Home Insurance Policies: Your Options

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A home is not just a roof over your head; it’s probably the most valuable asset you own. What does that mean? You most likely spent years saving for it. Is it something you can replace out of your pocket if disaster strikes? Of course not.

The risk of losing your Bloomfield, NJ home and not able to buy or build another one is the sole reason you need to contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. They will help you choose a policy to protect your home.

What Does Home Insurance Do?

A home insurance policy will cover you in the event of the destruction of your home or damage to your personal items. It will also cover costs in case someone else is injured within your home or someone else’s property is destroyed.

Types of Home Insurance

Home insurance is available in various standard types that are worthwhile to know. They include:

HO-3

This is the most common home insurance policy. It covers home damage from almost all causes part from few exemptions such as floods and earthquakes. For personal belongings, HO-3 will cover damage from 16 named perils.

HO-5

This policy covers all causes except those specified by name. HO-5 is an open-perils policy that will only list what the insurance company does not cover. Some common exceptions include:

  • Power failure
  • Collapse
  • War
  • Discharge of pollutants
  • Mechanical breakdown

HO-1 and HO-2

These are less popular policies that cover issues listed in the agreement. Between the two, HO-1 covers even a shorter list of issues than HO-2. Typically, these policies cover the 16 named perils only.

Other types of home insurance policies include:

  • HO-4- Insurance for renters
  • HO-6- Insurance for condominium
  • HO-7- Insurance for mobile homes
  • HO-8- Insurance for older homes

Having home insurance is not a guarantee that your home will be safe from damage. What it does is give you financial backing if the unforeseen occurs.

If you need to purchase home insurance in Bloomfield, NJ you’re lucky to have agents ready to help you out. E.S.T.I.R. Inc. will assist you to choose a policy that best suits your needs. Get in touch today for more information. 

Does Your Company Need Contractors Insurance?

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If you’re working as a contractor in New Jersey and you have your own company, being insured is a very important part of protecting the investment in your business. Contractor’s insurance can help reduce your liability and make it easier for you to focus on the job at hand. You want to get things done and build up your company, not spend time worrying about whether you’re covered. By working with our knowledgeable agents at E.S.T.I.R. Inc., your Bloomfield, NJ area company can get the proper coverage and you can have more peace of mind.

There are different companies that offer insurance for contractors, and there are also some different types and levels of coverage. Because of that, it’s a good idea to work with professionals to make sure you’re getting the protection that’s really right for you, instead of just the basics or something that doesn’t really fit your business model. Depending on several factors surrounding your business, you may need more or less coverage than you would expect. But our agents are here to help you with that, so you can determine what’s needed, choose a policy that works for your needs, and get back to running your business.

Reach out to us today at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. if you’re in the Bloomfield, NJ area and need contractor’s insurance. You might be just starting up your company, or maybe you’ve been working at it for years and just need to update your policy. No matter what questions you have about this type of insurance, you’re coming to the right place by working with us for your coverage needs. We’ll make sure you have all the information you need, so you can make an informed choice about the insurance policy that’s best for your business.

Commercial Insurance Can Mean Quality Protection

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When it comes to having the right kind of protection for your business, commercial insurance can be the right choice. But these kinds of insurance policies aren’t needed for every business. The policy can also vary quite a bit, depending on the kind of business you have and other factors. If you’re not sure about the right policy for your company, talking to E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can help. For anyone in business in the Bloomfield, NJ area, we can work to find a policy that will give your business the protection it needs. That means you’ll have peace of mind, so you can focus on running your business.

Whether you need commercial coverage depends on several things. If you’re working from home and everything’s done online, for example, you might not need a commercial policy. But that could also depend on the kind of business you have and how it’s operated. For companies that have employees, and those that have customers coming through their doors, a commercial policy is generally assumed to be a necessity. That’s because both employees and customers can become injured or have other issues with your business, and you’ll want to be sure you’ve got good protection from any claims that are made.

Reach out to us today at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. and let us help you find the right commercial insurance policy for your company. If you’re in or around the Bloomfield, NJ area, we can work with you to find coverage that’s going to give you protection and peace of mind. Then you can put your worries about insurance to rest and enjoy working on building a business you’re happy with. There are great policies available that will give you plenty of security for your company, and we want to help you choose the right one for your needs.

What Is and Isn’t Covered by Home Insurance

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Home insurance isn’t “one size fits all.” Policies vary to suit your individual needs. Most policies offer dwelling, property, and liability protection to protect your home structure, possessions, and personal assets against accidents on your property. By reviewing your home coverage with your E.S.T.I.R. Inc. agent, you’ll have a better idea of what is and isn’t included in your policy.

What Standard Home Insurance Covers in Bloomfield, NJ

Standard home policies offer the following coverage:

  • Dwelling – to protect your Bloomfield NJ home and attached structures  such as a garage
  • Additional Structures Coverage – to protect structures not attached to your home such as a fence or utility shed
  • Property – to protect your belongings  
  • Liability – to protect you against accidents that occur on your property

You decide the scope and amount of coverage you want to protect your investments. By assessing the value of your home and goods, you’ll have a better idea of how much coverage to choose to fully protect your assets.

Keep in mind that standard policies have limits on property coverage. If you own high-end goods, such as posh jewelry or original artwork, you may need to purchase additional coverage to fully protect these costly items.

Standard home insurance generally covers theft and damage caused by fire, vandalism, and certain natural disasters like severe storms, hail, lightning strikes, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

What’s NOT Covered by Home Policies

If you run a business from your home, your business equipment and inventory (if stored in your home or garage) is generally not covered by your home policy.

Home insurance also doesn’t cover earthquake or flood damage to your home or belongings. You can, however, purchase separate insurance for these disasters.

To learn more about home insurance, contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving residents in Bloomfield, NJ, and surrounding communities.

Required Auto Insurance in New Jersey

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In New Jersey, having car insurance is mandatory, and it comes with several minimums that your insurance policy must meet. The state is a no-fault state that results in your insurance coverage paying for your medical bills from an injury even if you are at fault for the accident. If you need auto insurance in New Jersey, contact us at E.S.T.I.R. Inc in Bloomfield, NJ to find out more. 

State Minimum Insurance Coverages

In New Jersey, there are hefty penalties for not having car insurance, and that can include jail time. To avoid punishment, you need insurance that meets the state’s mandatory minimums for each required coverage type. There is a specific minimum amount that you have to have to pay for each person’s bodily injury as well as an amount for all of the bodily injuries that are caused by the accident. You also have to have a specific amount to cover your liability for property damage. Another mandatory coverage type is a specific minimum amount for covering bodily injury to an uninsured motorist. There is also coverage required for property damage done during an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. 

Other Auto Coverage

When you have all of the state’s required minimums for coverage, you don’t have any protection for your own vehicle’s damage. Collision and comprehensive insurance cover your vehicle, though it isn’t mandatory to carry this coverage. It’s a good idea to have it, however, as without it you would have to pay for all of your vehicle repairs out of pocket. 

Make Your Appointment

To get the auto coverage you need, contact us at E.S.T.I.R. Inc in Bloomfield, NJ, and make your appointment to talk to an insurance agent about the best coverage for you. 

How Winter Snow May Impact Commercial Insurance Policies

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E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serves the Bloomfield, NJ community by offering residents multiple types of insurance coverage. We want to help our clients find policies that will allow them to enjoy a secure lifestyle. We value creating long-lasting relationships with our clients.

How Winter Snow May Impact Commercial Insurance Policies

Small business owners are valuable to the Bloomfield, NJ community. However, operating a business on a daily basis comes with a lot of risks and responsibilities. Commercial insurance allows you to protect the future of your business. The policy covers any damage to your property, as well as your inventory. You’ll also be covered if your equipment is vandalized or stolen. As the season’s change and things start to get colder, some of the potential risks that your business may deal with start to increase. Heavy snow has the potential to cause serious problems if you are not prepared.

Liability coverage is extremely important. During snowy conditions, ice may develop. If one of your customers slips and falls on the ice while visiting your business, liability coverage will protect you. Consider the benefits of worker’s compensation as well. Your employees face the same conditions as they are coming to work. Worker’s compensation protects the interests of your business and your employees if an accidental injury occurs. Make sure that the snow is shoveled regularly around your business and put some ice down as well.

If you use vehicles as part of your business, you can add coverage to your policy. This is important, as winter driving can be very dangerous at times. The commercial coverage will protect your vehicle if you are involved in a collision while traveling through the snow. Also, consider adding uninsured coverage so that you will be protected if you are involved in an accident with someone who is not covered.  

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

A Look At Some Common Misconceptions About Contractor Insurance

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E.S.T.I.R. Inc. assists the Bloomfield, NJ community through helping residents find insurance coverage. For over 25 years, we have helped our clients find policies specifically designed to meet their individual needs. We will work diligently to help you find the coverage that you deserve.

Common Misconceptions About Contractor Insurance

If you are a contractor in the Bloomfield, NJ area, it’s important that you protect the future of your services. Contractor insurance protects your business from an assortment of different risks that you face on a daily basis. Your assets are protected in case an accident causes damages. You can enjoy peace of mind so that the future of your business is not impacted. Liability coverage will protect you if something goes wrong while you are operating your product. While researching different contractor insurance policies, learn about these common misconceptions.

You may have heard that worker’s compensation isn’t necessary. This is not true, as worker’s compensation assists your services regardless if you have a large number of employees. Accidents can happen at any time, so it is important that you consider the benefits of worker’s compensation. Without it, you may find yourself liable in a potential situation. Perhaps you believe that you don’t have to protect your employees if they don’t have their own coverage. This is incorrect. If your employees suffer a serious injury while working on a project, you may still be held liable without worker’s compensation.

Also, if you are using vehicles for your contractor’s work, make sure that you have a separate policy to cover the vehicle in case you are involved in a collision. If you are planning to work on a large project in the future, consider adding umbrella coverage to protect you in case an emergency happens.

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

Visit our website to learn more information about contractor insurance.  

Auto Insurance Tips To Assist New Jersey Drivers During The Winter

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E.S.T.I.R. Inc. provides insurance coverage to the Bloomfield, NJ community, as well as the surrounding areas. We strive to establish long term relationships with our clients. As an independent agency, we can help you find a custom policy specifically designed to suit your needs.

Auto Insurance Tips For The Winter

Auto insurance protects your vehicle as you travel around Bloomfield, NJ. The policy covers your vehicle if it is damaged or stolen. Comprehensive coverage is an asset if your vehicle gets damaged due to a natural disaster or is stolen. While you are preparing for the winter, here are things to consider regarding your auto insurance policy.

Check Your Tires

During the winter, driving becomes extremely dangerous at times. The likelihood of you being involved in an accident increases. However, one of the main ways that you can prevent a potential collision is by performing proper maintenance on your tires. Make sure that your tires have the appropriate air pressure to stabilize your vehicle. As the weather gets colder, your tires will start to lose pressure. You may need to replace all of your tires in order to ensure that you are safe on the road.

It is also important to make sure that the internal parts of your car are working properly. Schedule an oil change and check the fluids in your engine. Make sure that you have a good supply of antifreeze. Consider scheduling a tune-up as well.

During inclement weather, it can be difficult to see things clearly while you are driving. Make sure that you have a case of windshield wiper fluid and all of your lights are working properly. This will drastically reduce the likelihood that you will be involved in a collision with another vehicle while you are driving.

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

Visit our website to learn more information about auto insurance.  

Do I need home insurance when my mortgage is paid off

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Owning a home is what most Amerian strive for. You get approved for a mortgage and then chose your home insurance. Your lender will require that you protect their investment. Unlike car insurance, home insurance is not legally required by the state. Twenty-five or thirty years later you are through with the monthly mortgage payments and you may be wondering if getting rid of the home insurance payment would be a good idea. At E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Bloomfield, NJ, we are a local Independent agency that has been providing service in the area for 23 years. 

Before you decide to let your home insurance laps it is important to consider the protection that it provides. 

Building protection

If your home is hit by a covered peril, your home insurance will provide the money you need to repair or replace your home. It covers the main building, all the attached structures, and some detached as well. It also covers the systems in your house electric, pumping, and HVAC.  

Contents

All of your personal possession are in your home. Your furniture, your appliances, your Christmas decorations, electronics, your clothes, your jewelry, the contents of your kitchen, your linen closet, and even more. 

Liability

One of the most valuable protections that home insurance offers is liability protection. No one wants to believe they will ever get sued but it is a real possibility. Your home insurance offers a layer of protection against a judgment against you. 

Loss of use

If your home is uninhabitable because of a covered peril you will need somewhere to stay. Your home insurance will help to pay for a place you can call home until your home gets back to normal. 

Home insurance offers a lot of valuable protection and even when your mortgage is paid off it is worth keeping. If you have any questions  E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Bloomfield, NJ has the answers that you need. Give us a call or stop by our office and let us give you a quote. 

Why Having Contractor Insurance Is so Important

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Contractor insurance is extremely important to have no matter what type of service you offer. The agents at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can assist contractors in the Bloomfield, NJ area in finding the insurance they need to protect themselves and their business from various types of liability. Understanding what risks they face on a day to day basis is the key to having the coverage they need for peace of mind.

Protects Your Assets

Contractor insurance protects your assets, covering damages, and providing compensation for repairs that are needed to keep your business running smoothly. Without your equipment and other assets, you can’t operate your business. Making sure you have adequate coverage is essential. 

Reduces Your Personal Liability

Contractor insurance also includes specific types of liability insurance. Liability insurance covers injuries, defective workmanship, and product liability. With the right type of liability coverage, you can protect yourself and business from financial disaster.

Protects Your Business 

Your business is your livelihood. With contractor insurance, your business will be protected on many different levels, ensuring its financial security and protecting you from losing your investment. You invest not only your money but also your time and your passion. Protecting your business with the right type of contractor insurance is the best way to maintain positive growth, even during difficult times.

At E.S.T.I.R. Inc., each agent has special training that gives them the knowledge they need to help Bloomfield, NJ contractors protect their business. Contractor insurance is not only an investment in your business, it is a security blanket that will protect your business as well as your personal interests from financial disaster. Schedule a meeting with your agent so that you can learn more about your contractor’s insurance policy and how it is benefiting your business.