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August Vincent Insurance Agency

1145 Mitchell Ct, Suite 216
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

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Illinois Insurance Blog

Do You Need Commercial Insurance?

With business ownership comes great responsibility. There are many layers to the success of your business, and it is very important that you have the proper insurance protection for each of these layers. At August Vincent Insurance Agency, serving Huntley, IL, we can help you better understand the insurance products available for business owners.

Commercial Insurance FAQs

What Is Commercial Insurance?

Your business operates at many different levels. You need insurance protection at each level. However, having multiple insurance policies is not efficient or affordable. A commercial insurance policy bundles the many different types of coverage you will need into one efficient, streamlined policy. This makes insurance more affordable and less complicated. 

What Does Commercial Insurance Cover?

You can customize your commercial insurance policy to meet the unique needs of your business, but in general, a commercial policy will cover the following areas:

  • Property- The physical location of your business and any equipment or inventory you keep there will be protected with property damage insurance. This type of policy will kick in to pay if the property, equipment, or inventory is damaged, lost, or stolen. 
  • Vehicle Coverage- If you need to use vehicles for the everyday operation of your business, you will need a solid auto insurance policy in place to protect both the drivers and the vehicles being used. 
  • Liability Coverage- A business owner is at a heightened risk for liability because you have customers coming in and out of your place of business and using your goods or services. If someone is injured at your place of business or because of your goods or services, they can hold you responsible for medical bills. If a lawsuit results from the incident, you may also be responsible for legal fees. Liability insurance will pay for these types of expenses should the need arise. 

If you would like to learn more, please contact us at August Vincent Insurance Agency serving Huntley, IL, and the surrounding areas.   

 

Creating and storing a home inventory

When you own a home, you face a lot of risks. Having home insurance helps you to mitigate some of the risks you face. Make sure you have the right amount of home insurance to cover everything you need. Of course, everyone hopes that they will never need to use their home insurance, but you will be glad to have a home inventory if you do. At  August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL, we believe in customizing your home insurance to you and your home. Choosing the right amount of coverage protects everything you own. 

Home Insurance Facts

A home inventory will be your best friend when you file an insurance claim, so you must make it as detailed and clear as possible. 

Begin by getting a pen and pad and bringing your phone or camera. You will want to take many photos of each room, and be sure to include any of your more costly items. Try to have a plan. It will be a time-consuming operation, and you need to include everything and lots of details. 

Give names, brands, and serial numbers on anything where it is appropriate. If you have sales slips, receipts, or appraisals for the more expensive items, that will certainly help. 

Go room to room and don’t just list the obvious things, such as open closets and drawers. You want to include everything. Go up to the attic and down to the basement. Check the garage. 

Once you have collected all the information, attach the pictures and receipts and find a safe place to store the inventory. A good option for a backup is to take photos of the inventory and email them to yourself for storage in an email folder. You can also put the copies on the cloud. At the very least, fire and waterproof containers are a must. 

Give Us A Call

Contact  August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL with any questions about home insurance. 

 

What is a BOP and why would a business want it?

What is a BOP and why would a business want it?

No matter what kind of business you own, you need insurance. What type of insurance differs by what kind of business you own. August Vincent Insurance Agency serving Huntley, IL offers a full range of insurance policies, so your business can obtain just the insurance it needs.

While commercial business policies are custom in nature, each starts with the same essential insurance types, such as business liability. Each bricks-and-mortar business does need four essential types of insurance – liability, property damage, business interruption, and peril. The customization part happens after you obtain these four policies.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

A business owner’s policy (BOP) bundles these four policy types into one package and, by doing so, reduces the premium cost to you. You can add any type of business insurance to this BOP from malpractice to errors and omissions. You can tack on glass insurance or boiler insurance. Any insurance type your business needs, you can add to the foundation of a BOP.

Because you customize all commercial policies, you create a package of insurance that perfectly suits your business. This saves you money and ensures that you insure your business against every risk.

Example of How a BOP Works

For example, every brick-and-mortar business has a physical location, such as a storefront. If that storefront incurred damage in a storm, you’d receive coverage under the peril policy and the property damage policy for repairs to structure and repair or replacement of the business equipment. The business interruption insurance would pay for any days you had to close your business due to the peril damage. If one of your customers had a slip-and-fall accident at your business while you were closing it up before the storm, your liability coverage kicks in. The glass insurance that you added to your BOP covers any broken windows that the storm causes.

Contact August Vincent Insurance Agency serving Huntley, IL about a BOP policy for your business today. Protect your business with the insurance it needs to thrive.

Home Insurance Basics To Become Familiar With

August Vincent Insurance Agency serves the Huntley, IL community. We are an independent agency. We strive to help our clients find the coverage they need to protect their assets if an issue arises. We work closely with multiple carriers on the market. This allows us to cover our clients in multiple scenarios. We are confident that we can help you find the coverage you need to navigate life’s risks.

Home Insurance Basics

Owning a home is a significant achievement. Home insurance allows you to maximize your investment. The policy covers the structure of your Huntley IL property against possible damage. You are protected if your home is impacted by accidental fire or a natural disaster such as a tornado. If your home is completely totaled, home insurance covers the repairs. You can also add alternative living coverage. This helps you find another place to stay while your home is being fixed. Liability coverage protects you if a mistake occurs. Maybe a guest slips on a wet spot and suffers an injury. Perhaps you are doing some maintenance, and you accidentally damage your neighbor’s property. These are common scenarios where liability coverage can protect you. It covers the injured party’s medical treatment and protects you against possible legal action. If you have a trampoline on your property, consider adding extra liability coverage.

All of your personal items are covered if you are a victim of theft, or they are damaged due to a fire or natural disaster. You can add extra coverage to protect your assets if you have luxury items such as furs or antiques on your property.

August Vincent Insurance Agency Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about home insurance.  

Auto Insurance FAQ

When you have a vehicle on the roads, it is important to have the financial protection and peace of mind that auto insurance offers, but sometimes we have questions. If that is the case, then speak to August Vincent Insurance Agency serving Huntley, IL to become familiar with your auto insurance policy.

Is Auto Insurance Is Mandatory in IL?

Certain types of liability coverage against bodily injury and property damage are mandatory in IL. Bodily injury insurance pays for the costs associated with third-party injuries or death, including pedestrians due to an accident that is your fault. Property damage insurance pays for the costs associated with damage to a third party’s property due to an auto accident for which you are liable. The limits are set on the low end. For sufficient coverage, you should review and increase the minimum limits set by the state.

You should also purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist injury coverage and insurance which covers you for your bodily injuries caused by an at-fault driver who is under-or uninsured.

What Types of Insurance Are There for Damage to My Vehicle?

There are two main types: collision coverage when you sustain damage to your vehicle because of an accident and comprehensive coverage for when the damage is from something else like theft or vandalism, or perils.

What Affects My Premium?

Several factors may affect your premium. These include:

  • Your age, gender, and marital status
  • Your coverage limits. The more you purchase, the higher the cost.
  • What type of vehicle you own, its condition, and age
  • The area you live in
  • Credit record

If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to August Vincent Insurance Agency serving Huntley, IL to review or renew your policy and so they can answer any burning questions you may have!

Is commercial insurance a necessity?

Operating a thriving business in Huntley, IL always comes with unique inherent risks. Risks ranging from a client being injured on your business premises, a natural disaster striking, to a client filing a lawsuit may disrupt your business operations. Therefore, it is imperative for a business owner in Huntley, IL to have solidified commercial insurance in place to safeguard your business and your assets and employees. Protecting your precious investment is an instrumental element in ensuring you have a thriving business. Are you a business owner in Huntley, IL searching for commercial insurance? Don’t look beyond August Vincent Insurance Agency. Our agents will help you to select outstanding commercial insurance meeting your needs and budget. Keep reading to establish why commercial insurance is an absolute necessity.

Protection of your employees

What happens if one of your employees gets extensive injuries or gets ill while working on your premises? Securing workers’ comp insurance is paramount as it caters to your worker’s medical care if they sustain a work-related injury or contract an illness. It also replaces some of their lost income partially and avails financial benefits to deceased workers’ families.

It’s a legal requirement.

Many states, including Illinois, advocate for small businesses to maintain workers’ comp insurance if a business entity possesses employees. It caters to the medical expenses accrued by your workers if they suffer any work-related injury or contract general ailment.

Protection of assets

 Did you know that Illinois is home to 1.2 million small businesses? Therefore, businesses are susceptible to vagaries of nature like hailstorms damaging your business assets. Therefore, commercial insurance is an instrumental option that can safeguard a business’s assets ranging from treasured fixtures to computers and inventory.

It covers advertising liability.

If your business entity violates the copyright rules of some other parties or business, it can culminate in a copyright infringement issue. Luckily, liability insurance kicks in and caters to legal liability against such claims. 

Are you a business owner in Huntley, IL searching for commercial insurance to safeguard your business and employees? Please call or visit us at August Vincent Insurance Agency; our agents do our best to protect our clients with affordable and sufficient coverages. 

Types of auto insurance coverage

Auto insurance is not just a single type of coverage, it has multiple components. It is a customizable policy that can include only the parts that you want. You don’t need to pay for types of coverage that are just not right for you. At August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL, we have been serving the Quad City area for the last 10 years. Our agents will work hard to make sure you get the best insurance product customized for your particular needs.

Liability coverage

Liability coverage is the amount that is usually mandated by each state to protect other drivers from you in the event that you cause an accident. It is designed to protect your assets from being lost to a judgment against you. The amount of coverage you have should reflect your financial situation. 

Collision coverage

Collision coverage comes with a deductible. It is insurance that covers your vehicle in an accident where you are the at-fault driver. It will also cover you if you are a victim of a hit and run. The insurance company will determine the value of your vehicle if it is deemed a total loss. 

Comprehensive coverage

Life is filled with risks and many things can happen to you over which you have little or no control. Comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle against many of these things. If your vehicle is stolen or vandalized, this is the insurance that protects you. Weather can be fickle and hail the size of a golf ball or strong winds that uproot trees, can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle. 

Roadside Service

Having your vehicle break down or getting a flat tire can be stressful. Having roadside service will give you the confidence that help is just a phone call away. 

Contact August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL to discuss your auto insurance needs. 

Things home insurance won’t cover

No matter where you live, there are risks that all homeowners face. You have made a major investment in buying your home. Protecting that investment is important. No home insurance will cover everything, but knowing what is not covered can help you make adjustments. Finding the right policy is easier if you have an independent insurance agent who can put your interests first. At August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL our agents work hard for you. With more than a decade of experience in the Quad Cities, we are familiar with the local market. 

Owner neglect

One of the easiest things to make adjustments for is owner neglect. Your insurance company expects you to maintain your home and if you don’t replace your roof and it leaks, well, it’s likely they won’t cover the damage caused by the leak. If you get termites, they won’t pay for the damage, you should get your place treated. 

Flooding

Floods are one of the most common natural disasters and cause millions in damage every year. Home insurance does not cover flooding. If you live in an area where there is a danger of flood damage, you need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. 

Earth Movement

Earth movement refers to things like earthquakes, mudslides, and sinkholes. None of these disasters are covered. Again, if it is a worry, you can purchase a separate policy. 

Sewer backup

The only thing more disturbing than having a sewer backup in your home is finding out that it is not covered by your home insurance. 

Identity theft

Expenses that may be incurred due to identity theft are generally not covered by your home insurance. You can purchase coverage for these kinds of expenses. 

When you are in the market for home insurance, contact August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL, to get a no-obligation quote. 

4 Commercial Insurance Add-ons to Consider

Regardless of your Huntley, IL business size, it would help if you had commercial insurance to thrive in the uncertain business environment. Like health or car insurance, commercial insurance is one coverage that you wish you never have to use. But because you can’t predict risks, business insurance is the safety net you run to when the unthinkable strikes your business venture. 

Unfortunately, many small businesses operate without commercial insurance. In fact, many have confessed to have not bought commercial insurance after one year of being in operation. While this might seem like a saving, it’s a recipe for disaster. Just one catastrophe is enough to wipe your beloved business. In light of this, August Vincent Insurance Agency shares must-have coverages for a small business. 

Liability coverage

If you live in America, you know that legal suits can strike anytime. And boy, you better have liability coverage when lawsuits come calling. Legal cases can be expensive, especially when ruled against your favor. As such, you need liability coverage to cover claims against property damage, property damage, and advertising injury facing your business. 

Workers’ comp insurance

While workers’ comp insurance is mandatory in Illinois, this shouldn’t be the only motivation to purchase this coverage. Workers’ comp insurance protects your most valuable assets — the employees. This coverage pays for the medical costs, partial loss of wages, and funeral expenses following your employees’ work-related injuries and other illnesses. 

Commercial property insurance

What would a business be without assets — your building, inventory, furniture, computer equipment, and other assets support almost all your business operations. In light of this, you need insurance that protects your assets against perils like fire, vandalism, theft, and natural calamities. 

Commercial auto insurance

Again, this is a mandatory requirement in Illinois, but there are plenty of reasons to purchase this coverage beyond compliance. It protects your business against liability claims for accidents your driver is deemed liable. Besides, it covers damages to your car and injuries to your driver.

Buy commercial insurance today!

Now that you are aware of commercial insurance add-ons to consider, it’s time to purchase coverage from August Vincent Insurance Agency. Contact us or visit our Huntley, IL today.

How often should I review my home insurance

Peace of mind is what home insurance is designed for.  Many things can happen that can damage your home and knowing you are covered for many of them is important. Things change in your life and around your home, and you may need to review the coverage you have. At August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL As independent agents, we can provide our clients with more choices which means better options and prices

When your home insurance renews, you will get a new copy of your coverage and on the front of it will be the declaration page. This page is the key to knowing what coverage you have.  When it arrives in your home, you should look it over and see if everything makes sense to you. If your premium has dramatically increased you may want to compare the figures to the previous year and see what has caused the increase. Your deductible is listed and also any riders you may have. 

If you have made any significant changes to your home, it is a good idea to discuss them with your agent. Certain upgrades may affect your policy. If you replace your roof, you may get a better rate. If you added a security system or any other safety equipment, it may also affect the rating of your policy which can affect your premium. 

If you have things like a pool, a trampoline, or a dog, you may want to look at the amount of liability coverage you have. It might be a good time to raise your limit.  All of these items are risky and raise the possibility of getting sued. you should review your home policy at least yearly. 

If you have home insurance needs, August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL is here to offer you friendly and knowledgeable service. You can come into the office or give us a call.  

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