Protect Your Home in Newark, NJ

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Owning a home in Newark, NJ is something that many people dream of. If you have achieved this dream and you are loving the home you are in, then you also need to ensure it is protected. The best way to protect your home is by purchasing home insurance.

The key, though, is to get the right type and amount of home insurance for your needs. One of the best ways to do this is by working with a reputable agency, such as E.S.T.I.R. Inc. Some other tips to help you get the proper protection for your home can be found here.

Determine the Type of Insurance Needed

Most people think they can buy a traditional homeowners insurance policy and be fine. However, this isn’t always the case. For example, these policies typically don’t cover flooding – especially if you are in a flood zone. If this is the case, then it is essential that you purchase an additional flood insurance policy. This will ensure you have the coverage needed if a flood ever occurs.

Also, not all basic homeowner’s insurance policies will cover the outlying structures on the property, such as your pool, a shop or any other outdoor feature. If this is the case, you will need to purchase additional protection for these items as well.

Protect Yourself and Your Home

When it comes down to it, you need to purchase home insurance to not only protect your home, but also yourself. For example, if someone were injured while on your property, the right policy will cover this.

If you aren’t sure what type of insurance you need to protect yourself and your home in Newark NJ, then the best thing you can do is work with a quality insurance company serving the area, such as E.S.T.I.R. Inc.

Safety Reminders for Cold-Weather Driving

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As the weather cools down, in many areas ice and snow become part of the landscape. That means some key safety tips need to be implemented. Here are key safety reminders from E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serving the Newark, NJ area.

Tire tips 

Tires should be at the proper inflation level for winter driving. Ask the mechanic to check and inflate them. Recheck them periodically as needed. If needed, replace tires, and preferably do so before the wintry weather season begins.

Seatbelt safety

No matter how far or near you are driving, be sure that you and everyone in the vehicle is properly secured with seatbelts. Also, assure that babies and children are in properly installed age-appropriate car seats and booster seats.

Driving distance

Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and other vehicles when the roads are slippery or have snow or ice on them. Gradually brake rather than coming to sudden stops. All of this becomes even more relevant when there is a heavy snowstorm or an ice storm.

Alert driving

It is always important to be alert while driving but even more so during wintry weather. So do not drive unless you have had adequate sleep and rest. Pay full attention while driving.

Gear and tools

Make sure to have certain key items on hand in the car. That includes an ice scraper and brush to remove snow from the windshield and other parts of the car. Also have a fully charged phone plus emergency blankets, water and food.

It is definitely possible to drive during cold weather and wintry precipitation while staying safe. Follow the above tips and see that it is true. If you need more information about auto insurance, feel free to contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serving the Newark, NJ area.

Contractors Insurance Protects You and Your Client when It Happens

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No matter if you are a contractor that mostly works on residential repairs in the Newark, NJ area or one that installs pipes for high-rise buildings, you need to carry the right insurance from E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for every single job. Skipping this simple step can open your business up to huge liability payments and turn aside potential employees from a ragged reputation.

When the Client Trips on the Job Site

Even if you have a closed job site, at some point the client will want to visit and check on the progress. All it takes to take a huge chunk out of your bank account is a simple misstep off scaffolding, trip over a wire, or walking under the trash chute.  You need to make sure your contractors’ liability insurance is up to snuff in covering the worst possible scenario.

When Your Sub Snips the Wrong Wire

The stakes are high when you are building a new multi-use complex, especially in a busy urban neighborhood. You will have multiple sub-contractors on site at any one time, and somebody is going to make a  mistake. That workman’s compensation coverage added to your liability coverage will make sure that inconveniences and injuries are addressed quickly and appropriately and keep the job on schedule.

When Your Van is in an Accident

Don’t forget that your fleet of vans and trucks will need commercial coverage. In worksites that haven’t worked out a proper road system yet, there is a greater chance of hitting a giant pothole, slamming into a new curb, or simply bumping into another construction vehicle. E.S.T.I.R. Inc. is here to help you sort through the mire of potential risks and challenges you face in the Newark, NJ area and provide the contractors’ insurance you really do need.

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.