Do I Need Business Interruption Insurance

| August 30, 2021

Running any company can be complicated. That’s why having the right kind of business insurance is crucial. But on top of the traditional policies, is there anything else you need? Business interruption insurance, or sometimes called business income insurance, is a crucial policy that could be a lifesaver if you have to close your business unexpectedly for a temporary time period. Read on to learn more.

 

What is Business Interruption Insurance?

Business interruption coverage would replace business income lost in the event of a disaster. The events usually covered are things like fires and natural disasters. It’s not a separate policy, but instead additional coverage that is added or included in your property or casualty policy. It could also be included in a comprehensive policy as an add-on or a rider.

How does it work?

The premium for your business interruption insurance, or the additional cost of the rider, are considered tax-deductible and count towards business expenses. The policy will only pay out if the cause of the income loss is listed as covered in your property or casualty policy. Your past business financial records usually determine the amount paid to you. The coverage usually lasts until the end of the period, which will be listed in your policy. Most policies are for 30 days but check with your agent for specifics. Keep in mind that there may be a waiting period of up to three days.

What does it cover?

Here is a breakdown of what most business interruption coverage includes:

 Revenue you’d typically make if your business was open

  • Mortgage, rent, or lease payments
  • Loan payments
  • Taxes
  • Payroll for your employees
  • Relocation costs
  • Training costs for new equipment

 

Think you may need business interruption insurance? Give us a call today! We can make sure you have all the coverage your business needs.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

| August 20, 2021

Driving a motorcycle requires a different set of skills than driving a car. However, you need to follow the same set of rules that all drivers have. A little education combined with common sense and quick thinking can go a long way to avoid accidents while on your bike. Here are some motorcycle safety tips to help you enjoy your rides.

 

Always Wear a Helmet and a Face Shield

This tip falls under the commonsense criteria, but you’d be surprised how many riders tempt fate by not wearing a helmet. A helmet should always be worn when on your motorcycle. A rider is five times more likely to sustain a serious injury during an accident if not wearing a helmet. To protect your eyes, be sure to wear a face shield or protective eyewear.

Wear Protective Gear

Motorcycle gear isn’t just about looking cool. Protective gear and clothing will help minimize the amount and severity of injuries during an accident or a skid. Leather clothing, non-skid soled boots, and gloves can all help protect you. In addition, reflective tape strategically placed makes it easier for other drivers to see you while on the road.

Follow Traffic Laws

Don’t ride above the speed limit. The faster you’re going, the longer it will take to stop, so speeding is just dangerous. Don’t assume that car drivers can see you. Unfortunately, 2 out of 3 motorcycle accidents are caused by car drivers that don’t recognize a rider’s right of way. So, stay out of blind spots and ride defensively.

Take Care of Your Motorcycle

Be sure your bike is fit to ride before taking it out on the road. Check your tires, turn signals, headlights, taillights, and fluids before hitting the highway.

 

Follow these simple safety tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy your motorcycle rides safely.

Fun Summer Activities Other Than the Beach

| August 18, 2021

If you’re lucky enough to live close to the shore, then you probably spend quite a bit of time at the beach during the summer. The truth is, nobody gets sick of the ocean, but there are other things to do than sit on the sand and soak up the rays. Here are some fun summer activities to try with your friends and family this year.

 

Park Picnics

Picnics are underrated if you ask us, and we should all be enjoying them more often. When was the last time you packed up a lunch and sprawled out on the grass to eat it? Summer is the perfect time to enjoy dining outdoors, and picnics are the most fun way to do that. Not only are picnics a great way to gather family and friends in one spot, but they’re also mostly free! If you have a basket or tote bag lying around, you can easily pack on. Just include a clean blanket, utensils, plates, and yummy finger foods like sandwiches and snacks – and you’re good to go!

Yard Sales

Yard sales may not seem like a fun activity, but they are a great way to bring the community together and clear out some clutter at the same time. Consider checking with your neighborhood for any designated yard sale dates. You could even partner with a local charity or non-profit, so your proceeds go for a good cause.

Local History and Walking Tours

The state of New Jersey is full of historic towns jam-packed with rich stories and landmarks. Consider doing a local walking tour or visiting a historical museum. If you’re brave, you may even be able to find some ghost and haunted house tours! Many shore towns offer lighthouse tours as well. Check your local town websites for more information.

 

Enjoy your summer and explore your community!

What You Should Pack for Any Summer Road Trip

| August 18, 2021

Summer road trips are so much fun. And if you prepare a little ahead of time, you’re sure to make plenty of lifelong memories. Packing the right essentials for any road trip can make the difference, so here are some tips for what to include.

 

Travel Pillows and Blankets

At some point, you’ll be sleeping in your vehicle. Even if you don’t plan to, road trips always include some car sleeping. To make this as comfortable as possible, be sure to bring travel pillows and blankets. If you have room, plain old pillows will work. However, there are foldable travel pillows available that allow for more packing room.

Spare Tire

There’s nothing more frustrating than a flat tire in an unfamiliar place. That’s why having a spare tire, jack, tire iron, and knowing how to use them are essential. Brush up on your tire-changing skills shortly before leaving for your trip, and make sure the spare tire is inflated.

Emergency Car Kit

Your emergency car kit should have things like flares, jumper cables, gloves, rope, and a first aid kit. These items could prove to be very useful if the unexpected happens.

Owner’s Manual

This item may seem like a given, but you’d be surprised how much frustration your owner’s manual can save when an unknown indicator light pops up hundreds of miles from home. If you’re renting a car, make sure you know where the owner’s manual is before leaving.

Extra Water

Always pack extra water in case you need some during the trip. An additional case of water is especially helpful in the unfortunate event your car breaks down during the summer.

 

Make sure you follow these easy packing tips so you can enjoy your summer road trip safely!

Insurance Bundling vs. Umbrella Insurance

| July 20, 2021

Insurance is a great way to have peace of mind that when something goes wrong, you have some sort of monetary coverage. There are so many kinds of insurance policies available. Car, motorcycle, home, jewelry – the list goes on. But not every policy offers total coverage and depending on your needs, you may need several. That’s where insurance bundling comes in. But if you bundle, do you still need a personal umbrella policy to make up the difference? Let’s take a closer look.

 

What is bundling?

Insurance bundling is when you purchase multiple types of insurance policies from the same provider. This way, all your insurance policies are in one place, making it more convenient and less complicated. For example, if you have home, car, and motorcycle insurance from the same provider, you only have one number to call to deal with any questions or claims. This also helps save you money since most insurance providers will offer a discount for bundling. You can expect significant discounts the more policies you bundle.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

An umbrella policy is a bit different than the other policies you probably hold. When you purchase umbrella insurance, it covers the amount above the limit set in your individual policies such as home, auto, boat etc. Umbrella insurance is extra insurance that provides protection beyond existing limits and coverages of other policies. It doesn’t just cover you, but also the other members of your household. It’s relatively inexpensive compared to other policies.

Do you still need an Umbrella policy if you bundle your insurance?

Even with insurance bundling, an umbrella policy will protect your assets in the event of a liability claim when your primary policy limits are exhausted. Insurance bundling saves you money and makes handling your policies convenient, but it doesn’t provide you with extra coverage.

 

Have questions about insurance bundling or interested in purchasing an umbrella policy? We can answer all your insurance-related questions. Give us a call and we’ll get you the right coverage today!

The Benefits of Bundling Your Insurance

| July 10, 2021

Between your car, your home, your boat, or anything else valuable you may own, there’s a lot of insurance policies to keep track of. Insurance bundling offers a way to purchase several policies from the same provider. This has multiple benefits that we’ll explore in this blog. Read on to learn more.

 

Saving Money

The number one reason many customers decide to bundle their insurance policies is the discounts. Many insurance providers offer significant discounts – sometimes up to 25% off! – for bundling certain policies. This can save you a large amount of money over time. The more policies you’ll need, the more money you could save! We also have the ability to bundle with multiple insurance companies which gives you additional flexibility with your coverage options.

Convenience

It’s hard to keep track of normal day-to-day life, let alone all the different insurance companies you’d have to keep track of if all your policies were separate. It’s nice to know if you have a question or need to file a claim for anything, you know what company to call. This can make things a whole lot easier, especially if you need to file a claim with more than one policy. It also means your insurance agency is more aware of your insurance needs and can make helpful suggestions along the way if you ever need a change to a policy.

Stability

If you have to file multiple claims, say in the event of a fire or some sort of accident, you could be at risk of being dropped by your insurance company. However, if you bundle your insurance through that company and have several policies, they are less likely to drop you as a customer due to a single claim event. In a sense, bundling your insurance makes you a VIP customer.

 

Are you interested in bundling your insurance? We offer several different ways to do so and have been bundling insurance for 31 years. Give Leigh Agency a call today and we’ll be sure to get you all the policies you need at the best price.

What to do Before a Tropical Storm or Hurricane

| June 30, 2021

Getting a tropical storm or hurricane warning can be terrifying, and it may be overwhelming to know how to prepare. The main thing is to keep yourself and your family safe. Here are some things to consider when preparing for a tropical storm or hurricane.

 

Keep Covid Restrictions in Mind

The pandemic has changed the way we do everything, even preparing for a storm. Since certain items may be in short supply or not available, plan when stocking supplies. The best way to build up an adequate supply of water, food, and essentials to use in case of a storm is to do so gradually throughout the year. Buy things when they’re on sale and save them, or just get one or two extra things during your weekly grocery shopping trip. You should also keep track of Covid related restrictions at local shelters and safe centers. They may need to limit capacity or enforce certain rules.

Have an Evacuation Kit Prepared

If a tropical storm or hurricane comes your way, you may need to evacuate your home. Assume you will be evacuated and prepare accordingly. This includes important documents and phone numbers. Also, home and auto insurance policies and contact information. In addition, be sure to pack essentials like a change of clothes, medicines, soap, and hygiene products.

Develop an Evacuation Plan

Waiting until the last minute to plan how you are going to evacuate your home is never a good idea. Develop an evacuation plan. What are you going to do with your pets? Where will you go? How will you get there? What route will you take? Do you have an alternative route if roads are closed? These are all questions to consider while formulating your evacuation plan. Make sure everyone in your household knows the plan and has their own evacuation kit and supplies packed.

 

As we come into our 31st season of helping people find the best coverage, be sure to check in with Leigh Agency for all your storm-related insurance needs!

Why You Need Jewelry Coverage

| June 21, 2021

You have an insurance policy for almost everything of value in your home, right? How about your jewelry? Most people assume that if your jewelry is damaged or stolen it would be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. But unfortunately, this is not always the case. In cases where there is no separate jewelry coverage, a jewelry loss would be paid under your home contents limit and subject to the deductible you have on your homeowner’s policy, which may be higher than the value of the jewelry. Jewelry coverage gives you the peace of mind that your valuable or sentimental pieces will be monetarily covered in the event of a disaster or theft. Read on to learn more.

 

How do you know if you need jewelry coverage?

If you’re unsure if you need to purchase jewelry insurance for your valuables, consider these questions:

  • Would you be devastated by the sentimental loss if your jewelry was lost?
  • Would you be able to afford to replace the items if they were stolen?
  • Would you be at risk of having your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance rates go up if you made jewelry claims under your main policy?

The answers to these questions should help further explain when specialty jewelry insurance may be something to consider.

Will your jewelry be covered if you lose it?

Yes. If one of your insured pieces is lost, it is covered up to the limit assigned on your policy. Even if you lose your wedding ring at the beach and you know it’s in the sand or water somewhere, it’s still covered.

Is damage included in jewelry coverage?

Yes. For example, if during a typical day of wear you hit your diamond ring on the side of the counter by accident and lose a stone or damage a prong, those are covered. Accidents happen, and it’s nice to have peace of mind knowing you’ll be able to fix or replace your valuable piece of jewelry.

 

Interested in purchasing a specialty jewelry policy or just want to know more? Give us a call. We can help you get the coverage you need.

Moving Tips

| May 20, 2021

Moving from one home to another is quite an exhausting process. But with a little planning and organizing, it doesn’t have to be as strenuous as you think. Here are some moving tips to make it all a bit easier.

 

Start Decluttering Months in Advance

Sometimes plans to move happen quickly and suddenly. But most of the time, moving is a long process that is months and months in the making. As soon as you know you’ll be moving, or planning to move, you should start decluttering. Spend a couple hours every week going through closets and cabinets and tossing all the things you no longer need. Donate, sell, give away, whatever makes sense. But just be sure to get rid of things that you will not need to take with you. That way, when it’s time to pack, you’ll only be spending time on the things you need.

Create a Moving Checklist

Besides the actual physical act of moving your stuff from one place to another, there’s a lot of other things involved in the moving process. You’ll need to rent a truck, or hire movers, change addresses on your bills, get new keys made, buy new appliances, set delivery dates, etc. All these things can be overwhelming to keep track of. That’s why it’s crucial to start making a checklist as soon as you have a date for your move.

Get Your Boxes Way Ahead of Time

There’s nothing more frustrating than being ready to move but not having any boxes available to pack. Start putting the word out that you’ll need boxes and make sure you have the amount you’ll need. Reusing old boxes is economical but be sure they are still sturdy enough to use.

Start Packing

Never leave packing till the last minute. Set a timer and start packing for an hour a day as soon as you have boxes available. Start with the heavier objects like home decor and books, then make your way to the easier things.

 

Hopefully these tips will make the moving process a bit easier. Happy moving!

How to Avoid Distracted Driving

| May 14, 2021

Driving while distracted is a major contributor to automobile accidents in the United States. There are simple ways to cut down on distractions while driving. Safety for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road should be your number one priority. Here are some tips to avoid distractions while on the road.

 

Keep Your Phone Away from Sight

Cellphones are a major factor in losing concentration while driving. It is why many states have banned cell phone use while driving. In New Jersey, it is against the law to use your phone while driving, and hands-free devices are required. While driving, you should always put safety first, so consider keeping your phone out of reach and out of sight. Placing your phone in a purse or the glove box can take away all temptation to check. Most smartphones have driving modes or settings that will turn off all notifications and disable texting so you can focus on the road.

Avoid Complicated Radio Functions

Trying to program channels or adjust audio settings can be completely disorienting while driving. Make it a habit to set up your music or listening material as soon as you get in your car. Keying up a playlist or a podcast, so it is all ready to go before you even leave your driveway, is a smart way to stay safe while being able to enjoy your music or news.

Teach Your Kids Passenger Safety

Be sure to educate your kids and young passengers on the importance of safety while driving. Explaining that loud noises, throwing toys, yelling, or fighting in the car can be very distracting and dangerous to the driver. Kids will be kids, but if they understand beforehand, you may be able to cut down on at least a little bit of mayhem.

 

Avoiding distracted driving is an important part of staying safe while on the road. Happy driving!