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.

Do I need contractors insurance in Ohio?

Those that live in the Cincinnati, OH area will have a variety of different insurance needs. For those that are contractors, there are also a variety of insurance policies that should be obtained. There are several reasons why a contractor here should get a contractor’s insurance policy. 

Protection for Liability Claims

Similar to any type of business, a contractor is going to take on some liability risk. This could include if you make a mistake during a job that causes damage or if someone is hurt due to negligence. In any event, a liability claim could be very bad for your business. If you get a contractor’s insurance policy, it will provide the protection needed to mitigate this risk.

Improvement to Business Reputation

You will also want to have a contractor’s insurance plan because it can improve the overall reputation of your business. As you continue to grow and take on larger jobs, more of your customers will want to know that you are properly insured. Ultimately, a contractor’s insurance policy provides a lot of coverage to the customer as well. If you want to be able to win business, you will need to provide evidence of your contractor’s insurance coverage at all times. 

For contractors that are in the Cincinnati, OH area, getting contractors insurance coverage is a good investment. Many contractors here may find that picking a policy is confusing. If you are having challenges picking a new plan, you should call Advantage Insurance Network. The team with Advantage Insurance Network understands the insurance needs of contractors. They will be able to explain all of the benefits and options to you and ensure that you pick the right plan for your situation. 

How Does Condo Insurance Work?

Condo insurance is a lot different from home insurance or renters’ insurance, but it does share a few coverages with those types of insurance. Condo coverage is unique among insurance types, and it’s a must to have it if you own a condo. If you need coverage for your condo, contact us at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH to find out more about this insurance type and to get your policy.

Your Dwelling

When you have a condo, there are certain parts of it that you own and certain parts you don’t. Generally, you are responsible for everything inside your unit. Depending on the contract, this may include the space inside and the inside walls. In others, it may include what’s inside the walls, i.e., plumbing and electricity lines. It does not, however, generally include any portion of the outside of the dwelling. An exception is a portion of the outside area that has been improved by you. When this happens, you must insure that area. Whatever portions of the property you are responsible for the need to be covered by your condo insurance. 

Your Belongings

Most of what you own is likely inside your condo. That’s why the portion that covers your possessions is so important. If an accident or catastrophe were to damage or destroy your belongings, your condo insurance will pay to fix or replace them. To document what you own for your insurance policy, film yourself walking around the condo so that everything inside it is included in the video. You can also take pictures of the rooms with special attention paid to expensive items within them. 

Get Your Condo Insured

Don’t go even a day without condo insurance. Call us at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH to talk to an agent about your condo and what needs to be covered. 

Why should I get a flood insurance policy?

Those that live in the Cincinnati, OH area should consider purchasing their home. While owning a property here can come with a lot of advantages and potential, homeownership comes with risks as well. A great way that you can continue to mitigate these risks is with a proper insurance plan. One part of this should be to get flood insurance. There are several reasons why you should get this coverage if you own a property in this area of Ohio.

Access to Water Could Put in Higher Risk Zone

One reason that you should get flood insurance here is that you could be in a higher risk zone. In this area of Ohio, there are several rivers, lakes, and other waterways that do have the potential to flood. If you do not have the right coverage in your home policy, you will need to cover the damages yourself. With flood insurance, you can be assured you will be covered for flood damages.

Insurance is a Lender Requirement

For some that are in this area of Ohio, having flood insurance is also a lender requirement. Lenders know how flood damage could jeopardize their collateral. Due to this, they will want to make sure you have insurance to mitigate this risk at all times. If you are in a high-risk zone, you may be required to get flood insurance. 

In the Cincinnati, OH area there will continue to be a need for flood insurance. If you are concerned about the effects a flood could have on your home, you should call Advantage Insurance Network. The team at the Advantage Insurance Network has helped people all over the area better assess their flood risk. They can then help you get into a policy that will give you the right protection and peace of mind. 

Expenses covered by boat insurance in Cincinnati

Boat or watercraft insurance can be purchased for various types of seafaring vessels, including standard boats, as well as jet skis, sailboats, and yachts. Boat owners in the Cincinnati, OH area should consider an overview of the items and losses that will be covered under their boat insurance policy, and get in touch with Advantage Insurance Network for more information.  

Mechanical parts

The machines and engines that keep the boat running are often very costly and important. The boat cannot operate without these parts, which is why their repairs and replacements are covered under an insurance policy. These mechanical parts are especially sensitive to things like rust and salt damage from entering and exiting the water, which makes them more likely to break than similar parts on a land vehicle. 

The body or structure of the vessel

Most boats and vessels have a hull or other main body structure. This part is covered, as things like leaks, cracks, and tears in the hull can render the boat unusable until they are repaired. 

Liability coverage

If a boat is involved in an accident, or someone is hurt while they are on your boat, it is possible that the owner can be sued for negligence. The boat insurance policy will cover these losses up to a certain amount without the owner being personally liable. Otherwise, the boat owner may have to spend time in court, legal fees, and their own money to settle the case without insurance. 

Speak with an agent about other boat insurance issues

Anyone who is considering a boat insurance policy should speak with an agent at Advantage Insurance Network. They serve the Cincinnati, OH area with professional advice and service.

What You Need to Know About Purchasing Motorcycle Insurance

It isn’t exactly a secret that you need liability insurance coverage to keep your bike legal while out on the road. However, if you’ve never purchased it before, you might not know what the process is like and that’s where our Advantage Insurance Network team is here to help. Here are a few things you need to know about purchasing motorcycle insurance in Cincinnati, OH.

Liability and First-Party Coverage

Just like when you’re purchasing auto insurance, there are two types of motorcycle insurance you have to consider: liability and first-party coverage.

Liability is what you need to stay legal. This pays for any medical bills for other people or property damage costs if you’re in an accident that is deemed your fault. Usually, liability is pretty affordable and there are a few different coverage tier levels you can choose from.

First-party coverage is what covers you, your passenger, and your bike if you’re involved in an accident. And it doesn’t matter who caused the incident.

The most common first-party coverages you need to be aware of our comprehensive, collision, and medical payments. Comprehensive and collision pay for damages to the motorcycle, while medpay helps take care of any hospital or doctor bills you might have after a crash.

Other Optional Coverages

Of course, your coverage options don’t end there. If you have any special equipment on your motorcycles, such as saddlebags or any upgrades, you’ll want to ensure your policy covers those, too. There are also coverages for emergency road service and towing, which are helpful if you’re on a ride and your bike suddenly breaks down.

Ready to purchase quality motorcycle insurance coverage in Cincinnati, OH for your bike? Please contact our Advantage Insurance Network team today for more information.

Variables To Consider While Researching Restaurant & Bar Insurance Policies

Advantage Insurance Network assists Cincinnati, OH residents through offering them multiple insurance policies. As an independent insurance agency, we are able to help our clients find coverage regardless of their situation.

Restaurant & Bar Insurance

Many Cincinnati, OH businesses recognize the risks associated with operating near the Ohio River. That’s why business owners have started to research Restaurant & Bar Insurance. The policy protects owners in the event that some of the physical property is damaged. Your restaurant equipment, as well as the food that you have in storage, is also covered in the event that they are damaged. The policy also covers owners against any possible liability situations if someone were to get hurt while visiting the place. If you are the owner of a restaurant or bar, here are some variables to consider while researching Restaurant & Bar Insurance.

Think About Your Establishment

Keep in mind that different types of establishments require unique coverage compared to others. If you own a bar or a small restaurant, you may require different coverage compared to someone who owns a tavern or full-service restaurant. The location of your restaurant or bar is also important.

Additional Coverage

Don’t forget to add Workers Comp and commercial insurance to your policy. Workers comp protects your employees and lets them know that they are valued, which boosts morale. Commercial insurance protects any extra assets to your business, such as a vehicle.

Other Factors To Weigh

Remember that your hours of operation, the number of years in business, the sales volume, and the different activities at your restaurant are factors to think about while researching different policies.

Consult With Advantage Insurance Network

We will sit down with you and help you find the coverage that aligns with your goals. Contact us today.

How Much Contractor’s Insurance Do You Really Need?

Business insurance, specifically contractors insurance are likely terms you do not want to think much about as you run your company each day. But careful consideration can mean that once you do purchase the perfectly suited policy you do not have to think about it again until the day comes when you actually need it. Advantage Insurance Network serves the contracting businesses of Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding areas with quality insurance services.

Who Needs Contractor’s Insurance? 

Contractor’s insurance may also be referred to as small business insurance and anyone in businesses such as HVAC, General Contracting, Plumbing, Handyman, Electrician, Tile, Outdoor Excavations, Landscaping, Interior or Exterior Painting, or the like should protect themselves with a small business insurance policy specific to their contractor needs. 

How much contractor’s insurance is needed? 

A basic general liability policy is needed for any business owner who has an employee in the state of Ohio. Your policy will start with this general requirement and build from there to meet your companies specific needs. How much you need exactly is determined by your personal risk levels and how much you stand to lose if certain events occur. If you use vehicles in the process of running your business then you need a commercial auto policy as well. And you must carry a minimum level of Ohio worker’s compensation in case one of your employees is injured on the job, even if you only have one employee. Beyond that, you may want to add certain elements like flood insurance for your building and umbrella insurance for unique risks in your line of work. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this. 

If you run any type of contracting business in the Cincinnati, OH area contact us at Advantage Insurance Network to learn about the specifics of your individual insurance needs. Contractors’ insurance needs can vary as greatly as types of contractors there are. Call us today for easy to purchase contractors insurance in Ohio.