When Is It Time to Purchase Commercial Insurance?

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If you already own any type of business and you’re asking yourself this question, the answer is yesterday. If your business is not yet started but is in the works, now is a perfect time to talk to an insurance agent at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. to discuss your options.

The best time to purchase commercial insurance is in the planning stage of your business. This way you have time to work with your insurance agent to build the perfect policy for your needs. By talking about the vision for your business with your insurance agent, you can work with them to create your customized plan. When you talk to your agent as you’re planning your business and your insurance plan, you can discuss the types of coverage you’ll need such as property, liability, business interruption coverage, and more.

Just as important as buying your initial commercial insurance policy is updating your policy as your business grows and your needs change. For example, if you move from a home business to a brick and mortar office space, it’s definitely time to revisit your policy. This is especially important if you were initially insuring your business through your homeowner’s policy instead of through a commercial insurance policy. If you wait to make changes or buy new insurance, you could be left with gaps and devastating losses in the event of an incident at your business.

It doesn’t matter how big or small your business is, if it’s not already insured, it needs to be right away. If your business is located in or near Newark, NJ, contact an agent at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. right away to discuss your commercial insurance options. We’ll work with you to create the perfect policy for your business. 

5 Auto insurance myths

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With so much information across the internet about auto insurance, it is hard to weed out misleading information from the facts. Myths aside, the process of buying a car insurance policy can be daunting especially for first-time buyers in Newark, NJ. We debunk the 5 most common auto insurance myths:-

Your credit rating has no effect on your premium amounts
Most insurance companies refer to your credit history when determining your premium rates. A suitable credit rating shows that you are able to manage your financial affairs well and less likely to file for an insurance claim.

Your gender does not count when it comes to your premium rates
More often than not, women tend to pay lower insurance rates than men. This is because they are considered safer drivers. That being said, your driving record also influences your insurance rates. 

Your comprehensive insurance policy covers anything stolen from your car
An auto insurance coverage pays for repairs to damages caused during the vehicle’s break-in rather than the cost of the stolen items. However, a renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy could compensate for such. 

Higher premium rates mean more coverage
Insurance plans differ from one company to another, thus the difference in pricing. As well, the structure of an insurance company has a huge effect on the premium rates. For instance, your insurer could be working with brokers whom they have to pay a commission resulting in higher premiums. 

One ticket automatically results in a higher premium 
While you need to avoid any traffic violations and incidents, a single ticket does not imply an increase in your premium amounts. Nevertheless, a higher number of traffic violations could skyrocket your rates.

Do you need to understand more about auto insurance in Newark, NJ? Get in touch with E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for a free estimate on your auto insurance coverage. 

Get an Insurance Review as Part of Home Renovations

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New room additions, finishing a basement or an attic, adding a bathroom, and other renovation projects improve a home and increase its value. When considering a renovation project it is also important to talk with your agent at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serving Newark, NJ and the surrounding areas. You will want to upgrade home insurance coverage to include the construction costs of the renovations to make sure you have adequate coverage.

Covering the Cost of Renovations

Consulting with your agent while making plans for the renovations is a good idea because it is better to have coverage in place before the work is underway, just to make sure there is adequate protection during the entire process. Your agent can give you sound advice on the coverage needed and you can work with the construction estimates until the project is completed and all the final costs are in.

If you do not already have replacement cost coverage for your home, an insurance review along with a renovation project is a good time to consider it and to upgrade home insurance. Older homes may be under-insured simply due to the rising costs of construction and home repairs.

Many Homes Are Uninsured

Not having adequate home insurance is a common problem in the United States. A recent study by the research firm CoreLogic found that 60% of American homes have insurance that is an average of 20% less than replacement value. Many homeowners are not even aware of this problem and only learn about this fact after a catastrophe occurs. This is why it is very beneficial to be proactive about getting adequate home insurance and a renovation project is an especially good time to take care of this.

It is very wise to make sure your insurance needs are not neglected and your coverage is adequate. Contact your agent at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Newark, NJ to have a comprehensive home insurance review and get a quote for any needed upgrade to cover the costs of a renovation project.

FAQs About Contractor’s Insurance in New Jersey

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Are you a contractor with a growing business? Or have you been established for many years, yet are still not sure if all of your insurance needs are met? At E.S.T.I.R. Inc. we want the community business owners to be fully protected in case of any event. Here are some commonly asks questions about contractor’s insurance in Newark, NJ.

  • Is it a legal requirement to have contractor’s insurance in NJ? Commercial general liability with a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence is the requirement in NJ. It is not only legally required but the law also states that you must post the certificate of insurance and the telephone number of the insurance agency issuing it at your job site. 
  • Do I need an umbrella policy? The answer depends on your situation. A general liability policy covers one million at most if your project or potential risk is higher than that umbrella policies can cover up to ten million in a typical case. 
  • Why Would I need more than the minimum, I am just a small business? There are big risks in the contractor’s business regardless of the size of the job. For example, the materials you are working with and the whole job site may only amount to 100,000 which is within the range of minimum coverage. However, what if you lose a finger to a band saw? Or an employee gets severely wounded by a pressure washer? There are a million variations of bodily harm risk that makes a higher coverage-worthy. 

Contact us at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. if you have any further questions about contractor’s insurance or if you are ready to update your policy. We proudly serve business owners in and around Newark, NJ.

2 Things to Reassess as a Homeowner

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Owning a home is a major accomplishment. Even if you don’t own it outright because you are still making a monthly mortgage payment, you can at least rest easy at night knowing you are investing money toward a piece of property and a home that you are going to one day own in full. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to make sure you are doing all you can to protect your asset and to increase its value as much as possible. Here at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serving Newark, NJ, we would like to share two things you should always reassess as a homeowner. 

Your Insurance Coverage

On a yearly basis, you should reassess your homeowner’s insurance to make sure you are being provided with enough coverage. Thankfully, it’s quite easy to do this when you have a qualified insurance agent in your corner. For many people, insurance needs will not vary from one year to the next, but for some, especially for those who do home improvements, insurance needs can vary greatly and it is of the utmost importance that insurance policies be adjusted accordingly.

Potential Home Improvement Projects

It’s also a good idea as a homeowner to think about the many home improvement projects you can carry out, like having a new roof installed. Not only will having a new roof installed help to better protect your home and your belongings, but it can also increase the value of your home. Other projects you will want to consider include updating the kitchen, adding a bathroom, and having an outdoor patio area incorporated into the home’s existing exterior. All of these projects add comfort and value to the home. 

To learn more about being a smart homeowner and the various things you should reassess on a regular basis, please contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serving Newark, NJ today.

Do I Have to Have Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

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If you have never gone out and purchased a new or used vehicle, then there are likely several questions that you are wanting answers to. For example, you’re probably wondering whether or not you have to have insurance before you can pull off the lot with the new car. You’re also likely wanting to know if you have to have full coverage. Here at E.S.T.I.R. Inc., we want your car-buying experience to be as pleasant as possible, which is why we make getting insurance very easy. Let’s take a quick look at a couple answers to some of the more commonly asked questions about buying a new or used car in Newark, NJ.  

Do You Need Insurance?

When driving in New Jersey, it is mandated by law that you at least maintain liability coverage. So, if you’re going to the car lot and purchasing a vehicle, you will need to provide proof that you have at least liability coverage before being allowed to drive off the lot. Fortunately, it’s quite simple these days to contact an insurance agency, choose an insurance policy, make a payment, and receive proof of insurance. You can do all of this in well under 30 minutes. If you don’t currently have coverage and you need it because you’re buying a new vehicle, there’s no need to fret because you can get the proof you need in a very timely manner. 

Do You Need Full Coverage?

If you’re buying a car that you can’t replace if it was to become involved in an accident, then you should probably invest in full coverage insurance. In doing this, you can rest easy knowing the car will be replaced from a monetary standpoint if it was to be damaged in an accident. Also, you will need full coverage insurance if you are taking out a loan to pay for the car. Almost all lenders will mandate you buy a full coverage policy to compensate them for a loss if the vehicle becomes involved in an accident and you no longer make payments on it. After all, you don’t want to make payments on a car if you aren’t driving it anymore. With full coverage insurance, it’s a win-win for you and the lender. 

To learn more about the type of insurance you need to purchase a new or used car, please contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. today serving the Newark, NJ area. 

How Much Commercial Insurance Do You Really Need?

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Finding the right insurance for your business can be a chore, and there are certain things you need to know before you can begin shopping for an insurance policy that is going to provide you with the coverage you need. One of the first things you need to know before you begin looking for coverage is how much actually needs.

Calculating Coverage

Although it may seem like a daunting task, calculating your insurance is relatively simple. If you have your total assets accounted for in advance, it is a simple matter of adding the replacement cost of the structure with the assets of your business. This doesn’t include any vehicles or large outside machinery. You may need a rider for special items that have been appraised such as art, jewelry, or expensive equipment. Keep all of your receipts and any paperwork associated with your business’s assets to help you determine coverage needs, and to make the claims process easier. 

Discuss Coverage With Your Agent

Always do business with a company that values their customers and will work with them to get an accurate estimate of coverage needs. They will be able to help you avoid errors in your calculations and guide you in the right direction when choosing between coverage options. A great company to speak with about your coverage details for businesses in around Newark, NJ is E.S.T.I.R. Inc. They have the knowledge and experience to give you helpful advice and guide you through the decision making process.

For more information about the products and services of E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for businesses located in the Newark, NJ area, call the office and speak to a representative. Let them help you secure your company’s future today. 

 

Why Contractors Need Contractor Insurance

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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.

 

How Auto Insurance in New Jersey is Different From Other States

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All states have their own laws regarding auto insurance, but New Jersey is among the few that can be considered truly unique. If you live in Newark, NJ or surrounding areas, you need to make sure you are appropriately covered. E.S.T.I.R. Inc. is therefore here to help you gain a better understanding of New Jersey’s tricky auto insurance laws. Here’s what you need to know:

New Jersey is a ‘Choice No Fault’ State

Whereas most states have "fault" laws where whoever is deemed liable for an accident has to pay for the damages and legal costs, a handful of others states have "no-fault" laws, where all drivers involved have to handle the costs. Then there are the rare few states like New Jersey, which have something called "choice no-fault" laws. Here you have the option of going with fault or no-fault insurance, also known as "full tort" or "limited tort insurance". With full tort, drivers can file suit against the at-fault driver and their insurance company, receiving full compensation for damages to their car, medical coverage, legal costs, etc. Essentially, there are far fewer limitations here. Limited tort insurance is meanwhile appealing to a lot of people because it is generally a lot less expensive, but with this policy they have very benefits. In the event of an accident, they file a claim with their own insurance provider (regardless of who was at fault) and may receive only bare minimum coverage.  

Deciding Which Option is Best for You

Now, there are pros and cons to each option, and the right one for you will often depend on your amount of risk and financial worth. The important thing to know, however, is that the decision to go with either limited tort or full tort insurance must be made at the time that coverage is purchased (it cannot be changed after an accident). To learn more, contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. (serving the Newark, NJ area and beyond) today. 

Getting the Right Commercial Insurance Policy is Vital for Your Business

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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.