Planning a Cross-Country Bike Trip? What You Need to Know

Getting out on your bike for an epic road trip is a fantastic way to spend part of your summer. Before you get out there come and meet with the professional agents at Versatile Insurance Planners to make sure that your motorcycle insurance policy provides the protection you will need. Whether you are sticking close to the San Antonio, TX area this summer or will be traveling cross-country, it’s always a good idea to review your motorcycle insurance. We can help you get the coverage you need whether you are riding across the country or will trailer your bike out West.

Hitting Up Sturgis this Summer, or Getting Your Kicks on Route 66? Make Sure You’re Protected

Summer is the perfect time to get your bike out on the road. Who doesn’t love a road trip? There are a number of interesting options, from taking a cross-country route that takes you up to Canada or sticking to one spot. Sturgis is on a lot of people’s bucket list, and this trip provides some breathtaking scenery along with some great camaraderie. There are endless possibilities, and the planning can be half the fun. If you are looking to get out there this summer and fall, make sure that you have the protection you need. A comprehensive motorcycle policy can protect you in the event of a mishap, theft, or loss, you will be able to get back on the road before you know it.

Make sure you have a full motorcycle insurance review at the top of your to-do list for this summer. Don’t get out on the road until you meet with San Antonio, TX area Versatile Insurance Planners and know that you have your insurance ducks in a row.

Flood Insurance: What do you need to file a claim?

There is nothing worse than experiencing a storm that takes nearly everything and not knowing what to do next. The agents at Versatile Insurance Planners can help you get through what may be one of the worst days of your life. Read on to learn what you should do when you need to file a claim for flood insurance coverage.

Step 1: Notify your insurer

Your insurance company has no way of knowing that you have suffered a loss due to flooding. You need to contact them so that you can get started with processing a claim. You should have the following information when contacting your insurer:

  • Your policy number

  • A telephone number or email address where they can reach you for further information

There are instances where everything, including your insurance papers with the policy numbers, is destroyed. You should still contact your insurer as a skilled agent in San Antonio TX can retrieve your information and determine the best way to help you file a claim.

Step 2: Write down the damage

Your insurer has no way of knowing how much damage the storm and subsequent flooding caused. You must, therefore, document the damage by taking note of the property that was damaged. It is best to make a list of personal as well as structural property damage so that you are not trying to think off the top of your head when asked about the items that you lost.

Pictures are also helpful in this instance. A photo can articulate what you may not be able to put into words. Many homeowners in San Antonio, TX take pictures of damaged property before making a list of things that need to be repaired or replaced.

Step 3: Submit a Proof of Loss form

Most insurance companies will not issue a check to close out a claim without the Proof of Loss form. This document is important because it is your sworn statement that stipulates the amount that you are claiming to have lost in the storm. Your form must have specific details that directly tie the amount that you are claiming to the actual value of the items or structure damaged. Insurance companies usually require that you file your Proof of Loss form within 60 days of the event.

A storm that ruins nearly everything that you love is devastating. Let the agents at Versatile Insurance Planners help you find the flood insurance plan that works best for your situation.

Insurance Needs for The Small Business Owner

As a small business owner in Salma, TX, you may be wondering exactly what your insurance needs are. Versatile Insurance Planners is happy to help. We understand the individual needs of the small business owner and look for new ways to provide insurance coverage for you.

General Liability and Property Insurance from Versatile Insurance Planners

The minimum coverage you would want to consider as a small business owner would be General Liability and Property Insurance. This is the basic insurance to make sure that you are protected from liability should an accident take place on your property. This policy will also protect you if significant damage is sustained to your property.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance

Depending on how many people you employ, you may be required by law to carry worker’s compensation insurance. This type of insurance will protect your employees in the event that they are injured at work. This will provide for medical expenses and provide payments while the employee is out of work. In addition to this, it protects you as the employer if an employee sues you for injuries sustained on the job.

Equipment and Automobile Insurance

If you use any type of equipment or use vehicles in the execution of your business, then you will need to protect these investments as well. Equipment is usually a massive investment in your business. You do not want to risk losing this equipment in the event of an accident or through wear and tear. Equipment insurance will cover these items. If your employees are required to drive in order to do their job, then they and the vehicles they drive will need to be insured. This is both for your protection as well as the protection of anyone who may be involved in an accident with one of your employees.

Please call us today at Versatile Insurance Planners serving Salma, TX and the surrounding areas to discuss your policy.

Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Damage Associated with Wear and Tear?

Insurance on your motorcycle and knowing what type of coverage you need is essential. You can have about any amount of coverage you want, but that does not change what that coverage takes care of. For those that live in the San Antonio, TX area, the agents with Versatile Insurance Planners can help you to find the coverage you need and want.

Motorcycle insurance covers damage from wrecks, injury, and more. Motorcycle insurance does not, however, cover normal wear and tear. There is a reason for this. For starters, it is not possible for insurance companies to include things like wear and tear because everyone uses their motorcycles differently. Wear and tear for each and every driver is going to be different and is going to happen even if the bike is not driven. Insurance is in place to help recover from accidents rather than to cover the normal wear and tear of a bike.

Since your insurance is not going to cover wear and tear, it is always a good idea to have regular maintenance done on your bike to help protect it. Your insurance does include things like damages from wrecks, your medical bills in the event on an accident, and even the medical costs of the other drivers as well as associated deductibles. This is going to help make sure that when you are on the road, everyone is covered and safe.

For those that live in the San Antonio, TX area, the agents with Versatile Insurance Planners can help you determine what type and amount of coverage you need to help protect you and your bike and keep it on the road and running for a more extended period. Contact our office to speak with an agent and get a quote.

Does Flood Insurance Cover Damages From A Sewer Accident?

If you are the victim of a sewer mishap, whether it be a result of issues in the home or issues stemming from the system running through the neighborhood, you can have substantial damages to your home. This type of accident requires serious mitigation and cleanup, in addition, there may be significant repairs and replacement to avoid health hazards for you and your family. Does the average flood insurance policy cover sewer accident repair and replacement cost?

Sewer Accident Repairs And Replacement

If you have a sewer accident that affects your home or property, you can expect to be out of pocket unless you purchase water/sewer backup coverage. The only instance your regular flood insurance will cover a sewer backup or water backup from utilities is if it is caused directly by a flood from a body of water or heavy rain. If you are concerned with incurring this type of damage, you should research your options and find out how to obtain water/sewer backup coverage in addition to your regular homeowners and flood insurance. 

A Trusted Provider Of Insurance Products

If you are looking for top-quality insurance products to protect your investments, then you should do business with an insurance agency that has an established reputation for quality and customer service. If you live in or near the San Antonio, TX area, you can count on Versatile Insurance Planners to work with you to get you the insurance coverage you need to protect your possessions. We are committed to providing personalized service and complete coverage. 

Don’t take risks with your home or property. Get the insurance you need from Versatile Insurance Planners serving the residents in and around the San Antonio, TX area. Having the right insurance products will give you security and peace of mind. 

Does an At-Home Business Need Commercial Insurance?

A lot of business owners who operate their companies out of the comfort of their own homes fail to realize the importance of commercial business insurance. They think because they don’t have an actual brick-and-mortar business location that is deemed as a commercial space that commercial insurance isn’t needed. It’s extremely imperative, though, for home-based business owners to understand why investing in commercial insurance in San Antonio, TX is a smart choice. Versatile Insurance Planners has put together a list of the top three reasons home-based business owners should buy commercial insurance.

Coverage for Vehicles

If a home-based business owner uses his or her car for business-related purposes, there’s a good chance that commercial insurance will be of the utmost value. This especially applies if the business owner transports clients in the vehicle. If an accident was to occur and the insurance company discovers business activities were taking place in the car, this could hinder a payout. With commercial insurance, though, there’s no need to fret. 

Coverage for the Hard Times

Even the most successful home-based businesses sometimes struggle from time to time. When the hard times hit, it can be beneficial to have commercial insurance. Take for example that a client is injured on the business owner’s home property when coming to a consultation. Without commercial insurance, this could leave the business owner facing a huge financial burden.

Coverage for Business Income

Depending on the exact type of commercial insurance policy invested in, a home-based business owner may be able to take advantage of business income coverage. This means if the business owner is injured and cannot tend to business activities, he or she can tap into the insurance policy to receive financial compensation for a set period or up to a predetermined amount.

Want to learn more about commercial insurance for home-based businesses? Contact Versatile Insurance Planners today serving the San Antonio, TX area.

Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Other Drivers?

Motorcycle insurance is something that is both required and necessary, and it covers a great range of things. For starters, it covers the cost of your medical bills if there is an accident. Motorcycle insurance also covers the cost of the other drivers up to a point. For those that live in the San Antonio, TX area, the agents with Versatile Insurance Planners can help you to get the coverage you need quickly.

Much like car insurance, motorcycle insurance is required to cover a certain liability amount. This amount differs from state to state, and it is going to help to cover the cost of the bills of other drivers if they are in an accident with you. This will cover medical bills, replacement or repairs of a vehicle, and court fees should the other person take you to court. Your insurance is also going to cover the cost of their deductible so that they can get started with healing before they are required to spend a great deal paying off fees and bills.

Motorcycle insurance is required by almost every state to make sure that you can cover liability for another driver or vehicle should you be at fault in an accident. For those that live in the San Antonio, TX area, the agents with Versatile Insurance Planners can help you find the motorcycle policy that is going to work best for you and your particular needs. Contact our offices to speak with an agent and learn more about the benefits of a motorcycle insurance policy. We can help you get a quote and get started.

Is Flood Insurance Always Necessary If You Live Near Water?

In San Antonio, TX, the agents of Versatile Insurance Planners are often asked if flood insurance is needed if a home is located near water. The answer is yes and no. There are several factors that go into answering that type of question. Is the home near a floodplain? Are drainage capabilities what they should be? If you own a home near any type of body of water, be it a lake, river, or stream, you should know the answers to all of these questions before you make your decision to purchase flood insurance.

Living Near Water Doesn’t Mean You Will Need Flood Insurance

Just because a home is located near the water doesn’t make it a major flood risk. Many homes that are located within a floodplain never experience a flood, but it’s a good idea to have the insurance in place. If your home is near water but not in a designated floodplain, the risk of your home being flooded is minimal. Floodplains change over time and areas that may not have been included in the past may have been added to the area as different factors change. It’s important to be aware of these changes so you can adjust your coverage accordingly.

Better To Be Safe Than Sorry

Floods can occur whether you live in a floodplain or not. Most homeowners are on the side of caution, especially if they live in areas prone to hurricanes or tropical storms. In this case, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

San Antonio, TX residents who are concerned about whether or not they need flood insurance can call the agents of Versatile Insurance Planners. They can look over your existing policy and the location of your home and give you the information you need so that you can make the best possible decision. Contact our offices to get a quote and find out more about a policy.

Does Commercial Insurance Cover with my Business?

Disasters, natural or manmade, can be catastrophic. There’s a wide array of calamities that can shutter the doors of your company, regardless of the business you are involved in. It could be an employee hacker, asbestos, mold, fires, or even a tornado. Should any of these perils occur and threaten to make your San Antonio, TX business go under, you should be able to rebuild. But that won’t happen if you aren’t fully prepared. 

Commercial Insurance for your Business

Commercial insurance from Versatile Insurance Planners is the best way to protect your business from financial losses emanating from these occurrences. There are many types of commercial insurance, but the most common ones are workers comp insurance, property insurance, and liability insurance.

  • Property Insurance – This policy covers company assets including buildings. For instance, this policy will pay for damages resulting from a fire in your office space. There are many types of additional property insurance to purchase depending on the nature of your business. 
  • Liability – General liability insurance will cover damages and injuries caused to any third party by your business. If someone sues your business for property damage or injury, this coverage will pay for the legal process. Malpractice Insurance and Errors and Omissions Insurance are common forms of more specialized types of liability insurance.
  • Workers Compensation Insurance – You need to make sure that your employees are properly covered if you want to run a successful business. Getting a workers’ compensation policy is one of the best ways to do it. This policy covers the employees against work-related injuries. This type of commercial insurance is required in many states.

If your business has company cars, you also need to ensure that your employees are covered when driving a company vehicle. There are a lot of options when it comes to commercial insurance. If you have or are planning to start a business in San Antonio, TX, Versatile Insurance Planners is the place to get your coverage. Call us and speak with an agent if you need more information on our commercial insurance products.