Four key factors to consider when you choose boat insurance coverage

When you purchase a boat, you make a significant investment. When you use your boat, you also make yourself susceptible to liability expenses. That’s why you need to purchase boat insurance.

We offer boat insurance at Advantage Insurance Network. The following are four key factors to consider when you choose boat insurance coverage in Cincinnati, OH. 

The type(s) of coverage you want and need

You should know about and be aware of numerous types of boat insurance coverage. These include liability, collision, comprehensive, and contents coverage. 

The value of your boat

The value of your boat impacts how much coverage you need. You should have enough coverage to pay for the full value of your boat. This protects you financially if you file a claim that leads to a total loss of your boat. 

The activities for which you use your boat

It would be best if you considered what your boat is used for. If you use your boat for day-long fishing trips, your insurance requirements will be different than if you use your boat for overnight trips. 

Make sure you familiarize yourself with the boat insurance requirements for various boating activities. 

The places where you’ll use your boat and require coverage

Boat policies typically limit coverage to boat use in certain areas. That’s why you need to discuss where you’ll be using your boat with your insurance provider to ensure you have the coverage you need. 

If you need to find the perfect insurance policy for your boat, we’re here for you at Advantage Insurance Network. You can find the information you need on boat insurance in Cincinnati, OH by contacting our office. 

How Much Flood Insurance Do I Need?

If you live in America, you know this country is not a stranger to floods. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the US, causing billions of property damage yearly. Since typical home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, many Cincinnati, OH homeowners have invested in flood insurance to protect their homes against flooding.

Suppose you have flood insurance, congratulations! But do you have sufficient coverage? Underinsuring your home against floods may catch you off-guard when you least expect it. And because at Advantage Insurance Network, we don’t like to see our clients caught by surprise when filing claims, the post below is a guide on the amount of flood insurance you should purchase.

Satisfy your mortgage requirements

If your home is in a flood zone, your lender requires you to purchase flood insurance to protect your home. Your lender probably requires you to purchase flood insurance equivalent to or higher than the outstanding loan or the cost of rebuilding your home.

Remember that your lender’s requirements may differ from what you need. For instance, if the outstanding loan balance is way below the value of your house, you need to reconsider your flood insurance amount.

How much flood insurance do I need?

Assuming you don’t have a mortgage or want optimal protection for your home, here is the guide to help you purchase sufficient flood insurance.

  • The amount should be enough to rebuild your home: Purchase flood insurance equivalent to your home’s replacement value. This ensures your flood insurance can rebuild your home from the ground up in the worst-case scenario.
  • Your flood insurance should replace all your assets: Set up a home inventory count and value everything in your possession. Buy flood insurance coverage that can replace all your assets if swept by floods.

Still not sure how much flood insurance you need in Cincinnati, OH? No problem. Please get in touch with Advantage Insurance Network for tailor-made advice.

Condo Insurance in Ohio: What Coverage do I Need?

When you have a condo in Ohio, you want to be protected from every liability or financial risk. You may not be required to get condo insurance in Ohio, unless your lender or mortgage broker requires it. 

At Advantage Insurance Network, we help Cincinnati, OH condo owners get the coverage they need for their condo living. We can help you build the right policy for your needs.

Learn more about what coverage you could need in a condo in Ohio.

Your Condo Association Policy

When you have a condo, the condo association or condo board will have a master policy that covers the areas of the grounds for which they are responsible. Those are typically the most common areas, areas that many people would share.

That could include a common room or lounge, elevators, front foyer, hallways, and common storage areas where shared belongings are kept. Personal storage units that contain only your belongings would be your insurance responsibility.

Your Personal Condo Insurance Policy

For your own personal condo insurance policy, you will want to have at minimum, liability coverage. This will cover you financially in the event that an accident occurs in your home for which you are held liable. 

That could be a dog bite, a slip and fall, or another problem that you are responsible for. This liability coverage will follow you when you travel.

You may also be interested in contents coverage, that will cover you in the event that you experience damage, loss, or theft, of any of your personal belongings.

Improvements and betterments coverage is also a traditional component of condo insurance and can be used to make renovations or improvements to your unit.

Get a Quote

Condo insurance is like renter’s insurance, where the primary land workers or managers assume a lot of risks. That is what their insurance will cover. Yours will cover the risks in your own home. At Advantage Insurance Network, we help Cincinnati, OH condo owners get the most thorough coverage for their needs. Call us for a quote today.

What Damage Can a Flood Do to Your Home?

Floods can cause serious damage to your home. Even if you do not live in a high-risk flood zone, your home could experience serious flooding. This is why flood insurance is so important, no matter where you live.

Advantage Insurance Network, which serves Cincinnati, OH, understands the importance of flood insurance. These are some of the common ways homes are impacted by floods.

Structural Damage

Structural damage to a home is extremely common after a flood. The bones of your home could become damaged, perhaps causing the home to fall down in some places due to rotting.

Electrical Damage

Electrical concerns are among the most dangerous after a flood, but they are also some of the most devastating. Depending on many factors associated with your home, the electrical damage could require extensive repairs.

Appliance Damage

Appliances like stoves, washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators can all become damaged in a flood. Appliances are expensive, but insurance may be able to help you replace them.

Mold & Mildew

Mold and mildew are more than a nuisance. They can both cause serious health issues later, which makes them important to take care of immediately. Insurance can help with this step.

Septic & Well Water System Damage

Water can become contaminated after a flood, which is why you need insurance if you have a well water or septic system. You may need to do a lot of work to make sure that you can use the water safely, and this can be expensive.

Get Flood Insurance

If you live in Cincinnati, OH, Advantage Insurance Network can help you. Contact an insurance professional to discuss flood insurance before your home faces serious damage.

Dwelling Fire Insurance Overview

Advantage Insurance Network offers coverage to Cincinnati, OH residents. We strive to make sure that our clients are protected in every situation. We proudly serve the community as an independent agency. This allows us to offer our clients a wide variety of options. We look forward to helping you find the coverage you need.

Dwelling Fire Insurance Overview

Your Cincinnati, OH property is your sanctuary. It’s the place where you can relax after a long day. The Midwest is known for rough winter conditions, so perhaps you have a seasonal residence that you also spend time at during the cold winters in Cincinnati. If something happens to your seasonal residence, you may not be protected unless you have dwelling fire insurance.

Dwelling fire insurance covers any property that you have that is not your primary residence. Dwelling fire insurance covers any damage to your seasonal home, as well as your personal items. You are covered if your property is damaged due to severe weather or an accidental fire. You can amend your coverage to protect yourself if your property is damaged by a windstorm or explosion.

You can choose a broad form of coverage that protects your property if someone vandalizes it or there is electrical damage. You are also covered if your residence starts to erode due to insect damage. Consider taking inventory of any personal items that you have at your seasonal residence. This way, you’ll have an estimate of their value if something happens. Depending on the area that your property is in, you can add extra coverage to cover you if a riot occurs or an earthquake.

Advantage Insurance Network Will Help You Protect Your Investment

Visit our website to learn more information on dwelling fire insurance.  

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

You have survived a long winter in Ohio and are looking forward to putting your new boat in a lake and heading out for some fun in the sun but you may want to consider insuring your boat before using it. The staff at the Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH understand all of the different types of boat insurance coverage you can obtain in Ohio and will help you choose the correct ones for you and your boat so you can simply enjoy being out on the water.

In Ohio, it is not required that you have boat insurance but it is highly recommended since accidents can still happen out on the water just like they do on the highways.

Main Boat Insurance Options

Liability insurance will cover any bodily damage to a person that has been caused by your boat as well as property damage to someone’s boat or a dock.

You can also get a boat insurance policy that includes comprehensive coverage which means if damage occurs to your boat from a storm, vandalism, a fire, or it is stolen, you can have your boat replaced or repaired without a large cost to you and your family.

Extra Boat Insurance Options

You can also opt to have insurance in place for your boat that covers other items, including your beloved fishing equipment. This includes if your equipment is damaged or stolen.

You can also receive roadside assistance which means if you are stranded out on a waterway due to your boat breaking down or becoming damaged, you can get a tow or other assistance.

Having good insurance coverage in place for your boat will provide you with more peace of mind and relaxation while you are out on the water in your boat. To choose the best options for you and your boat, contact an experienced Ohio boat insurance agent at the Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH to get your policy started today.

4 Benefits of Motorcycle Insurance

Just like you never forget about your safety gear and motorcycle maintenance, you should never ride your bike without motorcycle insurance. This coverage could save the day when you least expect it. 

Are you having second thoughts about motorcycle insurance? Here are the advantages you accrue when buying motorcycle insurance from Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH.

Liability coverage

If you are accused of property damage or bodily injury to other people, motorcycle insurance helps you pay for the liability claims. While most states have minimum liability coverages you should purchase, you should go for higher limits to increase your coverage. 

Medical payments

Unlike vehicles with a protective body, even a minor accident on a bike can result in severe injuries for you and your passenger. Thankfully, if you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, it covers the resulting medical expenses, lessening your financial burden. Better yet, PIP coverage may cover partial loss of income and funeral expenses.

Asset protection

While liability coverages cover losses you sustain to other people, comprehensive and collision coverages cover your bike. In the event of an accident or when perils like fire, theft, and vandalism occur, motorcycle insurance covers replacement or repair bills of your bike. 

It’s the law

Ohio requires all riders to carry motorcycle insurance whenever riding on public roads. Failure to comply with motorcycle insurance exposes you to fines and penalties, including license suspension. Besides, if you are uninsured, you will have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for the damages you cause. 

Buy motorcycle insurance today

If you are about to purchase a bike, it comes with many benefits. From cheaper gas, ease of commuting to limitless fun on the highways, there are a million reasons to buy a motorbike. However, amidst the fun, you should never forget about motorcycle insurance.

Are you shopping or renewing motorcycle insurance in Cincinnati, OH? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Advantage Insurance Network for a personalized quote. 

4 Potential Liability Issues Ohio Restaurant Owners Should Be Aware Of

Advantage Insurance Network offers multiple types of coverage to Cincinnati, OH residents. We are an independent insurance agency. We believe that working with multiple carriers across the Midwest gives us an advantage over the competition. We sit down with each of our clients and help them assess their options. We provide flexible policies designed to meet the unique needs of our clients.

Potential Liability Issues Ohio Restaurant Owners Should Be Aware Of

Part of Cincinnati, OH’s thriving economy is the emergence of several bars and restaurants in the area. As the owner of a local bar or restaurant, this is an exciting time. However, it is important that you understand the risks associated with opening a bar or restaurant. Bar and restaurant insurance is an asset. You are protected if your property is damaged or your equipment is stolen. Here are a few ways that liability coverage protects your business.

Liquor Liability

As a bar owner, patrons come to your establishment to enjoy a few drinks and have a good time. However, you have to closely monitor the amount of alcohol you serve your customers. If your customers become intoxicated and injure someone or cause property damage, you will be held liable.

Unexpected Hazards

General liability coverage will protect your business if one of your customers is injured due to a slip and fall accident or falling out of a loose chair.

Flammable Accessories

While it is cool to have stylish accessories around the restaurant, you have to be careful. If one of the accessories accidentally catches on fire and hurts someone, you will be held liable.

Employee Injuries

Perhaps one of your employees is injured while performing tasks. Worker’s compensation will protect you from possible legal action.

Advantage Insurance Network Will Help You Protect Your Investment

Visit our website to learn more information about bar and restaurant insurance.

Why should a contractor in Ohio get contractors insurance?

For anyone that is looking for a great career path in the Cincinnati, OH area, becoming a contractor can be a great decision. Those that are contractors will find there is a lot of great work opportunities and plenty of chances to be successful. While you can have a great career as a contractor in this part of Ohio, you also need to make sure your business is properly covered. A contractor’s insurance plan offers several important forms of coverage. 

Coverage for Equipment

One of the most important reasons to have a contractor’s insurance plan is so you can receive coverage for your equipment. A contractor will need to purchase a lot of different tools and other equipment needed to complete their typical job. If they are ever a victim of theft, vandalism, or other forms of damage, the impact can be significant. With a contractor’s insurance plan, you will have the support needed to replace these assets.

Liability Protection

A contractor in Ohio should also get a contractor’s insurance plan to ensure you have liability insurance protection. A contractor will take on liability risks on a regular basis. If they make certain errors or are negligent in any way, they could be found liable for the related damages. This form of coverage can be mitigated with a proper insurance plan as it will include some liability insurance coverage. 

If you are in the Cincinnati, OH area and trying to build your contractor’s business, picking a proper insurance plan is important. If you are looking for a plan here, the Advantage Insurance Network can provide a lot of support. The team with Advantage Insurance Network can help you assess your different needs and options and give the guidance necessary to choose an ideal policy. 

How much flood insurance do I need if I live in a high risk flood area?

How much flood insurance do I need if I live in a high-risk flood area? 

While flood insurance is only required if your property is located in a high-risk flood area and has a mortgage, it’s essential that you get one even if both conditions don’t apply to you. No one is ever safe from floods, and home insurance doesn’t cover floods in Cincinnati, OH.  If your home is marked as high risk, Advantage Insurance Network recommends buying enough insurance to replace and rebuild your home in case of damage.

Minimum flood insurance required by mortgages

Mortgage companies generally require you to have a specific level of flood insurance to protect your investment. If floods completely destroy the house, and you decide to abandon the home and stop making payments, your mortgage lender will be left behind by a huge loss because they will not know what to do with the damaged property. You will be required to have insurance to cover the cost of property development or simply buy the maximum limit.

Flood insurance for properties in high-risk flood areas

Homeowners and landlords with residential and commercial properties in high-risk flood areas across Cincinnati, OH, can buy flood insurance to protect their investments. While there is no limit, it’s always prudent to have enough coverage to replace your possessions and rebuild your home. Don’t check the value of your home, as this changes frequently. Instead, calculate the cost to rebuild based on the quality of materials used, size of the home, and labor cost in your area. Next, come up with a list of your personal belongings in your home, such as furniture and clothes, and add the amount to the cost of rebuilding. You can use this figure to guide your flood insurance purchase.

Let us help you

Don’t forget to assess your risk levels frequently as it changes with time. If you need more help determining your flood insurance amount, our experts at Advantage Insurance Network can help you through the process. We’re just a call away.