There are at least 5 things to look for when securing a good insurance agent.

1. Make sure the agent is certified with some kind of recognized insurance certificate. For property/casualty agents, they are have a CPCU certification. If they sell investments, life policies and securitites, make sure they have a Series 7 and Series 11 license. If they specialize in life, check for a CLU or Chartered Life Underwriter certification.
2. Check for any valid complaints with the Better Business Bureau. If they either get complaints or inquires. Make sure the inquiries do not have any confirmed complaints. Sometimes there could be inquiries but unjustified.
3. Preferably get an insurance “broker” as opposed to a “captured agent,” or “exclusive agent.”  A broker will more likely look out for your own interests as opposed to an exclusive wanting to sell you more coverage than you need.
4. Ask if you can talk with some of his/her clients for references. You need to feel at ease that the agent has proved their worthiness through real life relationships with these agents.
5. Ask many questions of the agent. You want to make sure you have the “whole picture” of how complete your agent will be on discussing anything that has to do with coverages. Think up of as many “what if” questions. Too many insureds find out too late of what they are NOT covered for as opposed as for what they are covered.

It wouldn’t hurt to find out the process when a claim is made. Is there 24 hour contact? Is it live assistance or recorded message centers you have to deal with. Can you get a 24 hour, round the clock assistance? Is there a checklist that the agent can provide when making a claim?

When you use due diligence when shopping for an agent, you can have peace of mind that you made all the right decisions when selecting your insurance agent.

For any further questions regarding your insurance needs, call Doug at 480-443-1952.

Quite often we forget that if, we are self employed or even freelance, coverage in the office within our home can be limited. What you took for granted that is covered, really is not. Here are some things to ask your insurance agent regarding insurance coverage on your home office.

• What is the limit of business equipment in your office?
• Does your current homeowners policy cover business liability?
• Do you have coverage for “cyber crime?”
• Are you covered for people who visit your home for business purposes?
• Is your business records covered for loss?
• Are you covered for business interruption within the home?

There are policy riders and other additional coverage available for self employed people who work out of their home. Try to imagine your home office a completely separate entity that needs its own insurance. Even if you are employed by a large corporation and they let you work from home or “telecommute,” always remember to check with your insurance agent before starting your assignment.

Here are four ways your insurance agent can help you get proper coverage on your liability risk:

1. He can write a separate business policy for property
2. BOP or business owners policy
3. Homeowners endorsement
4. Custom home office/home business insurance policy

Don’t risk being under insured or over insured on your home office!

For more information or to secure a no obligation quote, call Doug at 480-443-1952

Did you know that you can be liable for any household guest  getting injured in a different location other than your house if they have been drinking alcohol initially from your house? This will also hold true if your intoxicated guest does injury to anyone else. Law enforcement and claims adjusters can trace back the original, or “proximate” cause of injury to where the individual got intoxicated in the first place. You can be held responsible for medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost time from work and in some cases, wrongful death.

Make sure you review with your insurance agent, your coverages pertaining to Comprehensive General Liability. If you are an employer you need to make sure you have third pary Liquor Liability coverage.

A one time special event coverage is available if you are having a party at your office or home and serving alcohol there.

Here are some ways to make sure your party or special event is safe while reducing the chance of an accident or liability:

• Arrange for transportation of anyone so intoxicated that they cannot drive safely.
• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the event ends
• As the host of your event, make sure you stay sober. It is your responsibility
• Limit the guest list to only those you know

Most of all, use common sense when hosting a party. We want all of you to enjoy the festivity!

For more information or to secure a no obligation quote, call Doug at 480-443-1952

At this time in the USA, we are entering the Labor Day holidays. Make sure you stay safe this holiday weekend.

If you go boating and swimming, remember to stay aware of your surroundings. It is so easy to get caught up in having fun while being distracted on a boat and possibly colliding with another boat or object. When swimming, always be aware of other swimmers and call for help immediately if you see anyone in trouble in the water. Knowing CPR is a Godsend if you happen to be at the right place at the right time.

Remember to drive safely when on the roads. There are a lot of crazy drivers out there! Keep your cell phone handy in case of emergencies. If you go camping, remember to always double and triple check your campfires when leaving…..make sure they are out, cold!

If you are staying at home for the holidays and have a pool, well you know the drill…..”watch your kids around water!”

We wish you and all your families a wonderful and safe holiday weekend.