians of the Hearth: Comparing the Many Types of Homeowners Insurance

While you are preparing to purchase the ideal home insurance for you, it comes with several policies that cover various types of losses. Here are the types of coverage that are all under the guise of a standard home insurance policy.

Dwelling

This insurance portion of your home insurance policy thankfully protects the physical structure of your home from covered losses. Attached structures such as porches and garages are also covered, along with forces of nature such as a windstorm. Providing the ultimate level of peace of mind and protection, your dwelling insurance policy will fully reimburse you for the cost of rebuilding or repairing after the incident.

Personal Property

Personal liability insurance includes coverage for bodily injuries along with property damage. If anyone gets injured at your home and claims you as a responsible party, the policy will pay for your needed legal fees and even a settlement demanded from the other person. It can also help with situations not even on your own property if you encounter a lawsuit for damages to someone else’s domain.

Medical Payments

Medical payments insurance provides coverage for guests’ medical bills that happen to get injured while staying with you. One of the reasons why this is desirable for coverage is that it applies whether you are legally found responsible for said injuries or not. Medical payments insurance will cover essentials such as an ambulance ride, hospital stays, and even rehab from the injury.

Loss of Use

Loss of use insurance is sometimes known as additional living expenses insurance. If your home is damaged or destroyed in a tornado’s wrath and you need to relocate during repairs, this policy will pay for those living expenses. This can be a very stressful time, and it provides Peace of Mind by covering hotel costs, eating out, and even doing laundry. Much like per diem in a performance rider, there’s usually a daily expenditure limit regarding this type of coverage.

Coming out Ahead in the Face of Tragedy:Tornadoes are particularly stressful events that leave many physical and economic scars on the landscape. Homeowners’ hopes and dreams can be dashed within a matter of seconds, and all of us here at the Alexander Agency of Saint Charles have been helping Missouri residents with securing ideal coverage every single day. We have consistently proven our longstanding commitment to safeguarding homes and the cherished belongings within them. When tornadoes strike, we’ve got you covered, and are happy to “prepare, protect, and prevail!”

22Aug

Velocity Vs. Viability: The Hidden Impact of Speeding Tickets on Missouri Insurance Premiums

As the trooper walks away and the dust settles, reality sinks in. You’ve just gotten a speeding ticket due to your haste, and are now wondering what the consequences are. In our state of Missouri, a 40-year-old driver who suddenly finds himself with a speeding ticket usually will see their full coverage car insurance rates rise by about 20%. Depending on who you pick for your carrier, your rate could vary. It’s important to have a thorough understanding of the laws that govern tickets, and how they affect what you’ll be spending each month.

How Much Will a Speeding Ticket Cost in Missouri?

What your speeding ticket will cost you depends on how many miles over the posted speed limit you were driving, though in most cases, a speeding ticket in Missouri will cost between $120- $240. If you’re caught speeding in a construction zone or school zone the fine will be raised by $25. Much like many other states, Missouri is based on a point system for licensing, where drivers obtain points depending on what offense they have been guilty of. If you’re unlucky enough to accumulate eight or more points within 18 months, your license will unfortunately be suspended.

How Much Does Each Ticket Increase Insurance in Missouri?

In most cases, an infraction resulting from a speeding ticket in Missouri will increase your rates by about 20%. Some of the factors that affect this are who your insurance provider is, how fast you’re going, whether this is your first offense, and what type of zone the road you were on is categorized as. Just as many commuters are choosing to push the envelope and drive just a little faster, law enforcement has become savvier, and if it becomes a habit, you WILL eventually get caught.

Are There ways to Keep my Insurance Rates Low After a Ticket in Missouri?

Drivers who get pulled over for speeding in Missouri will immediately notice their car insurance rates increase. Here are a couple of tips from us here at the Alexander Agency of Saint Charles that can help you save money on your insurance after you get a ticket.

Get as Many Different Quotes as Possible:

Every car insurance company out there will command a different rate, no matter how your record Has fared. If you see a drastic increase in your rates after getting a speeding ticket, you can consider quotes from other companies to see if they can finalize a lower rate. The insurance company you ultimately want to go with will offer different types of discounts, comprehensive coverage options, and glowing reviews from long-standing policy holders.

Working on Your Credit Score:

Credit scores are a factor when it comes to an insurance company being able to predict who may file a claim. If you have good credit your rate will be closer to the nation’s average, while having excellent credit may see you obtaining a lower rate. While many consumers and advocate groups have expressed disappointment and concern about this type of profiling, it is based on solid findings that those who’ve had difficulty with finances may ultimately not be driving as safely as others.

Insure and Secure: The Perks of Bunding Your Policies

Car insurance companies in Missouri are happy to offer a discount for drivers who purchase more than just their auto with the same carrier. If you are also seeking life insurance, renters, or home policies, bundling them will allow you to get a discount on your final premium amount. This also makes it more convenient for you as you approach your monthly billing cycle and can save you time as you have an auto-pay option or just one easy debit for all your coverage types.

How Much Car Insurance is Required by Law in Missouri?

Missouri’s current car insurance laws state that every driver on the road needs to carry a minimum of at least 25/50/25 personal liability insurance and 25/50 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. To be covered in the case of anything happening and offer Peace of Mind, we often recommend that drivers raise their coverage limits or obtain a full coverage policy that includes comprehensive and collision insurance.

Your Fast Lane to Resolution: Missouri Speeding Tickets and Our Support

We understand that life happens, and there are times when everything on your to-do list is jammed up into a very small allotment of space! Everyone here at the Alexander insurance agency of Saint Charles has been watching trending behavior and the rising rates, along with proactively seeking out solutions for ample coverage. Getting behind the wheel involves risk, but also provides the reward of productivity and quick-errands convenience. Speeding tickets shouldn’t slow down your budget. Reach out to Alexander Insurance Agency of St. Charles and let us steer you towards auto insurance solutions that keep your rates low without compromising on coverage!

14Aug

From Burst Pipes to Bottom Lines: Securing Your Plumbing Business with Insurance

The much-needed task of unclogging plumbing lines in homes here in Missouri is a profession that is not best handled without adequate insurance coverage! One inconvenient miscalculation or mishap can lead to damage or accidents that can occur while on the job, making employers, cities and states mandate minimum requirements for a type of business insurance to complete the process of securing your plumbing license. In this article, we’ll discuss the most important things to know about plumbing insurance, where to get the right coverage, along with some of the best options that can work for you.

What is Plumbing Insurance?

Plumbing insurance can refer to several various policies that are in place to assist you when damage, other financial liabilities, and potential lawsuits rear their head. Finding the right insurance coverage will allow you to face common risks that plumbing contractors face frequently such as:

Property damage or injury to a client that occurs during an extended repair or project
Being falsely accused of shoddy work or negligent performance during a job’s completion
Plumbing tools that are damaged or stolen
the mishap of a car accident while transporting to or from a job
one of your employees becoming injured while working on a project

Who Needs Plumbing Insurance?

Here are a few of the types of those out there on the job every day that need adequate coverage:

Plumbing business owners and contractors
Those who work on septic systems
Piping contractors
Drainage system specialists
Sewer maintenance professionals
Sprinkler installation crews
Sump pump installation and servicing contractors
Water system balancing and testing contractors
Home builders, renovators, and developers
Handymen

What are the Various Types of Plumbing Insurance?

To assure that you’re starting off the day and meeting your eager customers’ clogged needs, general liability insurance is needed at a minimum to protect against claims, whether they are frivolous or not. Property damage and bodily injury are the two most common claims you can encounter while conducting business. The most common forms of additional coverage on top of this are business property insurance, commercial auto insurance, and liability insurance.

General Liability Insurance will be a valuable anchor during one of the most common scenarios that can occur for busy plumbers. If you are on a job and the customer happens to trip on a large tool left out, they could sprain or even break a bone. This very useful type of policy would cover their medical expenses, as well as the daunting legal fees for their inevitable lawsuit against you. A general liability policy will cover the cost to replace fixtures such as a granite countertop if it shatters while replacing plumbing elements.

Professional Liability Insurance will help with your plumbing business if you undergo claims of professional negligence, breach of contract, or are unable to complete a job within the predicted time-frame. If you’re working on a remodel and a problem during the installation causes the system to fail, the owner may have a legal case against you for error. A professional liability insurance policy would cover legal issues and settlement costs that this lawsuit will bring about.

Business Property Insurance provides a function and focuses on events caused by accidents, weather, or other nature-related pitfalls. If a fire suddenly breaks out in your office and destroys all your necessary equipment, your business property insurance is the source of your coverage to complete replacement. Business property insurance will also cover lost income if your operations are dysfunctional because of extreme damage.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: provides financial protection for both the employer and the employee in the event of a work-related injury or illness. For the employer, workers’ comp can cover the cost of medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. It can also protect the employer from lawsuits filed by injured employees. For the employee, workers’ comp can provide peace of mind knowing that they will be financially taken care of if they are injured on the job. Here are some examples of ways that worker’s compensation is a good choice for plumbers:

It can help to protect your business from lawsuits.
It can help with your employees’ well-being, leaving them certain that they are protected in the event of an injury.
It can help in the constant struggle of attracting talent during competitive times.

Commercial Auto Insurance is essential for plumbing businesses that use vehicles to transport tools, equipment, and materials to job sites. When you load up the van and are ready to take on your first appointment, you want to be 100% sure that you will be covered for the road. Leaving a house free of clogs involves the use of many different tools, which thieves are unfortunately targeting more frequently. Commercial auto insurance can help to cover the cost of these losses so that you do not encounter any delays in your pressing schedule. It can also help to protect your business from lawsuits, which can be stressful and time-consuming.

Product Liability Insurance protects plumbers from claims arising from defective products they may accidentally use. It can help to cover the cost of legal fees, settlements, and damages if a customer is injured or their property is damaged by a defective product. Plumbers often use a variety of products in their work, such as pipes, fittings, valves, and fixtures. If one of these products happens to be defective, it can cause serious injury or damage to a customer’s property. In the event of a lawsuit, product liability insurance can help to protect the plumber from financial ruin.

Tools and Equipment Insurance is a blessing for those in metro areas who are experiencing a drastic rise in theft. It’s not just the framers and contractors who leave things out overnight that are now suffering, as just leaving for a quick lunch as a plumber could result in a client’s roommates or neighbors making off with your needed tools. This type of coverage will repair or replace equipment that ends up stolen or damaged, and this specific type of policy can also be bundled with your general liability insurance.

Don’t let any unwanted elements of uncertainty clog your path to success! Contact us today at Alexander Insurance Agency in St. Charles, Missouri to learn how we can help you protect your most valuable assets, preserve your dedication and prolong your admirable-penchant for performing a job well done.

07Aug

Financial Armor for Foodpreneurs: Essential Insurance for Your Thriving Restaurant

Anyone who is in the process of opening a restaurant is already going through so many important things to do on their checklist that choosing insurance can seem like a daunting task. There are many things to consider ensuring that your choice allows your business to function smoothly, and supply chain issues since the pandemic have already made vital operations incredibly challenging on a day-to-day basis. Serving alcohol and making deliveries all pose their unique risks, and so does temporarily getting into someone’s vehicle during valet duty.

Here are some of the various types of restaurant insurance coverage that will offer you protection for everything ranging from “sudden to standard” occurrences during business.

Commercial Property Insurance will have to pay for a complete rebuild or necessary repairs if your building or its contents undergo damage by a covered loss. Destructive elements such as wind and fire, smoke, hail, vandalism, and flooding along with damage from aircraft are all elements that this type of coverage can address. Earthquakes and floods are typically not covered, as you can find separate policies for these risks. If you are renting your restaurant space, you can often choose policies that just cover your equipment, but simply contact us here at the Alexander agency first, and we’ll go over everything pertinent with you.

Inland Marine Coverage provides coverage for any inventory equipment that you transport off your premises. This type of coverage is there for business property that is stored off-site, shipped, or otherwise transported. If your establishment focuses on dining in and your property stays at your business location, you probably will not need this form of insurance.

Business Interruption Insurance will come to the rescue in terms of crucial lost income after you undergo a covered loss. If you’re forced to shut down operations to cover damage from a major storm, business interruption insurance would pay for your lost income so you could take care of your lease or any loan payments, as well as your dire need of employee payroll. Business interruption insurance is very often included as a component of your standard business owner’s policy.

Business Owner’s Policy includes your general liability insurance and commercial property insurance in a conveniently bundled option. Often this type of coverage includes business interruption insurance and is designed for small to mid-size operations. You can also add on coverage such as equipment breakdown for other events you may encounter while you’re doing business.

Equipment Breakdown Coverage will assist you if your equipment, such as the oven or the air conditioner fails, forcing your business to cease operations. This type of coverage also assists with electrical, mechanical, and pressurized equipment breakdown as well as air conditioning units, refrigeration, and computer systems. If a refrigerator happens to fail overnight and you must dispose of a large amount of your food, your insurer will pay for you to repair your refrigerator and replace the food that was tainted or spoiled.

Commercial Crime Insurance provides financial protection from losses caused by robbery, burglary, theft, fraud, or other crimes. The coverage will kick in and thankfully cover crimes committed by your very own employees, or crimes committed by those outside of your business. Since businesses that serve food typically handle large amounts of cash and employ people from all walks of life, commercial crime insurance is a very viable consideration.

Liquor Liability Insurance could be an excellent form of protection for restaurants that serve alcohol and see a customer indulging too much. If a customer leaves your restaurant after having too much to drink and causes an accident or starts a fight and injures themselves, you could be legally liable. Many states have “dram shop” laws in place that are tough on businesses when this happens. Liquor liability insurance will cover any claims that are a result of the actions of customers to whom your businesses may accidentally over serve. If you signed a commercial lease, your landlord may require you to prove this type of coverage.

Cyber Liability Insurance can cover financial losses that result from hacking, viruses, data breaches, and attacks that focus on denial of service. Since restaurants require credit card transactions to flourish, the online systems that you are using for orders may provide your guests with wireless network access that leaves you susceptible to imminent danger and fraud.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance is there to protect your business against lawsuits by current or former employees who are eager to claim mistreatment. Harassment and discrimination can show their faces in many forms these days, and whether the incident is true or not, it happens more than many people realize.

Factors for Your Restaurant Insurance Pricing:

The price that you pay for restaurant insurance will vary based on the type of coverage that works for you, and how risky your business is deemed by your provider. Consider factors such as:

Type of food industry
Number of employees
Location
Size of your operation
Your detailed claims history

Businesses with higher risks will have higher premiums than those who do not. As you increase the limits of your insurance your premiums will also rise, making it a bit more difficult sometimes to be in your best interest because after weathering a few years in business, you may know that it is needed. If serving up excellent eats has long been your passion, we’re standing by to assist you in any way we can. Contact us today at the Alexander Insurance Agency of Saint Charles, where we can closely assess your mouth-watering base of operations and the plan that works for you!

31Jul

Sweep Away Worries: The Benefits of Insurance for Cleaning Entrepreneurs

Cleaning businesses are a very lucrative and in-demand means of excellent self-employment. Just like so many other ventures one would embark on, you will find that insurance is there to protect you against many different types of liabilities. This type of business calls for strong chemicals that can affect employees and customers, and someone could inadvertently get injured on a job site. As many savvy individuals right here in Missouri are thinking about starting up a cleaning business, they naturally have questions for us here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of Saint Charles.

How Much Can I Expect to Pay for Cleaning Company Insurance?

The average cost of business insurance for a cleaning company ranges from around $92 to $110 per month, based on gleaned data from Insureon. The expense your company can expect to pay for insurance can depend on many different factors. The type of coverage best for you, the types of cleaning you offer, and your coverage limits all affect how much you’ll ultimately pay for your premium.

General Liability Insurance is a common form of cleaning business insurance that will help cover costs if your cleaning business is found liable to a third party for unfortunate body injury, personal injury, advertising mishap, or substantial property damage. Following are some of the factors that will influence your policy cost.

Industry: Policy issuers are in the practice of assigning your business that general liability class code. The class code depends on the type of work your business performs along with your physical location.
Physical Business Location: Business owners that operate out of a commercial property location will need to disclose the condition of the building, its size, and roughly how much foot traffic it sees on average. Larger buildings with greater amounts of foot traffic will generally cost more to insure. You could also see higher rates if an older structure that’s not up to code is where you are choosing to operate.
Services Rendered: the different types of cleaning services you provide can make your business incur higher risk, making sure to inquire about these offerings. Some of the nation’s largest insurance companies will want to know if you provide restoration work, if you’re working in a high-traffic property, or especially if you are conducting business in hospitals with hazardous materials and other elements.
Business Size: insurance companies will likely consider your business’s annual revenue as a general starting point. Larger revenue amounts usually will mean a larger operation that presents more opportunities for heightened risk. Insurers will also consider the number of employees you have, and amounts allocated each month for necessary payroll.
Amount of Experience You Have: More years under your belt of providing feeding services will be considered as you are shopping for a policy. With global issues at hand such as the recent pandemic, even just a few years of proven track record will help your credibility.
Claims History: insurers will want to look at your claim history to try and see what the future of your cleaning business will hold. Litigation and losses will be brought up as factors, and canceling for nonpayment could be an issue as well. Much like homeowners insurance or auto, the events that have already occurred dictate a “probability of sorts” for a prediction of how risky you are to an insurer.
Deductible Amount: Much like health insurance coverage, policy deductibles also affect your premiums. If you have a higher deductible, the lower your premium will be.
Limits: An entire business can be quite a challenge to replace, repair, or encounter liability from. The higher your limits are, the more you’ll expect to pay for coverage. Whether you have two employees or a teeming staff of twenty, limits are always an important issue to consider.

A Business Owner’s Policy combines general liability coverage with standard commercial property insurance. Commercial property insurance is the sensible choice for taking care of damage to a building you rent or own, and all the belongings inside of it. Incidents such as burglary, flooding, or fire.

Here are some of the factors that will influence how much it costs to secure commercial property coverage:

The Building’s Size: For larger cleaning business buildings, it will be more expensive to repair or replace if you undergo an event that results in total loss. A sizable structure allows your business to flourish, but you will always notice higher costs to insure them.
Your Property’s Value: the value of the business property within your building is a significant factor in your costs because your policy is there to help you cover losses and sudden damage.
Your Property’s Valuation Approach: Your covering insurer put together an offer to compensate you based on the actual cash value, the fair market value, or the replacement cost value of your business property. Replacement cost policies are known for having higher premiums because you will happily obtain a brand-new item. If you are holding an actual cash value policy, you are reimbursed for the depreciated cash value of the damaged or destroyed item.
Location: Your building’s location is a huge deciding factor regarding your insurance coverage rates. If you have set up shop in a structure that is prone to fires, extreme weather, or heightened crime, you could be considered high risk.
Deductible: The deductible you choose will affect how much you pay for your premium. The higher your deductible is, the lower your cost for a premium will be.

Worker’s Compensation: if your employees happen to encounter a work-related illness or get hurt, worker’s compensation helps to cover costs such as medical expenses and lost wages. Your cost for the coverage will depend on where your business is located, how many employees you currently have, the size of your payroll, your history of claims, and the specific type of cleaning you provide.

Which Type of Cleaning Business Insurance is Right for Me?

Various types of business insurance can be not only mandated, but an enormous weight off your back when it comes to thriving vs. surviving. General liability is most often considered the “bare minimum” to function with, protecting if legal situations arise from third parties and clients. Commercial property and auto coverage will be necessary if you are leasing or own a structure and have business vehicles to expedite your service. If you have official employees, a workers’ compensation policy is required to be compliant.

As the cleaning industry continues to evolve, having adequate insurance coverage will not only shield businesses from potential risks but also enable them to focus on what they do best. Delivering outstanding service and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness are always going to be needed qualities. With the right cleaning insurance in place, your operation can confidently forge ahead, knowing you are well-protected against unpredictable challenges, and leveraged for a successful and thriving future. Contact us today at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles and prepare to pack your vacuum cleaners and spray bottles for a journey of satisfaction and profitability!

24Jul

Graduating to the Wide-Open Road: A Parent’s Guide to Insurance for Teenage Drivers

The moment when you finally hand your car keys over to your teenage son or daughter and watch them drive away can evoke fear for even the most calm and controlled parent! Some parents are concerned with safety, while others wonder if they will be able to cover the cost. For those who are wondering when exactly their teenager should be added to their insurance and just how much they can expect to pay, we made this week’s blog post with your potentially-nerve-wracked self in mind.

What are Some Key Things to Know About Auto Insurance for My Teen?

First, one form of relief can come as a perk of a learner’s permit. If your teenager is still officially covered under a learner’s permit most insurers don’t charge extra, because they are confident that someone else is there watching them to prevent accidents or other mishaps. Once the teen takes the driver’s test, passes, and acquires their license, you then must formally obtain a policy. With less experience behind the wheel and statistically higher accident rates, teenagers always face the highest cost of insurance. Following are some of the reasons that teens struggle with higher insurance rates:

Overall inexperience
Reluctance to wear seatbelts
Higher rates of distracted driving
Higher rates of drinking while driving
A time-proven tendency to speed
Higher likelihood of nighttime or weekend incidents

How Much Can I Expect to Pay to Insure My Teenage Driver?

Just as it stands with other forms of insurance policies such as homeowners and motorcycle policies, the answer depends on the state you reside in. Age and gender are also a factor, as a 16-year-old will end up costing more than a 19-year-old, and a male will be more expensive than a female. After the various data acquired from last year’s Carinsurance.com study was compiled, the results claimed that the average cost of adding a teen to your auto insurance policy is $3,798 per year, or a quite pricey $316.50 per month. Some teens are holding part time jobs with longer hours than average just to fit the bill for these exorbitant costs.

What are Some Tips to Keep These Costs Down?

It IS possible to secure coverage without completely breaking the bank, as a bit of consideration and proactive measures will make a difference in premium costs. Even after the pandemic had eased up a bit, all of us here at the Alexander Agency of St Charles could tell that families were still hurting and compiled this shortlist to be of assistance.

Hold off Altogether: We know that your teen may not want to hear this right off the bat, but if you wait longer, the costs will not be as high. It’s a bit less fun to take this route, but some metropolitan areas have made strides 2 lower their fares and make public transportation more accessible.
Consider Inexpensive Used Cars: It could prove to be much less expensive to buy your teenager an older or slightly beat-up vehicle and shell out for liability only. Even adding your teen driver as an uninsured driver of your own vehicle could be expensive if you are enjoying the benefits of a newer crossover, truck, or sedan. This tends to vary by the insuring party but will at least allow your new driver to get some experience behind the wheel before they choose something fancier.
Consider Usage-Based Insurance: UBI programs use telematics to keep an eye on driving habits, such as distance, speed, and how aggressively you are braking. If your teens prove themselves with a solid 6-month or year-long streak of good driving behavior, UBI can lead to discounts that will allow the whole family to have more money left over each month.
Increase Your Deductible Limit: If you are willing to opt for a higher deductible, your premium costs will go down. Make sure to talk to one of our agents, who will discuss a feasible balance between deductible amounts and premium costs that are sensible enough for you to pay for, and will “meet all parties in the middle” regarding risk.
Proactively Encourage Good Grades: Many insurance companies will offer sizeable discounts to students who are actively maintaining excellent academic standing. Encourage your teen to do well in school, as nailing down a certain GPA can be another great way to reduce your rates. This one can be difficult for a teen who is already distracted by the potential for freedom on the road with their very own wheels, but it can prove to be well worth it!
Always Ask About Driver Discounts: There are all types of other discounts available when looking to cut costs for a new teen driver. For some companies, these savings come in the form of a distant student discount if the young driver moves away to attend school and the car stays behind. Low mileage, multi-vehicle family plans, and other tactics can all be considered as a great way for a company to extend its knowledge and experience to get your teen driver a better rate.

One of the best ways to keep teen driver costs at bay is to teach young drivers from the start just how important it is to drive safely, unfortunately, so many films and videos have encouraged otherwise, including footage shot by teens themselves! Since teens are the most inexperienced driving demographic, they, unfortunately, can suffer a high number of fatalities. One example of a company that does everything they can to help teen drivers offset costs is State Farm, who usually offers up to 25% discounts for students with good grades.

Everyone here at the Alexander Agency of St Charles can understand that seeing your team behind the wheel can be a trying and unnerving time. We will assist you with the ideal quotes, perhaps calming you down a bit, and providing consistency and service for your younger ones that will soon be driving away from the comfort of the nest!

17Jul

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Landscaping Damage?

Blooming Beauty Without Budget Breaking: Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Landscaping?

Landscaping is a provision that helps your outer appearance so much, as shrubs, bushes, trees, and other forms of plant life are components of what makes your property look so spectacular. The comforting benefit of homeowners insurance is designed to protect you financially if your landscaping elements undergo damage or complete destruction. After investing time and money into making your yard look so great, many homeowners wonder if their insurance company will pay to replace your lawn, garden, trees, shrubs, and any other outdoor features after an unwanted event takes place.

The answer is generally yes, if the damage falls under the guise of what’s covered under peril. In this blog post, we’ll break down what a covered peril is, tell you how much insurance you may need to pay out, and fill you in on options available if your landscaping offers a few more bells and whistles for visual pop.

When Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover Landscaping and Yard Damage?

Your standard homeowners insurance policy will cover damaged landscaping when the particular event is a covered peril. Here are some examples:

Lightning episodes
Fire
Theft
Vandalism
Explosion
Damage to your landscaping caused by someone else’s vehicle

You may have an incident where someone steals some of your landscaping or loses control of their vehicle and it causes damage. Your homeowners insurance coverage is in place to protect you against these occurrences. The provisions you enjoy that protect from lightning, vandalism, and fire under your homeowner’s policy will usually extend to your yard.

Weather-related damage is where many exceptions lie, with losses from wind, hail, frigid temps, and the weight of ice and flooding typically not being covered. Insurance companies have recently noticed more damage caused by insects, pests, and disease, which can be protected with an entirely separate flood insurance policy. Much of the confusion surrounding landscaping is pinpointing which aspect of your previously acquired coverage will help you when something goes wrong.

How Much Landscaping Damage Will Be Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance?

If your landscaping damage is due to an event that is covered by an existing policy, the insurer will decide upon the amount it will pay, as it applies to the dwelling limit. If your home has a dwelling limit of $400,000, that’s how much the insurance company will cover if your home, much like an automobile that is totaled, is rendered a complete loss. Most insurance companies will cover damage that occurs to your landscape up to 5% of the total dwelling limit. If your entire drawing had a limit of $300,000, the insuring party would pay up to $15,000 toward cosmetic landscaping loss.

What are the Coverage Limits for Landscaping and Yard Damage?

After there has been theft or the forces of nature have acted upon your landscaping, the covering insurance company isn’t able to just quickly write a check for 5% of the total dwelling limit. There are caps on what will be paid out, which are broken down objectively. A company may cap the amount they’ll pay for any element of landscaping to be removed at 500 or $1000. Every other element of landscaping has another cap, so you as the homeowner may not ride off into the sunset with 100% of the money needed to see your yard back to its healthy state.

The limits of your coverage will vary by the company you use, which makes it crucial for those who have especially well-groomed yards to closely examine their policy before a bad situation occurs. It’s also valuable to find out what local nurseries and landscaping services charge for the kinds of upgrades you want to your lawn before you bid on the work. It’s common for a homeowner to find out that the cost of removing the tree could be more expensive than any policy will cover, or that your coverage could be insufficient to correctly replace the high amount it has taken to render your yard presentable in your eyes.

If you have to pay your deductible before your provider pays the remainder of your bill, you may have to give careful thought to whether the coverage is valuable at all. Another similarity here that exists with auto coverage is that the fewer claims the homeowner has on file, the lower your annual premium to pay will be.

Other Options for Yards and Garden Coverage:

Homeowners who have spent a large amount of money creating their own beautiful oasis have options for increasing the amount of coverage they have. “Yard and garden endorsements” raise the caps set in place by the insurer, but they don’t change the total amount paid out to repair any damage to your landscaping. If your neighbor’s house catches on fire and the havoc spreads to your yard, you will undoubtedly suffer immense damage to your landscaping.

This type of policy does a little bit more than increase coverage caps on plans, as it also will extend the coverage of the tools needed to maintain your area and the machinery used to upkeep the property. If things like tractors, leaf blowers, sprinklers, and lawn mowers suffer an extreme amount of damage, you will have more coverage at your disposal to be able to properly replace these items.

What Steps Should I Take to Make Sure I’m Adequately Covered?

Many homeowners are understandably worried about what could happen if their landscaping is damaged, otherwise compromised, or destroyed. For homeowners of all ages, landscaping is a house characteristic that can give you much pride and enjoyment year-round. Here are some steps that can assure that you have the coverage that will fit your needs and fully protect your investment:

Check your existing policy to ensure that your landscaping elements are written in. If you are fully covered, read the fine print to see what pre-existing issues and other circumstances could surprise you if something happens.
Determine how much coverage you have and decide if it would be adequate if full replacement of the landscaping you worked so hard to attain is needed.
If you are already covered, get in touch with us here at the Alexander Agency of Saint Charles to learn about a yard and garden endorsement.
If you find a yard and garden endorsement that specifically fits your needs, you can expect to pay an extra $50 to $100 a year for this Peace of Mind and new coverage.

Will This Type of Coverage Cover Groundhog Damage?

We understand that it’s not just the 1980s movie “Caddyshack’s” Gopher and Groundhog problems on the golf course that can cause massive frustration in a well-kept yard! Homeowners insurance will generally not normally cover damage from groundhogs because they are technically considered pests, as are squirrels. If Groundhog damage is covered it will apply only to damage done to the structure of the home and not the plants and trees. Your homeowners insurance policy will cover damage caused by much larger intruders, such as deer or bears.

Landscaping elements are part of the essence and dwelling enrichment that make your home comforting, unique, and appealing. We have enjoyed providing many happy homeowners with the best in homeowners and landscaping coverage here at the Alexander Agency of St Charles and offering a “solid rock” of protection for the boulders and builder’s pride your home exemplifies.

11Jul

“No Road is Too Long W/Good Company”: Helpful Pointers on Motorcycle Insurance

Many people think of buying their first bike and hitting the road during summer, as the warm weather has us daydreaming of all the fun we can have on two wheels. Visions of blasting through two-lane twisting roads and other long trips make anyone with a penchant for adventure excited, but there are a few practical things to consider first regarding insurance. Here on the blog today, we’ll break down a few basics so you can be properly informed before you excitedly sit down and engage the throttle!

What is the Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance?

On average in the U.S, you can expect to pay $178 a month for auto insurance. These costs will vary depending on where you take up residence, and what coverage type you opt for. We ARE a cold weather state here in Missouri, which can affect your cost for the better. Warm weather states prompt riders to take their bikes out more often, which causes a greater risk of an accident. In other Midwest states such as Minnesota, you could expect to pay $70 a month, or $840 annually. In California, you could pay over $500 a month or $6,100 yearly, which is more than seven times the national average.

How is Motorcycle Insurance Cost Determined?

The final amount you’ll have to set aside for motorcycle coverage each month will depend on some of the following factors:

The covered parties age, with the youngest and oldest riders expecting to pay more
Bonus points for a clean driving record.
The zip code you live in
which type of motorcycle you own, with sporty and high-performance types dictating higher rates
The number of miles you put on the bike yearly
where the bike is stored during its downtime

What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

If you have experience with current insurance policies these offer a pretty good guidance reference for the type of coverage you can obtain with motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle insurance offers liability coverage that will protect you if you cause injury to someone else or destroy their property. In some states, insurers will also provide guest passenger liability, which will assist if your passenger is suddenly hurt. Here are a few other types of motorcycle coverage that may be optional:

Collision Coverage will pay for your bike’s coverage if it’s damaged during an accident.
Comprehensive Coverage pays for damage to your bike if it is caused by something other than a collision, or if it’s stolen. Nature events, fire, and vandalism are also covered.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage pays for your medical bills if another driver who is completely covered or not adequately covered causes the incident.

One of the benefits of this hobby is being able to upgrade your bike with customized parts. A typical comprehensive or collision policy may not reimburse you for damage to these parts and may choose to pay to replace them with factory-grade issues. If you want to assure that your high-end upgrades are fully covered, ask us here at the Alexander Agency of Saint Charles for separate coverage on your custom additions.

What are Some Tips for Saving on Motorcycle Insurance?

Here are some steps you can take to ease the burden of a high motorcycle insurance bill.

Shop Around: shopping room is the most important thing you can do while trying to lower your insurance premium cost. If you compare quotes from several providers, you’ll find the best fit for you that takes care of your custom needs. It can be difficult to know if you’re overpaying until you do the groundwork in comparing quotes from different companies, whether online or on the phone.

Consider Raising Your Deductible: another way to save money on your insurance premium is by increasing the amount of your deductible, whether you have comprehensive or collision insurance. One standard example is raising your deductible from $500 to $1000, which will lower your monthly cost. When you raise your deductible, you must be prepared to receive a lower amount if you file a claim, but it is a very good means of cutting costs and you are riding safely.

Look for a Multi-Vehicle Discount: if you are looking to cover more than one bike, or both an automobile and a bike, you can obtain a lower rate. Many insurance providers will offer a substantial discount when you bundle in this way, and you enjoy the convenience of seeing your cost on one collective monthly bill for the two of them.

Discounts Dependent on Organizations You Belong to: many of the writing organizations that you can belong to will assist you with obtaining a lower rate. Entities such as the Honda Riders Club of America, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Gold Wing Touring, Road Riders Association, and the American Motorcycle Association are all included among organizations that can allow you to enjoy a discount with membership.

Hanging up the Hat During Winter: Here in Missouri where we endure a sizable duration of cold weather, many riders will keep their bikes in storage for the cooler season. This can qualify you for a “lay-up” discount which only keeps the comprehensive portion of your policy on the bike over the winter. Even as some weather patterns have changed drastically as of late, this is still a great way to not spend as much after the Christmas bills have already hit!

We understand the heavy pull of a bike’s appeal: feeling free on two wheels makes just about anyone excited enough to rush out and make a purchase right away! Check with us here at the Alexander Agency of St Charles to obtain the best rates, advice, and assistance. Seeing the world from the back of a bike has become the method of choice for so many, and we are standing by to guide you every step (and hearty kickstart!) of the way.

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