Business Interruption Insurance And How To Safeguard Against Unexpected Disruptions

business interruption insurance

business interruption insuranceSmall businesses regularly face several risks that could necessitate a temporary shutdown or reduction of operations, both of which can have devastating effects on a business. One way businesses can protect themselves from the financial impacts of these occurrences is by securing business interruption insurance. This type of coverage can offer valuable assistance following a covered event. This article provides more information about business interruption insurance, including what it is and how small businesses can obtain it.

What Is Business Interruption Insurance?

Business interruption insurance, also known as business income insurance, provides a financial safeguard against temporary revenue losses and extra expenses that result from covered business shutdowns or reductions of operations. For example, if a fire or a vandal damages a company’s building and lead to a temporary closure, business interruption insurance can provide financial assistance while the building is shuttered for repairs.

Policies may also offer coverage if a civil authority (e.g., a local, state or federal governmental entity) forbids access to the business’s premises. This may happen following a natural disaster, even if the business’s property is not damaged. Each policy is unique, and businesses should work with their agent or broker to fully understand the scope of their coverage.

Why Do Small Businesses Need Business Interruption Insurance?

Small business shutdowns created by unforeseen events can have significant financial ramifications. In these circumstances, business interruption insurance can provide coverage for the following:

  • Lost income. Business interruption insurance can help replace the revenue a business would have generated if it did not need to close temporarily.
  • Continued operating expenses. Business interruption insurance can also provide financial assistance to cover standard, ongoing operating expenses such as salaries, taxes, utilities and mortgage, lease or rent payments that are due during the impacted period.
  • Relocation costs. Business interruption insurance coverage can also offer financial assistance for moving expenses if a business needs to relocate to a temporary office.

Additionally, a specialized form of business interruption insurance known as contingent business interruption insurance offers coverage if disruptions in the supply chains create losses. For example, if property damage to a third-party vendor impacts a business’s capability to continue its operations, this type of coverage may be able to mitigate the resulting financial impact. It can typically be added as an endorsement to a standard business interruption policy.

How Do Small Businesses Obtain Business Interruption Insurance?

For small businesses, business interruption insurance is typically bundled with commercial property and liability coverage in a business owners policy (BOP). Businesses with 100 or fewer employees and revenue of $5 million or less may be eligible for a BOP that includes business interruption insurance. For businesses that are not eligible for a BOP, business interruption insurance may be available as a standalone policy or added to a commercial property policy. It is essential for businesses to review their existing coverage to determine if business interruption insurance is included.

Conclusion

Business interruption insurance can provide crucial financial assistance for small businesses if they need to temporarily shut down or reduce operations. Contact us today for more information on this type of insurance and risk management planning.

6 Tips For Driving In The Rain and Thunderstorms

Driving In The Rain

Driving In The RainDriving in the rain or during a thunderstorm can be pretty nerve-wracking for most people. Worrying about having an accident or being stuck on the side of the road can be very overwhelming. It can also be very dangerous. However, a few tips and adjustments can take away some of the anxiety and help you stay calm during your commute.

Driving in the rain and thunderstorms

If you happen to get caught driving in the rain or thunderstorm, don’t panic . There a extra precautions you can take to make your trip a safe one.

A few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Turn on your headlights, wipers and defroster to increase visibility.
  2. Drive in the tracks of vehicles ahead of you and reduce your speed.
  3. Allow for increased space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
  4. If you hydroplane, hold the steering wheel straight and remove your foot from the gas.
  5. Do not use cruse control during inclimate weather.
  6. Pull off the road in an open area away from trees to avoid a lightning strike.

Helping you to avoid claims is just one of the many value-added services we provide. In the unfortunate event you do have an accident, we will help you through the process. Give us a call during business hours or click here to view our after hours claim contacts. 

What You Need To Know About Boat Insurance When You Buy A Boat

Boat Insurance

Boat InsuranceIf your new boat is a canoe or an un-motorized boat, there’s a chance that it’s covered under the personal property portion of your Homeowners Insurance policy. However if it is anything larger, you need a separate boat insurance policy. A Bout Insurance policy is there to ensure you and your boat are protected. After all, I’m sure you purchased your boat with long term plans in mind.

Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover My Boat? 

Theft to watercraft, including furnishings, equipment and outboard motors, is typically excluded if the theft occurs outside your residential premises. To cover your boat and its accessories, you need a separate boat insurance policy.

What is Boat Insurance? 

A typical boat insurance policy will protect your boat, motor, equipment and passengers. Coverages will usually include:

  • Theft, loss or damage to the boat and attached equipment
  • Bodily injury coverage, if someone else is injured
  • Damage caused to someone else’s property by your boat or watercraft
  • Liability coverage for your passengers, which would include family and guests
  • Medical payment coverage for injuries to the occupants of the boat

Physical Damage Coverage

Physical damage coverage insures your boat, motor, boat trailer, boating equipment and other personal property against accidental loss or damages. 

Liability Coverage

A Boat Insurance policy will include two principal liability coverages.

  •  Personal liability coverage provides protection for legal liability. It pays up to the limit of your policy, the legal obligations imposed upon you due to an accident resulting from the ownership, maintenance or use of your watercraft, including bodily injury, property damage and legal defense. 
  • Medical payments coverage pays medical expenses up to the limits in the policy, including the insured’s boating-related medical expenses from an accident arising out of the ownership, maintenance and use of the boat. Expenses include hospital, medical and ambulance. 

Additional Coverage Options

Along with the basics some extra coverage to consider include:

  • Reasonable Repairs. Covers repairs done to protect covered property from further damage
  • Emergency Services. Pays for reasonable costs that you incur 4resulting from specified emergency service to your boat, motor or boat trailer. 
  • Wreck Removal. Pays the reasonable expenses you incur for any attempted or actual raising, removal or destruction for the wreck of your watercraft when damage is caused by an insured loss and remove or destruction required by law. 
  • Umbrella Liability. Provides additional boat insurance coverage across the board for home, auto and watercraft. 

Whether your boat is big or small, it’s still an investment. As a result, we want to make sure your are protected and familiar with your coverage. Call us at 419-522-9892 to review your policy or get a quote today.

Avoid Heat Illnesses This Summer With These 7 Crucial Tips

Heat Illnesses

Extreme summer temperatures are not only uncomfortable, they are also dangerous for your health. This is particularly true for older adults and children, who are more susceptible to illness. When it is hot outside, your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels. Normally, your body cools itself through sweating. However, in hot and humid weather, sweating is not enough and the result can heat illnesses.

Avoiding Heat Illnesses

Here are some tips for staying safe when you’re out in the heat:

  1. Wear loose, light-colored clothing so your skin gets air exposure.
  2. Shield your head and face from direct sunlight by wearing a hat and sunglasses.
  3. Avoid spending time outdoors during the middle of the day, when temperatures are highest and the sun is directly overhead.
  4. Take regular breaks in a shaded area if you’re involved in a strenuous activity.
  5. Drink water frequently, even if you aren’t thirsty. Experts recommend drinking at least 8 ounces every 20 to 30 minutes to stay hydrated. Stick to water, fruit juice and sport drinks while avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can dehydrate you.
  6. Monitor children and seniors carefully, since they can get dehydrated more easily.
  7. Call 911 if someone exhibits symptoms of heat stroke, such as flushed skin, rapid breathing, a throbbing headache or confusion.

Providing Treatment for Heat Illnesses

It is essential to treat heat illness as soon as possible. If you are feeling any of the above symptoms, inform a co-worker and ask for help. If you suspect that a fellow worker has any of these conditions, follow the first-aid suggestions below:

  • Heat Cramps – Move the victim to a cooler area and provide them with water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages. Follow up with a medical examination.
  • Heat Exhaustion – Move the victim to a cooler area and keep them lying down with their legs slightly elevated. Cool their body by fanning and applying cool, wet towels. Have them drink approximately six ounces of water every 15 minutes. Follow up with a medical examination.
  • Heat Stroke – You or a bystander should immediately call an ambulance. Meanwhile, move the victim to a cooler area, remove their outer clothing, immerse them in cool water or apply cool, wet towels or cloths to the body. If the person is awake and able to swallow, give them small amounts of cool water to drink. If medical help is delayed, call the hospital for further instructions while waiting. Heat stroke is life-threatening, so it’s important to move quickly!

Stay Safe

The risk of heat illness increases with age, poor diet, being overweight, insufficient liquid intake, poor physical condition and/or when taking medication. Never take salt tablets without your doctor’s approval. Be aware of weather conditions when you will be working outside so that you can be prepared with appropriate clothing and beverages. If you are working outside and start to feel any adverse symptoms,  let someone know and take a break.

Click here to read more Heat Illness Safety Tips from the CDC

5 Critical Defensive Driving Tips You Should Know

defensive driving

defensive drivingBeing a defensive driver entails utilizing various road skills to defend yourself against potential accident hazards. Using proper defensive driving techniques will help keep both you and other drivers safe on the road. With this in mind, be sure to implement the following defensive driving guidance the next time you get behind the wheel.

Eliminate distractions

The first step in being a defensive driver is to reduce distractions while you drive. As such, it’s important to make sure the road is your sole focus—avoid using your cellphone, adjusting the radio, programming your GPS, eating, drinking or applying makeup behind the wheel.

Remain alert

In addition to eliminating distractions, it’s vital to be fully aware of your surroundings on the road. This practice will help you better detect upcoming hazards, allowing you to respond as quickly and safely as possible. Check your mirrors often, and try to scan road conditions approximately 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you. Specifically, keep an eye out for other drivers, nearby pedestrians and road obstructions (e.g., traffic cones or construction work).

Follow the rules of the road

This includes wearing your seat belt, obeying speed limits, using your turn signals and avoiding driving with excess passengers in your vehicle. Also, make sure you approach intersections with caution—never run a red light or stop sign. Even if you have the right of way, look around to confirm it’s safe to cross the intersection before doing so.

Avoid aggressive driving (and drivers)

Aggressive habits—such as switching lanes frequently, braking or accelerating suddenly, and tailgating other drivers—can increase your likelihood of being involved in an accident. Try to be as predictable and forgiving as possible by always leaving at least a four-second distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, avoiding abrupt lane changes and keeping a steady pace. If another driver is displaying aggressive habits, try to distance yourself from them or pull over when it is safe to do so.

Be extra careful in adverse conditions

In severe weather (e.g., heavy rain, snow and fog), road conditions can be significantly more dangerous. Take additional precautions by reducing your speed, increasing your following distance, braking earlier and using your headlights.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Vehicle

Even the most defensive drivers could contribute to an accident on the road if operating an unsafe vehicle. Make sure you keep your vehicle in good shape by taking it for routine oil changes and fluid checks, ensuring the tires are properly inflated and performing other maintenance as needed. For additional driving safety tips and auto insurance solutions, contact us today.

Important Workplace First Aid Basics Everyone Needs To Know

First Aid

A workplace accident requires prompt action to help employees who are injured. For example, if you are nearby when a co-worker trips and hurts their leg on the job, your knowledge of first aid could prove essential.

First aid refers to the immediate assistance provided to an injured individual. This assistance is intended to prevent the injured person’s condition from worsening, promote recovery and offer support until professional medical services arrive. Here are some scenarios that may require first aid and other basic precautions to consider.

Cuts and Lacerations

Should an individual receive a cut, the most important action is to stop the bleeding as quickly as possible. Have the injured person lie down, then apply direct pressure on the wound with a sterile pad or the cleanest piece of cloth you can find. If the cloth becomes saturated with blood, add more pads or cloths and secure them with a bandage.

If the wound is on an arm or a leg, and the blood flow is particularly hard to stop, you can try pressing on the brachial or femoral arteries to reduce the flow. Always seek immediate medical attention amid any incident involving profuse bleeding.

Chemicals

You may also need to work with chemicals from time to time. Should chemicals get into someone’s eye, use the emergency eyewash station. If one is unavailable or not nearby, dilute the chemical by pouring water into the eye. Pour at least a quart of water into the corner of the eye so that it runs over the surface and flows out the other side.

If chemicals get onto an individual’s skin, wash the area repeatedly with large amounts of water. Remove any contaminated clothing. Check the label on the chemical to see if any additional steps should be taken. Call 911 if the affected individual experiences dizziness, nausea, chest pains or shortness of breath.

Particles

If a foreign particle gets embedded into someone’s eye, do not try to remove it like you would a chemical. Instead, have the injured person lie flat, place a sterile pad over the eye, bandage it in place and seek medical help immediately. Avoid movement that could drive the particle deeper into the eye. If the particle is under the eyelid or floating on the surface of the eyeball, you can try removing it with the corner of a clean piece of cloth. However, never rub someone’s eye when trying to remove a particle from it.

Shock

A severe accident or injury often brings on a condition called shock. A person experiencing shock may appear weak or confused, have cold or clammy skin, feel nauseous or display vacant eyes with dilated pupils.

To help someone in shock, place the individual on their back and elevate their feet unless head or chest injuries are present. Then, raise their head and shoulders with pillows. Next, place blankets over and under their body to conserve heat. Don’t administer any fluids unless professional medical services are delayed for at least 30 minutes. If that is the case, give the individual half a glass of plain, lukewarm water every 15 minutes. Stop providing fluids if the person becomes nauseated.

Takeaway

Remember, first aid is the best immediate response to an injury, but you should always seek appropriate medical attention afterward.

Reach out to your supervisor for additional first-aid resources.

First Aid

 

Liquor Liability Insurance And 4 Reasons You Need It

Liquor Liability Insurance

Liquor Liability InsuranceIt is common for businesses such as restaurants and clubs to serve some sort of alcohol. With the availability of alcohol, also includes the possibility for issues. Fights, careless behavior or automobile accidents caused by individuals who have consumed alcohol are always a risk. While you can’t control other peoples behavior, you can make sure you and your business are protected. 

What is Liquor Liability Insurance?

Liquor liability insurance is designed to protect a business that sell or serve alcoholic beverages. This type of insurance covers damages that result from incidents by individuals who have consumed alcohol. It protects you should your clients or patrons sue your business for damages related to their intoxication. This is not something a general liability policy would cover. 

4 Reasons You Need Liquor Liability Insurance

  • A method for businesses to meet legal requirements. Depending on the type of business you have and it’s location, it may be legally required to carry liquor liability insurance. The strictness of legal requirements differ from location to location. A businesses location can have a major impact on how your liquor liability insurance is priced. Be sure to speak with an insurance agent to ensure you have the correct levels of coverage. 
  • Protect against unruly customers. Alcohol can alter peoples state of mind and make your patrons behavior unpredictable. This can lead to fights or other dangerous situations. Liquor Liability Insurance is designed to protect businesses from these situations and is a must for businesses that serve or sell alcohol. 
  • Legal fees and court cost reimbursement. In the event of a liquor-related claim, legal fees and court costs can add up quickly. Without liquor liability insurance your business could be on the hook for the legal fees. Defense costs itself can be a huge financial burden for even the most profitable businesses. 
  • Coverage for employees. Even if you require your employees to serve liquor responsibly, there’s a chance they may disregard your instructions. Liquor liability policies can cover your employees’ improper actions and better protect your business from liquor-related incidents. Also, some insurers provide training and risk management strategies to policyholders to help educate businesses and employees as well as lower overall liquor liability exposures. 

When serving alcohol, the best way to protect your business from potential claims is through proper risk management and liquor liability insurance. These policies can be complex so it is important to discuss your options with a qualified insurance broker. 

Please contact our office to talk to an agent today about your options

 

What Are Medical Credit Cards and What You Need To Know

medical credit cards

The Biden administration recently published a report warning consumers against using medical credit cards and other specialty financial products for medical services. Medical financing plans, like medical credit cards, may be appealing as a short-term solution to high medical costs. But high interest rates can cause patients to overpay for medical services and contribute to medical debt. Additionally, many consumers don’t understand the terms of their medical credit cards, causing them to incur unexpected fees.

Despite the risks, Americans are increasingly turning to medical credit cards to combat rising health care costs. A poll by KFF Health found that 1 in 5 adults in the United States have a financing plan to help pay for medical or dental care. This article explains what you need to know about medical credit cards.

What Are Medical Credit Cards?

Medical credit cards can be used to pay for various medical services. They can cover costs associated with medical care for you, your family and even your pets. These cards are typically used to help pay large out-of-pocket medical bills or medical services that insurance doesn’t cover, such as cosmetic or elective procedures.

How Do Medical Credit Cards Work?

You may see advertisements for medical credit cards in your doctor’s office, at a hospital or at another health care service facility. If you choose to apply, your doctor or another medical care staff member will typically sign you up. Once your application is approved, your medical credit card company will pay your doctor for services. You are then responsible for paying back your credit card company.

Like other types of credit cards, medical credit cards often have zero interest during the introductory period, which begins when your account is created. After the introductory period, interest rates can exceed 25%, according to a recent report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). These rate hikes can make it challenging to pay off bills and may result in inflated costs for medical services.

What You Need to Know

Consumers who fail to pay off their medical credit card bills before the end of their introductory period may experience significant rate hikes and fees, which can cause financial hardship and result in medical debt. Here’s information you should know about medical credit card use:

  • The CFPB found that $1 billion in deferred interest on medical credit cards and other medical financing plans was paid from 2018 to 2020.
  • Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Health News reported that 100 million Americans have medical debt.
  • Interest rates for medical credit cards can be higher than interest rates for other types of financing, such as general credit cards, according to the CFPB.
  • Borrowers who incur interest on medical credit cards pay an additional 23% of their original purchase, the CFPB report found.
  • The risk of incurring medical credit card debt is greater among low-income borrowers and people with poor credit.
  • Medical credit cards may have different payment schedules and fees than other types of credit cards.
  • The use of a medical credit card may make receiving other types of financial assistance more difficult.
  • Your medical credit card payments impact your credit score.

Deferred interest payment plans may benefit patients who can pay off their bills before the end of their introductory period. However, patients must understand their options and the implications of them before signing up for a medical credit card or another medical financing option.

Conclusion

Receiving a costly health care bill can be a highly stressful or emotional experience. Do your research ahead of time so that you’re prepared to make an educated financial decision on medical credit card use when the time comes.

5 Tips for Staying Safe in the Summer Sun

summer sun

summer sunThe long and warm days of summer can be fun and exciting, but while these conditions may be enjoyable, they can also be hazardous to your health.

Prolonged exposure to the sun can have a particularly dangerous impact on both your short- and long-term health, including damaged skin, sunburn and skin cancer. Given these potentially severe consequences, it’s necessary to understand basic precautions while out in the sun.

5 Ways to Protect Yourself From the Sun

To limit your risk of developing skin cancer or other sun-related conditions, consider the following steps:

  1. Think about the time. If possible, schedule your time outdoors before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid the strongest sunlight and greatest exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
  2. Check the forecast. Before you head outdoors for the day, be aware of the weather that awaits you. High temperatures and particularly sunny conditions may be dangerous.
  3. Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to any bare skin at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if you plan to swim or be in the water.
  4. Seek out shade. Take advantage of any available shade while outdoors, such as next to buildings or under large trees. If you expect to be out in the open for an extended period of time, bring an umbrella.
  5. Protect your eyes. The strong sunlight of summer can be hazardous for your optical health. Wear sunglasses while outdoors and consider bringing a brimmed hat as well.

Keep these tips in mind to have a fun and safe time enjoying the summer sun. 

How to File an Auto Insurance Claim Following Weather-related Damage

Weather-related Damage

Weather-related DamageExtreme weather events, such as hail, wildfires, high winds and flooding can cause severe damage to your vehicle. Understanding how to file a weather-related damage claim can make it easier for you to be reimbursed for vehicular damage. Read on for further guidance.

Does My Insurance Cover Weather-related Damage?

Specific forms of auto insurance are required in most states. Depending on your location, required coverage may include liability insurance, personal injury protection insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, these coverages generally won’t help pay for damage caused by noncollision incidents, such as weather-related damages. Comprehensive insurance coverage is essential to ensure adequate financial protection from these events. Although this coverage isn’t typically required, it can help prevent costly out-of-pocket expenses if your vehicle is damaged from a storm or natural disaster.

How Do I File a Weather-related Damage Claim?

The following are general guidelines for filing a claim following weather-related damage to your vehicle:

  • Contact your insurance company. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Some insurers will set up emergency disaster relief programs to expedite claims following widespread disasters, such as major hurricanes and violent tornados.
  • Prioritize safety. Don’t risk driving a vehicle that could have serious problems. Although damage can be easy to spot (e.g., dents from hail), some damage may be difficult to notice without a proper inspection. Leave your car where it is and don’t attempt to drive it before an insurance adjuster arrives if there’s a chance it could have sustained damage.
  • Assess the condition of your vehicle. Make a quick assessment of vehicular damage if it’s safe to do so. Look for signs of extensive damage and indications that the car may not be drivable.
  • Document the damage. Gather visuals of the damage, such as photos and videos. You should also note anything that seems wrong (e.g., a strong smoke smell when driving). Provide this information to your insurance company to help them evaluate the loss.
  • Be patient. Auto insurance companies often receive a deluge of insurance claims following an extreme weather-related event, such as a wildfire or hurricane. Be prepared to wait and try to remain patient during the claims process.

Finding and maintaining the right auto insurance policy is crucial to ensuring you’re financially protected from weather-related events. Work with Rinehart, Walters & Danner to ensure you have sufficient protection.

Contact Us

The agents at Rinehart, Walters & Danner are here to answer your insurance questions. Contact us today to learn more.