What Is the Difference Between Open and Specified Perils?

Fort Worth, TX is famous for cattle. It is also known for the many business startups in the area. Commercial insurance, or what is also called business insurance, can help protect a company when unexpected events such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, accidents, and lawsuits occur. An insurance policy can cover you if a "peril" occurs. A peril is defined as something that can cause or does cause a loss.

What Are Open Perils?

Open Perils is also known as all-risk coverage. When choosing this type of coverage, you will generally be covered for any peril except something that is specifically excluded in your policy. This is more extensive coverage than specified or named-perils coverage. Many people will choose this coverage to have coverage for as many items as possible. However, this coverage is usually more expensive.

What Are Specified Perils?

Coverage for specified perils means only those perils specifically named in the policy will be covered. Some of the named perils that you might want to consider putting in a policy include the following:

  • Vandalism
  • Theft
  • Hail or Windstorm
  • Water Damage
  • Earth Movement
  • Mechanical Breakdown
  • Accidental Water Flow

It is important to note that some specified perils policies will only cover a single event while others may cover several specified events.

Why Choose Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc.

Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., serving the Ft. Worth, TX area, can provide several options to meet your commercial insurance needs. We provide commercial insurance as well as auto, home, life, renters, classic car, and umbrella insurance. If you need commercial insurance in Ft. Worth, TX, contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. for more information.

Cyber Insurance: The New Frontier in Commercial Risk Management

If you are a business owner, getting the right insurance is always a good idea. When looking for a commercial insurance plan, there are various types of coverage to consider obtaining. Cyber insurance is one type of coverage you should consider including in your plan. You should get a cyber insurance plan as part of your commercial policy for various reasons. 

Protect Against Cyber Risks

A top reason to have a cyber insurance plan is to protect against cyber risks. No matter what type of business you are in today, there is a risk that you could be a victim of a hack, ransomware, or other cyber risk. If you are not adequately protected by insurance, this could lead to a significant financial loss, including the cost of paying ransom, business interruption, or records being lost. When you are insured, you will have support in these situations. 

Reputation and Regulatory Protection

Having a cyber insurance plan is also becoming a requirement for many organizations. Various regulatory bodies, major vendors, certain customers, and other entities will require companies to have a cyber insurance plan before doing business. With the right insurance, you can stay in good standing and avoid different forms of reputational damage. 

When trying to improve the insurance for your Ft. Worth, TX business, getting a full cyber insurance plan is always a good idea. If you are looking for a new cyber insurance policy in this area, our team with Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. is a great group to call. Our professionals with Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. know the value of this coverage. They will offer any support you need to build a new plan to protect you and your business. 

How to Create a Commercial Insurance Policy That Matches Your Business Needs

For business owners, safeguarding your enterprise’s various aspects is crucial. With the multitude of liability types businesses face, having the right portfolio of insurance coverage is key to mitigating your risk profile. If you’re a business owner in Amarillo, TX, considering how best to fortify your business, feel free to reach out to us at West Texas Insurance Agency.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: An Imperative Security Measure

Worker’s compensation insurance is a fundamental facet of commercial insurance, indispensable for businesses employing staff in any capacity. Regardless of your staff numbers, you hold liability for any accidents they experience on duty or occupational illnesses they incur. Hence, it is advisable to maintain protection against these risks.

Cyber Insurance: Shielding Your Digital Footprint

In an increasingly digital business landscape, online risks pose significant threats to businesses, irrespective of size. A common pitfall in business owner thinking is the assumption that smaller businesses hold less appeal for hackers and other malicious entities. However, all businesses are potential targets, and the fallout from a data breach can substantially impact your financial stability. This demonstrates the importance of cyber insurance in your risk management strategy.

Commercial Auto Insurance: Company Vehicle Coverage

For businesses maintaining company-owned vehicles, having commercial auto insurance is a necessity. This coverage safeguards your corporate fleet against incidents that a personal auto policy would not cover. All of your company’s vehicles require this unique type of insurance.

Your Next Steps towards Commercial Insurance

If your current insurance setup is not comprehensive enough, it’s time to explore the right policies to address your business’s individual risk profile. Based in Amarillo, TX, our team at West Texas Insurance Agency is ready to help you learn more. Contact us today.

Insurance for E-commerce Startups: Covering Online Ventures

The world of commerce is rapidly evolving in and around Ft. Worth, TX. As these online ventures navigate the complexities of the digital marketplace, insurance plays a vital role in mitigating risks and safeguarding their growth. 

Coverage for Property and Inventory

Property insurance is critical for e-commerce businesses that maintain physical inventory or operate from a dedicated workspace. This coverage protects against damage to the business’s physical assets, including office space, storage facilities, and inventory. Property insurance ensures that a startup can recover from such unexpected setbacks, whether it’s a fire, vandalism, or a natural disaster.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is another crucial coverage component for e-commerce startups. It protects against third-party claims, including bodily injury or property damage caused by the startup’s products or services. Also, liability insurance can help address advertising injury or copyright infringement claims.

Cyber Insurance

E-commerce businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats in an increasingly digital world. Cyber insurance addresses data breaches, hacking incidents, and other cyber-related risks. It covers expenses associated with data recovery, legal defense, and notification to affected customers. 

Product Liability Insurance

This coverage safeguards against claims arising from defective or harmful products. It ensures that the startup is financially protected if a customer is injured or experiences property damage due to a product purchased through the e-commerce platform.

Business Interruption Insurance

Unexpected disruptions can occur, affecting an e-commerce startup’s ability to operate. Business interruption insurance helps cover lost income during periods of closure or disruption, enabling the business to continue paying bills and employees.

Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. Can Help You

At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we can help answer questions concerning commercial insurance. We serve the Ft. Worth, TX area. Contact us today. 

Do I Need Commercial Insurance on Employee Vehicles?

If you run a business in Ft. Worth, TX, and that business uses automobiles for work purposes, then you need to know about commercial insurance. This is insurance for vehicles explicitly used for work functions (commuting to and from work is not included in that). Here at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc., we get a lot of questions. So, let’s take a minute to talk about the different situations where you might want to consider commercial insurance.

Who Owns the Vehicle?

If the company owns the vehicle, then you definitely need a commercial insurance policy on it. The company could be liable for damages if the vehicle is involved in an accident or collision. Commercial insurance provides coverage in the case of such liability.

Additionally, the policy can cover the vehicle in case of a collision. This helps to protect company assets.

Who Drives the Vehicle?

If you don’t own the vehicle, you might still need a commercial policy, depending on how the vehicle is used for work. For instance, if you pay an employee to do deliveries with their own truck, then you still need a commercial policy.

You can look to customize the policy. The goals of this type of policy are to protect the employee in the case of work-related injuries and also to provide liability. A vehicle used for work purposes could still potentially make the company liable for damages — even if the company doesn’t own the vehicle. 

Remember that this specific type of coverage may be referred to as “hired” or “non-owned” auto policies.

Does the Vehicle Represent Your Company at All?

Here’s the final verdict. If the vehicle is working in an official capacity for your Ft. Worth, TX, business, then the business could be held liable for damages caused by that vehicle. Even if you pay someone to drive with an advertisement for your business on their van, you should speak with your Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. representative. You want to ensure that you are covered for any liability issues that could arise. 

Benefits of Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance is not a requirement under law for those doing business in Ft. Worth, TX. However, you may be compelled by your mortgage lender to obtain a policy. 

Indemnifying your building can protect you if your business leases out space to retailers and they fail to pay. You may be able to obtain help if you file a legal complaint to recover your monies. It may also pay for repairs if needed for your occupants. Consult with your tax attorney as your Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. insurance costs may be tax deductible as a business expense. 

Your warehouse or other structures serve a vital role in your company by housing the raw materials you use to produce goods. For example, these can be vulnerable to damage if your building burns down. You may be entitled to temporary assistance with income to offset your loss in revenue. 

In addition, your materials may be affected by theft, and you can make a claim when this happens. Vandalism can also wreak havoc on your products, rendering them unfit for sale. 

If your store is open to the public, customers may face injuries due to slips or falls on wet surfaces. Your insurance can keep medical expenses and lost wages from coming entirely out of pocket. In addition, you may also face unforeseen expenses if your building is hit by fallen tree branches or is affected by ice storms, hail, hurricanes, or tornadoes. 

Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. Can Help

We serve those in the Ft. Worth, TX area, and we can be reached by phone or online to schedule an in-person visit. We welcome you to discuss your situation with us, and we look forward to offering the insurance package to suit your needs. 

How commercial insurance can save your small business

Texas has an excellent climate for small businesses. The tax burden is lower than in most other places, which gives you a leg up, but many small companies will still fail despite that. Commercial insurance adds a layer of protection that can help save your small business because of the protection it offers. At Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in  Ft. Worth, TX, our business is to help you protect your business. 

Commercial property insurance

Commercial property insurance can save your business by protecting it from things that could damage your location. You don’t have to own the building your business is in to benefit from this type of insurance. Beyond just the physical building that houses your business, it also covers everything you use to do business. That will be different for every small business since a store uses different things than a plumber. It covers tools, inventory, fixtures, machinery, and lots more. It will get you back into business much quicker than if you didn’t have commercial property insurance. 

Commercial liability insurance

Being sued is a real danger to small businesses. Your risk of being sued is much greater than you probably realize, and you can be put out of business quite easily if you get into legal proceedings. Your liability insurance will cover a judgment up to its limit and legal expenses. 

Business interruption insurance

When a covered hazard hits your business, it may have to close for an extended period. No income will be coming in. You still have expenses. Business interruption insurance helps you pay bills, rent, and even employees. It can be a lifesaver and a business saver. 

Contact Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX to discuss your commercial insurance needs. 

Tips For Choosing The Right Commercial Insurance

Commercial insurance is a vital part of any business. It protects your company from financial losses if something goes wrong. However, choosing the right commercial insurance can be tricky. Many different policies and options are available, and knowing which is right for your business can be challenging. This article will discuss some tips for choosing the right commercial insurance policy.

1. Understand What Risks You Need Protection Against

The first step in choosing the right commercial insurance policy is understanding the risks you need protection against. Every business is different and therefore has different risks. You must ensure that you are covered against your business’s specific risks. For example, if you run a construction company, you’ll need different coverage than a software company.

2. Work With an Experienced Insurance Agent

When choosing the right commercial insurance policy, working with an experienced insurance agent is crucial. They will be able to help you understand the different options available and find a policy that is right for your business. Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX has a team of experienced agents that can help you find the right coverage for your business.

3. Get Quotes from Multiple Insurance Companies

Once you understand the coverage you need, getting quotes from multiple insurance companies is vital. This will allow you to compare rates and find the best deal for your business. Moreover, it’s important to remember that the cheapest policy is not always the best. Read the fine print and understand what you are getting for your money.

Conclusion

Choosing the right commercial insurance policy is vital for any business. By following the tips above, you can be sure that you are getting the best coverage for your specific needs. Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX can help you find the right policy for your business. Give us a call today to get started.

What is Hazard Insurance?

If you want to own a home in Forth Worth, you should know that some mortgage lenders will require you to own a homeowner’s insurance plan. If you’re curious about available plans, we’ll be exploring hazard insurance today.

How Hazard Insurance Works

Hazard insurance is a type of homeowner’s insurance that protects your property in the event of a hazard. A hazardous event can count as a fire, a severe storm, a hail storm, a snowstorm, or other natural disasters. If a dangerous event occurs in your home, this insurance will cover your damage expenses.

How it Differs From Other Insurances

This kind of insurance usually focuses on repairing and replacing structural problems. Hazard insurance doesn’t always provide coverage for personal property such as lost belongings or stolen items. If you want to know more details, consult an agent at Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. 

Should You Get Hazard Insurance?

Depending on what your needs are, yes. If you live in a high-risk area, this kind of insurance will give you peace of mind and protection against unfortunate events. For example, California homeowners are at a higher risk of experiencing fire damage. Those who live in Florida will benefit from having hazard insurance since their properties are particularly susceptible to hurricane damage.  

Hazard insurance is often a smaller policy that’s a part of a more extensive insurance package. If you are looking for more types of coverage, then you can search for a homeowner’s plan that covers personal property loss, medical expenses, liability, and dwelling damages. 

Shopping for Homeowner’s Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX

The Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies, Inc. provides a range of insurance services. Contact us at 855-662-6246 if you are interested in getting service in Texas, Colorado, or Arizona. 

Is Commercial Insurance Needed in TX?

If you own a small business in Texas then you are going to want to know what the insurance requirements are to remain in compliance with state law. Unlike the vast majority of other states, Texas does not mandate workers’ compensation insurance which pays for the medical bills associated with a workplace injury or illness. With that said, these costs can quickly escalate and not having workers’ compensation insurance can quickly lead to financial ruin. Bear in mind, that if own a company that contracts with state or federal government agencies then workers’ compensation insurance is required. Additionally, any vehicles owned by the business must be covered by commercial auto insurance with the following minimum liability requirements:

  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Even though it is not mandated, personal vehicles that are driven for work related needs should be covered by hired and non-owned auto insurance. Personal auto policies often exclude business use and could leave your employee on the hook for thousands in damages if they are not adequately covered. 

In addition to the aforementioned coverages, Texas businesses can consult with Main Street Independent Insurance Agencies Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX to learn about optional add-ons that may better protect their business. For example, cyber liability insurance is a must for any company that handles sensitive data and is at a higher risk of cyber attack or data breach. 

For further information and to learn how we can help, contact our friendly and knowledgeable team to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our insurance professionals.