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Do All Businesses Need Commercial Insurance?

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Commercial insurance is a type of policy that was created to protect both the business and the business owner. Keeping this in mind, not all business owners are going to need a large commercial policy, but all can benefit from some sort of commercial policy. For those in the Catonsville, MD area, the agents with HBW Insurance Group can answer any questions you may have.

The first thing to consider when thinking about taking out a commercial policy is the size and scope of the business and how much you would be affected if it shut down or if a law suit was filed. If you simply sell things from your home from time to time and have no large inventory and have no real potential for a lawsuit against you or your business, you may not need a huge policy. If you have a large amount of inventory, a store front, and customers that come into that store front as well as employees that work for you, you certainly need a comprehensive policy.

Creating an LLC, or a limited liability corporation, will help to protect you from lawsuits but it does nothing if your place of business burns down and inventory is destroyed. A commercial policy is going to protect you from three things, lawsuits, destruction of property, and replacing items if there is any sort of disaster. Commercial policies are always a good idea even if your business is not all that large yet. For those larger, more established businesses, a good commercial policy is entirely necessary.

If you live in the Catonsville, MD area and need more help with your commercial policy, contact the agents with HBW Insurance Group today to find out more. Commercial insurance does not have to be complicated with the right agent.  

4 Common Car Insurance Problems to Avoid For Claims

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4 Common Car Insurance Problems to Avoid For Claims

Introduction. Most policyholder mistakenly believes that buying a policy automatically makes them qualify for an insurance claim settlement. According to experts at HBW Insurance Group, once you file the claim there are certain behaviors or decisions that can still invalidate your claim. Here are four possible auto insurance mistakes that may delay or invalidate your settlement of a claim.

I. Failing to Act Quickly. From the moment an accident or incident occurs the clock begins ticking. Most insurance firms around Catonsville, MD have a set period within which you must report the incidence. You have to report the incidence and file the claim as soonest as possible. This makes it easy for the policy provider to follow up when the details are still fresh.

II. Failing to Provide Required Information. During the reporting of the incidence, you have to provide all the critical information that is required. Failure to divulge critical information could lead to delays or even eventual termination or denial of your claim. These include what happened, where, who was involved, how it happened, and the extent of the damages.

III. Withholding Information When Buying the Policy. Many policyholders lie so that they can pay lower premiums. However, this might come back to hurt you during the filing of the claim. Make sure you provide all the accurate information that you have during the buying of the policy. Lying might get your policy canceled or your claim denied.

IV. Failing to Buy Sufficient Coverage. According to Catonsville, MD, always keep in mind that a policy only covers the issues specified during the buying of the policy. In then end buying insufficient policy may make your claim to be denied. Therefore, you ought to take your time to consider the worst case scenario and try to buy a cover for them.

Better Coverage for Your Vehicle: Can You Afford It?

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Few people have an easy time staying within their monthly budget. As time goes by, expenses seem to mount at every turn. So when you think about your auto insurance, it’s easy to deem it one bill you couldn’t afford to spend more on. As understandable as that initial reaction might be though, HBW Insurance Group wants you to know why it could come back to haunt you. 

What Can You Afford?

A few extra dollars a month isn’t going to be pleasant to live without if you live in Catonsville, MD, there’s no doubt about that. But you have to take into account what you might pay without the right coverage. If you have liability only, do you know how you’ll get to work if you cause an accident? Liability will only cover the other driver. Do you know how you’ll pay for the repairs on your own or buy another car if the original one is totaled? Part of being a responsible driver is knowing that it’s better to pay a little more now than a lot more later. And while this exercise can be difficult because it means thinking about an accident, theft or property damage that hasn’t even occurred yet, the odds are too great that something will happen to your car over the course of your ownership to risk it to chance. 

Getting a Quote 

You have nothing to lose by getting a quote from HBW Insurance. We help the people of Catonsville, MD understand how insurance works to protect their savings rather than deplete it. It’s our pleasure to give you more information about finances, coverage levels and your overall protection, so call today to speak to one of our friendly staff members about our rates. 

How DIY Can Impact Your Homeowners Insurance

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Whether you have your dream home or not in Catonsville, MD, it’s understandable that you might take the DIY approach in some instances. While this can save you money, it’s important to know how it will impact your homeowner’s insurance.

Electrical Problems

Electrical is tricky and it’s why there are licensed electricians. If you end up starting a fire in your home because of DIY electrical work, it might not be covered on home insurance. To find out more about what is and isn’t covered, it’s a good idea to talk with an agent at HBW Insurance Group.

Plumbing

Plumbing issues tend to be complicated as well. You don’t want to run into an issue where you cause more damage than what was already in place. Professional plumbers will be able to assess the problem and let you know what needs to be done.

Security

Just as there are problems with DIY, there are also advantages. You can decide to install your own security system. If it’s monitored, you will also be able to save money on your insurance premiums because of taking an added safety precaution.

Fencing

Building your own fence might be easier than you think. As to whether you decide on aluminum, PVC, or another material, it provides a barrier around your property. This also serves as a deterrent to potential crimes on your property.

Ultimately, it comes down to knowing what you’re doing and following the various rules and regulations. If you do work that requires a permit, you need to pull the permit to follow city code. If at any point you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s best to work with a contractor in Catonsville, MD.

For more information about obtaining home insurance and how to get an affordable premium, contact us at HBW Insurance Group today.

 

Things to Do Before a Winter Storm

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A winter storm is almost inevitable in Catonsville, MD. If you do not want to get caught unprepared, there are a few things you need to do. Use these tips to help prepare yourself and your home for the next winter storm.

Get Food and Water

You always want to have enough food and water in the home for each person so survive for a few days. When you are building your stockpile, make sure you choose items that do not require cooking so you can still eat even if you lose power.

Get Some Warm Blankets

In case you do lose power, you want to make sure you can stay warm. A big component of this is having enough blankets for everyone. If you do not have enough, go out and get some more warm ones just in case. 

Prep Your Fireplace

No matter what kind of fireplace you have, you should make sure you have everything you need to keep it going for a few days. Your fireplace is a great source of warmth and can really bring a family together on colder nights. 

Get Things to Melt Ice

Even after the storm is over, you may need to remove some of the ice that has built up. Make sure you get some items that can help you do that naturally. Some things to consider include cat litter, salt, or sand. 

Winter storms can be unpredictable. Help protect your investment and get a home insurance policy. If you do not have one or would like our office, serving Catonsville, MD, to take a look at your current policy, contact us today. We can get you a quote for a new policy that will meet your needs and meet your budget requirements. 

How to Prevent Home Water Damage

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Water damage inside a home is a common occurrence simply because people do not take the right precautions. Whether it is a small or large amount of damage doesn’t really matter. You will still have to take care of the damage as soon as possible to avoid further issues. For your home in Catonsville, MD, however, it is always better to prevent water damage than to fix it. Use these tips from HBW Insurance Group to prevent water damage in your home:

  • Watch Where You Plant. You may love having trees in your yard but you should make sure you place them in an area where they cannot interfere with water lines as they mature. 
  • Keep an Eye on Your Water Bill. One of the best ways to detect water damage before it gets too bad is by keeping an eye on your water bill. You should always keep track of your usage and if something seems off or your bills is larger without you actually using more water, it could be due to a water leak problem. Detecting this change quickly is key. 
  • Don’t Pour Grease Down Your Sink. You never want to do this because even if you pour it with cold or hot water, it can still create a block that will be a bigger issue for you later. Protect your pipes and don’t pour grease down them. 

Even with the best prevention methods, you may still find yourself with water damage. Sometimes, you cannot prevent it at all. To better protect yourself, your finances, and your home, make sure you have a good home insurance policy in place that have a water damage clause. Contact HBW Insurance Group, serving Catonsville, MD, today to ensure you are protected and to get a free quote. 

Repairs to Old Windows and Doors Protect Your Family from Intruders

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As a homeowner, keeping up with repairs and maintenance can be an unending struggle. Especially in an older house with rattling doors and windows. You realize the cold air is seeping in around the edges as the winter wind blows, but have you taken the time to determine just how secure the aging portals into your Catonsville, MD home are? HBW Insurance Group offers up some simple tips to help improve the security of your home while protecting your family.

Replace Loose Door and Window Locks

If the door knob to the back door has been rattling for years, now is the time to have it replaced. Burglars love to look for the easy way in. A loose lock indicates that perhaps the rest of the home is equally easy to invade. For a few dollars and a couple hours of your time, loose and broken locks can be replaced providing one more deterrent to the curious home invader.

Fix Broken Window Panes

There’s nothing that indicates that a home is an easy target more than an exterior that has been allowed to fall into disrepair. You don’t have to replace the window with a new one if the frame is still in good shape. However, by ensuring that all the glass is in one piece, you are telling a potential burglar that not only do you care for your home, you will make it hard for them to find anything of value inside as well.

So often homeowners put off the small maintenance tasks thinking they will replace the problem area sometime in the future. However, by spending just a few dollars to fix a broken window or door instead, you can end up saving money on improvements and protect your home against burglars. Ask your agent at HBW Insurance Group in the Catonsville, MD area for more tips on how to protect your largest investment against loss.

3 Ways to Safeguard a Home from Fire During the Holidays

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Although fire can occur in a home at any time, the risk of residential fire increases substantially during the holidays. Home insurance from HBW Insurance Group, Catonsville, MD, can help cover damage from accidental fires. Homeowners can also take these precautions to lower the risk of fire. 

Cooking

Home cooked meals are one of the greatest pleasures of the holiday season. Extensive cooking also increases the risk of a kitchen fire. As people tend to family and friends, it’s easy to leave food on the stove unattended to the point of accidentally starting a fire.    

Those who are cooking should commit to their task until it’s done. If leaving the kitchen, even momentarily, burners should be turned to low. Every kitchen should have a smoke detector to give warning when something is burning. A fire extinguisher should also be within easy reach to douse any flames.

Christmas Trees and Decos

If using a live Christmas tree, homeowners should ensure it’s watered daily to reduce the risk of fire. The tree should be placed in a safe location, away from a portable heater, radiator or fireplace and disposed of immediately after the holidays. If buying an artificial tree, consumers should ensure it’s flame resistant.

Inspect Christmas lights carefully before hanging, disposing strings with cracked wiring or damaged sockets. In like manner, avoid using old, worn extension cords as they pose a risk of starting a fire. Lights should be hung with clips or other type of hanger as opposed to using nails or staples that can damage the wiring.

Candles

Although candles add a special touch to the holidays, they can be dangerous in a house full of guests and kids. By replacing real candles with attractive flameless LED designs, homeowners can enjoy a candle lit atmosphere without the risk of fire.

For home insurance coverage that offers full protection against fire damage or any other eventuality, contact HBW Insurance Group in Catonsville, MD, today.

 

Home weatherproofing tips for the fall season

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The frigid temperatures that are rapidly approaching could make it hard to keep your home comfortable and keep your utility costs down this winter.  The following are five things you can do to weatherproof your home this fall and get ready for winter:

Seal gaps around doors and windows

Buy some adhesive cell foam strips to place around your windows and doors at gaps where air can get through. You can also get some V-channel weatherstripping to put around loose sashes to keep your windows as secure and efficient as possible.

Plan window coverings to take advantage of the winter sun

Don’t underestimate the power of sunlight in naturally heating your home. By keeping open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows, you can take advantage of sunlight to warm your home during the day. However, you’ll need to remember to close these curtains and blinds after the sun goes down to help keep the warmth inside.

Clean out gutters

Clogged gutters can leave your home susceptible to developing ice dams that could cause leaks on your home’s interior. Clean leaves, branches and other debris out of your gutters to prevent this cumbersome and potentially expensive problem. 

Repair cracks in your driveway

You can seal small driveway cracks with acrylic latex concrete repair and larger driveway cracks with a vinyl concrete patching compound.

Make sure your heater or furnace has a good filter

Needless to say, your heater or furnace is one of your most important tools in fending off the cold. Make sure your unit has a good filter so that heated air can flow freely throughout your home. 

Follow our blog and contact HBW Insurance Group for more great tips on maintaining your home throughout the year. 

What Can Happen If You Don’t Have Commercial Insurance?

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What is the key difference between personal and commercial auto insurance? Many entrepreneurs get by with nothing but a personal policy, while others jump on the opportunity to invest in a commercial policy as soon as possible. What sets one apart from the other.

There are a lot of features that commercial policies make available that you won’t find in a personal insurance package, but the key difference really comes down to who’s driving the car.

If you send an employee out to handle a bank transaction and they get into an accident on the way, a commercial auto policy can cover that, but a personal auto policy will not. Commercial policies from providers and agencies like HBW Insurance Group are primarily designed to ensure that a business owner who enlists their employees to drive on company time, in a company car or in their employer’s car, will be protected should something go wrong while that employee is on the road.

It’s true that some personal policies will allow for other drivers in certain circumstances, but you’d be hard pressed to find one that covers paid employees borrowing your personal car for business purposes.

Most pizza delivery drivers, Uber drivers, Lyft drivers, etc. will provide their own personal insurance. Uber and Lyft drivers in particular are driving their own cars and working as private contractors. In other words, while they may answer to the company, they are technically their own bosses. This isn’t the case when you hand your new hire the keys to your car and ask them to pick up some supplies.

In any event, when in doubt, it’s worth talking to your provider about your policy to make sure that you are covered in both business and personal affairs.