Author Archives: AgentInsure

Does a Plumber Need Insurance?

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For plumbers in Bloomfield, NJ, it’s essential to understand the insurance they’re required to carry and any policies that might be beneficial but optional. Even the most skilled plumbing professionals can make mistakes that result in injuries or property damage. Other risks, such as getting into an auto accident while traveling to a customer’s home, also need to be considered.

Is It Required?

New Jersey law mandates that a plumber must have insurance unless they’re an employee of a business that already provides the necessary coverage. Both contractors and subcontractors must obtain coverage. At a minimum, you’ll need to sign up for commercial general liability insurance. Be sure to send proof of coverage to the state Division of Consumer Affairs.

Additional Insurance

You may need additional business coverage depending on how you run your plumbing business. Most plumbers travel to customers’ residences in motor vehicles, so they need commercial auto policies. Regular car insurance usually excludes business purposes. If your plumbing company has an office, you should also carry commercial property insurance that protects it.

An optional type of policy is umbrella insurance. It can give plumbers additional liability protection. New Jersey state law only requires workers’ compensation coverage if your plumbing business has employees. However, some commercial clients may require it even when you don’t employ anyone. A knowledgeable insurance agent can help determine what coverage is right for you.

E.S.T.I.R. Inc. is an independent insurance agency with more than two decades of experience. We have offices in Princeton and Bloomfield, NJ. Our helpful agents speak English as well as Spanish. We offer multiple types of business coverage, including life, home, renters, auto, and medical insurance. To get started, contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. today by calling 973-481-5300.

Is Technology Making the Roads a Safer Place?

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Today, drivers have more options and safety features for vehicles than ever before, largely due to the advancement of automotive technology. Yes, many vehicles are safer today than in years past, but does that mean driving is safer today? Staying safe on the roads is also a big reason why so many drivers in and around Bloomfield, NJ rely on the proven and professional team at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for all their auto insurance inquiries and concerns.

Is Technology Making the Roadways Safer?

It’s fair to say that many improvements, including in areas like tire pressure, braking, and mirrors, have generally made vehicles safer. However, vehicles are only one part of the equation. More than a few groups also have serious concerns about the negative impact of technology on drivers. Namely, distracted drivers who text, video chat, or engage with technology while driving are a problem. That begs the question: Is technology making the roads safer or more dangerous?

While this debate continues, one thing is sure: the need for protection like auto insurance remains. That’s why it’s a good idea to work with established and reputable agents to get the insurance and protection you need when you drive, regardless of how technology impacts road safety.

Auto Insurance Solutions in Bloomfield, NJ

If you live or drive in and around the Bloomfield, NJ area and have questions about auto insurance or need coverage for your vehicle, we can assist. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment with our friendly and professional team today at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for the insurance solutions you need and deserve.

Does My Home Insurance Cover Burglary?

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Carrying home insurance is the most effective way to protect what’s likely your biggest asset. It’s also the most reliable way to ensure the security of your family in the event that your home needs repairs. One of the most common threats to homeowners is burglary, so it stands to reason that E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving Bloomfield, NJ, often fields questions about whether or not home insurance covers burglary.

Understanding the Extent of Coverage

Most home insurance policies do cover burglary as a potential risk, but the extent of coverage will depend upon the terms of the policy. Therefore, you should carefully review the fine print to ensure that you have adequate protection as a homeowner in case your home is burgled.

Personal Property Coverage

Most home insurance policies include personal property coverage, which reimburses homeowners for stolen items. However, there are coverage limits, especially if you own high-value possessions like jewelry, electronics, and collectibles. Your policy may require additional endorsements or riders to cover expensive items like these fully.

Dwelling and Other Structures Coverage

Suppose a burglar damages a door or window to gain entry. In that case, dwelling coverage typically pays for repairs. Detached structures like sheds and garages may also be covered under the "other structures" portion of the policy.

Coverage Limits and Exclusions

Some policies exclude losses if the home was left unoccupied for an extended period or if the break-in was due to negligence, such as leaving doors unlocked. As mentioned above, cash and certain valuable items may have limited coverage unless extra protection is purchased.

For all the details pertaining to what your home insurance may or may not cover, contact your insurance representative at E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving Bloomfield, NJ. We look forward to assisting you soon!

As a Contractor, Why Do I Need Umbrella Insurance?

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What Contractors Need to Know About Umbrella Insurance

Whether you operate a modest business as a contractor providing specific services or if your business is larger and offers a wide range of services, having enough insurance coverage is a necessity. As a contractor, you already have the required insurance the state requires for Bloomfield, NJ, and the surrounding areas. Contractors are required to have coverage, such as general liability, commercial vehicle coverage, and workers’ compensation. With help from our team at E.S.T.I.R. Inc., we will explain the importance of having additional coverage to protect your business. This coverage is known as umbrella insurance.

About Umbrella Insurance

In simple terms, umbrella insurance serves as an extra layer of protection for your business. If your company is involved in an accident and claims are filed, umbrella insurance steps in. You must have other policies to qualify to purchase an umbrella insurance policy.

Umbrella Benefits

As a contractor, you may work on large projects. In the event of an accident, you are more prone to encounter high-dollar claims. With umbrella insurance in place, the policy provides the additional coverage needed when a claim exceeds your standard policy limits for coverage.

Having an umbrella insurance policy can save you money, especially on these large types of claims. The extra cover can distinguish between protecting your company and financial ruin due to a lawsuit.

Why Purchase Umbrella Insurance?

There are several reasons to consider purchasing umbrella insurance. These include financial security, protection on company assets, assurance of coverage for large claims, coverage of personal injury claims, and more.

Contact E.S.T.I.R.

Stay updated with the coverage needed to protect your business assets and provide peace of mind. Call us at E.S.T.I.R. for information about what’s involved in protecting Bloomfield, NJ businesses with an umbrella insurance policy.

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Policies for Your Employees

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As a business owner, it’s crucial to select the right types of insurance policies to protect your company’s assets. If your business is in the Bloomfield, NJ, area, our team at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. is ready to answer your questions and help you make the right insurance choices. We’ve been working with businesses in your area for over 23 years.

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Policies for Your Employees

When choosing an insurance policy for your employees, it’s important to analyze the needs of your employees and make a choice that will benefit the majority. Some employers survey their employees to determine the healthcare needs of the majority. You’ll need to decide whether your company will pay part of the overall premium for the employees and whether you are willing to pay part of the premium for their spouses and children.

There are many types of health insurance policies available to employees. For example, you may decide to choose an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), or an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization). Another choice to make is how the employees will pay for the balance of their healthcare services. For example, some companies choose a Flexible Spending Account, which reserves a specific amount of the employee’s salary for healthcare costs and makes that amount tax-free.

Contact Us Today for Your Appointment

We remain dedicated to our mission of serving our community by offering the best insurance options for area companies. Businesses in the Bloomfield, NJ, area can count on our experience and commitment to customer service. Working with our team at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. will provide you with the business expertise you need. Call us for an appointment today, and let’s talk about insurance.

Will Home Insurance Repair My Home After A Kitchen Fire?

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If your home has recently been damaged in a fire, your insurance policy could provide much-needed help. In such a situation, it’s important to know whether your home insurance policy covers fire damage and, if so, what steps you should take. The professionals at E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving Bloomfield, NJ, can assist you with this process. In this article, we’ll discuss home insurance coverage and what to do if you need to make a claim.

Does Homeowners Insurance cover Fire?

Most standard home insurance policies cover damage from fire. Talk to your insurance agent to confirm if your home insurance policy provides this type of coverage. Your insurance agent can provide information about your specific policy. You can also request a copy of your home insurance policy, which is good to have on hand.

What Should I Do If I Have a Claim On My Homeowners Insurance?

If your home has recently been damaged in a fire, talk to your insurance agent as soon as the situation is under control. Your first phone call should always be to emergency services. Once the fire is extinguished and you’re ready to start the recovery process, contact your insurance agent.

Your insurance agent can guide you to the forms that need to be filled out. You will need to save receipts and may be asked to take pictures of the damage. The insurance agency will likely send a claims adjuster to assess the damage to your property.

If you have questions, call E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving Bloomfield, NJ, today to learn more about how you can file a claim with your insurance agency.

AI, Automated Vehicles, and You – Get Auto Insurance with a Personal Touch

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In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, technology seems to surround us. From AI predicting our next moves to automated vehicles appearing in more towns and cities, technology is increasingly prevalent. However, when it comes to securing the protection and auto insurance we need, there are still people who can help. That’s why so many Bloomfield, NJ, area drivers turn to the team at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for all their auto insurance questions and needs.

AI, Automated Vehicles, and You – Get Auto Insurance with a Personal Touch

While technology is fantastic, some things require a human touch. Certain concerns and questions in life need more than an automated response or pre-programmed answer. When our new young driver gets behind the wheel for the first time, we want assurance from a human being, not a robot, that they will be alright and that our insurance will keep them covered.

If you live in or around the Bloomfield, NJ area and have questions about auto insurance that require a human response, we can help. Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment for the auto insurance you deserve today, with a human touch, at E.S.T.I.R. Inc.

Understanding Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) for Employers in Bloomfield, NJ

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As an employer in Bloomfield, NJ, it’s imperative to understand EPLI, or Employment Practices Liability Insurance, and what it means for you and your business. Employment-related claims can cause significant disruptions and downtime for your business, regardless of your company’s size or industry. Understanding EPLI for employers is a way to protect your business and yourself from allegations, including harassment, wrongful termination, employment-related issues, discrimination, and more. At E.S.T.I.R. Inc., we specialize in providing EPLI guidance and policies for employers who are currently active in the Bloomfield, NJ, region.

Understanding EPLI

EPLI (Employment Practices Liability Insurance) provides financial protection and legal defense costs for business owners and investors who are facing employment-related lawsuits. The right insurance policies can mean the difference between protecting your business or facing a serious and significant loss when faced with a potential lawsuit.

The Importance of EPLI for Business Owners in Bloomfield, NJ

  • Common Employment Claims: EPLI can help protect against wrongful termination, harassment, or discrimination claims while preserving and protecting your brand’s reputation.
  • Legal Fees and Settlements: On average, defending an employment claim can cost upwards of $125,000. EPLI helps to cover court costs, attorney fees, and even settlements or judgments linked directly to the case.
  • Rising Claims: The rise in employment claims in New Jersey increases the likelihood of facing a potential lawsuit, which makes EPLI a wise investment for any business owner.

If you are an employer in Bloomfield, NJ, and you are currently employing full-time staff members, it’s essential to consider EPLI. Finding the right EPLI policy is a must to protect your financial investments in your business while simultaneously protecting your peace of mind. For more information about EPLI in Bloomfield, NJ, as a business owner, contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for your consultation and quote today.

How Contractors Insurance Helps Minimize Lawsuits For Your Construction Business

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You may consider purchasing contractor insurance if you own a construction business in and around the greater Bloomfield, NJ, area. Here at E.S.T.I.R. Inc., we aim to help our local community better understand insurance products and how they can positively impact their businesses and lives. Here’s more information about how contractor insurance can help to minimize lawsuits for your construction business.

Provides Liability Coverage

Contractor insurance provides liability insurance. If an employee accidentally damages a home or equipment during a construction project, insurance will cover the damage or replace items, helping to protect you against liability-type lawsuits.

Protects Your Workers On the Job

Many types of contractor insurance policies also help protect your workers while on the job. If you have any employees, you are legally required to carry worker’s compensation insurance for all of your employees. If you fail to do so, those employees can sue you if they sustain injuries during the scope and course of their job.

Offers Professional Indemnity

Lastly, contractors’ insurance helps to minimize lawsuits by providing professional indemnity. If you get into disputes over poorly written contracts or due to errors and omissions in contracts, this type of insurance helps to cover your legal fees or any losses caused by these issues.

Ready to Learn More? Contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. Now

There are numerous benefits to purchasing contractors’ insurance and numerous ways these policies can help minimize lawsuits for your construction business. If you’re ready to learn more about this type of policy, including obtaining an estimate for a new policy in the greater Bloomfield, NJ area, contact us at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. today to get started.

Can My Insurance Agent at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. Give Me Quotes from Multiple Auto Insurance Providers?

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When you’re in the market for auto insurance, it’s important to shop around for the best, most affordable policy available. While shopping around can be a hassle, it becomes much easier when working with the agents at E.S.T.I.R. Inc., servicing Bloomfield, NJ. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of working with E.S.T.I.R. Inc.

Multiple Quotes Are Available

E.S.T.I.R. Inc. is an insurance agency that works with many different insurance carriers. At E.S.T.I.R. Inc., we can request different insurance carriers to produce quotes for your auto insurance policy. Each policy will have benefits to consider, and the price of each policy will vary by carrier.

Benefits of Working With an Independent Insurance Agent

An independent insurance agent is a type of insurance agent that works with different carriers. There are many benefits of working with independent insurance agents when getting auto insurance:

  • Many options to consider: Since an independent insurance agent works with many carriers, this gives their clients many choices to consider.
  • It is easier to find the right policy for you: An independent insurance agent can consider your many needs when choosing a policy and shop until they find the one that is best for you.
  • Not beholden to one insurance carrier: An independent insurance agent is not loyal to a specific insurance carrier; they’re loyal to you, the client.

Need Auto Insurance? Let Your Agent at E.S.T.I.R. Shop Around For You!

At E.S.T.I.R. Inc., servicing Bloomfield, NJ, we work with several types of insurance, so we can help you find the auto insurance that’s right for you. We’re dedicated to ensuring that our clients get the auto insurance they need! To learn more about how we can work with different carriers, give us a call today.