Do You Need Commercial Insurance for Your Business?

After doing all the work it takes to start and open a business, you will want to protect your livelihood and your investment in your industry. One of the best ways to do that is through a commercial insurance policy. The Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. agents in Commerce, GA want you to understand what commercial insurance covers.

First, under Georgia law, all businesses that employ three or more part-time or full-time employees must have worker’s compensation insurance or at least be a qualified self-insurer. The law also requires all vehicles that are used or owned by a business to have a minimum amount of commercial auto insurance in place in the event an accident occurs.

Commercial Liability Insurance Coverage

This type of insurance coverage will help you protect your business if someone is injured at your business or due to an incident that occurs because of your business. This type of coverage will also assist you in paying for any property damage that occurs because of your business. It can also cover things like slander, libel, and copyright infringement. It can be very useful if someone also files a lawsuit against your company.

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance is very important to have in place, especially if you own the building in which your business is located. It will help you replace lost or stolen inventory due to a burglary, and it can help you if your business is destroyed or damaged due to a natural disaster, an act of vandalism, or even a fire.

Get Your Policy Started

An inexperienced commercial insurance agent can assist you with all of your commercial insurance needs and create a policy that works for you and your business. To start your commercial insurance policy, contact the trusted insurance agents at the Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA today!

Top 3 Laundry Room Hazards and How To Avoid Them

Most people don’t think much about the laundry room until something goes wrong. But some dangers in the laundry room could make you sick or even cause injury. Here are some of the things Commerce, GA residents need to be aware of in the laundry room, brought to you by Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc.

1. Lint build-up is a fire hazard.

When you don’t clean out your dryer’s lint trap, lint builds up and can cause a fire. This is because lint is made of tiny fibers that can catch fire easily. Lint can disrupt the airflow in your dryer and cause the dryer to overheat. This, in turn, captures the lint on fire.

To avoid lint build-up, clean the lint trap every time you use your dryer. It’s also good to clean out the lint that accumulates in the dryer vent and filter chamber at least every six months. Check your grocery or home goods store for specialized dryer lint brushes that can reach deep in the dryer.

2. Unattended chemicals are a poison risk.

Homeowners should keep laundry room chemicals out of the reach of children. Be sure to seal all containers tightly. Limit access to the laundry room to only those who need to use it.

If you store chemicals in unlabeled containers, be sure to label them by hand with the product’s name. Never store dangerous chemicals in a container used to hold drinks or food. Others may assume it’s safe to consume, especially young kids.

3. Machines need regular maintenance.

An annual inspection of your washer and dryer keeps them working at their best. Never ignore a machine that isn’t working correctly. A small problem can quickly become a big one. Broken appliances can cause damage to your home and pose a fire hazard.

Accidents can happen even when you do your best to be safe in the laundry room. Contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. of Commerce, GA to ensure you have the right coverage for your home.

Why umbrella insurance is so important for small businesses

Commerce, GA area small business owners rely on Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. for their commercial insurance needs. If you are in our area and are looking for some help with your commercial insurance, give us a call today. Understanding the benefits of a robust commercial insurance portfolio can help protect your company now and in the future.

The importance of umbrella insurance when it comes to small businesses

Many small businesses are structured so that the owners can be held liable for losses and suits against the company. While this isn’t always the case, it is frequent enough that small business owners need a greater layer of protection around themselves and their assets.

If you are the owner of a small business, now is a great time to look at umbrella insurance. This type of policy can help if your primary policy meets or exceeds its payout limits. You can either have an umbrella policy to absorb the loss or face personal liability when this occurs.

No one wants to be personally at risk when it comes to the dealings of their companies. And fortunately, this can be easily avoided by having an umbrella policy in place to fill any gaps that can occur. If you want to ensure that you have the protection you need, it’s time to consider umbrella insurance.

Schedule your commercial insurance consultation today

Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. is here for the Commerce, GA business community. If you have questions about umbrella insurance and how it can protect your business, call us today. We look forward to working with you to find the right insurance solutions for your company.

Umbrella policy options for Georgia business owners

Commerce, GA area business owners and operators rely on the Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. team for their insurance needs. If you are considering adding an umbrella policy to your commercial insurance portfolio, give us a call today. We are here to help our business community!

Benefits of umbrella insurance

Several great benefits come with having an umbrella policy in place to protect your business. The main ones are, of course, liability protection and keeping your business in a place where it can recover from a significant, negative incident. We hear too many stories about great, successful businesses ceasing operations because of losses due to events out of their control.

These stories become even more heartbreaking when we learn that the closures could have been avoided with the right insurance. Fortunately, getting the right insurance in place can be done efficiently, protecting your business from future losses.

Umbrella policies are a great supplement to your primary policies. They come into play if your primary protection is ever depleted. Because commercial policies can be exhausted, it is crucial to have additional coverage above and beyond them that will fill in.

If you want to make sure that your company can successfully navigate the future, it’s time to take a look at umbrella insurance no matter what may happen. 

Are you looking for umbrella insurance? We can help!

Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. is here to provide the Commerce, GA community with its business insurance needs. If it’s time for you to add an umbrella policy to your current coverage, call us today. We can schedule an appointment to discuss your needs and ensure that your company has the protection it needs!

Common Commercial Insurance Exclusions

We would all like our insurance plans to cover us against all the possible risks, but this is not always the case. All insurance policies have limitations and exclusions that you need to understand to avoid surprises when filing a claim. At Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA, we are here to help you understand the ins and outs of your commercial insurance coverage. Today, we cover the common exclusions for your commercial insurance.

Floods

Any damage by floods isn’t covered by your typical business insurance. However, you can purchase stand-alone insurance from the NFIP or private carriers if you live in a flood-risk zone.

Earth movement

Your conventional commercial insurance plan doesn’t cover earthquakes and sinkholes. However, you can purchase "riders" or "add-ons" to cover your business against such risks.

Machine breakdown

Machines are bound to break at some point in time. Insurance companies don’t view this as a risk since it will happen anyway. That said, your typical commercial insurance doesn’t cover normal wear and tear and typical machine breakdowns.

Personal vehicle used for commercial use

Have you converted your vehicle for commercial purposes? No problem. All you need to do is convert your standard auto insurance into commercial auto insurance. Otherwise, your claims are likely to be dishonored.

Intentional damage or criminal acts

If you intentionally cause property damage or self-injury, your insurer will void any claim you try to make. Similarly, any damage or losses resulting from criminal acts, including fraud, will be voided by your insurer.

Government actions

Typical business insurance doesn’t cover losses and damages arising from government actions like nuclear hazards and military actions.

Your trusted Commerce, GA insurance agent

Need to learn more about commercial insurance? Need to purchase commercial insurance in Commerce, GA? Please choose Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. for all your commercial insurance needs.

Does renters insurance include loss of use?

Renters insurance provides valuable living coverage for your home and property against damage that can occur from various unexpected events. Protecting your belongings is incredibly important and should be a part of everyone’s basic financial plan, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why our agents at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. understand that no matter what size apartment or house you own or rent, you deserve the protection of renters’ insurance.

It is vital to protect your personal property with a comprehensive insurance coverage plan. Whether you are a student living in an apartment or a homeowner that rents out their basement in Commerce, GA, renters insurance is essential.

What is covered under renters insurance?

Renters insurance provides financial protection from specific losses to personal possessions and additional living expenses resulting from damage to the rental property caused by fire, lightning, windstorm, or similar causes, vandalism, and theft.

Whether you live in a house or a condominium, renters insurance is an affordable and comprehensive way to protect your most valuable assets. Your belongings are protected against theft and covered if they’re damaged. Plus, renters insurance covers losses that aren’t physical-like liability protection or the cost of hiring a lawyer to get your things back.

Renters insurance provides coverage for having your home destroyed by fire and other covered hazards. Your policy may also cover you if someone is injured in your home, stolen property, or if a hurricane and other named storm damage your belongings. You’ll also receive protection for living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.

Does renters insurance include loss of use?

In Commerce GA, a basic homeowners policy generally provides coverage if your home is damaged and uninhabitable. The insurance limit is the less rebuilding cost or market value. A basic policy covers personal property kept in or around the home, up to certain limits. A basic policy does NOT include loss of use/rental value and living expenses insurance. That would be a separate extension of coverage, also referred to as an endorsement.

For more information about what renters insurance does and does not cover and for advice about additional coverage for your belongings, call an agent at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA today!

Expanding Your Commercial Insurance to Include Your Delivery Vehicles

In Commerce, GA, many businesses use vehicles to deliver goods, food, and more to their customers. Do these vehicles need to be covered by your commercial insurance property? Let us at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. explain this concept to you.

Employee Vehicles: Must These Be Covered?

Do your employees ever do deliveries using their vehicles? For instance, do you run a restaurant that offers deliveries, and your employees mostly ride in their cars? If so, do you need to cover their vehicles? Not at all. Their personal auto policies should help to pay for repairs. 

Even if they’re using their vehicles for commercial purposes, their policy will typically pay for any damage caused by accident. The only time you’d have to pay for this policy is if you owned the vehicles yourself, i.e., if you used a car you owned for a delivery.

Company Vehicles? Are They Covered?

Do you own any vehicles used strictly by your business for delivery? Then, you might want to get them covered in your commercial insurance policy. Most companies should have coverage options that help pay for your vehicle’s repairs and damage if used for business purposes.

That’s why so many companies end up buying fleets of vehicles for their employees to use. Though it may be expensive at first, it helps cut back on insurance costs and minimize lawsuit risks. After all, the company may get sued if its driver takes a personal vehicle without coverage.

Finding Great Insurance

If your business owns multiple delivery vehicles and you want to ensure they are fully covered, don’t hesitate to contact us at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. to learn more. We can help Commerce, GA residents and business owners protect their vehicles and minimize confusion.

Do I Need Home Insurance in Georgia?

While protecting your home with insurance is not required in Georgia, we highly recommend a quality, reliable insurance policy that will keep you, your family, and your belongings safe in any event. The team at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. strongly encourages all homeowners to take a look at their home insurance coverage and adjust as necessary. 

Owning a home in Commerce, GA is a great accomplishment. There are so many reasons to settle down in Georgia and homeownership is definitely one of them. Georgia truly has it all and we are lucky to live here! 

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or this is the last home you plan on purchasing, insuring both the structure itself, your personal belongings inside the home, and the structural properties (like a pool, detached garage, etc.) is not only a smart financial move but also the greatest common sense decision you’ll make. 

You saved money for years to be able to afford your dream home — why wouldn’t you protect the most valuable financial asset in your life? 

When life throws a scenario your way, the best thing you can do is be prepared. We can’t predict what’s going to happen; all we can do is have the right plans in place and hope for the best. Home insurance can cover you in the event of natural disasters, dangerous weather, theft, fire, and more. 

Whatever box you check, making sure your home is properly insured starts with the expertise of an experienced agent like the team members at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. We’re helping Commerce, GA residents daily to ensure their homes are protected. Let us help you!

5 Reasons You Should Update Your Commercial Insurance

If you are a business owner, you already know the importance of having commercial insurance as your safety net. It protects you from losses in case of an unthinkable event. Regardless of the industry, you are trading in, business insurance is a must-have investment. 

But if you have commercial insurance in place, it’s your responsibility to review the policies regularly to make sure you are well covered. With time, business structures change and require additional coverage to make the policy-relevant. That said, there are several reasons why you should upgrade or review your commercial insurance. At Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc, we have prepared some of those instances. Read on for insights.

If you change your operating office

When you move to a new office space or location, update your insurer. Otherwise, you risk not protecting your new building and your equipment.

If you change your employees

Workers’ compensation coverage is calculated per head. If you hire more or downsize, you need to update your insurance to have the right coverage.

If you expand your portfolio

The importance of insuring products comes without saying. Any defect in your product could attract expensive lawsuits. To that end, if your business introduces a new product, it should be included in the insurance policy.

If you change the nature of your business

We understand the times we live in, uncertain economic times that may require one to change the business to adapt to the changing markets. That said, if you change the nature of your business, make sure to update your business to reflect your new business. 

If you adjust your company’s vehicle fleet

Business vehicles should be properly insured in case of an accident when on a business errand. If you expand your fleet, make sure you inform your insurer to stay adequately protected.

Commercial insurance in Commerce, GA

There are limitless reasons why you should update your commercial insurance. Remember your insurer relies on you to update any changes to avoid your policy being rendered inadequate or void at the time of claim. For your commercial insurance policy, contact us at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc for an affordable quote.

Do You Need Renters Insurance in Georgia?

Do You Need Renters Insurance in Georgia? The answer to that question is no, yet it can be a little more complicated than that. 

While renters insurance is not required by law in the state of Georgia, it is possible that your landlord will require it for you to reside in the house, mobile home, or apartment building you are renting from him or her. The agents at the Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA stress the importance of having a renters insurance policy in place whether it is required or not.

Although your landlord has a property insurance policy in place to protect the structure you live in, that policy will not cover your personal belongings and other items that you have worked hard to purchase, including your appliances, computers systems, TVs, clothing, and jewelry.

A renters insurance policy is a very affordable policy to have in place and it offers so much protection for you and your family as well as peace of mind.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

A renters insurance policy will cover your personal property if it is damaged or destroyed by a fire, a natural disaster, or an act of vandalism. Also, if your home is broken into and your personal belongings and other items you have purchased are stolen, a renters insurance policy will help you replace those items. It will also help replace or repair items that are damaged during a break-in of your home.

A renters insurance policy will also provide liability insurance that will protect you if someone is visiting your home and becomes injured due to something in the home that belongs to you. For example, if they trip over your footstool and break their leg, this part of your policy will help pay the injured person’s medical bills and time off work if necessary.

Get Your Policy Started Today

To get your renter’s insurance policy in place today and achieve the peace of mind that comes with knowing your personal belongings are protected, you will need to contact a trusted renters insurance agent. The experienced agents at the Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA are ready to assist you. Call for an appointment today!