Has Your Business Considered These Insurance Coverages?

Every business needs business insurance.  But business insurance policies are all different. That is why it is always better to use an independent agent who knows and understand your business and industry. The insurance needs for a restaurant are much different than the insurance needs of a manufacturer, and the coverage should reflect that.

If you own or operate a business, you may want to consider these coverages as part of your business insurance package. Our keys to coverage will assume some of the obvious coverage such as property and liability.  We also want to identify some business insurance coverage you may not have considered.

• Sprinkler leakage insurance–If your sprinkler system leaks and causes a loss to equipment or documents, do you have coverage?
• Business income insurance–After a covered loss, you may have a period of recovery time when you are closed. Without business income insurance your business may run out of funds.
• Umbrella Insurance–An umbrella policy provides extra insurance protection over your commercial general and auto liability policies. It is not uncommon for a business to be sued for over $1,000,000.
• Cyber liability–Cyber breaches are the fastest growing causes for loss for most businesses. Every business needs the protection provided by cyber insurance.
• Employee dishonesty–This policy protects employers from workplace theft and fraud.

Find out how your business can be protected by calling us today for a free business insurance review. Our philosophy is to help you identify and control both your insurance dollars and potential claims.

By having an office in North and South Charlotte County, we can provide convenient and timely service to our clients. We would appreciate having the opportunity to serve as your insurance Agent for your personal and/or business needs.

Amberg Insurance has been voted BEST INSURANCE AGENCY and BEST AGENT by the residents of Charlotte County and Harbor’s Hottest Insurance Agency by Harbor Style Magazine.

 

Tips for Working at Home

Does COVID-19 Have You Working From Home?

Due to the stay at home mandate, there are many people who are working remotely these days.  It appears this mandate will last at least another month.  Many people have thought that working remotely would be great, but working remotely is a double-edge sword.  Sure, you get to stay home, but studies show that it can be harder to focus on work.

Benefits of Working Remotely:

• Remote employees tend to be more productive
• Remote workers cost employers less
• Remote employees tend to be happier and more satisfied
• Remote workers have a better work/life balance

Remote Workers Need to Be Aware of These Challenges:

• Lack of a work routine
• Tendency to over-work
• Lack of human interaction
• Prioritizing a work project
• Interruptions from family, pets, phone calls, and the doorbell

How to Make Working Remotely Work for You

• Confine your workspace to a specific area in your home.
• Set up your workspace like your office.
• Set a schedule and create a routine.
• When in doubt, go with over-communication; update your boss frequently on everything you are doing, and whether your schedule and deliverables are changing in any way.
• After work, stay off electronic devices for some time to transition to “home time.”
• Take regular breaks.
• Get dressed every day. Taking the time to get dressed and perform your usual self-care routine can prove a big psychological booster.

As an Independent Insurance Agency, we represent many of the top insurance companies in the country. This means better coverage, and at a competitive price, including life and health insurance.

Amberg Insurance has been voted First Place for Best Insurance Agency and Best Agent by the Charlotte Sun Newspaper and First Place for ‘Harbor’s Hottest’ Insurance Agency by Harbor Style Magazine.

 

 

 

Running Out Of Quarantine Activities? Here Are Some Fun Ideas

While most of us are sheltering at home, hoping the COVID-19 pandemic passes as soon as possible, adjusting to a life of social distancing can be a challenge.

If you are getting to the point of running out of things to do, here are a few ideas to help you manage your time.

• Set up a schedule for your kids that might include times for reading, schoolwork, exercise, and game time. Having a set routine can help maintain a sense of normalcy.
• Schedule a “family happy hour” each evening before dinner. Use it as a time to talk about what is going on, future plans, or share fun family traditions.
• Teach your kids to cook.
• Have a family movie night with popcorn.
• Set up an exercise routine. Run up and down the stairs.
• Choose one room in your home to thoroughly clean and organize.
• If the weather is pleasant, playing outside in your yard is a terrific option.
• Take time each day to share something for which you are thankful. It can be difficult to deal with all the negative news right now, so share something positive.
• Check out a video of people showing solidarity during this pandemic or read a positive story that you found online.
• Take care of your physical health. Get the appropriate amount of sleep and exercise, and practice ways to reduce anxiety such as meditation, yoga, or listening to music.
• Get out all those old-fashioned board games or play an electronic game or two. This would also be a great time to watch old family videos. Connecting with happier times is always good for our mental health.
• Limit the news. For your own mental health and the mental health of your children, limit the intake of news.
• Connect with old friends or family members via phone calls or video chat.
• Plant a garden. Garden centers are open, and many are offering curbside service or home deliveries.
• Clean out your garage and prepare unused items for a garage sale or donation.
• Camp out in the back yard.
• Make a family COVID-19 bracelet.
• Listen to a podcast. To say that podcasts are having a moment is a massive understatement. There are wide ranges of podcasts available for listening enjoyment, including comedy, inspirational, self-help, or career guidance.
• Learn a new craft. Have you ever wanted to learn to knit, crochet, or do woodworking? Now maybe the perfect time to learn a new skill. You can find plenty of instructions and YouTube videos online.

Be safe, be strong, #togetherapart

As an Independent Insurance Agency, we represent many of the top insurance companies in the country. This means better coverage, and at a competitive price, including life and health insurance.

Amberg Insurance has been voted First Place for Best Insurance Agency and Best Agent by the Charlotte Sun Newspaper and First Place for ‘Harbor’s Hottest’ Insurance Agency by Harbor Style Magazine.

 

Coronavirus Will Have An Impact The United States

The Centers for Disease Control recently stated that the Coronavirus will have an impact in the United States.  Currently, the death toll from the Coronavirus is over 2,700 worldwide.

People who contracted the virus have reported symptoms that include fever, chills, headaches, difficulty breathing, and a sore throat.  Now is a good time to start thinking about how you might protect yourself and your family from contracting this virus.

The World Health Organization and the CDC recommend that you take the usual precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if your hands are not clean.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Clean surfaces you often touch.
• Stay home from work, school, and public areas if you are sick.
• Check with your doctor if you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, and tell your doctor about any recent travels.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or animal organs.
• If you are visiting live markets in areas that have recently had new coronavirus cases, avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have touched.

Traveling

If you do get sick while traveling, it is important to know the signs of coronavirus and seek immediate medical attention if you believe you have contracted the virus.

Symptoms might include fever, cough and shortness of breath. It is important to note, however, that the coronavirus symptoms are common to a number of viruses.

As an Independent Insurance Agency, we represent many of the top insurance companies in the country. This means better coverage, and at a competitive price, including life and health insurance.

Amberg Insurance has been voted First Place for Best Insurance Agency and Best Agent by the Charlotte Sun Newspaper and First Place for ‘Harbor’s Hottest’ Insurance Agency by Harbor Style Magazine.

 

How To Prepare For Holiday Home Safety

The Holidays are almost upon us, and if you have been to any department store, the sounds of Christmas are ringing out. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, over 400 homes are destroyed annually by causes related to Christmas tree fires. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission hospital emergency rooms treat over 12,900 people each year for injuries such as falls, cuts and shocks related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. Before you put up the lights or cut down the tree, we wanted to provide you with a few safety reminders to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.

The Tree

• Keep Christmas Trees Fresh; water regularly.
• Keep trees away from heat sources.
• Take Christmas trees down before January.
• Do not burn the trees in your fireplace.
• Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments, or ones with small detachable parts, on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant”.

Lights

• Only use lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Never string together more lights than are recommended by the manufacturer.
• Make sure extension cords are rated for the intended use.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
• Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
• If you use a timer for your outdoor lights, make sure it is rated for outside use.
• Outdoor lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)

Ladder Safety

• When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. Don’t stand on chairs, desks, or other furniture.
• A straight or extension ladder should be placed one foot away from the surface it rests against for every four feet of ladder height.
• Use ladders with slip-resistant feet.
• Never stand on top two steps.

Enjoy the season with family and friends, and never drink and drive.

 

 

Give us a call so we can provide you with options.

As an Independent Insurance Agency, we represent many of the top insurance companies in the country. This means better coverage, and at a competitive price, including life and health insurance.

Amberg Insurance has been voted First Place for Best Insurance Agency and Best Agent by the Charlotte Sun Newspaper and First Place for ‘Harbor’s Hottest’ Insurance Agency by Harbor Style Magazine.

 

Are Electric Scooters Covered Under My Insurance Policy?

A Personal Insurance Update

Scooters are popping up all over cities across the country.  They have been popular in Europe for years.  We are at the beginning of this new form of personal transportation, which creates a few questions regarding risk, liability, and insurance coverage.

Scooter usage Facts (Forbes)

• 4 % of riders wear helmets
• 80% of accidents are results of falling
• Head trauma is the most common type of injury

Most cities don’t have regulation or rules because they don’t qualify as a motor vehicle. Some cities require a driver’s license and helmet, but these are mostly on the honor system.  Users can rent the scooter then leave it anywhere they want (in your front yard or in front of your business).

Insurance companies are busy trying to figure out who is liable in the event a scooter accident injures someone.  What if the scooter rider injures someone while on the job, will the injuries be covered under workers’ compensation and any liability be the responsibility of the employer insurer?  Business insurance policies may not address scooters specifically. Depending on the circumstances, some electric scooter-related injuries may be covered while others may not.

Right now, most insurers will not cover scooter crashes; auto insurers also will not cover them as they are not defined as an automobile.

Scooter companies have strict waivers that are included in the rental agreement limiting any liability to the rental companies.  One company offers a $1,000,000 liability policy, but all claims would be subject to extensive investigations.

Most legal experts agree that the rider will bear the legal liability arising from accidents because of the terms to which the rider agrees to when downloading the app.  The laws, the courts, and the insurance industry are often slow to respond to new technology, and this may be the case with electric scooters. Relatively few laws specific to e-scooters have been passed

We recommend you contact your insurance agent to discuss if your personal insurance provides any coverage or if you need to add coverage to your program.

Give us a call so we can provide you with options.

As an Independent Insurance Agency, we represent many of the top insurance companies in the country. This means better coverage, and at a competitive price, including life and health insurance.

Amberg Insurance has been voted First Place for Best Insurance Agency and Best Agent by the Charlotte Sun Newspaper and First Place for ‘Harbor’s Hottest’ Insurance Agency by Harbor Style Magazine.

How To Protect Your Identity During The 2019 Holiday Season

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are coming, and holiday spending will continue right up to December 24th. According to the Nation Retail Federation, 84% of Americans will use the internet to shop during the holidays. Even during non-holiday times, people are using noncash transactions for the purchases of goods and services.

Cybercriminals are smart, and you need to be informed about protecting your identity. Identity theft has been the No. 1 consumer complaint for 12-straight years, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Experts tell us that it can take over 100 hours and thousands of dollars to restore your identity once it has been stolen. There are things you can do to protect your identity during the holidays and throughout the year.

• Consider identity theft insurance.
• When shopping, only take the credit cards you need.
• Credit cards have more protection than a debit card. Do not use your debit card or checks for transactions because these forms of payment are directly linked to your bank account.
• Review your bank statements to make sure all transactions are correct.
• When online shopping, only use sites you have used before or those that are reputable.
• Use secure ATMs.
• Make sure your antivirus and anti-spyware software is up to date.
• Don’t open emails from people you don’t know, even if your name is in the reference line.
• Don’t shop on unprotected wireless networks. Enjoy your coffee at the coffee shop, but do your shopping at home.
• Use complex passwords and change them regularly.
• Know the signs of identity theft.
• Keep your Social Security Card and number locked up.
• Keep your laptop or tablet locked in the trunk.
• Keep receipts in your purse or wallet, not in the bag.

Identity Theft insurance

Identity Theft Protection assists with the costs of restoring and repairing a consumer’s identity and credit history. Identity theft insurance coverage usually covers assistance in straightening out the aftermath of identity theft (such as canceling unauthorized accounts and so forth), which is generally easy when the fraud involves credit cards, but can be more time-consuming for accounts at banks and other institutions.

Give us a call so we can provide you with options.

As an Independent Insurance Agency, we represent many of the top insurance companies in the country. This means better coverage, and at a competitive price, including life and health insurance.

Amberg Insurance has been voted First Place for Best Insurance Agency and Best Agent by the Charlotte Sun Newspaper and First Place for ‘Harbor’s Hottest’ Insurance Agency by Harbor Style Magazine.

Make Your House Safe Trick-Or-Treaters

 Halloween is fast approaching. All kids love to dress up, get together with friends, and go door-to-door hoping to find the full size candy bar.

A little pre-planning can prevent unfortunate accidents that could turn out to be tragic for kids and trying for you. Here are some pointers for ensuring your house is a safe place for trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31.

Pets first. Dogs, cats, and other furry family companions get scared when oddly dressed strangers approach their door in droves. Make sure your pet is in a safe and comfortable space or take them to a secure, relaxing offsite location for the evening.

 

Clean up your yard. If your yard gathers stuff – like toys, rakes and other yard tools, hoses, tree branches, you name it – take the time to clean it up. Make sure your yard is free of potential hazards and create a clutter-free walking path well before dusk falls this Halloween.

Are all your lights working? Make sure you offer a well-lit path.

Candles. Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table.

Turn it off. When you’re done for the night, make it obvious by turning any and all inviting lights off.

Decorations. Don’t go overboard with decorations, they can cause fires and injuries.

Safety tips for kids

• Never, ever go into a house
• Go with friends
• Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child
• Only go to homes with a porch light on
• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective
• Don’t eat homemade food
• Look at all wrapped candy, if it has been opened toss it out
• Use a flashlight

Amberg Insurance Center, Inc. was established in 1974 to serve the growing insurance needs of the many businesses and individuals located in the Charlotte and surrounding counties. We take pride in the quality service provided to our customers, our community concern, and our commitment to the overall development of our employees.

As an Independent Insurance Agency, we represent many of the top insurance companies in the country. This means better coverage, and at a competitive price, including life and health insurance.

Amberg Insurance has been voted First Place for Best Insurance Agency and Best Agent by the Charlotte Sun Newspaper and First Place for ‘Harbor’s Hottest’ Insurance Agency by Harbor Style Magazine.

Can You Live Without Disaster Insurance?

We live in a great state. But we do have unique risks that we need to manage and prepare for. Your homeowner’s insurance can be designed to protect you from most of these risks and disasters.

Insurance And Disasters

It is safe to say that most business and homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the risks associated with disasters. The only exception would be damage caused by wildfires. Let’s look at how insurance might apply to other disasters.

1. Floods— Only 13% of U.S. homeowners had flood-insurance policies last year according to the Insurance Information Institute, a trade group. Flood insurance must be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program. We can help you if you need the coverage.
2. Hurricanes— Most property insurance policies provide coverage for losses resulting from hurricanes, except for flood loss associated with the hurricane. If you live in a high wind area, you will need to have a separate policy to cover your home and personal property.
3. Tornadoes— Damage from tornadoes typically is covered, since it usually is considered wind damage.
4. Mudslides— A standard home insurance policy does not protect your home against damage caused by a mudslide. Mudslides are usually defined as ground movement. Heavy rains that cause a mudflow would typically be covered.
5. Hail— Most homeowner’s insurance policies provide coverage for losses resulting from hail.
6. Wildfires— It can be safe to say that all homeowner’s insurance covers loss resulting from a fire. Wildfires are considered a fire and would be covered.

Coverage disclaimer–the information provided here is for general purposes only. It is not our intent to change or modify insurance coverage. Each insurance policy is different and your individual coverage will be determined by the terms of your insurance policy.

Amberg Insurance Center, Inc. was established in 1974 to serve the growing insurance needs of the many businesses and individuals located in the Charlotte and surrounding counties. We take pride in the quality service provided to our customers, our community concern, and our commitment to the overall development of our employees.

Amberg Insurance has been voted BEST INSURANCE AGENCY and BEST AGENT by the residents of Charlotte County and Harbor’s Hottest Insurance Agency by Harbor Style Magazine.

 

How To Prepare For Florida Hurricane Season

Hurricane season takes place June 1 to November 30 every year. Don’t wait until after you have a loss to check your insurance, review your homeowners or renters policies to make you have the right coverage in the event you’re hit with a destructive storm.

What is Florida Homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against disasters. A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it. Florida Homeowners insurance is a package policy. This means that it covers both damage to your property and your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or members of your family cause to other people. This includes damage caused by household pets.

Remember The Key Terms

Hurricane Watch: A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions are a real possibility for an area within 48 hours.

Hurricane Warning: A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane is expected within 36 hours. Begin precautionary action at once. Important – once a Warning has been issued for our community insurance cannot be bound. If you are involved in closing on a new home, we recommend binding coverage early, especially in hurricane season.

Now is the time for you to build an emergency kit and create an evacuation plan.  For more information on this, go to http://www.ready.gov/american-red-cross

Hurricane Planning:

• Review your insurance to make sure you have adequate coverage and limits.
• Hold an annual family meeting to discuss issues and plans.
• Develop an evacuation plan; this should include phone numbers, meeting places and routes of escape from your home, neighborhood and city.
• Check your home for vulnerable areas, such as leaking roofs.
• Make sure you have a secure place for recreation vehicles, boats, and motorcycles.
• Make plans for your pets as well.
• Notify neighbors and family members of your evacuation plan.
• Plan for any special medical needs.
• Make sure the gas tank in your car is full.
• Anchor or stow small boats and RV’s.
• Secure any outdoor furniture.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows.
• Trim any old trees.
• Secure any antennas.
• Make sure flashlights are working.
• Evacuate, if advised to do so!

 

 

Amberg Insurance Center, Inc. was established in 1974 to serve the growing insurance needs of the many businesses and individuals located in the Charlotte and surrounding counties. We take pride in the quality service provided to our customers, our community concern, and our commitment to the overall development of our employees.

Amberg Insurance has been voted BEST INSURANCE AGENCY and BEST AGENT by the residents of Charlotte County and Harbor’s Hottest Insurance Agency by Harbor Style Magazine.