Author Archives: AgentInsure

Why You Need Homeowner’s Insurance in New Jersey

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Homeowners in Bloomfield, NJ should be well aware of the necessity of having homeowner’s insurance to protect their most valuable investment (their home). E.S.T.I.R. Inc. encourages anyone in the New Jersey area to look into homeowner’s insurance and find a plan and an agent that will assist you with the entire process. 

Homeownership comes with a plethora of responsibilities, and insurance acts as additional protection and support when you need it most. In New Jersey, the weather can get a bit unpredictable and your home may become damaged in a severe storm. Insurance protects your home from any weather-related damage. 

If your home is destroyed in a natural disaster or weather-related incident, a quality insurance policy can cover the costs of repairing or rebuilding it. 

Imagine your home getting destroyed and you are not only left to pick up the pieces, but you also have to take on the financial burden of repairing or rebuilding and finding somewhere to stay in the meantime. It’s too much stress to even fathom; another great reason to simply invest in homeowner’s insurance and not even give it a second thought.

Another reason is your personal property within the home – this can all be covered by an insurance policy. 

Think of all your clothing, electronics, furniture, and everything that means something to you in your home. If your home gets broken into or your personal property is somehow damaged or ruined, your insurance can often cover the costs here as well. 

Home insurance protects you in an endless number of "What If" situations. They may never happen, but if they do, you’ll be so glad you invested in a quality insurance plan. 

Contact the team at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for full-coverage insurance plans in Bloomfield, NJ.

Who should get auto coverage in New Jersey?

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Most people in the Bloomfield, NJ area are going to find that vehicle ownership is a good idea. With a car, you will have an easier time getting around the community and handling your personal responsibilities. If you are going to look for a vehicle in this area, spending time assessing your insurance needs is also important. There are various situations when getting this coverage will be necessary.

When Driving a Car

If you intend to drive a car on a public road when you are in this area of New Jersey, you are going to need to have auto insurance protection. This state requires that all motorists continue to carry liability insurance protection when they go out on a public road. With this support, you will have protection and coverage if you cause damage in a collision. If you don’t carry it, you will still be responsible for damages and will be in violation of state law.

When Financing a Vehicle

You also need to get this coverage if you want to finance your vehicle. Taking out auto loans is a good idea for a lot of vehicle owners. When you decide to take out a loan to buy a vehicle, you need to understand your insurance requirements. Most of the time, you will need a full plan with comprehensive coverage. 

Any vehicle owner in the Bloomfield, NJ area will want to know that they have the right auto coverage in place. If you want to get an insurance plan in this area, you would benefit greatly by calling the team with E.S.T.I.R. Inc. The insurance team with E.S.T.I.R. Inc. understands the benefits of this coverage and can help you identify your needs. This will be a great first step when it comes to building your next auto insurance plan. 

Will Sub-Contractors Get Coverage Under My Contractor Insurance Policy?

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Sub-contractors are critical to the success of any construction project. Contractors will bring in sub-contractors to help make their lives easier. These professionals can help finish Bloomfield, NJ projects with more speed, high levels of quality, and great execution all around. They also need insurance, but questions may arise as to whether your contractor’s insurance policy covers them? Will your contractor’s insurance policy provide subcontractor coverage? Let us take a closer look.

Coverage for Subcontractors

When looking at a standard contractor’s insurance policy, typically coverage has its limits. You will not usually see sub-contracts getting coverage. Insurance is usually only extended to you and your full-time employees in the event of an accident or claim of a covered loss.

There are things you can do though to ensure your sub-contractors get coverage. When buying your insurance policy, you can extend your contractor’s insurance policy to cover them. This will carry an increase in your premium but will allow you to freely bring in each sub-contractor and protect them on the job.  

The other option is that you will need to require each subcontractor you hire to carry their insurance. In this instance, you just want verification they have insurance before they begin work.  

Conclusion

You need to have a sound awareness of what your contractor’s insurance policy covers. If you have a large-scale project in Bloomfield, NJ do not let your insurance get in the way. Take action now and begin to better understand the state of sub-contractors on your insurance policy. Work with our team at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. starting today to nail down your insurance needs.  

How New Jersey Business Owners Can Alter Their Commercial Insurance Policies For Remote Workers

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E.S.T.I.R. Inc. is an independent insurance agency. We offer coverage to the Bloomfield, NJ community and the surrounding areas. We strive to ensure that our clients are protected when an emergency situation arises. Through working with multiple carriers, we are able to offer our clients multiple options.

How New Jersey Business Owners Are Impacted By Remote Workers

Commercial insurance helps your business continue to function. There are several risks associated with operating a business. Commercial insurance protects your business if your inventory is stolen or vandalized. Your property is also covered if it is damaged due to a fire or natural disaster. Liability coverage is another important part of your policy. You are covered if one of your customers is injured while they are visiting your establishment. You can also add business interruption coverage that gives you a safety net if your business has to shut down for a few months.

Over the last couple of years, research shows that remote working opportunities continue to rise. Perhaps you have added the ability to work remotely to your Bloomfield, NJ business. Worker’s compensation protects your business if one of your employees is injured in the workforce. Remote workers are eligible for worker’s compensation, as long as they are contracted, employees. Make sure that your remote employees are working in a safe environment. If necessary, you may ask for pictures of their home office.

Cyber-attacks are a major threat to the online workforce. Hackers are constantly looking for ways to infiltrate networks and corrupt data. Cyber liability coverage protects your business if you suffer a data breach that leads to your customers or employees having their personal information stolen. If your employees are using business equipment while working from home, commercial property insurance covers any damages.

E.S.T.I.R. Inc. Will Help You Protect Your Investment

Visit our website to learn more information about commercial insurance.  

Required Auto Insurance for New Jersey

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While every state has its own mandated coverage minimums for auto insurance, New Jersey’s laws are unique. The state allows for residents to have one of two different kinds of insurance policies. These are the basic policy and the standard policy. This can make it a bit more complicated to choose your auto insurance policy, but you can talk to an insurance agent about the choice. Just give us a call at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Bloomfield, NJ.

The Basic Policy

If you choose a basic policy, it will have smaller minimums than the standard policy. With a basic policy, you don’t have any bodily injury liability coverage, but there is some available if you want to add it to the policy. The basic policy has a small amount for property damage liability, paying for the damage you to do other people’s property. With a basic policy, you can’t add anything to this amount. There is a set amount in a basic policy for personal injury protection. This is payment for any injuries that you receive in an accident. This amount can’t be added to. Uninsured motorist coverage is not available with the basic policy. There is also no collision or comprehensive coverage, though it’s possible to get this added to the policy.

The Standard Policy

One of the biggest differences between a basic policy and a standard policy is that the standard policy allows you to add coverage onto the state-mandated minimums. A standard policy has bodily injury liability coverage for one person who is injured in an accident and a higher amount available for all those who are injured. You can add to this coverage as much as you see fit. Standard policies also have a small amount of property damage liability, and you can add to that as well. Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t required, but it is available if you want it. Comprehensive and collision coverage are also not required but available. 

Cover Your Vehicle

To get your auto policy, call us at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Bloomfield, NJ. 

How Home Insurance Protects You

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It’s great to own a home, but it does come with a number of important responsibilities. One of these is to have a home insurance policy covering your home from the day you buy it onward. Don’t go without this vital insurance coverage for even a single day. If you need home coverage, call us today at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Bloomfield, NJ.

Coverage for Your Home

One of the most important ways that home insurance covers you is to protect your house itself. If a covered disaster, accident or other incident were to cause damage to your home, your home policy would pay for the damages to it or pay to rebuild it if it’s destroyed. There are many accidents and calamities that can happen to homes and trying to pay for the damages yourself may be simply too much to afford. With this policy, you won’t have to worry about coming up with the money yourself to fix the problem. 

Coverage for Your Belongings

Another important way that this insurance keeps you protected is by covering everything that you keep inside your home. All of your belongings are protected against covered incidents, and this can help you to replace items that are ruined and to fix items that are damaged. This is valuable coverage because our possessions are often our biggest outlay of money next to our homes. 

Protecting Your Lifestyle

If your home were to be made uninhabitable after an accident, disaster, etc, your home policy would pay for you to live somewhere else while it gets fixed. This protects your lifestyle and standard of living. 

Call Us Now

If you need home coverage, don’t wait to call us. Contact us right away at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Bloomfield, NJ to find out more about these essential insurance policies.  

General Contractors Insurance Made Easy

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As a general contractor in Bloomfield, NJ, you are busy working at job sites, finding new projects to take on, and dealing with clients and their construction needs. The last thing you need to worry about is your insurance policy. Purchasing an insurance policy depends significantly upon the type of general contractor you are. 

For help to understand general contractor insurance, reach out to E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for additional information. 

What Is a General Contractor? 

A general contractor is a manager employed to oversee the construction of a project and is responsible for the overall coordination of jobs related to the project. Essentially, the general contractor is the person in charge of a construction project. 

What Is a Paper General Contractor? 

Paper general contractors are those who manage construction projects but do not do any physical work. Instead, these contractors hire subcontractors to do all the work for their clients. 

What Is a Working General Contractor? 

A working general contractor works in the field, only subcontracting jobs he is not certified or trained to complete. Most of the work is conducted by the working contractor’s company, 

Why Do I Need General Contractor Insurance? 

As a general contractor who hires subcontractors, you still need to get insurance coverage. Your general contractor insurance protects you from the many things that can happen when hiring subcontractors for jobs. Though subcontractors carry their insurance policies, your insurance covers you should anything happen on the job site, including theft and injury. 

Working general contractors need to carry liability insurance, which includes worker’s compensation. The insurance company bases general contractor premiums based on the risk, so working general contractors generally have a higher premium payment than paper contractors. 

Bloomfield, NJ contractors need to research and understand which insurance coverage is required for their type of work. The experts at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. are knowledgeable in contractor insurance and can help create the perfect plan for your needs. 

What to Consider when Purchasing Commercial Insurance

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If you are a business owner, then commercial insurance is crucial. There are many facets to consider when purchasing commercial insurance, so let E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serving the Bloomfield, NJ area, help you!

The best place to start when looking to purchase commercial insurance is to establish clearly what sort of business you are in. Are you in retail? Manufacturing? Childcare? Are you a working professional?

What are your assets and liabilities? Which of your assets are most at risk and need the most protection? Similarly, which part of your business is most at risk? For example, a retail business may be stock-heavy, and adequate coverage will be needed. 

Do I have employees? What insurance is available to me for my employees? Do they work in a dangerous environment or operate heavy equipment?

Do I have customers and suppliers on my premises? Will I need liability insurance?

Are natural disasters a regular occurrence? If yes, then what insurance is available for me? Is commercial insurance sufficient, or do I need additional insurance? Is there business interruption insurance included in my commercial insurance if I need it?

Do I own the building where my business is situated, or do I lease the building? What are the insurance requirements according to the lease? If the building has a glass storefront, is glass insurance included in my commercial insurance?

There are many areas to consider when purchasing commercial insurance. It is important to be very clear about what your business is and what your insurance needs are. E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serving the area of Bloomfield, NJ is there to help you find the most comprehensive insurance for your needs. Contact them today!

How Much Auto Insurance Coverage Do I Need?

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If you have faithfully been renewing your auto insurance premium — congratulations! However, at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Bloomfield, NJ, we have seen many clients walk away with uncovered expenses following an auto accident because they carry inadequate coverage. Given these ugly incidences, it’s time to step back and ask: how much auto insurance do I need? Establishing the right amount of auto insurance you need helps you plan before it’s too late. 

Here is a guide to help you establish the amount of auto insurance you need in New Jersey.

One that satisfies your state requirements

Most states require motorists to include certain coverages in their auto insurance. For instance, New Jersey requires all motorists to carry liability insurance and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in their car insurance. For any motorist, this becomes the basis of determining the amount of auto insurance you need.

As a rule of thumb, meeting your state-required minimums is not negotiable. This compliance helps you avert penalties and fines for not carrying valid auto insurance. 

How much collision and comprehensive coverage do I need?

These coverages pay for repairs or replacement of your car when it’s physically damaged. But how much do you need? You need coverage that takes care of your damages after factoring in your deductibles.

How much liability insurance should I buy?

While meeting the state requirements is superb, you need to increase your liability coverage for optimal protection. The amount of liability insurance to buy is one that can comfortably cover your lawsuits. For instance, a 250/500/100 coverage would be better than the 15/30/5 required in New Jersey. However, if you need more coverage, umbrella insurance would be perfect for you.

How much Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage do I need?

Well, it depends on whether you have a health insurance plan. While in some states, it’s optional, PIP is mandatory in New Jersey. You can stick to the state-required minimum if you have a good health insurance plan. But considering PIP is a good thing since it offers additional perks compared to health insurance. For instance, it covers partial loss of wages. 

Still unsure of how much auto insurance you need in Bloomfield, NJ? Please contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for more information.

Why do people in New Jersey need home insurance?

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Those that are in the Bloomfield, NJ area will have many housing options to consider. As you are looking for a new place to live, investing in your future and buying a home can be a great option. As you are looking for a home to buy, you also need to shop for a home insurance plan. A new home insurance policy in New Jersey could be needed for a few reasons. 

Coverage Provides Valued Protection

A reason that you will need to have home insurance here is because of the valued protection it provides. Your home is a major asset that will require you to make a big investment to purchase it. The best way that you can ensure this asset and investment will pay off is by getting the right insurance for it. Your home insurance plan will give the protection needed to cover your home. 

Coverage is Required

You should also get a home insurance plan in this area because it is likely going to be a requirement to carry coverage. A full home insurance plan is typically required by any mortgage provider. To ensure you do not have a coverage lapse, they may also require you to escrow your payments in an account each month. 

Homeownership continues to be a great housing option and goal for people in the Bloomfield, NJ area. As you are assessing your purchase options, you should also call E.S.T.I.R. Inc. to discuss your insurance needs. There are a lot of choices that come with picking a home insurance plan and E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can make the process easier for you. The team here can give you insight into your insurance options, which can help you build a plan that is ideal for your situation.