![]() Most 1099 contractors carry insurance to protect their businesses. They find many times that the jobs they wish to bid on require a specific type and amount of insurance before the contractor is allowed to submit the bid. The kind of insurance the 1099 contractor needs depends on the type of work the contractor performs and the requirements of the entity doing the hiring. General/Professional Liability Coverage Liability insurance provides coverage in the event something goes wrong. Examples of issues covered by liability coverage include injuries on the job site and equipment breakage. It protects both the 1099 contractor and the hiring entity in many cases. For example, if the 1099 contractor causes a personal injury to someone at the job site, the liability insurance will step in and pay the medical bills. Commercial Auto Coverage Commercial auto coverage protects not only the 1099 contractor but also the hiring entity in the event an accident occurs while the contractor is driving as part of the job he was hired to do. For example, if a 1099 contract landscaper causes an injury accident on his way to pick up plants for a client's project, his commercial auto coverage will take care of the accident costs, rather than have the client held liable. Disability Insurance Disability insurance is not required by an entity in order to perform a job. But is a prudent insurance type for 1099 contractors to purchase. It is insurance that will pay a pre-stated weekly benefit to the contractor in the event the contractor is unable to work due to a disability. It is not only the contractor engaged in potentially dangerous work who needs disability insurance. A freelance writer, for example can become disabled by falling in a parking lot, getting hit by a car or requiring back surgery. Disability insurance typically requires a waiting period following the event that causes the disability before the policy begins to pay. The premiums fluctuate depending on the chosen waiting period length, the percentage of salary that will be paid each week and the general riskiness of the contractor's chosen occupation. EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY 904-677-5884
1 Comment
Make no “bones” about it: Pets and homeowners insurance policies at times don’t play very well together. That’s because animals are often very unpredictable and sometimes even downright dangerous in a domestic setting—especially canine companions. That’s why, if you own or plan to get a dog, it’s important to know the risks and repercussions of a pet-provoked home insurance claim and how you can minimize your liability and premium costs.
Consider that dog bites and other canine-related injuries were responsible for over one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2014, totaling more than $530 million, per current data from the Insurance Information Institute. Although the number of dog bite claims nationwide fell 4.7 percent in 2014, the average cost per claim for the year increased 15 percent. Among other findings from the data:
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Your Dog? The simple answer is probably NO!! Because of the huge liability claims and court costs associated with dog bites, most insurance companies have excluded animal liability. If the dog is not on the company’s “eligible breeds” list, an Animal Liability endorsement may be available. However, the limitation on this endorsement is usually only $25,000. But there are other options that we work with our clients to protect them. Emerge Insurance Agency helps dog owners work through the best options for protecting themselves from the high costs of defending themselves in court and any liability for damages the courts might assess. Call us to discuss options that are available for you. EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY 904-677-5884 ![]() By Juliana Weiss-Roessler You would probably never think of your beloved dog as a liability, but unfortunately, that’s exactly how some homeowners associations and apartment complexes view dogs. If you’re buying a home, you may discover that your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover dog bites, and if you’re looking for an apartment, townhouse, or condo to rent, you may find the landlord turning you away if you can’t show that you have insurance coverage for your dog. Why would I need dog liability insurance? There are several reasons why you, as a pack leader, might need to take out a canine liability insurance policy. One of the most common reasons is because most major insurance companies have a list of so-called “dangerous” dogs that they won’t cover in their homeowners insurance, even if the dog has no bite history. These “dangerous dog” lists commonly include breeds like pit bulls, Staffordshire terriers, Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, German shepherds, Alaskan huskies, and wolf hybrids. You might know that your dog is a gentle giant with no history of aggression, but if they belong to a breed that’s been deemed dangerous, you won’t be able to get coverage from your homeowners or renters insurance. You may also need dog liability insurance if your dog has bitten someone before. All dogs have the potential to bite if they feel threatened or scared. Your pup may have nipped at a neighbor if the neighbor started roughhousing with them in a way they didn’t like, or she may have bitten one of your friends who got too close when she had a litter of puppies. Even if your dog has never bitten anyone, if they have gotten rambunctious and knocked someone over, they may be branded as having a history of aggression. Unfortunately, most homeowners or renters insurance companies will not take specific circumstances into account and will refuse coverage to any owner whose dog has a bite or aggression history, no matter what the breed. How do I get dog liability insurance? Insurance broker/agency like us currently offer canine liability insurance, so if you’re being required to carry this type of insurance by your county, apartment complex, or homeowners association, you should look for a company like our that is licensed to sell insurance in your state. Take the time to do your research and read over policies carefully to make sure there aren’t any problematic exclusions. Some companies will only offer coverage Premiums vary from company to company, with some companines offering policies that start as low as $50 a year and others that go up to $1,000 (depending on the policy limits, deductible, the dog breed, and any bite history). Some companies offer specific policies for individual dogs, so you may be able to negotiate a lower price if you can show your dog has no history of biting or aggression. Providing proof of obedience training or other specialized training may also help lower your rates. Although you might hate the idea that your dog needs liability insurance just because other people think he or she is potentially dangerous, it’s better to pay for the coverage than to face paying for injuries out-of-pocket or becoming separated from your canine friend due to housing restrictions. Let us help you find the right policy, and rest easy knowing that you and your dog can stay together. EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY 904-677-5884 ![]() Dog Liability Insurance Contact Us Now For A Free Dog Liability Insurance Quote! You don't have to move! You don't have to give up your beloved family member! Emerge Insurance Agency is proud to offer dog liability insurance to responsible owners of “dangerous” breeds (as labeled by most insurance companies). We do NOT agree with the way most insurance companies stereotype strictly by a dog’s breed. We look at each dog individually and do not judge based on breed. Many people call us because they are having difficulties finding a place to rent with their dogs. EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY 904-677-5887 |
Categories
All
AuthorCecil Williams - Archives
July 2019
|