McInnis Insurance Agency

Tips for a Safe Work Environment

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:50:00 GMT

There are many ways to make sure you are providing a safe work environment for your employees, and the techniques you use likely depend upon the type of business you are in. But there are some basic tips that every business owner can use to help create a safe workplace and avoid costly workers’ compensation insurance claims.

You want to ensure that your employees are kept safe and happy on the job. In addition to keeping the workplace safe from accidents and injuries, continue to offer prevention and wellness programs. In addition, check the ergonomic conditions of every worker, make sure employees wear necessary protective equipment, and even consider creating and rehearsing a worksite disaster drill.

Last but not least, make sure your workers’ compensation insurance is up-to-date and is in compliance with all relevant state requirements. We can help you find workers’ compensation insurance as well as recommend and help you implement workplace safety programs that can help you minimize costly workers’ compensation claims. Contact us today to learn more about Louisiana workers’ compensation insurance.

Finding the Right Health Insurance for You

Mon, 01 Dec 2014 16:20:00 GMT

Recent changes to health insurance laws and regulations have promised to make it easier on those who need to find their own, private plans. While many wait for those promises to come true, the process can still be extremely frustrating.

There are some important factors to consider while choosing a private health insurance plan in Louisiana. Nearly everyone, besides those very few who qualify for exemptions, must carry health insurance due to changes enacted by the Affordable Care Act, or be subjected to a fine. It is recommended to carry health insurance, not only to avoid that fine, but because just one unexpected injury or illness can bankrupt the uninsured.

You may qualify for a tax break, or subsidy, for an eligible health insurance plan. This assistance can help pay for your health insurance premium, or be taken as an annual tax credit. Even if you do not qualify, you can still choose a private plan from the Louisiana marketplace. These plans are categorized as 1-star, 2-star, 3-star, 4-star or 5-star, with 5-star plans offering the most comprehensive coverage, which generally means higher premiums but lower deductibles.

The factors you need to consider include how many members of your household you need to insure; the types of medical care you routinely need (such as vision coverage); the premiums you can afford; the deductibles you can afford; and the out-of-pocket expenses you would pay with each plan.

It’s important to remember that the premium you pay for a health insurance plan isn’t the only financial consideration to be made. Some plans offer very low premiums, but the deductible, co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses would cost you far more than a plan with a slightly higher premium but better coverage.

Many people looking for private health insurance plans in Louisiana prefer to work with an insurance agent who can help you determine these factors. Knowledgeable, independent agents at McInnis Insurance are always available to answer any questions you may have and suggest coverage options best suited for you and your family. We are able to find you a variety of quotes from a number of health insurance providers, ensuring the policy you choose offers the best coverage at the most affordable rates. Contact an agent near you who can help you find the perfect private health plan.

Thanksgiving Celebration Safety Tips

Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:32:00 GMT

Hosting family or friends for Thanksgiving can be stressful. It’s important to take your time in preparing your home and delicious holiday traditions so you are sure to follow proper safety guidelines and reduce the risk of injury or illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, clostridium perfringens is the second most common bacterial cause of food poisoning. Outbreaks occur most often in November and December and meat and poultry accounted for 92 percent of outbreaks with an identified single food source. Always use a food thermometer to guarantee that foods are cooked to a safe-to-eat temperature. Remember to refrigerate leftovers at 40°F or below as soon as possible and within two hours of preparation to prevent food poisoning.

It’s a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in the case of a turkey emergency. Teach all members of the household how to use it and ensure it is not expired. Also be sure that all smoke alarms in the home are in working condition with fresh batteries. While turkey fryers are a popular addition to this holiday tradition, they also pose a fire risk. Never attempt to deep-fry a frozen turkey, and always make sure the oil is below the device’s recommended fill line.

Wear snug fitting clothing while cooking. Long, loose apparel can snag on pots or catch on fire from a gas flame or hot stove. Never leave food on the stove or in the oven unattended. Always keep children away from the stove and any hot food or liquids, which can spill and cause injury. Although little ones enjoy helping, you should try to keep them otherwise occupied. You could assign them the task of making sure the entry to your home isn’t cluttered with shoes, bags and other items that can cause someone to trip and fall.

A yearly tradition you should start, and no time is better than the holidays, is an annual review of your home insurance policy. Knowledgeable, independent agents at McInnis Insurance can help identify any gaps in your current coverage, suggest ways in which you can save on your premium, and even assist you in finding a better policy. Contact a McInnis Insurance agent near you to find out more about a home insurance policy that can protect your home this Thanksgiving.

Find Contractors Insurance Savings

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 16:16:00 GMT

No two businesses are exactly alike. Contractors include a wide variety of businesses across a wide spectrum of industries. That’s why a one-size-fits-all insurance policy may not be best for your company.

Contractors can include construction firms, carpenters, plumbers, cleaners, electricians, landscapers, painters, handymen, snow plowing operations, land surveyors, computer consultants and many more. A computer programming contractor has far different insurance needs than a roofing company. You need a policy or policies that are specific to your risks and needs.

Some of the common contractor insurance coverage options include property and general liability insurance. Most businesses, contractors to retailers, need these types of coverage.

However, your particular contracting business may not have a physical structure where you do business. You may conduct commercial activities out of your home or from the road in your vehicle. Property insurance may be unnecessary, although you may want to consider purchasing an additional rider to your homeowners or vehicle insurance policy to cover any equipment or other capital investments you have made.

General liability insurance is fundamental, however. This provides protection against lawsuits and other financial risks that result from things like accidents, oversights, or advice that results in poor outcomes and more. Depending on the size and revenues of your business, you could receive both property and liability coverage in a package called a Business Owners Policy, or BOP.

You may need other types of coverage. Commercial vehicle insurance is a common need among contractors. Perhaps you also require cyber liability insurance if you conduct any online transactions or store customer information in a digital database.

Sometimes you can save on your contractor’s insurance policies by bundling them with the same provider, while other times its better to shop around. Knowledgeable, independent agents at McInnis Insurance can help you decide what is best for your business. We will identify your unique risks and insurance needs, suggest coverage options, and assist you in finding a number of quotes from a variety of providers, ensuring the policies you choose will offer the best coverage at the most competitive rates. Contact a McInnis member agent near you to find out how to protect your contracting business with a custom insurance package designed for you.

Life and Health Insurance Are Important for Your Financial Security

Thu, 06 Nov 2014 17:48:00 GMT

Many individuals and families receive benefits from their employers that include health insurance, and in some cases even some basic life insurance. But many others work for small employers that cannot afford to offer these valuable benefits, and are on their own when it comes to protecting their finances from the devastation that can arise from an unexpected accident, illness or death in the family.

Both health and life insurance are essential to protecting yourself and your family from financial ruin. Why? First, you simply can’t avoid the fact that everyone will get sick at some point in his or her lifetime. Even if you are healthy now, an unexpected illness or injury can quickly wreak havoc on your finances if you don’t have health insurance. Health insurance helps you pay for the care you need, when you need it.

Second, health insurance helps people pay for preventive care. Regular and appropriate preventive care can help to keep you from getting a more serious condition later on. And if you do get a chronic disease like asthma or high blood pressure, health insurance can help you get the care you need to manage your disease and keep you from getting sicker.

With the right health insurance plan, you can be protected from many of the crushing costs of even routine health care.

Life insurance is equally important to protect your family’s financial well-being. There are many forms and variations of life insurance, but in general, life insurance pays a lump sum death benefit to your beneficiaries in the event of your death. This money can help your family pay your debts, final expenses and estate taxes, and can even be a source of inheritance for them.

Life insurance should be an integral part of your long-term financial plan. The two main types of life insurance are term life and permanent life. Term life insurance provides protection for a certain period of time (e.g., 10, 20 or 30 years) and it is typically used to provide for some final expenses and income replacement for your dependents. Permanent life insurance is a complex financial tool with many variations. Permanent life insurance offers a long-term savings or investment component along with the death benefits.

Individual health and life insurance are extremely important for those who do not receive these benefits from their employers or for those who are self-employed. McInnis Insurance can provide expert advice on individual health and life insurance in Louisiana. Even with the rapid changes to the health insurance marketplace that are being brought about by the Affordable Care Act, we can help you find and purchase the right health insurance plan to meet your needs. Call us today to learn more.

How Can General Liability Insurance Protect Your Business?

Fri, 24 Oct 2014 15:34:00 GMT

Unless you have a crystal ball, and in that case business is booming, the uncertainties of small business management can create a lot of stress. General liability insurance can help alleviate that fear of the unknown by protecting your company’s assets and revenues when the unforeseen occurs. As well trained and reliable as your employees may be, accidents happen – on site, off site, with staff and with customers.

General business liability insurance is your first line of defense against many common claims. It protects your company’s assets and can help pay for obligations stemming from various risks third parties may experience during operations or while on your property. If someone is injured on your property, for example, it can help pay for their medical treatment. It can also help protect you should any property damage occur to another person while on your premises or due to one of your employees.

This vital form of insurance also helps cover the cost of your legal fees and defense costs in the event your business faces a lawsuit. It will even assist in paying the costs of any settlement should you be successfully sued. In today’s litigious society, this is one of the most important features of liability insurance.

Furthermore, a comprehensive general liability policy can help protect you from claims of false or misleading advertising, libel (written defamation), slander (spoken defamation) and copyright infringement.

Few businesses can afford to go without the protections offered by such a plan, and those that can afford to pay out of pocket for claims and lawsuits buy it anyhow. Even in the event you win against a frivolous lawsuit, the legal fees for just one court appearance can be several times more than the amount of a general liability policy premium. The limits you choose and the amount of insurance you need depends on several factors unique to your business. That’s why it’s important to work with a qualified insurance agent who can help ensure the policy is right for you.

Knowledgeable, independent insurance agents with McInnis are always available to answer any questions you may have, help identify your liability risks and even assist you in filing a claim. Our experienced agents are able to locate you a variety of policy quotes from a number of providers, ensuring the policy you choose offers the best coverage at the most competitive rates. Contact a McInnis member agent near you to learn more about how a general liability insurance policy can protect your business.

Surety Bonds Help Contractors Win More Business

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 16:45:00 GMT

Surety bonds are just one of the many ways you can protect your business. McInnis Insurance Agency offers fast-turnaround surety bonds as well as other types of business insurance for Louisiana contractors. And because every situation and contractor is unique, we can find the solutions that are best suited to your business.

Surety bonds in particular are very specific to individual projects. They are not traditional insurance policies, but rather function as a performance guarantee for your clients and help to ensure that your project bids are accepted by project owners. We can help you obtain and facilitate the entire bonding process.

There are a variety of different types of surety bonds, each one guaranteeing a different aspect of the bidding and construction process and the construction contract itself. At McInnis Insurance, we can help you with obtaining the surety bonds you need, including the following types.

McInnis Insurance will work closely with you to learn about your business and recommend the insurance policies and solutions that best protect your livelihood. We can help you obtain the surety bonds you need—quickly—so that you can win your next project.

Want to learn more about surety bonds and business insurance for contractors and construction professionals? We have answers! Contact us today to learn more.

Protect Your Business Interests with Workers Compensation

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:52:00 GMT

Nearly all employers in Louisiana must carry some form of workers compensation insurance. As a business owner, this form of insurance not only protects your staff from wage losses and other damages resulting from an on-the-job injury or death, it also protects you and your commercial assets from litigation resulting from the incident. There are few exceptions to the federal mandate of workers compensation, so be sure to check with your local department of labor before assuming your business exempt.

Workers compensation is a form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment in exchange for mandatory relinquishment of the employee’s right to sue his or her employer for negligence.

In 2012, the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the government agency charged with overseeing the workers compensation programs, received 5,178 disputed claims for compensation, a decrease of 92 from the disputes filed in 2011. According to the OWCA annual reports, 2,787 workers compensation trials were conducted in Louisiana and another 1,968 disputes were mediated. Additionally, 4,872 workers compensation settlements were approved in 2012.

Workers’ compensation statutes are designed to ensure that employees who are injured or disabled on the job are not required to cover medical bills related to their on-the-job injury, and are provided with monetary awards to cover loss of wages directly related to the accident, as well as to compensate for permanent physical impairments. The intent of these statutes is to eliminate the need for courts to handle these types of injuries. These laws also protect employers and fellow workers by limiting the amount an injured employee can recover from an employer and by eliminating the liability of co-workers in most accidents.

You require all of your employees to follow safety guidelines and are thorough in their training. However, accidents can and still do happen and that is why a comprehensive workers compensation insurance policy is a must-have for your business.

Knowledgeable, independent insurance agents at McInnis have been assisting their business clients in finding the proper workers compensation policy for decades. These experienced agents are always available to answer any questions you may have, suggest coverage options best suited for your business, and assist you in finding several policy quotes from a number of providers. Contact a McInnis member agent near you to ensure the insurance you purchase offers the best protection at the most affordable rates while complying with Louisiana law.

Protect Your Commercial Vehicles from Becoming a Target

Wed, 24 Sep 2014 18:48:00 GMT

Whether your business is in trucking, construction, transportation services or delivery, commercial vehicle insurance is an imperative tool that protects your equipment, drivers and future in the industry.

A commercial vehicle is considered any truck or vehicle that is used by an individual in the course of their business dealings and/or in the course of transporting and delivering commercial products. There are many examples of commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, dump trucks, tanker trucks, delivery trucks, semi trucks, 18-wheelers, freight trucks, as well as the myriad of cars and vans used for business purposes. Most states, including Louisiana, mandate certain businesses carry commercial vehicle insurance on their cars or trucks used for their purposes.

Not only can a comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance package help pay for repairs to your damaged vehicle or fleet following an accident or collision, it can save your business from the devastating affects of a lawsuit. Commercial truck accidents tend to be way more damaging than passenger vehicle accidents. These types of collisions are also targets for personal injury law firms. Indeed, the Internet is rife with web pages devoted to the multi-million settlements attorneys have secured following a commercial vehicle accident that causes injury. In those where deaths occur, settlements can reach the tens of millions.

The most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents are actually not all that different from the common causes of most other vehicle accidents. Some of these include driver fatigue, alcohol or drug abuse by the driver, equipment failure, defective parts, safety issues, overly defensive driving, and even the improper loading of the commercial vehicle. As a responsible business owner, you thoroughly train your drivers and test them for substance abuse, but accidents can and do still happen. You want the protection offered by a quality commercial auto insurance policy that can shield your business assets from becoming party to an expensive lawsuit.

Whether you employ a single vehicle for business purposes, or an entire fleet, knowledgeable, independent agents at McInnis Insurance are always available to answer any questions you may have. Our experienced agents have been loyally serving their business owner customers in the Louisiana area for decades and can assist you in identifying your commercial vehicle insurance needs. Contact us to find out how your cars or trucks can be protected with an insurance policy that offers the best coverage at the most affordable rates.

Work Third Shift? Stay Safe While Driving at Night

Mon, 04 Aug 2014 16:54:00 GMT

Nearly 15 million Americans work a permanent night shift or regularly rotate in and out of night shifts, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means a significant sector of the nation’s work force is exposed to the hazards of working nights, which include restlessness, sleepiness on the job, fatigue and decreased attention. This also means many folks are traveling the roads at night or in the wee hours of the morning when our depth perception, ability to distinguish color, and peripheral vision are all worse in low-light conditions. According to the National Safety Council, traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day.

There are mechanical ways to improve your safety while driving at night. First, be sure your headlights are aimed properly. You can do this yourself using your vehicle’s manual instructions or take it to a trusted shop. Another trick used by the experts is to wipe your windshield with a newspaper to remove hard to see residue that becomes painfully obvious in low-light conditions. Making sure you’re wearing the correct eye glasses or contact lenses can also improve your safety while driving during dark hours.

The National Safety Council also advises night drivers to reduce speed and increase following distances. It is more difficult to judge other vehicle’s speeds and distances at night. When following another vehicle, keep your headlights on low beams so you don’t blind the driver ahead of you. If an oncoming vehicle doesn’t lower its beams from high to low, avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide. For those long commutes, it’s a good idea to make frequent stops for light snacks and exercise. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get rest.

You can take all of these steps and still have a critter jump out from the ditches at night, causing damage to your vehicle and injury to yourself. That’s when the importance of having a comprehensive auto insurance policy comes into play. Our agents can answer any questions you may have, suggest coverage options, and even assist you in filing a claim. We are able to find a number of quotes from a variety of insurance companies, enabling you to choose a policy with the best coverage at the most affordable rates.

Tips for Keeping Your Home and Family Safe from Fire

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 16:19:00 GMT

According to Ready.gov , more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires each year in the United States. An estimated $7.3 billion in property losses each year are due to home fires. Many of these dollars come out of homeowners’ pockets, and insurance companies pick up a large share of the costs as well. While protecting you in the event of such a disaster is the reason for having homeowners insurance in the first place, you should take every precaution in order to prevent household fires. Your property and your life depend on it!

Remember that fires spread quickly; a fire can become life threatening in just two minutes, and in five minutes your entire residence can go up in flames. Heat and smoke can often be even more dangerous than the flames. In fact, asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths.

Here are some basic tips on how to avoid some of the most common causes of home fires, from Ready.gov:

Cooking

Smoking

Electrical and Appliances

Space Heaters, Fireplaces and Woodstoves

Parents should make sure that children are well-educated about fire and fire dangers. Never store matches or lighters where children can reach them, and teach children never to pick them up or play with them. Children should never be left alone near stoves, fires, grills or even burning candles, and be on the lookout for evidence that a child has been playing with fire (e.g., burned matches).

Your home insurance protects you financially if you have a fire in your home. But nothing can protect you from the loss of property and even life once a fire begins. Everyone in your household needs to be aware of fire dangers and fire prevention techniques to keep the risk of fire in your home to a minimum.

What are some of the fire prevention techniques you use in your home? Have you ever experienced the devastation of a home fire? Tell us about your experience and what you learned.

Every Boater Needs the Life Vest of Insurance

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 19:19:00 GMT

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, thousands of boating accidents take place on lakes and rivers across the country each year. In 2013 alone, 560 people were killed, more than 2,600 were seriously injured and approximately $40 million in property damage occurred due to boating accidents. Unfortunately the costs of injuries and property damages are often exacerbated when anglers and pleasure boaters fail to carry insurance on their vessels.

Although boating fatality rates are on the decline, as the value of boats and docks increases and the costs of medical care skyrockets, the price of boating accidents has increased steadily each year. Boating popularity is increasing and as more vessels crowd the limited waterways, more accidents are sure to happen.

Only a comprehensive boat insurance policy can ensure you and your boat remains afloat following a collision. This valuable form of protection can also help you pay for costs associated with a lawsuit if you are sued as a result of injuring someone or damaging a dock or boat. You may be a superb boater who follows all regulations and maintains your safety equipment. Unfortunately, not all boaters are as conscientious.

Whether you own a pontoon, speed boat, fishing boat or yacht, boat insurance is just as important on your vessel as life jackets. It can mean the difference between swift repairs to your damaged boat, or indefinite docking. It can also protect your personal finances from being raided to pay for the injuries or damages sustained by third parties.

Most boaters enjoy the pastime as a way to relax and unwind from the stresses of life. The last thing you want to worry about while on the rivers and lakes is whether or not you can afford an accident.

Boat insurance is extremely affordable for the level of protection it offers. When you contact our agency you can be sure you’ll find a policy that meets all of your boating needs. We are adept at finding numerous quotes for boat insurance policies from a variety of companies, ensuring you receive the best coverage at the most affordable rates. Contact us and start boating with peace of mind, knowing you are protected.

Giving a Valuable Gift? Don’t Forget the Insurance!

Tue, 01 Jul 2014 14:56:00 GMT

Birthdays, anniversaries, or “just because”—all great reasons to give a fabulous gift to that special someone in your life. After the initial excitement wears off, don’t forget that if you give (or receive) a valuable gift, you will likely need some special insurance coverage to protect it from loss, theft or other damage.

In order to make sure that your valuable gift is covered, you need to evaluate two things. First, do you have the right amount of coverage (is your coverage limit sufficient to replace your valuable item)? And second, are all of the potential risks, or causes of loss, covered?

Personal property is typically placed into certain categories of coverage within your standard homeowners insurance policy. And each of those categories has a standard coverage sublimit within your policy. Jewelry, for example, often has a sublimit of around $2,000. If you get a new valuable piece of jewelry and combine its value with items you already have, you likely need jewelry coverage that is in excess of that standard sublimit. What would happen if the new item or any other pieces were lost or destroyed in a fire? Would you have enough coverage to replace all of your jewelry, or even one individual piece?

Standard personal property coverage does not cover all risks. Normally accidental loss or breakage of jewelry will not be covered under a homeowners insurance policy. The policy will likely cover losses due to fire, lightning, wind, theft and vandalism. But what if you lose your item, or accidentally break it? Chances are you would not have insurance coverage? Then what?

To make sure that you have the right coverage for your new valuable gift, consider scheduled personal property coverage, also known as a personal property endorsement or rider. This special coverage allows you to increase the coverage limit on a specific item or category of items to their full-appraised value. It also allows you to add coverage for additional causes of loss such as breakage, accidental damage, accidental loss, and more.

You can use a scheduled personal property rider to protect all kinds of valuable belongings and gifts such as furs, antiques, artwork, rugs, collectibles, electronics and any items that would be more costly to replace than the coverage provided by your standard homeowners insurance coverage limits.

Don’t shy away from giving those valuable gifts! Scheduled personal property coverage adds a minimal amount to your insurance premiums, and is well worth the extra expense should something happen to one of your high value belongings. Protecting your new gift with insurance is just as important as taking good care of it and keeping it under lock and key in a safe place.

You have several coverage options for your valuables! Talk to us to find out what is best for your needs. Have you given a valuable gift lately? Did you remember to have it insured?

Does Home Insurance Cover Fireworks Accidents?

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 18:41:00 GMT

With summer upon us and Independence Day celebrations being planned, it is important to remember fireworks safety. Many households observe the Fourth of July, New Year’s and other milestone occasions with fireworks. They’re fun, entertaining and part of many families’ traditions. They can also turn a great time into tragedy. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year more than 8,000 people are injured by fireworks and more fires are reported on the Fourth of July than on any other day. A study in 2005 found fireworks caused an estimated 1,800 total structure fires, 700 vehicle fires, and more than $39 million in direct property damage.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following safety guidelines:

Your homeowner’s insurance policy should cover any unintentional injuries caused by fireworks to third parties under your liability coverage. Some fireworks accidents may be excluded, however. Your insurance company may be more understandable if a child younger than 12 has an accident, but less forgiving if your teenager blows up the mailbox with a cherry bomb.

Our agents can answer any questions you may have regarding your current coverage. We can also help you compare your policy to others available, enabling you to purchase the best coverage at the most affordable rates. Contact us to find out how you can obtain great coverage, even when things go wrong.

What You Need to Know About Louisiana Hurricane Insurance

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 15:51:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently predicted a near-normal or below-normal 2014 Atlantic hurricane season. NOAA predicts 8 to 13 named storms, with three to six becoming hurricanes, and one or two becoming major hurricanes.

While the projections are for a normal to mild season, there is no reason to ignore your hurricane preparations. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 5 of the 11 most hurricane-prone counties in the U.S. are in Louisiana. One of the most important things Louisiana residents can do at the start of each hurricane season is to review your homeowners insurance and make sure that you have appropriate coverage for hurricane-related damage.

Insurance experts recommend that coastal residents do a complete insurance checkup at the beginning of hurricane season. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, your homeowners insurance likely includes a hurricane deductible. A hurricane deductible is separate from your primary home insurance deductible, and is a percentage of your home’s insured value, rather than a pre-determined flat dollar figure. Only 18 states allow for hurricane deductibles, and Louisiana is one of them.

Hurricane deductibles apply only when your home has been damaged by a hurricane. They are typically 1% to 5% of the home’s insured value, so if your home is insured for $250,000 and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, you would have to pay the first $6,250 to repair damage to your home before your insurance coverage kicks in.

Hurricane deductibles are subject to a “coverage trigger.” This means that the hurricane deductible will only apply if that trigger comes into play. The trigger may be when the National Weather Service declares a hurricane watch or warning, officially names a tropical storm, or defines a storm’s intensity. You must review your policy to know what your hurricane deductible trigger is.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner James Donelon released on May 30, 2014 a notice encouraging Louisiana residents to prepare for hurricane season by reviewing insurance coverage and deductibles, taking a home inventory, and assessing their need for flood insurance .

In addition to recommending that residents review any separate wind, hail, and named-storm or hurricane deductibles, Commissioner Donelon reminds residents that losses due to flooding are not covered under your homeowners insurance policy, even if the flooding is caused by a hurricane.

Kick Back and Enjoy Summer Parties Safely

Tue, 10 Jun 2014 16:30:00 GMT

While we all want to kick back this summer and enjoy the weather, we do have to be careful every time we entertain in our backyards or even when we just cook on the grill for our families.

Having a party at your home opens you up to a host of liabilities and potential problems. Besides causing injury and property damage, just one serious incident can cause you to have to make a homeowners insurance claim and even risk cancellation of your policy.

Here are some ways that you can protect yourself and your guest:

And finally, the grill. Follow these grilling safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

In addition:

What safety concerns do you have for your outdoor patio parties this summer? Have you ever had a grilling accident? What safety precautions do you take?

Ride Hard, Stay Safe on Your Motorcycle

Fri, 16 May 2014 20:57:00 GMT

Although May is the official Motorcycle Safety month, awareness and precautions should be implemented all year long. Groups and individuals have put forth tremendous effort to stem the increasing number of riders killed or severely injured while riding motorcycles, yet there is still work to be done.

Through the tireless determination of private groups like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and public entities such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle fatalities have slightly decreased the past few years. However, according to the CDC, more than 34,000 riders were killed between 2001 and 2008. An astounding 175,000 riders were treated in emergency rooms across the nation during 2008 alone.

Although the highest death rates and injuries occur in riders age 25-29, experience doesn’t always protect you from the poor driving of others on the road. These statistics may seem to say that motorcycle riders are just plain dangerous, however, in more than 60 percent of all bike-involved crashes the driver of the car or truck was at fault. The inherently exposed nature of riding a two-wheeled vehicle simply leaves motorcycle riders at an increased risk. Also, as more and more people join the millions of bike owners, the statistics indicate an increase in incidents.

Like most bike owners, you drive responsibly. You never ride while intoxicated. You always wear your helmet and other safety equipment, and you make sure you are clearly visible to other motorists with whom you share the road. Many motorcycle owners also participate in charity rides and help out in their communities. The image of the tough and rumbling biker gang has been all but eliminated from the stereotypes of motorcycle owners. But what can you do if the “other guy” isn’t paying attention? What happens when, despite all your caution, you become involved in a wreck?

That’s when you need the most important piece of safety equipment in your saddle bags: Your motorcycle insurance card. Our knowledgeable agents can help you locate a number of motorcycle insurance quotes from a variety of providers, ensuring you will find the best coverage at the most affordable rates. We can assist you in finding the perfect policy that will help you make swift repairs to your damaged bike so you can hit the road again without missing a beat. Contact us to help you meet all your motorcycle insurance needs.

Don’t Make the Error of Omitting E&O Insurance

Thu, 08 May 2014 18:46:00 GMT

In today’s litigious society, professionals of all stripes must diligently protect their business, their reputation and their personal finances from being drug through costly and time consuming court proceedings. According to the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, at least 1 in 7 professionals will experience an errors and omissions lawsuit during their career. Fortunately, there is an insurance product that can protect your business from these types of claims.

For doctors, dentists and other medical professionals, this type of protection is called malpractice insurance. In the realm of lawyers, accountants, architects and other consulting services, it may be called professional liability insurance. In any case, it is still errors and omissions insurance , designed to protect your business and personal finances from lawsuits stemming from a claim that your advice or services did not result in the desired outcome.

Although their professions may receive most of the attention when lawsuits happen, doctors and lawyers aren’t the only service providers who can benefit from E&O insurance. Web developers, advertising agents and even wedding planners should consider such policies as well. If any part of your business involves giving advice or providing data services, you could benefit from an errors or omissions policy. After all, you are human and mistakes can happen. Although those who have been professionally wronged deserve an avenue to receive compensation, your business does not deserve to be financially ruined because of one error.

As E&O insurance covers so many different types of businesses and professional services, no two policies are exactly alike. A commercial printer has vastly different risk exposures than a financial advisor. While both types of professionals should carry an E&O policy, the details matter and each policy should be designed specifically for the respective business’ unique needs.

When you talk to of our agents you can be sure the errors and omission policy you purchase will be best suited for your business. Our experienced agents can assist you in identifying your risk exposures as well as locating several different E&O policies from a variety of providers, ensuring you will receive the best coverage at the most affordable rates. Contact us to find out how you can protect you and your business.

It’s Not Weird: It’s Insurance for Our Unusual Needs

Tue, 29 Apr 2014 21:44:00 GMT

You may not have Rolling Stone’s front man Keith Richard’s “magic” middle finger (insured for $1.5 million). You probably don’t have Tom Jones’ one-of-a-kind chest hair (insured for several million dollars). And you may not be looking for alien abduction insurance, but around the nation nearly $10 million in such policies are in effect today.

Most stories about weird and unusual insurance policies come from the realm of celebrity. Even items with no career-making or breaking impacts, such as Pittsburg Steeler’s Troy Polamalu’s $1 million policy on his impressive head of hair, seem to have considerable value to those who obtain insurance on them. Who are we to judge?

Perhaps you or your organization is in possession of the world’s largest cigar (one in London is insured for several million dollars), or the world’s largest ball of twine (the one in Darwin, Minnesota has an impressive insurance policy as well). For these one-of-a-kinds, record-breaking objects, insurance policies are a must.

If the object or asset you have been considering purchasing insurance for seems “too weird,” take heart. It’s probably not as strange as Australian cricket super star Merv Hughes’ $300,000 mustache policy and it most likely can’t even touch the oddity of Richard Paterson’s $26,000 insurance policy on his nose.

We can help you assess your unusual insurance needs. These agents have years of experience identifying their clients’ needs, from the routine to the out-of-this world (literally, in the case of alien abduction insurance). We will help you compare several different policies with various coverage options at the most affordable rates. Just because your insurance needs may be a bit out there, doesn’t mean your rates should be far-fetched. Contact us to find out how you can insure your valuable, if strange, assets.

RV and Boat Insurance Basics

Thu, 17 Apr 2014 21:14:00 GMT

Before you head out in the RV or the boat, you need to be sure you have the right insurance coverage for your recreational toy. Here are some basic types of insurance you should consider for each.

RV Insurance

RV insurance blends home and auto insurance coverage into one policy that protects the vehicle from collisions with other vehicles or objects, weather, vandalism, theft and other perils. In addition, it should cover your personal property inside the RV, and provide liability protection in case you cause injury or damage to someone else. It can be purchased as an add-on to your auto insurance policy, or as a separate RV insurance policy. What you should purchase depends on your RV, your needs, and the extent of your use. You will need several types of insurance for your RV, including:

Part time RV users who only use their vehicle during certain months can suspend their collision and liability coverage when the RV is not in use. This can help them save money on their premiums. Full-timers need full-timers insurance, which includes coverage for personal belongings, comprehensive personal liability coverage, and additional living expenses coverage.

Boat Insurance

Boat owners will have varying needs for boat insurance, depending on the type of boat and where and how often they use it. But most boat insurance policies include at least these basic types of coverage:

Boat owners should also consider uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, towing coverage, and coverage for fishing equipment, tools, life preservers and other personal property kept on the boat.

Before heading out, be sure to check with us about the type of insurance you need for your boat, RV or any other recreational toys you have. In fact, it’s always a good idea to check with us before you make a big purchase, to make sure there are no surprises.

Do you have an RV? Do you use it full-time or part-time? What kind of boat do you have?

Three Policies You Might Need if You Operate a Home-Based Business

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 18:56:00 GMT

Do you run a business out of your home? Do you think your homeowners insurance will cover you if a deliveryman slips and falls on your front porch? What if you have a fire and your office equipment and records are destroyed?

The typical homeowners insurance policy provides little, if any, coverage for business-related claims. What can you do to get appropriate coverage? Consider the following three types of policies.

Depending on the type and size of your business and the amount of equipment and assets you keep inside your home, you might need additional policies. You also will have additional insurance needs if you have employees. Other policies you might need to consider include professional liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance , commercial automobile insurance and more.

Do you have an in-home business and fear you might not have adequate insurance coverage? Contact us today to discuss your needs.

Are You Sure You’re Covered? BIG Life Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 18:31:00 GMT

Few things in life are as distasteful as the topic of life insurance, but perhaps that underscores the importance of it. Life insurance plays a vital role in protecting your family should the worst happen. In order to ensure their financial security, you must do your homework and avoid these common mistakes.

Don’t Choose the Wrong Type of Policy

There are two basic types of life insurance policies: term life insurance and permanent life insurance.

Term life insurance provides financial protection for a specified period of time, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. It is ideal for people looking to simply pay some final expenses and provide income replacement for their remaining spouse and other dependents.

Permanent life insurance provides more than the death benefit; it offers a long-term savings or investment component with a cash value. Whole life, universal life and variable life are all examples of permanent life insurance. Permanent life insurance is very complex and offers many possible outcomes.

In order to make sure you are purchasing the right type of life insurance policy, you must fully assess your goals for the policy and weigh those goals with your budget.

Don’t Underestimate Your Needs

Calculating how much life insurance you need depends on a variety of factors including your age, your overall health, your life expectancy, your income, your debts and your assets. If you just pick a number with no rationale behind it, you may leave your beneficiaries with little financial security upon your death. Also, don’t assume you don’t need life insurance for a non-working spouse. The value that your partner brings to your family is immeasurable, and you may need life insurance proceeds to help the surviving spouse fill in gaps in housekeeping, childcare and much more.

Don’t Forget to Shop Around

Be sure to shop around and compare rates from a few different insurance companies. We can help you get quotes from various insurers to make sure we are finding the best policy for your needs and budget. We can also help you make sure you are comparing accurate quotes for similar policies.

Don’t Focus Only on Price

Don’t let the cost of life insurance keep you from purchasing it altogether, or make you purchase inferior coverage. Life insurance is vital to your family’s survival without you—can you really put a price tag on that?

The cost of life insurance depends on the amount you need, the policy type that you choose, your age, your health and certain lifestyle factors (do you smoke, do you engage in risky activities, etc.). We can work with you to find the right type of policy and the right amount of coverage for your budget.

Don’t Wait Too Long

As you get older, premiums for life insurance get higher. Buy life insurance as early as possible, even if you are in good health. You could develop an illness later that could result in much higher premiums or in you being denied coverage.

If you already have life insurance, it is a good idea to review your policy at least every five years to ensure that the policy is still meeting your needs. The amount of coverage and the type of policy you need will likely change over time as you take on more responsibility and as your family grows.

Life insurance is very complex. If you are considering life insurance, you must seek counsel from an insurance agent who is experienced and knowledgeable about all of the life insurance products that are available.

Are you considering life insurance? Do you already have life insurance but need to review your policy?

What is Covered if Your House Floods?

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 19:00:00 GMT

There are several ways your home can sustain water damage, including pipe bursts, washing machine and other appliance leaks, roof leaks, sewer backup, and weather related floods. Do you know which of these scenarios would be covered by homeowners insurance or by a separate flood insurance policy?

Your best bet is to be informed about your homeowners insurance policy. We can walk you through all the coverage areas and determine if you have gaps to fill. Everyone, no matter where they live, should consider flood insurance in addition to their homeowners policies. We will help you determine your need for flood insurance and the coverage options that are right for your property.

Safe Driving Tips for Teens

Fri, 21 Mar 2014 21:18:00 GMT

For many parents, a new teen driver is both a blessing and a curse. Having more help running errands and driving to activities takes a great deal of pressure off of you, but the dangers of teen driving can simultaneously threaten to cause you more stress than you ever imagined.

We can’t sugarcoat the dangers, either. Statistics from the National Safety Council indicate that the crash risk for teen drivers is three times more than for experienced drivers. In fact, it is usually the inexperience that gets teen drivers into trouble, with the most dangerous time being the first 12 months after getting their license.

As parents, the most important thing we can do is keep track of our children, teach them good driving habits and act as good role models for safe driving.

Be sure to share the following safe driving tips with your teen driver.

In addition to sharing safety tips and the wisdom of your experience, parents also need to set up solid expectations and steadfast rules for their teen drivers, with consequences for not following them.

Do you have a new teen driver in your household? We can help you make sure they have appropriate auto insurance coverage, and that your family receives all of the discounts that you are eligible for. Teens may be eligible for safe driver discounts, multi-vehicle discounts, good student discounts and more.

Disability Insurance for the Small Business Owner

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 17:48:00 GMT

Small business owners have a unique need for disability income insurance. Imagine what could happen if you got sick, or if you were seriously injured and could not work—or run your business—for a long time. Could your business survive? Could your family?

Disability income insurance provides income replacement if the insured person is unable to work because of an illness or injury. By replacing a percentage of your pre-disability income, it allows you to continue to support your family and keep the business open while you recover. Business owners can purchase both short- and long-term disability insurance, as well as special disability insurance policies that help business owners protect their business and keep it afloat during the period of disability.

We can work with you to determine whether you need short- or long-term disability—or both—and whether or not you should consider any of the specialty disability polices described below.

Business Overhead Expense (BOE) Insurance

If you are unable to work because of an injury or illness, your business revenues could decline significantly. After all, you are your business; without you—even temporarily—could it stay afloat? BOE insurance pays for existing overhead expenses or other fixed costs while you are disabled, with the goal of keeping the company up and running until you can return to the helm. Covered expenses typically include employee salaries, rent, leases and utilities, and other ongoing fixed expenses. The premiums of BOE insurance are a tax-deductible business expense.

Key Person Disability Insurance

Key person disability insurance protects your business if a key employee is temporarily disabled. Because the business loses the value of that person’s knowledge, experience and skill, the insurance kicks in to strengthen cash flow and assure creditors of business continuity. It may even cover the costs of finding, hiring and training a replacement, if necessary.

Disability Buyout Insurance

Many small businesses that have two or more owners use buy-sell agreements that create the rules by which business assets will be transferred to the other owner(s) if one of the partners dies or is permanently disabled. The buy-sell agreement allows the remaining partner(s) to purchase the deceased or disabled partner’s interest in the business. Disability buyout insurance is the funding mechanism for the buyout in these situations, and transfers the risk of a partner’s disability or death to the insurance policy. In the event of one partner’s inability to continue his or her role in the business, the other partner(s) will have the money to purchase his or her share, and the business can continue unimpeded.

Have you given any thought to disability income insurance for yourself and your small business? Could your business continue without you?

Why Are Surety Bonds For Notaries So Important?

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 19:07:00 GMT

In our society notaries perform a very important function. They are officially regulated to act as observers of record and are seen as a critical component when it comes to many important decisions and agreements. Many individuals come across the need to use a notary at some stage during their life and it is very important for the notary to be highly professional, ethical and accurate during these dealings. As a consequence of the importance of the work they perform states across the country require them to take out specific professional surety bonds. The notary bond is intended to give the consumer the peace of mind that the individual in question has been licensed to perform the services requested. There is also a protection in the event that the notary’s work is faulty. These surety bonds allow for reimbursement to the consumer should errors be found.

It’s important to understand just how critical errors or other elements of faulty work performed by a notary could be. Important legal documents could be invalidated and this could lead to significant costs and expenses for certain parties.

The state of Louisiana licenses notaries. As such, if a claim is made against somebody who’s covered by a notary bond then this claim is essentially filed against the state itself. The insurance company essentially enters into a contract with the state and if it is necessary to pay out against the insurance then the company will pay directly to the state, up to the maximum limit covered by the bond.

Remember that the notary bond itself is intended to protect clients and is not insurance to protect the notary him or herself. There are other types of business insurance available however including errors and omissions insurance that will provide protection. While the notary will still be liable to the insurance company in the event that a claim is proven, the notary may have recourse to their errors and omissions policy in order to cover such liability.

It’s important for a notary to understand what risks can be associated with their work. Even though much of their work is in the role of an observer, to witness signatures or to administer oaths, mistakes can nevertheless be costly.

As a notary, have you talked with your insurance agent about these bonds or about errors and omissions insurance?

What Does Louisiana Require In Terms Of Workers Compensation Insurance?

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 18:14:00 GMT

Workers compensation insurance can be rather difficult to understand, especially as it varies – sometimes significantly – from state to state. So, what is required in Louisiana when it comes to workers comp?

In this state, employers are indeed required to have worker’s compensation insurance , or they must be approved to self-insure. It is a significant offense for an employer to offer no solution, or to try and encourage an employee to pay for their own worker’s compensation coverage. The majority of employees in the state are covered by this type of insurance from day one of their employment. It doesn’t matter whether they are full-time, seasonal or part-time. In certain circumstances subcontractors and independent contractors may also be covered, especially if they’re performing a significant amount of manual labor.

As you may know, workers compensation has been written into law in the United States for a significant amount of time. Any employee who is injured “on-the-job” is entitled to specific benefits as a consequence of the law. These benefits include medical care, lost wages, rehabilitation and in the worst case scenario death benefits to the surviving family members.

In terms of what is covered, illnesses or diseases contracted as a consequence of the occupation are included on the one side, and injuries – either mental or physical – from accidents on the other. The Louisiana Worker’s Compensation Act defines an accident as an “unexpected or unforeseen, identifiable precipitous event happening suddenly or violently, with or without human fault and directly producing at the time objective findings of an injury, which is more than simply a gradual deterioration or progressive degeneration.” In terms of an accident the “fault” does not affect the outcome. It matters not whether the accident may have been caused by an employee or as a fault of the employer. There are certain restrictions including willful intent, intoxication, aggression or horseplay.

It’s also important to note that if any claim is met by opposing medical opinions regarding capacity or condition then the Louisiana Office of Workers Compensation Administration has the power to appoint a medical examiner who is independent of the circumstances. Individual costs associated with this intervention are usually borne by the carrier.

These are just some of the specific areas covered by workers compensation insurance in Louisiana. As an employer, are you completely up-to-date with all the details associated with this type of business insurance ?

Yes, Your Credit Score Does Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates

Mon, 17 Feb 2014 20:13:00 GMT

Your auto insurance rates are determined by a variety of factors including your age, gender, driving record and past insurance claims. In addition, the majority of auto insurance companies and an increasing number of homeowners insurance companies use credit information to decide whether or not to issue you a policy and how much you should pay for it.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurance companies use your credit score as a predictor of whether or not you will file claims, and that drivers with low credit scores file 40% more claims than drivers with good credit scores. As a result, drivers with bad credit might pay 20% – 50% more in auto insurance premiums than those with good credit scores.

Since insurance is based on the concept of risk (to put it simply: the probability of something bad happening), insurance underwriters use the credit score as means of determining the risk associated with a particular individual. Insurers have found a correlation between individuals that are a poor credit risk (i.e., those who don’t pay their bills on time) and those who file more claims — and more expensive claims.

Conversely, many people benefit from the credit report/insurance rate connection. If you are one of the majority of policyholders who have good credit, your premiums will be lower. Keep in mind that insurers use a different scoring model than the one that a mortgage lender uses. Instead of looking at your ability to repay a debt, the score used by insurers looks at your likelihood of incurring future insurance losses. In general, insurance companies are more interested in issues of stability as indicated by things like late payments, outstanding debt, bankruptcies and new applications for credit.

There is no doubt that this is a controversial practice. Many say that credit-based insurance rates are unfair to certain drivers. Some states, including California, Massachusetts and Hawaii, have even banned insurers from using credit scores to determine your auto insurance rates. However, the fact remains that 97% of insurance companies have been using credit-based scoring methods for determining premiums for many years, and the practice is unlikely to stop any time soon.

Are you concerned that your credit score has affected your auto insurance rates? What other concerns do you have about this practice? Contact us today to answer any questions you may have about the relationship between credit scores and insurance rates.

Why Most Small Business Owners Have Never Thought About Cyber Liability Insurance

Fri, 31 Jan 2014 20:10:00 GMT

Isn’t it amazing how most of us rely on the Internet, in one form or another, to function on a daily basis? It’s as if there’s something missing in our lives when we cannot conduct research online, check e-mails or engage with our social media network. If you have any type of small business it is likely that you are similarly reliant upon Internet coverage. You may store a database of e-mails and even some sensitive information related to your customers. You may rely on online payments in order to sell your products or services. Have you ever thought how vulnerable you may be, as you rely on your Internet functionality?

There are many different sides to business insurance , but I bet you haven’t thought about cyber liability insurance, in order to protect you against specific threats and outages. You may think that only large corporations are at risk of being hacked, but this is not true at all. What would happen if a hacker was able to get into your site and compromise sensitive information you may store related to your customers? What would happen if your website was “down” for a long period of time and could not sell any products or services?

At the very least you should be thinking about business interruption coverage as you may be safeguarding your only source of revenues. If the worst case scenario unfolds and your customer’s information is compromised you may incur quite a significant cost when notifying them of the situation. You may even have to hire a PR firm to help you deal with the fallout. Cyber liability insurance coverage can safeguard you here.

When you sit down and think, it can really make you worry. You might not know what to do in order to mitigate your risk. This is the time for you to check with your insurance agent as many insurance carriers are willing to help educate you in order to lower the risks. They may help you to have a look at social media policies and also determine whether your general systems are strong enough to discourage hackers from considering you as a “soft target.”

Don’t underestimate your responsibility or your liability when it comes to your online work. Admit it, have you thought about cyber liability insurance before?

It’s Flu Season! Follow These Tips to Stay Healthy

Fri, 17 Jan 2014 20:01:00 GMT

Flu season is here again, and getting the flu can make you feel miserable and miss out on work and recreation time. And it can even lead to serious complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers all kinds of information about the flu and tips for preventing it, including the following.

What is the Flu?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and in extreme cases it can even cause death.

Signs and symptoms of the flu include:

The flu virus spreads primarily through droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby and spread the virus. In addition, a person can also get the flu by touching a surface that has the flu virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.

Flu Prevention Tips from the CDC

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. In addition, follow these tips to avoid catching or spreading the flu.

Remember that a little common sense goes a long way toward helping all of us get through flu season. As much as we all want to avoid getting the flu, be considerate of others when you are sick so you can avoid spreading it, as well. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also very helpful during flu season, and always. Get plenty of rest, eat well, don’t smoke and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Home Based Businesses Need More Coverage Than You Might Think

Wed, 08 Jan 2014 19:25:00 GMT

Home-based businesses may seem safe from many risks associated with other small businesses, but in fact, many risks are present in and around your home. Some potential areas of concern include:

You might think that these occurrences are covered under your homeowners insurance policy, but in all likelihood they are not. Most homeowners insurance policies provide minimal coverage for business equipment in your home, but most will exclude coverage for businesses operating within the home. You will have little to no coverage for lost data, lost income, or liability claims relating to your in-home business.

If you operate a business from your home, do business inside and outside your home, or visit clients in their homes, you may need additional coverage. You can get additional coverage for your in-home business in several ways. The type of insurance you need depends upon the type of business you have, whether or not you keep inventory, have employees, or conduct on-site meetings or receive deliveries.

As your business grows, you may also have a need for other types of insurance coverage, including commercial auto insurance if you use a vehicle primarily for business purposes, and workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.

Have you started or are you thinking of starting a home-based business? Are you concerned about whether or not you have enough insurance coverage? We can help you assess the risks you face and determine if you need any additional coverage. Contact us today to learn more.

New Businesses Need a Variety of Insurance Protections

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 21:17:00 GMT

If you are starting a new business, you will face a variety of potential risks. Businesses of all sizes need comprehensive insurance coverage to protect their assets. Even small start-ups need to assess the risks they face and find appropriate insurance coverage to protect themselves and their customers.

Some small businesses might need a more extensive portfolio of business insurance policies that cover a wide range of property and liability exposures. Others might only need a business owners policy (BOP), which is a single policy that bundles property and liability insurance. Which policies do you need for your new business? Is one kind more appropriate than another? You will need to assess how you will protect your business property and all of your business assets from theft, fire or other disasters, and the dreaded lawsuit. Will you need one policy that covers a multitude of risks, or several policies to make sure you have no coverage gaps?

Regardless of the type of business you are starting, you should consider your need for the following policies.

Are you ready to talk about insurance for your new business? We will work with you to determine the risks you face and which types of policies you need.

Floods Can Happen Anywhere. Do You Have Flood Insurance?

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 20:37:00 GMT

Even if you live in an area that has never experienced a flood before, flooding can still damage your home. While floods are usually caused by major events like hurricanes or overtopped levees, they can also be caused by outdated or clogged drainage systems and rapid accumulation of rainfall.

Most homeowners and property insurance policies do not provide coverage for flood damage.

Flood Insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created by Congress in 1968 to help property owners protect themselves from the financial devastation caused by floods. Flood insurance from the NFIP is available to homeowners, renters, condo owners and business owners.

The cost of flood insurance varies depending on the coverage you purchase and your property’s flood risk. The program determines the flood risk of a property by analyzing the history of floods in the area, as well as other factors such as typical rainfall, river flow and tidal surge data, topography, flood control measures and changes due to building and development. The data is used to create flood hazard maps that show the degree of risk for your community. The maps help determine the cost of flood insurance for your property; properties with a lower degree of risk will have lower premiums.

You can purchase NFIP flood insurance through your insurance agent and most leading insurance companies. Rates for flood insurance are pre-set and do not differ from company to company or agent to agent. Homes and businesses with mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders in high-risk flood areas are required to have flood insurance. Flood insurance is not required if you live in a moderate- to low-risk flood area, but it is strongly recommended because you can still be at risk for floods. If your community participates in the Community Rating System (CRS), you may qualify for an insurance premium discount of up to 45% in high-risk areas, and up to 10% in moderate to low-risk areas.

Land areas that are at a high risk for flooding are called Special Flood Hazard Areas, or floodplains. Properties that are located in a Non-Special Flood Hazard Area—or an area considered to be a moderate – to low-risk flood zone—may be eligible for a preferred rate.

If you apply for flood insurance from the NFIP, there will be a thirty-day waiting period after you have completed the application and made the first premium payment for the policy to become effective. In cases where flood insurance is required for you to obtain a mortgage loan, the thirty-day waiting period will be waived and the flood insurance will be effective on the loan closing date.

Floods Can Happen Anywhere

People who live outside of high-risk flood areas file over 20% of flood insurance claims and receive one-third of the disaster assistance allotted for flooding related disasters. Everyone should consider purchasing flood insurance. According to the NFIP:

We can work with you to determine the coverage options that are right for you and your property, and we can help you determine how much coverage you need. You can visit FloodSmart.gov (the website of the NFIP) to review flood maps and find out the flood risk and insurance requirements for your area. And you can take a flood risk profile to find out what type of risk area your property is in.

Drivers of Company Cars Might Have a Serious Gap in Personal Liability Coverage

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 19:33:00 GMT

Do you drive a company car furnished by your employer? Do you drive that car for personal use, as well as business use? Are you aware of the coverage limits of your employer’s commercial auto policy ? Are you aware of the coverage limits of your personal auto policy?

Typically, business auto policies do not extend coverage to employees and their family members if the company car is operated outside of the scope of the employer’s permission, or if the employee rents or borrows a vehicle on a personal basis which is not owned, rented or borrowed by the business (e.g., a rental car while on vacation).

Coverage for an employee under a business auto policy is subject to various policy limits that the employee needs to be aware of. For example, your employer may not give permission (or coverage) for family members to drive the company car, even if they permit personal use. Or, they may not extend permission for you to use the vehicle on vacation or other specified personal activities. And even if unrestricted personal use is allowed by the employer, the business auto policy probably only covers the employee when he or she is driving a vehicle owned, rented or borrowed by the employer. This means that you have a coverage gap when driving rented or borrowed vehicles on a personal basis.

On the flip side, most personal auto policies exclude coverage when you use a vehicle that is furnished or available for your regular use, such as a company car. So, when you are driving the employer-owned vehicle there is no coverage under your personal auto policy. The same is true when your spouse or another family member uses the company vehicle.

This situation is very common but there is a solution. You need to add the extended non-owned coverage for named individuals endorsement to your personal auto policy. Each driver in your family should be named in the endorsement if there is any chance that they will drive the company vehicle. This endorsement fixes the gap in coverage when an employer provides an employee with an auto for regular use. But it is only additional liability coverage; it does not expand the physical damage coverage (which would be provided by the employer’s commercial auto policy).

You can also purchase a named non-owned auto policy , rather than the endorsement, to fill the coverage gap. It accomplishes the same thing as the endorsement with more comprehensive coverage.

If you have a company vehicle that you drive all the time, and you do not own another vehicle and therefore you don’t have a personal auto policy, you might also face the same coverage gap. What if you borrow someone else’s vehicle or rent a car when you go on vacation? Your personal auto policy would normally provide liability coverage under these situations, but if you have no personal auto policy, then you have no coverage when you are driving a car other than the company furnished vehicle. In these cases, your employer can add a drive other car endorsement to the commercial auto policy, effectively extending coverage for you when you drive a vehicle other than the company car. Or, you can buy a named non-owned auto policy for yourself, which provides you with liability coverage when you are driving a vehicle other than the one provided by your employer.

The extended non-owned coverage endorsement and the named non-owned auto policy are also useful if you feel that your employer’s commercial auto liability limits are insufficient and you desire additional liability coverage.

Do you have a company car that you drive for both business and personal use? Do you know precisely what you are covered for and what you are not? Does your spouse or another member of your family ever drive your company car? These factors and more need to be considered when you have a company vehicle to ensure that you do not have any gaps in your liability coverage when you drive another vehicle, or when you drive a company vehicle for personal use. We can help you assess your situation and add any additional endorsements or policies to ensure that you do not go without appropriate protection.

Shop Safely This Christmas

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 20:35:00 GMT

The National Crime Prevention Council has put together a list of holiday shopping safety tips. Keep them in mind when shopping in stores or online this Christmas.

Remember to use common sense at all times; don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays make you forget to make wise decisions. Slow down, be patient and above all, be careful when shopping this Christmas.

Are You Ready for Health Care Reform? What You Need to Know About Health Insurance in Louisiana.

Thu, 12 Dec 2013 19:45:00 GMT

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as the ACA or ObamaCare, will have sweeping ramifications for consumers, state officials, employers and health care providers. Many of the Act’s most consequential provisions will kick in beginning in 2014, and we all have a responsibility to be informed and in compliance with the law.

New Preventive Care and Pre-existing Condition Provisions

Several ACA provisions that are popular with consumers have already taken effect, including:

What Do I Need to Do Now?

The answer depends on what your particular situation is now, and what you think it will be beginning in January 2014. Most of us will be impacted by the ACA in some way, either by changes to our employer-sponsored or privately purchased plan, or because of the requirement for individuals without coverage to purchase it or pay a fine. You first need to find out how your existing coverage (if any) will be affected, or if you will be required to purchase coverage on your own.

Beginning in 2014, most people will be required to have health insurance or pay a fine. This is often referred to as the individual mandate . The individual mandate will be satisfied by private insurance obtained on your own or through your job, or through government programs including Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Services, or TRICARE.

Many people who have existing individual health insurance policies are receiving notice that their plans are being cancelled or “transferred” to new plans that comply with ACA coverage requirements. If you receive one of these notices, you will need to work directly with your insurance company or your McInnis Insurance agent to obtain a new, ACA-compliant plan. Or you can shop on the Louisiana health insurance exchange to find a new plan. More on the health insurance exchanges, below.

The Individual Mandate

The so-called individual mandate provision of the ACA requires that beginning in 2014, individuals must have health insurance or pay a fine. You can satisfy this provision with private insurance obtained on your own or through your job, or through government programs including Medicare, Medicaid, LaCHIP, Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Service or TRICARE.

If you have health care coverage from your employer you most likely will continue to do so, particularly if you work for a large employer. Your employer might make changes to your plan design, and you can get those details from your employer.

If you work for a small employer, other changes may be coming and your employer should keep you informed. Some small employers are choosing to no longer offer coverage to their employees because of the ACA.

If you do not get health insurance from your employer, you must purchase an individual health plan or pay a penalty. The penalty for individuals who do not obtain qualified health insurance in 2014 starts at $95 per year or up to 1% of income, whichever is greater. The penalty will rise to $695 per year or 2.5% of income by 2016.

Individuals who do not get health insurance from their employer but cannot afford to buy their own coverage may qualify for Medicaid.

Health Insurance Exchanges

If you do not qualify for Medicaid but still can’t afford health insurance, you might be eligible for government subsidies to pay for private insurance sold in the health insurance marketplace or state insurance exchanges. The exchanges are the federal and state-run health insurance marketplaces where you can shop, compare and buy health care coverage.

The exchanges opened on October 1, 2013, with coverage available for effective dates of January 1, 2014 and after. Premium subsidies are available for individuals and families with incomes between 133% and 400% of the federal poverty level, or $14,856 to $44,680 for individuals, and $30,656 to $92,200 for a family of four.

Some health insurance exchanges will be run by the states, while the federal government will run others. The federal government will run the Louisiana Health Insurance Marketplace. Individuals, families and small businesses in Louisiana must use the HealthCare.gov website to apply for subsidies and coverage. Once you have submitted an application to HealthCare.gov, you may also be declared eligible for programs like Medicaid and the Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program (LaCHIP). If you qualify for Medicaid you will purchase a plan through Bayou Health Plan . If you do not qualify for Medicaid or other federal financial assistance, you can continue to purchase a plan from the exchange, or you can purchase through an insurance company or your McInnis Insurance agent.

Five insurers are offering individual and family policies through the Louisiana health insurance marketplace. These are: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, Coventry, Humana, Louisiana Health Cooperative and Vantage. Not all of these carriers will be offering plans in every parish. You can find out the details about plans and coverage areas on HealthCare.gov, or by calling us. You can also go to the Louisiana Department of Insurance for more information about health care reform in Louisiana.

Remember that there is no need to go it alone. McInnis Insurance can help you navigate the process of buying insurance on the exchange, or we can help you find a plan from a private insurance company that is not offered on the exchange. We can help you decide whether or not buying coverage on the exchange is appropriate for you, and which plans will best suit your needs.

The Employer Mandate

Beginning in 2015, businesses with 50 or more employees that do not provide health care coverage and have at least one full-time worker who receives subsidized coverage from the health insurance exchange will have to pay a fee of $2,000 per full-time employee (the first 30 workers are excluded from the fee). This is commonly referred to as the employer mandate .

The employer mandate was recently delayed by one year—it was originally set to take effect in 2014. The delay has consequences for other parts of the law. For example, employers will now not need to comply with certain reporting requirements of the ACA until 2015. But those reporting requirements were designed to make it possible for the federal government to determine if individuals are eligible for tax credits or subsidies when purchasing coverage on a government-run exchange. Without the information provided by employers, eligibility for subsidies and tax credits will be determined by a self-reported “honor system.”

Employers also face a slew of new regulations and requirements for the plans they offer to employees. Individuals who get health care coverage from their employer should expect to see drastic changes in their plans in the coming years.

Learn More

You need to learn all you can about health care reform and how it will affect you, your family and your employer. Will your employer continue to provide coverage, or will you need to purchase coverage on your own? Will you be purchasing health insurance for the first time?

HealthCare.gov is a resource for finding out what you need to know about health care reform and what it means for you, your family and your business. The independent agents at McInnis Insurance have the expertise to help Louisiana residents navigate the maze of new information, find appropriate plans and make the right choice. Contact us to day to get started.

The Kitchen Can Be a Dangerous Place On Thanksgiving Day

Tue, 26 Nov 2013 19:26:00 GMT

“Over the river and through the woods, to the hospital we go…” We’d all like to avoid leaving grandma’s house to head to the emergency room, or worse, seeing grandma’s house destroyed by fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are more home fires involving cooking equipment on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year. Since we all have more people, more activity and more cooking taking place on Thanksgiving, it is not surprising that the risk for fire increases.

The NFPA offers a variety of safety tips for the kitchen that can help you avoid a fire or accidents in your home on Thanksgiving:

The NFPA also strongly discourages the use of outdoor turkey fryers. While increasingly popular, these fryers can cause problems from minor burns to spills and major disasters. The NFPA warns:

Above all, use your discretion and exercise caution whenever you are doing a large amount of cooking and entertaining guests. Even a small accident could ruin your holiday, or worse.

Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Home and Car

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 22:13:00 GMT

You can never completely prevent weather and seasonal elements from causing damage to your home or vehicle. But routine maintenance in every season will go a long way toward helping you avoid big, costly problems—and having to file a homeowners or auto insurance claim .

As colder weather approaches, now is a good time to perform a few simple, routine home maintenance activities. In addition, it is a good time to get your car ready for the demanding winter driving season ahead.

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Fall Car Maintenance Tips

What other activities do you do to get your home and car ready for fall? Have you done your fall preparation yet?

Keep Your Home and Family Safe from Break-ins, Vandalism and More at Halloween

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 18:45:00 GMT

It is time to prepare your home for next week’s barrage of tiny visitors in scary costumes. And it is an ideal time to make sure that you have taken appropriate security precautions to help avoid break-ins and vandalism.

Halloween Home Security Tips

Halloween Homeowners Safety Tips

Halloween Safe Kids Tips from the National Safety Council

You should never skimp on safety, especially at Halloween. A trip, fall, break-in or injured child will not only spoil the fun, but will also put you at increased risk for homeowners insurance claims and even lawsuits. A few simple safety precautions can help put your mind at ease and keep your visitors safe.

Driver Safety Tips You Can’t Ignore

Thu, 03 Oct 2013 18:26:00 GMT

Getting a speeding ticket or causing a car accident is the surest way to see your car insurance rates go up. And worse, driving too fast or failing to follow safe driving procedures can seriously endanger yourself, your passengers, pedestrians and other drivers on the road.

Always follow these safe driving rules. Your life depends on it.

Don’t forget the basics! Before getting on the road, buckle your seatbelt and adjust mirrors and seats as needed. Limit loose objects in your car, and always lock your doors.

In case you are in an accident—whether or not you are at fault—it is vital to have proper insurance.

Are you careful to follow basic safe driving rules? Do you ever text and drive, and are you aware of the dangers? Do you have any other tips to offer?

Guns Are Covered Under Your Homeowners Insurance, But Be Aware of Limitations

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 20:19:00 GMT

Guns are covered under your homeowners insurance (like other personal property) for loss, theft or damage. A standard homeowners policy typically provides up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen firearms.

Most homeowners insurance policies will outline covered perils (causes of loss), such as fire or theft. Some policies cover all perils except ones specifically excluded, while other policies cover only the perils named in the policy—leaving you without coverage for many ways in which you could lose a gun. For example, if your hunting rifle falls into a lake while hunting and you cannot get it back, it will not be covered under your homeowners policy because the loss is not due to a covered peril.

Most insurance companies offer additional coverage, or a scheduled personal property rider, for firearms. This type of rider provides protection for covered perils that are excluded from coverage under the basic homeowners policy. Scheduled personal property riders are also helpful if you collect guns or if you think that the value of your firearms might exceed the basic policy limit. You can increase the coverage limit for a specific category of items (i.e., guns) or increase the coverage limit for specific items within a category. Often scheduled personal property riders are not subject to a deductible.

Your homeowners policy also provides liability coverage if you accidentally injure someone with your gun. Again, if you think the limits of the standard policy are not enough, you can purchase additional liability coverage or buy a specialized policy for gun owners.

Safe Gun Handling Tips from the NRA

The National Rifle Association provides fundamental rules for safe gun handling.

Whether you are a hunter, a collector or simply have a gun for security purposes, you must be sure to follow all of these safety precautions at all times. In addition, be sure to speak to your insurance agent about the firearms that you own to be sure that you are properly covered.

Do you own any guns? Tell us what type of insurance you have for them, how you store them, and any other precautions that you take.

Keep Your Teens Safe and Your Car Insurance Rates Down

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 18:29:00 GMT

According to the Insurance Information Institute, having a teen driver in your household can cause your automobile insurance rates to jump significantly—from 50% to even 100%.

Auto accidents are the leading cause of death among Americans aged 15 – 19, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It is vital that we teach our teens the importance of safe driving habits, and that staying focused and avoiding distractions can literally save their lives.

Consider the following safe driving tips for teens:

• Do not talk on the phone while driving. Using a cell phone while driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, even if you are using a hands-free phone. What’s more, many states outlaw talking on the phone while driving, so it is not worth the risk of getting a ticket, or worse.

• Do not text and drive. Texting causes you to lose focus on the road for at least five seconds, and that is plenty of time for something to go wrong. Again, many states ban texting while driving, so be sure to obey the law.

• Always turn on your headlights. This helps you see better, as well as helps others see you.

• Obey the posted speed limit. Speeding causes about 40% of all fatal teen car accidents. Do not feel pressured to go faster just to keep up with the traffic around you. Keep in mind that speeding tickets can result in steep auto insurance rate hikes.

• Stay focused on the road and minimize distractions. Refrain from eating, drinking and playing with the radio. Lack of focus can cause an inexperienced driver to lose control of the vehicle.

• Don’t drive with friends. Having teen passengers in the car with you greatly escalates the risk of getting in an accident.

• Practice defensive driving. Always be aware of the traffic ahead of you, behind you, and next to you. At slower speeds, stay one car length behind the car in front of you. Keep the distance between you and other cars even farther when you are driving at faster speeds.

• Drive a safe car. If possible, drive a car with the latest safety equipment (antilock brakes, electronic stability control, airbags).

Insurers charge higher rates for teens than for any other group. Fortunately, most insurance companies offer a variety of discounts that reward teens and parents for safe driving. These and other proactive measures can help you lower your insurance costs when you have a teen driver in your household.

• Take advantage of driver monitoring devices. New technology is making it easier to keep track of our teens’ driving habits. Several insurance companies offer electronic devices that help monitor a teen driver. These devices typically measure the number of miles the car has been driven, how fast it has gone, the number of hours on the road and even how often the brakes are applied hard. Drivers who meet certain safe driving benchmarks are then rewarded with discounted insurance premiums. Some companies even provide a discount just for agreeing to use the monitor, and then extend the discounts if the safe driving goals are achieved.

If your insurance company does not offer electronic monitors or safe driving discounts, consider a safe-driving app that will help you monitor your teen and promote safe driving habits. One new app, Drive Safe Mode , was specifically designed to keep teen drivers off the phone and focused on the road.

• Have your teen drive an older vehicle. Often driving an older car can help you save some money on your insurance premiums. However, you should also consider the cost savings that come with the added safety features of newer vehicles.

• Remove a college student who is away from home from your policy. Many insurers offer discounts for temporarily removing a college student who is away at school from your car insurance.

• Enroll your teen in a safe driving course. Insurance companies often provide these types of programs designed for young, inexperienced drivers. Taking the course makes you eligible for a car insurance premium discount.

• Encourage your student to get good grades. Good grades are important for many reasons, and they can also help you save on your car insurance rates. Good student discounts are common. To be eligible, the student usually must be a full time student and receive a “B” average or higher in all of his or her school subjects.

Do you have a teen driver in your household? Have you discussed with your teen the importance of safe driving, and in particular the dangers of texting and driving? Talk with your agent today to see if you are eligible for any teen driver discounts.

Tornado Shelters Provide a Different Kind of Home Insurance: Your Safety

Mon, 12 Aug 2013 20:13:00 GMT

# A deadly tornado outbreak killed more than 320 people in the Southeast in April 2013, with another particularly deadly storm in May 2013 killing 24 in Moore, Oklahoma. Many wondered why so many homes in tornado alley lacked basements or sufficient storm shelters.

Unfortunately, the rocky soil and high water table found in many tornado-prone areas make building and maintaining basements nearly impossible. And the next best thing—an interior room or closet—is simply not effective enough to withstand the extreme winds and flying debris that come with the worst storms.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages homeowners in tornado prone regions to build safe rooms or underground shelters as an alternative to basements.

A storm shelter is a structure designed to protect people from tornado strength winds and flying debris. According to National Geographic , there are several types:

• Underground tornado shelter. These shelters are made from reinforced steel or concrete and installed underground in your yard or under your garage. Because both the walls and ceilings are made from reinforced material, these structures are resistant to winds and debris. The downside: they might not be accessible during a storm if you wait too long and the storm is already bearing down on your home.

• In-home safe room. Soil and water conditions may prohibit you from building underground. The alternative is an in-home safe room, which is a structure that is placed inside a new home as it is being built. These structures should be made from reinforced concrete or wood and steel. It should be self-contained and anchored to the home’s foundation to ensure that wind cannot get underneath and lift or flip the shelter.

• Pre-built safe room. Owners of existing homes can purchase pre-built shelters that are installed inside the home. These typically come in the form of a welded steel box, a steel skeleton with steel panels, or a prefabricated unit that is then bolted together. These types of shelters also must be anchored to the foundation.

Experts advise that no clear best alternative has been established, but you can make sure that the product you choose has been tested to meet FEMA’s safety guidelines. FEMA does not officially approve any tornado shelters, but it has established safety standards for shelters and their components. In addition, the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) has established standards, and the Wind Science Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech University performs tests on shelters and the materials used to construct them to see if they meet both FEMA and NSSA guidelines.

The FEMA publication, FEMA P-320 , contains extensive information about guidelines and includes building plans.

Information about storm shelters and guidelines is also available from the NSSA at http://www.nssa.cc/ .

Tornado Shelters and Home Insurance

Tornado shelters are like an insurance policy for your safety and peace of mind. While your chances of surviving a tornado increase exponentially if you ride out the storm in a proper shelter or safe room, home insurance companies do not provide any additional discounts or coverage for homeowners who have one. Why? A shelter provides personal protection. It will not protect your entire home from damage or destruction, and it will not reduce the likelihood of avoiding a tornado or limit the cost of rebuilding your home.

Are you considering a tornado shelter for your home? What type of shelter will you build?

The Right Insurance for College Students Offers Peace of Mind

Wed, 07 Aug 2013 15:17:00 GMT

Sending your child to college—out of state or closer to home—is exciting and scary. One of the easiest things you can do for peace of mind is to make sure that you and your college student are properly insured.

The three types of insurance college students should be concerned with are personal property insurance, auto insurance, and health insurance.

Personal Property Insurance Your student will need some type of coverage for his or her personal belongings , including clothing, jewelry, electronic equipment and furnishings taken to school.

Most homeowners policies will provide coverage for the personal property of full-time students (as defined by the school) who meet the specified age requirement and are a resident of the parents’ household. This extension of coverage usually applies to students living in dorms or on-campus housing. Most policies limit a student’s coverage to 10% of the parents’ coverage, so if your homeowners policy has a personal property limit of $300,000, your student’s belongings will be covered up to $30,000, after the deductible.

We can help you determine your policy’s specific limits. You can and should purchase additional coverage or endorsements for expensive items like jewelry, laptops and other electronics.

Renters insurance is available for students whose belongings are not covered on their parents’ policy due to age, marital or independent student status, and who are no longer a resident of their parents’ household (live in an apartment or off-campus housing). Renters insurance covers personal belongings and provides liability protection.

Renters insurance generally provides coverage on an actual cash value basis, which means that in the event of a loss, the policy will pay the replacement cost of the item, less depreciation.

Auto Insurance Even if your student is not taking a car to college, she still needs to be insured because she might drive your car on school breaks or drive someone else’s car at school. Most insurers consider college students to be members of the household who are just living away temporarily.

College students who keep a car on campus must comply with the minimum insurance requirements of the state the school is in. If the parents own the vehicle, the student can be listed on their policy as an additional driver, but the premium may go up. If the student owns the vehicle, he needs to have an individual auto insurance policy .

Remember that young drivers pay higher premiums, and males pay more than females. We can help determine if you are eligible for any of the discounts insurance companies make available to students.

Health Insurance The new health care law allows young adults not covered by their own employer-provided plan to remain on their parents’ health plan until age 26. If the parents do not have health insurance, the student can purchase an individual plan . Most colleges and universities offer health insurance plans tailored specifically to their students. These policies typically have fairly low caps on coverage, so they will not provide comprehensive coverage for major medical issues. They will cover basic medical services that the student might need throughout the year (immunizations, checkups, etc.).

Students with pre-existing medical conditions might have trouble getting an individual policy until after 2014, when the provision of the health care law that prevents insurers from denying coverage to anyone with a preexisting condition kicks in.

Also, be aware of any network requirements your health plan has, and if your coverage will be reduced if your student sees providers away at school that are considered out of network by your plan.

Enhance Safety and Security through Fire Preparedness and Prevention

Fri, 28 Jun 2013 15:55:00 GMT

Fire is a constant danger for homeowners and business owners alike, making it important to take steps to prevent a fire, or prepare a plan for the event of a fire. While the danger of fire may always be present, there are steps you can take to limit the danger of a fire, or the impact a fire has upon your home, business, family or employees.

Fire Preparedness is a Worthwhile Endeavor

Preparing for the event of a fire is an important step that you can take to protect your family or employees. A clear, concise and easily executed evacuation plan may mean the difference between life and death.

Your preparedness plan should include:

• Evacuation instructions: Each member of your family or staff should be well aware of several routes of evacuation in the event of a fire. Create your evacuation plan and practice it regularly to ensure that the plan is well known, effective and efficient.
• Designated meeting place: It is important to designate a meeting place where family members and employees can gather after evacuation. Practice taking a head count to ensure that all individuals are accounted for.
• Emergency contacts: Be sure that every member of your team or family knows the procedure for notifying emergency services in the event of a fire. Post emergency numbers in conspicuous places, and be sure that everyone knows the procedure for dialing 911.

Fire Prevention May be Easier than You Think

Fire prevention may sound like a difficult task, but reducing your chances of a fire may be easier than you think. To reduce the risks or impact of a fire:

• Purchase fire extinguishers: In the event of a fire, extinguishers could prove invaluable. Consider investing in a fire extinguisher or two for your home or business, and be sure that all family members and employees know their location, and how to use them.
• Invest in smoke detectors: Install smoke detectors throughout your home or business, and conduct regular checks to ensure that they function. Early detection of a fire could prevent a serious loss.
• Replace faulty wiring or appliances: Old wiring and faulty kitchen appliances are common causes of fires. Review your home or business for potential hot spots and take steps to address them as quickly as possible.
• Review your insurance coverage: Your home or business coverage probably provides protection against the costs of a fire, but it is important to review your fire insurance on a regular basis. The fire insurance coverage contained in home and business policies often provides compensation for repair and replacement costs of buildings and financial assistance while you are displaced or out of operation.

Do you have a fire preparedness plan? Conduct regular fire prevention reviews? Share your tips with your neighbors in Minden, Homer and Haynesville by posting in the comments section below.

Replacement Cost Insurance: Protecting Your Commercial Assets

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:14:00 GMT

When building your Commercial Insurance policy, one of the most important distinctions you can make is between the Actual Cash Value and the Replacement Cost Value of your property. The terms reflect two ways to determine your property’s worth, and the differences between them could represent thousands of dollars in an insurance claim.

To help you ensure that your company’s assets are fully protected in the event of property damage, we’ve defined each value and the difference they can make on your Commercial Property Insurance policy:

Actual Cash Value, or ACV, determines the cost to repair or replace your damaged property, minus the estimated depreciation. Based on age and estimated wear-and-tear, ACV is typically a fraction of the item’s original value.

By contrast, Replacement Cost Value, or RCV, equals the full amount required to replace a damaged item. It is defined by the insurance policy, and provides for the replacement of damaged property with items of comparable material and worth. RCV accounts for appreciation and for the evolution of quality standards over time.

Without Replacement Cost Insurance, policy holders must cover any additional expenses required to repair or replace damaged property. This could come at a great cost to the business, as county officials in Eastern Iowa discovered recently. At the end of March, a fire destroyed three of Iowa County’s snowplows. Among the vehicles lost was a 20-year-old machine, the modern-day equivalent of which is priced around $300,000. Uncertain of what their insurance policy would cover, county officials estimated damages totaling nearly $700,000 for the three vehicles alone; this amount did not include repairs to other snowplows or to the charred building where they were housed.

These definitions and warnings apply equally to personal property insurance. As with a Commercial Property Insurance policy, a homeowner will benefit most from a Replacement Cost Insurance policy in the event of a claim. This coverage protects the homeowner from significant financial losses due to out-of-pocket repair and replacement expenses. Yet most homeowners don’t realize that they’re not fully covered.

Don’t get caught without adequate coverage for your business or your home. To review your Commercial Property or Home Insurance policy, contact one of our three Northern Louisiana offices . We offer Business Insurance policies for companies all across the Southern United States, and we can help you determine if your assets will be protected when it matters most.

Do you have Replacement Cost Insurance for your home or business? Why or why not?

Countdown to 2014: Preparing Employers for Healthcare Reform

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:51:00 GMT

On January 1, 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act goes into effect across the United States. This landmark bill was signed into law in 2010 and requires health insurance for all Americans. Also known as the Healthcare Reform Act, it mandates fundamental changes to employer-sponsored health insurance plans , affecting employees’ coverage options and your bottom line as well.

In the coming months, employers must prepare for the implementation of the new laws. To help, we’ve outlined some frequently asked questions and their answers.

Do the new healthcare laws apply to all employers?

The new laws apply only to “large employers” with a full-time staff of 50 or more employees. Full time status is determined by 130 hours per month or 30 hours per week. Smaller employers are provided coverage incentives under the new laws, but are not directly required to participate.

What is required of eligible employers?

Large employers have two options under the Healthcare Reform Act:

1) Provide affordable health insurance options that meet minimum federal coverage standards to most employees and their dependents; or

2) Pay a penalty.

This “pay or play” model allows employers to opt out, but not without significant cost to the company. If employers do not participate, employees can seek individual coverage through state-run insurance marketplaces.

What will participation cost?

The cost to provide healthcare coverage for employees is largely determined by each company’s situation. However, premiums for group medical plans are expected to increase, and new insurance requirements also may result in higher costs to your company:

1) Coverage cannot be determined or denied based on gender, current health status, or preexisting conditions.

2) Adult children can be covered by their parents’ insurance plans through age 26.

3) Increased minimum policy standards limit the allowable coverage options.

What should employers do to prepare?

Before taking any action, employers should become knowledgeable about their responsibilities and options under the Healthcare Reform Act. An excellent resource is Critical Employer Issues in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act , a guide produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. A cost analysis will further help individual companies determine whether to participate or to pay the penalty.

The knowledgeable agents of McInnis Insurance are available to answer your questions about the Healthcare Reform Act. We offer insurance options for companies all across the Southern United States. Call or visit any of our Northern Louisiana offices to learn more.

What questions or concerns do you have about the new healthcare regulations?

How Will the Health Care Reform Act of 2014 Impact Your Medical Care?

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:25:00 GMT

In March of 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Designed to be rolled over a four year period, the Health Care Reform Act will dramatically impact the way we shop for and purchase medical insurance. Understanding the pending changes to the law and how they will impact your coverage is a challenging, but important effort.

A Timeline of Events

According to the government’s health care website, the Healthcare Reform act will take effect in the coming months, with two key changes to health care coverage looming on the horizon, including:

• 2013: The Healthcare Insurance Marketplace will open, giving individuals and small business owners a new way to buy coverage. The competitive insurance marketplace was intended to offer full transparency of coverage costs, and will give buyers a choice of health benefit plans that meet certain benefits and cost standards. Open enrollment begins October 1st, 2013.

• 2014: In January of 2014, Tax Credits for Families will go into effect, making it much more affordable for individuals who are not offered employer-backed insurance to purchase coverage. The Tax Credit program is designed to help lower to middle class citizens purchase more affordable coverage; these individuals may also be able to obtain reduced copayments, co-insurance and deductibles.

How will these changes impact your coverage?

If you are covered under an employee-backed insurance plan, you may see little change to your medical plan. However, if you are an individual who is not offered coverage, or are a small business owner, you may see a significant change in the way you shop for, and purchase medical coverage.

Under the new plan:

• Your search for coverage should be easier: The Healthcare Insurance Marketplace should make it easier for you to compare your insurance options based on price, benefits and quality, all in easy to understand language. The Marketplace has been designed to help you know what you are getting, and to purchase your coverage with relative ease.

• You cannot be refused coverage: Under the reformed health care laws, insurance companies can no longer refuse to cover you or charge you more because of a pre-existing condition. More people will qualify for protection than ever before.

• You may be able to purchase coverage at reduced costs: The assistance programs contained with the Health Care Reform Act will help many people buy coverage that they would otherwise be unable to afford. More people than ever before will qualify for low-cost coverage programs.

Do you have questions regarding the Health Care Reform Act? Will the changes above impact your family? Share your thoughts.

Improve Your Health and Get the Most Out Of Life

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:27:00 GMT

A healthy lifestyle can be rewarding in many ways; improved enjoyment of life, increased energy and reduced expenses can all result from simple changes to your diet, exercise regimen or habits. Healthy living can also result in reduced costs for medical care, life insurance and even health insurance.

Follow these Tips to Improve Your Health and Energy Levels

• Choose meals wisely: A healthy and balanced diet can be of great benefit. While it is often challenging to choose healthy foods over fast food or sugary snacks, making an effort to improve your intake of lean meats, vegetables and fruits can be worthwhile. A good diet can improve your energy, help you lose weight and even improve your mood over time.
• Exercise regularly: As little as 30 minutes of exercise a day can dramatically improve your health, and increase your energy levels. According to a recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, people who exercise regularly sleep better, enjoy improved moods and are at a reduced risk of certain health conditions, including high blood pressure. If you are interested in starting a new exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor to discuss your goals and any health concerns you may have.
• Drink in moderation: Heavy alcohol use can be detrimental to your health. In addition to the impact alcohol can have on your liver and other organs, excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to fatigue and poor diet choices. According to the Mayo Clinic, moderate alcohol consumption may reduce your risk of developing heart disease, suffering a heart attack or stroke and may even reduce your risk of diabetes.
• Reconsider unhealthy habits: Certain habits, including tobacco or drug use, may have a dramatic impact on your health. In addition to increasing your risk for cancer and other diseases, tobacco use may cause irritability and anxiety, and may lead to severe dependence issues or withdrawal symptoms. If you are a smoker or tobacco user, consider cutting back your intake or quitting altogether – the health benefits, combined with the financial savings may make the effort worthwhile. Of course, quitting is easier said than done, so be sure to explore all of your cessation support options and choose the one that works best for you.

Have you made any recent changes to your health or lifestyle and want to share your experiences with your neighbors in Minden, Homer and Haynesville? Post your comments in the section below.

Do You Practice Motorcycle Safety?

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:11:00 GMT

Few experiences can offer the same sense of freedom and enjoyment as cruising Louisiana roads on your motorcycle. Unfortunately, the joy you get from riding is not without risk – motorcycle accidents are far too common, and often result in serious injuries and death.

While no amount of effort can guarantee that you will never be in a motorcycle crash, following some simple safety tips can help you limit your risks.

• Invest in proper riding gear: Louisiana law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet. Be sure that your helmet fits properly and is mechanically sound. Consider investing in other protective riding gear, including padded jackets or pants, to limit the potential for a serious injury in the event of a crash.
• Follow the rules of the road: Motorcycle riders are held to the same rules and regulations as other drivers. Be sure that you have a valid riding license before taking to the road, and always obey posted speed limits and traffic control signs.
• Never drink and ride: Alcohol is a far too common factor in vehicle accidents. Even a single drink can impair your balance and decision making abilities – on a bike, that can quickly become fatal. Never drink and operate your motorcycle.
• Know your machine: Whether you have recently purchased a new motorcycle or are enjoying your faithful bike, be sure to understand the capabilities of your machine. Never underestimate the power of a motorcycle.
• Conduct routine maintenance: Before riding, carefully go over your bike and be sure that it is in good running order. Check the condition of your tires, brakes and all belts before riding to ensure that your bike is mechanically sound and ready for the road.
• Review your insurance: It is incredibly important to carry a motorcycle insurance policy to protect yourself and passengers from the costs of an accident or loss. Before riding, review your motorcycle insurance policy to make sure that it is current, and that you have made any necessary changes to your coverage. Your agent will be happy to conduct a no-cost review of your policy.

Have you learned any additional motorcycle safety tips that you’d like to share with fellow riders in the Minden, Homer and Haynseville area? Share your advice in the comments section below.

Practice Boater Safety to Enjoy the Water

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:42:00 GMT

Water is abundant throughout the Minden, Homer and Haynesville area; the region’s beautiful lakes, streams and rivers offer enjoyment to countless boaters every year. Unfortunately, the number of boaters on the water at any given time, combined with the inherent danger of boating, can create the potential for accidents resulting in serious injuries or even death.

While it is impossible to eliminate all chance of an accident, it is possible to reduce the risks of a crash, or to minimize the pain and cost of a collision. Following simple safety tips can help to keep you, your loved ones and other boaters safe on Louisiana waterways.

Take Care When Operating a Watercraft In the wrong hands, a boat or personal watercraft can be a dangerous weapon. Inexperienced operators, or those operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, can cause serious accidents.

If alcohol is involved in your day on the water, be sure to designate a sober operator. In addition to increasing the risks of an accident, operating while intoxicated is illegal, and may result in hefty fines and possible jail time.

If an inexperienced operator is handling the watercraft, be sure that a veteran operator is on hand to supervise. Children under the age of 16 should enroll in a boater’s safety class before operator a watercraft without guidance.

Be Prepared for Anything Accidents can happen at any time, making it important to prepare for anything. To limit the danger of an accident, always:

• Be sure to have an adequate number of life preservers and floatation devices about the vessel
• Conduct regular maintenance checks of your watercraft – never operate a boat, jetski or waverunner with mechanical problems
• Be aware of, and adhere to, posted regulations and speed limits on the water
• Pay careful attention to other watercraft in your area
• Carry the appropriate boat insurance coverage to limit costs of an accident

Share Your Safety Advice By following these simple boating safety tips, you can maximize your enjoyment on the water and minimize the chances of a loss.

Do you have any boater safety tips to share with neighbors in the Minden, Homer and Haynesville area? Post your advice in the comments section below.

Twisted Terror: Protecting Your Family in a Tornado

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:26:00 GMT

Spring is a beautiful time of year, but for Northern Louisiana, it can quickly turn deadly. The change of seasons often brings violent storms and even tornadoes to our community. At McInnis Insurance , we believe that there’s no better time to prepare for tornadoes than right now. Here are a few ways to get ready and keep your family safe:

Store up food and water.

Your resources may be limited after a tornado. Damage to buildings, power lines, and pipes could close shops and limit safe drinking water for several days. Stock up on bottled water and non-perishable food items. Plan for several days without power, store foods in a cool, dry place, and make sure to include a can opener in your storage.

Purchase emergency equipment.

Invest in a battery- or crank-operated radio so that you can receive weather alerts and safety information when the power is out. Have several flashlights ready for use in an emergency, and check and replace the batteries regularly. Stock up on extra batteries to ensure that your equipment lasts throughout the emergency.

Make a family plan.

Talk with your family about tornadoes, their warning signs, and dangers and create a safety plan. Identify a room should be near the center of your home, preferably below ground, and without windows as your family shelter. Talk about what to do if a tornado hits when you’re away from home as well.

Develop a communications plan for your family if you are separated in a tornado or other emergency. Determine a meeting spot and identify an out-of-area contact that each family member can call to check in with. Memorize the phone number together as a family. Practice your emergency plan regularly.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Review your insurance policy regularly and let your agent know about any changes in assets. This will help ensure that you’re adequately covered in an emergency. Ask about coverage for wind damage, fires, and flooding, all of which can occur as a result of a tornado or severe storm, but may not be covered in your homeowners policy.

The agents of McInnis Insurance can help answer your questions and ensure that your insurance coverage is adequate to meet your needs. We have three locations in Claiborne Parish for your convenience; call or stop by at any time during our business hours.

Do you have a tornado emergency plan? What will your family do in a tornado?

Source: The American Red Cross, “Be Red Cross Ready: Tornado Safety Checklist” 2009; http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340177_Tornado.pdf

4 Steps to Prepare for Floods

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:00:00 GMT

Floods can occur anywhere, at any time, but standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover the high costs associated with flood damage. Therefore, it is important for you to be prepared. Here are four important steps you can take to prepare your home and your finances for rising waters:

Know Your Risks

With its low elevation and high risk of hurricanes and other extreme weather, Claiborne Parish has a high potential for flooding. One way to determine your individual home’s flood risk is by consulting a Flood Insurance Risk Map , developed by the federal government.

Flood maps don’t tell the whole story, however. Even if your property is outside of a flood zone, you still may be vulnerable to flooding. Check historical flood data for your community and consider other potential causes of flooding, both inside and outside of your home.

Secure Your Home

If your home is in a low-lying area, there are two ways to prevent flooding: raise the home above the base flood elevation and seal foundations, doors, and windows. These tactics, while effective, are time-consuming and costly, and may not be possible for all homeowners.

Sandbags offer an affordable alternative to protect your home from floodwaters. When stacked around your home, sandbags can help to seal foundations and doors, keeping water and debris away from your home. Sandbags are often available at no charge to homeowners in our communities during emergencies.

Plan an Escape Route

Sometimes the best course of action in a flood is to evacuate. Create an evacuation pack for your family with clothes, toiletries, and snacks. Keep important documents together so they can be located quickly and taken with you. Finally, identify a safe destination, whether a family member’s home or a favorite travel spot, and map out several routes in case the main road is blocked. Avoid driving in flood waters.

Protect Your Finances

Flood insurance helps to ensure that your financial resources are protected in a flood. Policies are available to communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program , with premiums starting at just $129 annually.

Our agents are available to answer any questions you have about flood insurance and help you find the coverage you need. Just call or visit any of our three Northern Louisiana offices .

What measures have you taken to protect your home and family in a flood? Share your tips and experiences with others in the comments!

Source: Gulfport-MS.gov “Sandbags” http://www.gulfport-ms.gov/publicworks/PWPDFs/Sandbags.pdf

5 Steps to Take to Properly Insure Your Valuable Personal Property

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Do you have a special collection of items you treasure? Maybe it’s heirloom jewelry passed down from generation to generation or a vast gun collection. Regardless of what you collect, we at McInnis Insurance Agency want to make sure you take the right steps to adequately insure your valuables:

BONUS TIP : If you don’t already have it, consider purchasing flood insurance. Damage caused by flooding is not covered under any homeowners insurance policy. Keep in mind that flood policies do not kick in until 30 days after the date of purchase.

What other steps have you taken to value and insure your valuables? Share your own personal tips below!

3 Reasons to Choose an Independent Insurance Agent

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Insurance agents come in three types: independent agents, captive agents and direct agents. Independent agents and captive agents have office locations in your community. Direct agents are accessible via phone and email only.

So why choose an independent insurance agent over a captive or direct agent? Our team at McInnis Insurance Agency in Louisiana agrees that there are three main considerations that put independent agents ahead of the others.

Reason #1: We Work For You

Unlike agents who work directly for any single insurance company, we work for you. We carry contracts with multiple insurance companies, which allow us to offer you a variety of choices. It also means those companies have to fight for your business. If you ever run into an issue with your carrier, we can step in as your advocate to resolve the issue. When you need to make a claim, we will be there to help guide you through the process. The bottom line is that we will be on your side, fighting for you at all times.

Reason #2: We Care About Getting You the Best Protection

When it comes time to meet with a new or prospective customer, we take as much time as we need to get to know them and their needs. We don’t believe in selling policies to make money. We don’t believe in adding extra coverage where it isn’t needed. We believe our goal is to provide our clients with the proper insurance knowledge and policies so they are best protected against loss. Not only can we advise on what coverage you should seriously consider carrying, but we just as freely tell you when you’re carrying too much. We will also proactively review your account on an annual basis to ensure that your insurance adjusts to life’s changes.

Reason #3: We Are Invested in Our Community

Independent agencies are small businesses that are just as invested in the community as you are. We all live and work in the same area, our children go to school together, and our families attend the same church. We know what makes our community thrive and what it needs to be a fun, vibrant, safe place to live. This knowledge is fundamental to being able to offer truly tailored insurance policies that address the unique risks and needs of our area.

The relationship you build with an independent agent varies greatly from what you’ll get from working with an agent employed directly by an insurance company.

So what do you think? If you work with an independent agent, do you believe these three reasons are what provide the best value? Or are there other reasons you find more influential?