Why Contractors Need Contractor Insurance

In today’s global economy many businesses are turning to the large workforce of independent contractors to help reach their business goals while not adding full-time employees. Typically when one thinks of coverage for contractors one thinks of construction and physical projects; however, making sure your contractors are covered with adequate insurance is just as important when you are hiring contractors for other services such as IT and consulting. If you are a business in the Newark, NJ, area and are wondering if your contractors are carrying adequate insurance, please reach out to an agent at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. who can answer all of your questions.  

It is essential to make sure your contractors have a general liability policy that will cover damages the contractor causes to a third party. In addition, a liability policy can also provide coverage for property damage caused by the contractor.

Another vital coverage to require when contracting with an independent contractor is professional liability coverage also known errors and omission coverage. An E&O policy helps cover costs associated with a financial a loss as a result of an error or omission by the contractor. If you are hiring contractors for a specific task such as cybersecurity, you will want to make sure the contractor has special coverage for cybersecurity work.

If you are hiring a contractor who uses their vehicle to conduct the services they are providing, it is essential that they carry business vehicle insurance.

Often contractors will carry a Business Owner Policy that bundles all of the significant coverages into one policy.

Depending on the nature of your business and the type of contractors you are hiring, you should require specific insurance that best protects your business. If you have a business and you are unsure if you are requiring appropriate insurance from your contractors, please reach out to a specialist at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. We proudly serve the Newark, NJ area.

 

Getting the Right Commercial Insurance Policy is Vital for Your Business

Businesses have different insurance needs than consumers, and when it comes to getting the right policy for your business you want to be sure you have what you actually need. With that in mind, E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can help with your Newark,  NJ business insurance needs. Whether you have a small, home-based business or a large industrial operation, or anything and everything in between, the right policy is critical. You have to protect your customers, but you also have to protect yourself and your employees and business, as well.

There are a number of great ways to increase the level of protection you give to everyone involved with your company, but one of those ways is to have a commercial insurance policy you know is right for your needs. Every business is different, and what needs to be covered in an office setting is far different than the kind of coverage needed in a factory. The number of employees, type of business, location, and whether customers are going to be on-site all matter. The right agent will ask questions, listen to your concerns, and ensure that they are advising you about the best policy for your needs.

Reaching out to E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Newark, NJ is a great way to get the commercial insurance policy you need. Then you’ll have the coverage you want, and the peace of mind you need, to keep your business protected now and in the future. You’ll also have an agent you can work with, and one that can answer your questions and make changes to your policy anytime you need it. That will help protect your investment in the business, and also reduce your liability when it comes to injuries and other risks a business takes during normal operation.

Why You Should Make Sure Contractors Have Contractors Insurance When Hiring One

Prior to hiring a contractor, it is important that you make sure that a contractor has contractors insurance. If they do not have this type of insurance and they make a mistake or injure themselves on your property, it could be detrimental to you. At E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving the greater Newark, NJ area, we want you to understand why this type of insurance is so important. Here is what you need to know about contractors insurance. 

What Contractors Insurance Is

Contractors insurance is primarily designed to help cover the work a contractor does on your home or property. If the contract makes a mistake and it damages your home, or if the work needs to be repaired due to faults, the insurance covers the damage and repairs that are needed. In addition to this, contractors insurance also covers the contractor in case they are injured while on your property. 

The Importance of Ensuring Contractors You Hire Have Contractors Insurance

If a contractor doesn’t have contractors insurance, they can come after your homeowner’s insurance if they are injured on your property. Additionally, you may have to pay out of pocket if they damage your home and do not have the right type of insurance to cover it. As such, it is important to ensure they always have contractors insurance before hiring them to complete any work. 

Contractors insurance is important to both the contractor and the homeowner utilizing the services of the contractor. If you are a contractor without contractors insurance, homeowners may be wary about hiring you. Contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving the greater Newark, NJ area today to learn more about obtaining this type of insurance policy. 

Rising Legal Costs Kills Small Businesses Prematurely

Guess what the number one killer of small businesses in Newark, NJ tends to be in the first year? It’s not competition or licensing. It’s not physical location start up costs or business licenses. And it’s not the cost of labor, even though employees can be expensive.

Give up?

It’s litigation. When the cost of an attorney runs well over $300/hour and a full case cost just to get to court day for the actual trial can exceed $500,000 it’s no surprise many small businesses just don’t have the assets or liquid cash to take on such a challenge. Add in the fact that many small businesses are not separate entities and instead are sole proprietorships or partnerships, then bankruptcy is obviously the only path of quick resolution and limitation of costs getting out of control.

And it doesn’t take much for a business to trigger a lawsuit either. From what E.S.T.I.R. Inc. staff have seen, the typical claim can come from anything ranging from a contract dispute to the physical store address not being designed properly for consumers with disabilities to pass freely. Right or wrong, legal interactions are painfully expensive and even just settling them quickly can cost in the thousands of dollars, both in terms of payouts as well as paying for the business’ own representation.

However, running the gauntlet on a legal baccarat table doesn’t have to be your choice starting a business. It’s ludicrous to spend all that energy, money and time trying to make a new company thrive only to see it all taken away in one legal filing. That’s where commercial insurance comes in as a critical safety net protection. E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can provide your business the critical understanding it needs to choose the right policy for operations. And their expert staff can help Newark, NJ businesses of all types, regardless of industry.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage in Newark, NJ

Accidents are a facet of daily life. They can happen anywhere, including the workplace. Sometimes, employees get injured as a result of these accidents. Who is to blame for the injury? If the injury is work-related the employer will most likely be at fault. And paying workers’ compensation can be expensive for a company. That’s why holding workers’ compensation insurance is a necessity for employers. With workers’ compensation insurance, the employee will be compensated no matter who was at fault.

Requirements

In fact, it’s mandatory in New Jersey for employers to hold commercial workers’ compensation insurance. This mandate protects the employer and the employee. The employer is protected because they won’t have to pay medical and other benefits out-of-pocket. The employee is protected because they don’t have to go through a lengthy court proceeding. The employee will be compensated in a timely manner.

Employees or other individuals are encouraged to report employers that don’t hold workers’ compensation insurance. It’s illegal in New Jersey for a business, with employees, to operate without this coverage. A concerned party may contact the Office of Special Compensation Funds for more information.

An injured employee should report their accident as soon as possible. After an injury is reported, the employer should advise their insurance provider immediately. The insurance provider will determine if the injury is compensable. If so, the insurance provider will begin coordinating the compensation.

Contact Us

We at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. are happy to have been serving the greater Newark, NJ area for 23 years. Our agents offer workers’ compensation insurance and can answer any questions you may have. We have two offices located conveniently located in Newark, NJ and Princeton, NJ. Contacted E.S.T.I.R. Inc. today to learn more about how we can assist in protecting your business.

Start Your Business Right

Becoming a contractor can be a profitable decision. Payscale.com’s statistics denote a general contractor makes an average of $29.76, which is equivalent to $61,900 per year. While developing a marketing plan is vital in the initial stages, getting contractor’s insurance from E.S.T.I.R. Inc. should be on the top of the list of tasks to complete. We serve Newark, NJ and the surrounding area. 

1. Determine Your Target Audience

Depending on what service you’re offering, your target audience may vary. You should craft most of your marketing efforts to focus on your target audience. 

2. Develop a Marketing Plan

Think carefully about the different ways you want to market your services such as on social media, Craig’s List and even in the business’ of people you know. You may even want to hire a marketing expert or a writer to enhance your marketing efforts. 

3. Licensure

If you’re not currently licensed for what you do, you should check into the state laws to determine if you must have certain licensure to practice. Keep in mind, obtaining the licensure, even if it’s not required, can help you draw in customers. People will feel more confident in your skills if you’ve obtained professional licensure. 

4. Further Your Skills

You may want to take classes to improve your skills or enhance the skill set you have. That way, you’re able to perform the job more satisfactory or offer other services to make you more versatile. 

5. Get Insurance

It doesn’t matter how good you are, accidents happen, and you don’t want to lose your business over a mishap. Always have insurance to protect in the event something goes unexpectedly. 

To get a quote for contractor insurance, contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. at 609-688-1800 today. We serve Newark, NJ and the surrounding area.  

How Can Your Company Benefit from Business Interruption Coverage?

Business interruption insurance can protect your business from financial ruin in the event of an unexpected disaster. If your business has to shut down due to extensive damage to your building or products, business interruption coverage provides the financial means to sustain your enterprise until you get back on your feet.

Judging from recent events, disasters can strike at any time. Smart business owners will secure their future by obtaining the right insurance coverage for their needs. At E.S.T.I.R. Inc. we can help you obtain a business interruption policy geared to your individual situation. Here are some of the ways business interruption coverage can benefit your Newark, NJ firm.

Replaces Lost Revenue

Extensive damage to your business property or goods could cause your business to close temporarily until repairs can be made. A shut down will result in loss of business income. In the meantime, your company has to continue paying its bills. It may even incur other expenses due to the disruption of business. If a disaster destroys your workplace and you need to vacate the premises temporarily until repairs are made, your business interruption policy will cover lost revenue until you get back on your feet

Business Expenses

Business interruption coverage will also pay for fixed business expenses such as your rent and utilities during your shutdown so you don’t have to pay these expenses out of pocket. Depending on your business interruption policy, you can also get reimbursement for:

  • Rental of a new temporary location
  • Cost of moving to and operating from a new location
  • Employee wages

Any time you shut down a business you run the risk of losing customers to competitors. With business interruption coverage from E.S.T.I.R. Inc. Newark, NJ, you benefit from financial resources to secure your business until you can get back on your feet.

Four mistakes that could unnecessarily raise your car insurance premiums

You need to put money toward car insurance, but there is a lot of variation in how much you can spend on a policy depending on factors like coverage options and discounts. Unfortunately, a lot of motorists don’t put enough time and thought into their insurance and end up overspending.

The following are four mistakes that could unnecessarily raise your car insurance premiums:

Buying only the minimum coverage required by law

The minimum coverage required by law is typically only going to cover damage your vehicle causes other vehicles or property in an accident. It’s not going to cover damage to your own vehicle.

If your car is worth a significant amount of money, it’s a good idea to get collision coverage.

Neglecting to look into discounts you’re eligible for

There are various discounts out there for those who have taken driver safety courses or are students with good grades, for example.

Making payments monthly rather than bi-annually

Most car insurance providers are going to give you the option of either paying for a policy upfront that will last for six months or paying month by month. There is typically a discount that goes along with paying upfront. This means that, if you can afford to, you should pay upfront to save money over the long term.

Insisting on a very low deductible

A lot of motorists don’t like the idea of a higher deductible because it means that they’re going to have to shell out more cash in the event of an accident. However, lower deductibles typically mean higher premiums and could cost more in the long run.

If you want to learn more about saving money on car insurance in Newark, NJ, get in touch with E.S.T.I.R. Inc.

5 Reasons Every Small Business Needs Commercial Insurance

It’s an exciting time to open a business in Newark, NJ! To help new small businesses, E.S.T.I.R. Inc. has put together this helpful list of everything you need to know about commercial insurance.

Legally Required Insurance

In New Jersey, most employers are required to have some type of workers’ compensation coverage or be qualified for self-insurance. Most small businesses in the state purchase a commercial policy that at least covers the legal compensation requirements. However, a commercial policy that offers coverage that goes beyond the legal requirements can be hugely beneficial.

Property Damage

A commercial insurance policy can cover the cost of repair or replacement to your property should it become damaged by yourself or an employee.

Bodily Injury

If a customer or visitor is injured while on your property, this type of insurance could cover that person’s medical expenses. This coverage can extend to injuries causes by yourself or an employee at another person’s work place or home if you were there for business reasons.

Personal Injury

Commercial insurance could cover the costs of non-physical damages, such as those that infringe on a person’s rights, reputation, or that result from some form of perceived discrimination.

Legal Costs

Should you need to defend yourself and your business in court, a commercial insurance policy could cover the cost of your legal defense and judgments. This includes legitimate suits as well as lawsuits deemed to be “frivolous”.

There are many other situations where commercial insurance can be the perfect safety net for a small business owner. Call E.S.T.I.R. Inc. today to discover more options you have to protect the future of your business!

Who decides how much my damages are worth?

If you have a homeowners insurance policy with E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Newark, NJ, you probably know your policy limits.  But you probably don’t know how damages are assessed, and what you will need to have to recover your damages in case of loss. The State of New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance recommends you understand how insurance works before choosing your limits and comparing policies.

If you do not have enough insurance, you may not be able to cover your losses in case of an event, such as fire or theft. You may assume that your possessions have a certain value, when in fact the value has gone down over time because of depreciation. Depreciation can be caused by wear and tear, or it may happen because something like a television or computer loses value as newer versions replace it.

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

You will be able to choose a policy which allows you to replace your valuables, or one which compensates you for their actual cash value. 

The Replacement Cost does not mean the cost for finding the exact same item, but it allows you to replace the loss with something like it and of the same quality, minus the cost of depreciation. If you opt for a policy which gives you Actual Cash Value, you will be able to get the amount needed to repair or replace your property minus depreciation.

Even if you have think you have obtained the right amount of coverage to cover any losses you could incur on your home, it is important to make sure that your policy reflects what you need. Call E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Newark, NJ to discuss your policy or see if you would like to add more coverage.