What is usually not covered by home insurance?

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Home insurance is a critical element of home ownership. It covers so many things by protecting you and your property. Unfortunately, standard home insurance does not cover everything. There is a list of exceptions to know about. Keep reading this blog post, and you will learn what is not covered by standard home insurance. 

Things that home insurance usually does not cover

1. Earthquakes and flood damage

Most insurance companies will not cover earthquakes, floods, sinkholes, or similar natural events. Good news: you can always purchase additional coverage that includes these unfortunate situations. 

2. Maintenance problems

Your main task is to take care of your home property, as standard home insurance does not cover maintenance issues. They are insect and termite damage, mold, rust, and bird damage. Also, if something is poorly made in the house, it will be excluded from the coverage. 

3. Other unfortunate situations

There are certain rare situations that your insurance will not cover. Typically, war and nuclear hazards are not included in a policy. If there are any expenses related to identity theft, they also won’t be covered. 

As you can see, standard home insurance does not cover everything. You have to pay for damage and loss out of pocket in certain situations. It does not mean that you should not carry home insurance. It is great protection against a lot of risks. Do you reside in Bloomfield, NJ, or any other nearby area in New Jersey? Want to know more about home insurance? Feel free to reach out to E.S.T.I.R. Inc. We know everything about insurance and are ready to answer all of your questions. 

Does Your Auto Insurance Policy Cover You When Driving Out of State?

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Road-Tested Coverage: Auto Insurance Beyond State Lines

In the vibrant community of the greater Bloomfield, NJ area, E.S.T.I.R. Inc. is your trusted partner in auto insurance. Today, we unravel the intricacies of whether your auto insurance policy provides coverage when you venture out of state.

Understanding Territorial Coverage

Auto insurance policies typically extend coverage beyond state borders, ensuring you’re protected while traveling. However, the extent of coverage can vary, and it’s essential to review your specific policy to understand the terms and conditions.

Full Coverage vs. Minimum Requirements

Whether you have full coverage or just the minimum required by your home state, your policy often provides at least some protection when driving out of state. Still, it’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to confirm the scope of coverage in different regions.

Interstate vs. Intrastate Travel

The nature of your travel matters. If you frequently cross state lines, informing your insurer is crucial, as this may impact your coverage. Understanding the nuances ensures you have the proper protection for your driving habits.

Additional Considerations

Before embarking on an out-of-state journey, consider factors like rental car coverage, towing services, and roadside assistance. These supplementary features can enhance your protection on the road.

Connect with E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for Tailored Coverage

For personalized insights into your auto insurance coverage and to address any concerns about driving out of state, connect with E.S.T.I.R. Inc., Serving the greater Bloomfield, NJ, area; our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and tailored coverage. Call us today or visit our website for more information, and drive confidently wherever the road takes you.

Does Your Auto Insurance Policy Cover You When Driving Out of State?

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Road-Tested Coverage: Auto Insurance Beyond State Lines

In the vibrant community of the greater Bloomfield, NJ area, E.S.T.I.R. Inc. is your trusted partner in auto insurance. Today, we unravel the intricacies of whether your auto insurance policy provides coverage when you venture out of state.

Understanding Territorial Coverage

Auto insurance policies typically extend coverage beyond state borders, ensuring you’re protected while traveling. However, the extent of coverage can vary, and it’s essential to review your specific policy to understand the terms and conditions.

Full Coverage vs. Minimum Requirements

Whether you have full coverage or just the minimum required by your home state, your policy often provides at least some protection when driving out of state. Still, it’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to confirm the scope of coverage in different regions.

Interstate vs. Intrastate Travel

The nature of your travel matters. If you frequently cross state lines, informing your insurer is crucial, as this may impact your coverage. Understanding the nuances ensures you have the proper protection for your driving habits.

Additional Considerations

Before embarking on an out-of-state journey, consider factors like rental car coverage, towing services, and roadside assistance. These supplementary features can enhance your protection on the road.

Connect with E.S.T.I.R. Inc. for Tailored Coverage

For personalized insights into your auto insurance coverage and to address any concerns about driving out of state, connect with E.S.T.I.R. Inc., Serving the greater Bloomfield, NJ, area; our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and tailored coverage. Call us today or visit our website for more information, and drive confidently wherever the road takes you.

What Is Contractors Insurance and How Does It Work?

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Running a contracting business in Bloomfield, NJ, will keep you busy. Amidst the heavy workload, you need to find time to handle essential paperwork for your company, and some of that paperwork includes insurance.

Did you know that there is specific insurance just for contractors? It’s available through E.S.T.I.R. Inc., and it’s worth taking a quick minute to learn more.

Who Uses It?

Contractor insurance is designed specifically for construction businesses. If you own a company that builds places from the ground up, that counts. If you remodel bathrooms, that also matters. Any business in the field of construction applies.

The insurance itself is designed to handle an array of issues, including equipment damage, injuries, property damage, and liability. It’s an essential insurance package for anyone who owns a contracting company.

How Does Coverage Work?

Specifically, the insurance policy is designed to protect the business itself. Policies vary, but common coverage would include instances where damage occurs on a customer’s job, construction materials are stolen, or the company is sued over the quality of work done. There is a variety, but most contractors cover the basics.

It’s important to understand that New Jersey has contracting insurance requirements. Your business needs a minimum of $500,000 in general liability insurance. That coverage can come from a specific liability policy, or you can get it from different insurance policies — including contractors’ liability.

You get an insurance bundle for your business that groups everything you need, including liability, earnings protection, and workman’s compensation.

If you want to explore these options for your Bloomfield, NJ, business, contact your agent with E.S.T.I.R. Inc. today.

Four Reasons to Update Your Commercial Insurance Policy

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If you’ve had a commercial insurance policy for a while, it may be time to update it. In the Bloomfield, NJ area, E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can help. We understand that insurance is a vital part of operating a business and that the needs you have for your company can change over time. That’s why updating your policy matters. Here are four of the biggest reasons to update your commercial coverage.

1. You Moved to a New Location

The policy you have covers where you are, and if you move, you’ll want to let your agent know. That’s especially true if you own the building where your company is located because the coverage amounts may change based on the new location.

2. You Took on More Employees

Having more employees may mean more liability and risk. The same is true for many added equipment or larger amounts of inventory. There’s no reason to put your company at risk when you can easily update your coverage for the protection you need.

3. You Changed the Nature of Your Business

Sometimes, businesses change how they operate or what they do, and if that’s the case with yours, it’s time to update your insurance policy. Working with your agent will give you the help you need to get that done.

4. You Changed or Added Ownership

Anytime a business is bought or sold, or a person is added to or removed from ownership responsibilities, updating your policy is the right choice. If you’re in the Bloomfield, NJ area and need to update your commercial insurance policy, contact us today at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. Our trusted agents can help you make the changes you need to ensure you’re fully protected.

Questions To Ask When Shopping For Auto Insurance

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Shopping for auto insurance can be challenging, especially if you have never done it before. To ensure you get proper coverage according to your needs and budget, you should ask an insurance agent the right questions. Here is what you should discuss when looking for car insurance:

What Type Of Coverage Do I Need?

The first step in choosing auto insurance is understanding your needs. Certain factors should be discussed and considered, including your vehicle’s value, budget, and risk tolerance. 

How Much Deductible Should I Get?

The deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. The higher deductible you have, the lower your monthly premium is. It would be best if you discussed it with an insurance agent when shopping for auto insurance to ensure you can afford it. 

What Is Not Covered By My Insurance?

It is best always to ask the agent about any policy exclusions. There are specific situations in which your insurance will not provide coverage. While you can typically find these exclusions in your contract, asking an agent about them is good because you may miss something. 

What Are The Additional Coverage Options?

Numerous extra coverage options- rental car reimbursement, roadside assistance, gap insurance, and others- provide additional protection. These options may increase your monthly premium but will give you peace of mind. 

Are you shopping for auto insurance but have questions? If you live in Bethlehem, PA, or any nearby town, make sure to reach out to Saucon Insurance Agency. Our reliable and trustworthy insurance company will answer your questions and help you choose the right insurance plan. Contact Saucon Insurance Agency today to learn more about the insurance options available. 

How Does Insurance Work for Single-Vehicle Accidents?

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Single-vehicle accidents account for about one-third of traffic incidents nationwide, so it is essential to understand how your insurance coverage works in those situations. Our team at E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving the Bloomfield, NJ area, is here to help you understand and acquire the insurance coverage that will best protect you and your family.

Understanding Fault In Single-Vehicle Accidents

New Jersey is a no-fault state for insurance purposes. That means that whether you are involved in a single-vehicle or multi-vehicle accident, the primary payer of economic damages you suffer from the accident is your insurer, specifically the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) portion of your auto insurance.

However, being a no-fault state does not mean New Jersey does not assign fault for accidents. For example, drivers in single-vehicle accidents may not be considered at fault or only partially at fault when accidents result from hitting a deer or, in some cases, inclement weather.

In addition, while PIP addresses most single-vehicle accidents, there are situations in which you can recover compensation from others who are at fault for the accident. These include:

  • Swerving to avoid hitting another vehicle or obstacles in the road
  • Obstructed road signage
  • Vehicle malfunction caused by the manufacturer or auto service provider

Most importantly, if you are involved in a single-vehicle or multi-vehicle accident, you should obtain a police report and safely document the accident scene. Doing so can help determine who bears what portion of the fault and may allow you to avoid or reduce liability.

Working With E.S.T.I.R. Inc.

The team at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. serves the Bloomfield, NJ area. We will happily answer your insurance questions and create a policy that best meets your needs. Call or stop in today to ensure you have the coverage you need.

Four mistakes to avoid when it comes to contractor insurance

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Carrying insurance coverage is essential if you run a contracting business in Bloomfield, NJ. Protect your business with a contractor insurance policy from E.S.T.I.R. Inc.

Unfortunately, contractors sometimes make costly mistakes when it comes to insurance coverage. Here are four mistakes to avoid when it comes to contractor insurance. 

Failing to purchase adequate coverage

Business owners who own contracting businesses need to make sure their policy includes an adequate amount of coverage. If your contracting company faces a lawsuit, the resulting expenses could put you out of business if you don’t invest in enough coverage. 

It’s always best to err on the side of caution and invest in extra liability coverage to protect your company in the event of a lawsuit. 

Being unaware of legal requirements

In New Jersey, contractors are legally required to carry insurance to register with the state. Ensure that your contractor insurance policy meets all your municipality’s legal requirements. 

Thinking that subcontractors who work for you will be covered under your policy

Contractors can’t assume that their insurance policy will cover their hired subcontractors. You need to look into your contractor insurance policy details if you work with subcontractors.

Neglecting to reevaluate your coverage needs periodically

If your contracting business grows or starts taking on new projects, you might need to adjust your insurance policy accordingly. Contractors need to update their coverage periodically to ensure their policy is adequate for their needs. 

Insurance your contracting business in Bloomfield, NJ with a policy from E.S.T.I.R. Inc. Give us a call, and we can provide you with a quote on a contractor insurance policy that meets your company’s needs.

Ways Commercial Insurance Products Can Protect You Against Lawsuits

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Commercial insurance is a critical safeguard for businesses, and one of its key functions is protecting against lawsuits. At E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving Bloomfield, NJ, we want to help you learn how commercial insurance products can shield you and your business from legal actions and financial and legal repercussions.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is the foundation of commercial insurance coverage. It protects your business from claims related to bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury. If a customer slips and falls in your store or if your product damages someone’s property, this insurance steps in to cover legal costs and potential settlements.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions insurance, is a must if you provide services or professional advice. It shields your business from claims of negligence or mistakes in your professional services, ensuring you’re protected against costly legal actions.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)

EPLI protects your business from lawsuits that may be related to employment law. This may include topics such as discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination. In today’s litigious society, EPLI is crucial for businesses, providing legal defense costs and settlements coverage.

Commercial insurance products offer a comprehensive shield against lawsuits, helping you navigate the complex world of legal actions. Whether it’s general liability, professional liability, employment practices liability, or cyber liability insurance, having the right coverage in place is essential for protecting your business’s financial stability and reputation in the face of legal challenges. If you aren’t currently protected or want better protection, the team at E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving the greater Bloomfield, NJ area, can help. Contact us to discuss how we can help protect your business against lawsuits. 

Homeowners: Shore Up Your Peace of Mind with New Jersey Auto Insurance

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Bloomfield, NJ, homeowners who have invested their heart and soul into meticulously placing every piece of furniture in "just" the right place in their homes understand the value of protecting their most prized possessions. 

If you’ve already protected your home and valuables from theft, vandalism, and accidents — have you also done the same to protect your auto investment?

Why New Jersey Auto Insurance Matters for Homeowners

Jersey drivers are legally required to have auto insurance to protect their vehicle and its passengers when taking a quick trip to the store, driving the carpool to work, or taking a family trip. 

Smart drivers talk to a trusted auto insurance agent about the advantages of bundling their home insurance policy with their auto insurance policies to get a discounted rate. 

Whether it is keeping cool while dealing with heavy traffic congestion, navigating toll roads, or driving through blinding snow in coastal storms, experienced insurance agents at E.S.T.I.R. understand New Jersey residents’ unique driving challenges. 

Our agents can help you choose an auto insurance policy to cover your vehicle for liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist coverage, and value-added protections that extend your policy. 

We offer a wide range of comprehensive insurance products to help people from New Jersey protect their homes, autos, and businesses.

Talk to a knowledgeable agent to learn about your coverage options. A licensed agent at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can review your driving and insurance history and offer options.

Don’t Leave Your Car Out in the Cold without Auto Insurance!

Winter is quickly approaching, so having your insurance ready before frigid temps take over is more important than ever. 

Contact a licensed insurance agent at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. in Bloomfield, NJ, and get a free auto insurance quote today.