Insurance Blog

Insurance Blog

Commercial Insurance Policies That Every Start-Up Should Have

You have a lot to think about when launching a new business in Washington, PA. Many first-time entrepreneurs don’t include insurance in their business plan. Yet, getting the right commercial insurance policies can make a difference between success and failure. The Hansen Agency LLC can customize an economical set of policies to protect your new company.

Essential Insurance Policies

Every start-up needs to have several essential commercial insurance policies before beginning operations. Performing a risk assessment during the planning stages can help you determine what types of coverage you need. You can bundle several types of coverage into a business owner’s policy (BOP) to give your new company essential protections. A BOP is an excellent choice for new businesses that have low risk profiles, as it provides broad protection at a discounted price. The most common policies that start-ups should have are general liability, commercial property, workers’ compensation if you have employees, and professional liability if you provide services or advice. This set of commercial policies can help protect you from costs associated with unexpected lawsuits.

Specialized Policies

Depending on your risk profile, industry, and daily operations, you may need additional policies to provide sufficient protection. Commercial auto insurance is necessary if you operate a fleet of vehicles. Personal auto insurance will not protect your employees driving vans, delivery trucks, etc. Cyber liability insurance has become more common as hackers target websites and steal sensitive customer data. It can include credit monitoring and public relations campaigns to manage your reputation. If you have a high-risk profile, consider umbrella insurance. This insurance kicks in when you have exhausted your liability limits on claims covered by other policies.

Protect your new business investment through appropriate commercial insurance policies tailored to your needs. Contact The Hansen Agency LLC, serving residents of Washington, PA, to get started.

3 Tips To Better Structure Your Home Insurance Policy

Most people think of their home insurance policy as one long document that’s difficult to read and even more difficult to understand. It’s often why people end up with coverage that’s either irrelevant or unhelpful in the case of a disaster. At The Hansen Agency LLC, we’ll look at how homeowners in Washington, PA, can prioritize their insurance so it protects them when they need it most. 

Make a List 

Every homeowner uses their home differently, which is why it’s important to consider the risks. For example, if you have parties every week, you may want to look into higher liability coverage in case of an accident or injury. An umbrella policy can help raise the liability limits on your home and auto policies, giving you peace of mind.

Or, say you have an extensive art or jewelry collection. For this, you can add a scheduled personal property endorsement, which provides broader coverage for high-value items. 

Consider Your Other Structures 

From garages to pools, the other structures on your property matter. For example, if you put in an affordable gazebo, you’ll want to balance out how much you’re willing to spend on insurance to protect it. (It could be cheaper to pay out of pocket to repair or replace it if it’s damaged.)

Talk To Someone Who Knows 

If you don’t want to spend your time reading every line of a long insurance contract, The Hansen Agency LLC is here to help you piece it together. Our agents have seen how different claims work out in Washington, PA. They can help you cut out the excess in your policy and swap in better terms and conditions. 

The Role of Pennsylvania’s Assigned Claims Plan for Uninsured Drivers

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but imagine being injured and realizing the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. That’s where Pennsylvania’s Assigned Claims Plan comes in. At The Hansen Agency LLC in Washington, PA, we frequently help our clients understand how this state-run program works and when it may be applicable.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Assigned Claims Plan

What Is the Assigned Claims Plan?

The Assigned Claims Plan is a safety net created by the state of Pennsylvania for people who are injured in car accidents and don’t have access to insurance coverage. This could be because the other driver was uninsured or because the injured person wasn’t in a vehicle at all, like a pedestrian or cyclist. If you don’t have your own auto policy and no one in your household does either, this program may be your only option for basic medical benefits.

Who Qualifies?

Eligibility for the Assigned Claims Plan is specific. You must be a Pennsylvania resident, the accident must have occurred within the state, and you can’t have access to any other source of coverage. If you meet those requirements, you may be able to receive up to $5,000 in medical benefits under the plan. While it’s not a substitute for full insurance coverage, it can be a crucial lifeline during a difficult time.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on It

While the Assigned Claims Plan is a helpful resource, it has strict limits and doesn’t cover things like property damage or lost wages. That’s why it’s important to carry your own auto insurance—so you’re not left vulnerable if something goes wrong.

At The Hansen Agency LLC in Washington, PA, we’re here to help you stay protected with the proper coverage. Contact us today to review your policy or explore your options.