http://www.allaboutins.com/blog/View All About Insurance's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.allaboutins.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:6b8d9c22-f00d-486d-a5d2-0ed4279bd941urn:uuid:4d618d58-e1d5-4168-9964-bd9645590bfa<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000009212650XSmall.jpg' align='left' />Going green is a growing trend among both consumers and businesses. It&rsquo;s a great way to protect the environment, reduce dependence on oil, and focus on sustainability. Going green doesn&rsquo;t just help reduce harmful pollutants and oil use th...Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:49:51 -0600<img style="width: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;border: 0px solid;" alt="Green Business Insurance" src="/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000009212650XSmall.jpg" />Going green is a growing trend among both consumers and businesses. It&rsquo;s a great way to protect the environment, reduce dependence on oil, and focus on sustainability. Going green doesn&rsquo;t just help reduce harmful pollutants and oil use though; it can also save you money on your commercial insurance policies.<br /> <br /> <strong>Cashing in on the Green</strong><br /> <br /> Not every eco-friendly decision you make for your business will result in insurance discounts. Going paperless and reducing heating and air conditioning usage won&rsquo;t result in any discounts, although these moves can save you money in other ways. If you want to focus on the changes that will result in insurance discounts, the first place you can go is to your vehicle fleet. Hybrid vehicles are often rewarded with discounts by insurers as they present less risk of accident and loss through theft. <br /> <br /> Another way to get green discounts on commercial insurance is to invest in sustainable supplies when renovating or building your business locations. If your business is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) compliant, you can get discounts built into your commercial property policy. More important than discounts, perhaps, is that green commercial insurance covers the specialized materials that are used to create a LEED compliant building. This is because their policies provide replacement costs and specify that the replacement can be of like kind and quality; an important distinction from a non-green policy that may not support the purchase of sustainable building supplies.<br /> <br /> For businesses that own older with non-LEED compliant buildings, there are no green discounts to be had but they may invest in green building upgrade coverage. Then, if a covered event causes damage that requires rebuilding or renovation, the business owner can build with certain sustainable, eco-friendly products that might not otherwise be covered. <br /> <br /> Allow <strong>All About Insurance</strong> to help you maximize all the benefits that having a green business can offer. Together we can get your Dallas or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/" title="Arlington business insurance" target="_blank">Arlington business insurance</a> coverage where it needs to be to offer you full protection from risks while supporting your effort to go green.urn:uuid:4c931fe0-36d2-40c3-98bc-e96896f8efa4<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.allaboutins.com/business%20people_2379390.jpg' align='left' />Your employees look to you for many things. They expect that you will keep business running, paychecks flowing and their interests protected while they hold up their end of the bargain in working for you. One way that you can meet their expectations,...Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:41:24 -0600<img style="width: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: right;border: 0px solid;" alt="Business Insurance" src="/img/~www.allaboutins.com/business%20people_2379390.jpg" />Your employees look to you for many things. They expect that you will keep business running, paychecks flowing and their interests protected while they hold up their end of the bargain in working for you. One way that you can meet their expectations, even in the face of disaster, is by having the right insurance policies for your business.<br /> <br /> <em>Commercial Auto</em><br /> <br /> If your employees drive their cars to run company errands, it&rsquo;s important that you cover them with your commercial auto policy. If your employees drive a company vehicle, the proper commercial auto insurance policy ensures that your property is protected and you can continue running your business effectively even after the automobile is damaged in an accident. It also ensures that your employee&rsquo;s injuries, should they have any, are covered. <br /> <br /> <em>Worker&rsquo;s Compensation</em><br /> <br /> If one of your employees should become injured at work, they will be owed wages during the time they are unable to work as they recover from the injury. A worker&rsquo;s compensation policy ensures that you can meet the financial obligations you owe to those who are injured while in service of your company. <br /> <br /> <em>Liability<br /> </em><br /> A general liability insurance policy can help prevent your company from going bankrupt in the face of a large liability claim. If you hire medical, legal, or other professionals for your business, professional liability insurance will protect them in the event that they&rsquo;re negligence results in errors, omissions or malpractice. <br /> <br /> <em>Business Interruption Insurance</em><br /> <br /> If an insurable incident occurs that decimates your business causing it to lose income as you rebuild, business interruption insurance could help keep your employees on the payroll. Interruption insurance as part of your commercial property insurance policy, replaces your lost profits while also providing benefits to help pay for your temporary location. This not only keeps your employees paid while you rebuild but also ensures that there will be business for them to return to once you are ready to open shop again. <br /> <br /> <em>Key Person Life Insurance</em><br /> <br /> There are some employees who are irreplaceable. Without these key employees, your business income would suffer a deep blow and your rank-and-file associates could find themselves out of work. A key person insurance policy provides a death benefit to your business in the event that a key employee dies. This benefit can help pay for the costs of recruiting a replacement and supplement any lost income that your business suffers, which can help keep all your other employees paid.<br /> <br /> Employers often think of group health and life insurance benefits as the only way to help their employees, but the right business insurance policies can keep your business going and your employees paid even under the direst circumstances. If you want to learn about any of these policies and how they can affect your <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/contact.aspx" title="Dallas Business Insurance" target="_self">Dallas Business Insurance</a>, give us a call at <strong>All About Insurance</strong>.urn:uuid:e079663b-381f-4268-b031-1e0c00ede02b<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.allaboutins.com/11837389.jpg' align='left' />Due to the continuously shaky economy feel compelled to freeze wages, reduce hours and reduce retirement fund contributions. If a key employee leaves your business and needs replaced, you may find it difficult to do so with the above circumstances ho...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:05:48 -0600<img style="width: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;border: 0px solid;" alt="Dallas Business Insurance" src="/img/~www.allaboutins.com/11837389.jpg" />Due to the continuously shaky economy feel compelled to freeze wages, reduce hours and reduce retirement fund contributions. If a key employee leaves your business and needs replaced, you may find it difficult to do so with the above circumstances holding you back. However, you may find that by offering insurance benefits to your employees, you can gain the competitive edge you need for retaining or replacing employees.<br /> <br /> <strong>Group Health Insurance</strong><br /> <br /> Individual health insurance can be a difficult product for some people to afford, so offering group health insurance to your employees can be a huge bonus in terms of benefits. Paying for part of the employee&rsquo;s premiums sweetens the deal even more. <br /> <br /> <strong>Life Insurance</strong><br /> <br /> An estimated 30 percent of households are currently without life insurance, and 50 percent believe they need more than they have. Many people barely have a handle on their monthly bills and cannot correct their life insurance situation by getting the coverage their family needs. When you offer group term life as a benefit, you are not only helping your employees supplement their current policy, but you make it possible for them to solve the common problem of being under-insured. <br /> <br /> <strong>Disability Insurance</strong><br /> <br /> Few families have the savings needed in order to survive after a disabling accident without disability insurance. Offering this benefit sends a message to your employees that you care about more than just covering your own liabilities; you care about them.<br /> <br /> Insurance benefits signal to employees that you place a value on them that goes beyond money. It can also provide an affordable way for you to make your employees feel protected and secure. In an economy that rarely exhibits the same set of feelings, this is an extremely important step. <br /> <br /> To find out how insurance benefits for your employees can fit into your business budget, call your&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/" target="_self">Dallas Business Insurance</a> specialist at <strong>All About Insurance</strong> today.urn:uuid:65f90e39-5153-44dd-9935-d157d198cd4a<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000000274440Small.jpg' align='left' />Even the most well-thought-out marketing plan can&rsquo;t protect you from every possible situation that could interrupt your business. After all, if your equipment stops working, an act of nature takes away your electricity, or a hacker ties up your...Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:23:34 -0500<img alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px; float: right; height: 300px; margin-left: 10px;" src="/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000000274440Small.jpg" />Even the most well-thought-out marketing plan can&rsquo;t protect you from every possible situation that could interrupt your business. After all, if your equipment stops working, an act of nature takes away your electricity, or a hacker ties up your website, there isn&rsquo;t a lot you can do to create an immediate work-around that ensures that your business avoids interruption.<br /> <br /> <strong>What is Business Interruption Insurance?</strong><br /> <br /> The interruption of your ability to do business&mdash;through no fault of your own&mdash;does nothing to remove the need you have for the income your business brings in, however; nor will it remove your responsibility to pay the normal operational expenses that your business incurs. Business interruption insurance, a type of coverage generally available as part of a property insurance policy, helps to protect you from the resulting financial fallout caused by listed perils or insurable incidents. <br /> <br /> <strong>What does it Cover?</strong> <br /> <br /> Every policy will have its own listed perils and exclusions, though interruptions caused by thefts, fires, or other catastrophes are generally included. While some policies might provide protection from hackers that make your business systems unusable, others might exclude that coverage. Still other policies might consider an accident or injury to the business owner to be an insurable interruption.<br /> <br /> <strong>Making Claims</strong><br /> <br /> Generally, when claims are made, the insurer looks at your financial records for the past few years to determine what your losses are due to the current interruption and the benefit pays all or a portion of those estimated losses as well as operating expenses during the time of business interruption. Some policies may also pay for the substitution expenses that arise from temporarily conducting business in another location. <br /> <br /> No matter what your policy considers an insured peril, it&rsquo;s important to have financial records available in a safe location should you need to submit a claim. Because you need to prove the amount of your losses, having financial data backed up so that you can still access it after an insurable incident, is vital. <br /> <br /> <strong>Check with All About Insurance for information on your&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/default.aspx" target="_self">Dallas Business Insurance</a> today!</strong>urn:uuid:0705f6d6-b1f0-4584-b145-f2aca600e074<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.mcfarlininsurance.com/iStock_000009890965XSmall.jpg' align='left' />Most&nbsp;business owners would agree that it&rsquo;s important to maintain insurance to protect business assets. When they think about insurance, business owners generally consider protection against hazards such as fire, flood or theft at their com...Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:42:56 -0500Most&nbsp;<a href="/business/bop_quote.aspx">business owners</a> would agree that it&rsquo;s important to maintain insurance to protect business assets. When they think about insurance, business owners generally consider protection against hazards such as fire, flood or theft at their company sites. This is obviously an important protection to have.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" style="width: 200px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;" src="/img/~www.mcfarlininsurance.com/iStock_000009890965XSmall.jpg" />However, there are other types of hazards that may not be quite as high on the list, but protection could be every bit as important to offset significant financial losses. Here are five examples that underscore the need for comprehensive business insurance protection:<br /> <br /> <strong>Company vehicle contents</strong>: If you operate a business with employees on the road making service calls to customers, chances are there is valuable equipment contained in the company vehicles. But a typical auto insurance policy would probably not cover the contents of a company vehicle if that valuable equipment is lost or stolen.<br /> <br /> <strong>Tenant property improvement insurance</strong>: Do you rent space to conduct your business? Have you built out the interior of your space or made improvements to accommodate your business needs? If so, you probably made a considerable investment in the improvements. But many property insurance policies don&rsquo;t include the value of the improvements made by a tenant to the existing structure. If you&rsquo;ve invested in improvements, it&rsquo;s worth taking a look at securing coverage to protect it.<br /> <br /> <strong>Home-based business equipment</strong>: More and more people are working at home at least part of the time, even if they maintain an office or site elsewhere. Most don&rsquo;t have insurance on the business equipment they keep at home; many assume their homeowner's insurance would cover it. However, homeowner&rsquo;s insurance generally does not cover business equipment. If you have expensive business equipment at home, you may want to consider purchasing additional protection.<br /> <br /> <strong>Business interruption insurance</strong>: Remember the series of hurricanes that hit Florida? The wild fires that damaged cities and towns in California? The flooding that disrupted life in the Midwest? In addition to the effect that disasters have on individuals, they can bring businesses to a standstill for weeks or even months. Business interruption insurance can provide a way to get back on your feet.<br /> <br /> <strong>Key person insurance</strong>: In many companies, the knowledge and skills of a single person or a top few are absolutely essential to the enterprise&rsquo;s success. Key person insurance can help a company recover if an essential employee dies or becomes disabled for a lengthy time. The coverage can provide needed funds that allow the company to continue operating during a search for a successor or until the key employee returns.<br /> <br /> As you can see, there are many hazards businesses face that aren&rsquo;t covered under a typical insurance policy. However, you can get extra protection with the types of coverage outlined here. Since you invest so much time, money and effort into your business, it pays to make sure you have the protection you need.<br /> <br /> <strong>Make sure you're covered with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allaboutins.com" target="_self">Dallas Business Insurance</a> from <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/blog/Top_5_Reasons_You_Need_Business_Insurance.aspx" target="_self">All About Insurance</a> today.</strong>urn:uuid:167c2c8a-0683-486d-9ebb-04dfec214752<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000009321218XSmall.jpg' align='left' />It&rsquo;s easy to start your own e-commerce business&hellip;maybe even a little too easy. Trading money for goods and services online often comes with little startup cash, no need for forms or legal advice and no legal requirement for insurance. H...Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:41:13 -0500<img style="width: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;" alt="Business Insurance" src="/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000009321218XSmall.jpg" />It&rsquo;s easy to start your own e-commerce business&hellip;maybe even a little too easy. Trading money for goods and services online often comes with little startup cash, no need for forms or legal advice and no legal requirement for insurance. <br /> <br /> However, just because you aren&rsquo;t required to insure your e-commerce business doesn&rsquo;t mean you shouldn&rsquo;t. If you want to protect both your business and your personal assets from risks and liabilities, then you should consider some of the many insurance products designed specifically to satisfy the needs of your business. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/general_liability_quote.aspx">Liability insurance</a>: Every business owner&mdash;no matter his industry, field, service or product&mdash;has exposure to liabilities. Whether the liability stems from an individual delivering business property to your home or a client who needs you to complete your service before they can sell their product, there is always a liability present. Commercial general liability policies can cover you from general liabilities, while professional liability policies, such as malpractice insurance or E&amp;O (errors and omissions), can cover the liabilities that stem from having a specialized talent or knowledge that others rely on. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/default.aspx">Property insurance</a>: Unless your business is conducted purely in your mind, then your business has property. The computer you use to track sales and do work, the chair you sit in to operate the computer, the desk your computer rests on&mdash;all of that is business property. Unless you have business property insurance, these items are not protected by insurance, even if they sit in your home because home insurance does not cover business property unless you have a special endorsement stating that it does. Business property insurance can ensure that you don&rsquo;t have to pay out of pocket for new equipment or repairs when an insurable incident occurs.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/contact.aspx">Business interruption insurance</a>: There are many incidents, well beyond your control, that could bring your business to its knees and stop all production. A fire, hurricane, tornado or other act of nature can destroy your property and halt your business in a matter of seconds. Business interruption insurance reimburses you for the income you lose if your business becomes inoperable due to an insurable incident. <br /> <br /> You work hard to grow and maintain your e-commerce business, and you deserve respect for doing so. But respecting yourself is even more important than gaining the respect of others. The best way to show the respect you have for your business is to invest in business insurance to cover your risk. This sends a message to your would-be customers that you are serious about what you do, and there&rsquo;s no better recommendation than that. <br /> <br /> Contact us at All About Insurance for your free&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/" target="_self">Dallas Business Insurance</a> quote today!urn:uuid:45e202f2-199f-45be-8204-a6b8d47921d3<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000000812358XSmall.jpg' align='left' />Contractors visit homes and businesses all the time in order to make repairs to electrical systems, plumbing and other sophisticated and vital systems. And while you definitely need to have a contractor come in and do these things to keep your home a...Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:35:15 -0500<img alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px; float: right; height: 350px; margin-left: 10px;" src="/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000000812358XSmall.jpg" />Contractors visit homes and businesses all the time in order to make repairs to electrical systems, plumbing and other sophisticated and vital systems. And while you definitely need to have a contractor come in and do these things to keep your home and/or business safe and functional, you should be aware that there is a certain amount of exposure that you are risking when you have these repairs done. <br /> <br /> <strong>Unexpected Exposure</strong><br /> <br /> The system that your contractor is fixing is not protected by your&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/default.aspx">insurance policy</a> while the contractor is working on it. It&rsquo;s covered before the contractor begins, and after they finish, but not during the repair process. What does that mean? Well, if repair or maintenance on something causes damage, then the damage to the equipment or system being fixed is not covered. If the damage extends to the physical building, whether it be your house or business, the damage extending past the actual item under repair will be covered. However, if the system being repaired is damaged and the cause of the damage is unrelated to the work, it is covered. <br /> <br /> <strong>Contractor Negligence</strong> <br /> <br /> Of course, this doesn&rsquo;t leave you completely exposed. If your contractor is negligent and this negligence results in damage to your plumbing, electrical or other vital system under repair, then his or her&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/general_liability_quote.aspx">liability coverage</a> should be responsible for damages.<br /> <br /> This is just another reason that it makes sense to take your time and do your research when hiring a contractor. Look for one who is properly licensed and who has liability insurance, but don&rsquo;t forget to go beyond that. Get customer referrals and look at the contractor&rsquo;s business history. Find one who is an expert at what he or she does and you will lessen the opportunity for mishap. You can also check online consumer sites such as Angie&rsquo;s List or the Better Business Bureau to make sure that your potential contractor hasn&rsquo;t been the subject of complaints by other customers.<br /> <br /> In addition, make sure their workspace is safe and clear of debris that could cause (or worsen) an accident. Sometimes, an ounce of prevention prevents the need for a cure. <br /> <br /> Before you hire a contractor, <strong>contact us at All About Insurance for advice on your&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allaboutins.com">Dallas Business Insurance</a> today.</strong>urn:uuid:9d9e8f18-44c8-4f30-bf40-7494e7844f6c<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.allaboutins.com/Commercial.jpg' align='left' />If you have commercial property coverage, you might think that your business property is protected, no matter what situations occur on the premises. Technically, this is true, but under certain circumstances, you may want to beef up the protection yo...Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:01:23 -0500<p>If you have <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/default.aspx" target="_self">commercial property coverage</a>, you might think that your business property is protected, no matter what situations occur on the premises. Technically, this is true, but under certain circumstances, you may want to beef up the protection you have on your property while it is exposed to greater than normal risks.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/builders_risk_quote.aspx" target="_self">Builders risk insurance</a> is a great way to get some additional protection for your property as it is renovated and has additions built in order to facilitate or accommodate business expansion. </p> <p><strong><img style="width: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;" alt="Business Insurance" src="/img/~www.allaboutins.com/Commercial.jpg" />The Added Risk of Construction</strong></p> <p>If you need to add another section to your building, then you are going to be under construction for quite a while. High winds, fires, storms, theft and vandalism are all possible problems that your new addition could face while it&rsquo;s in the throes of development. Builders risk insurance covers your construction area from the date construction begins on the lowest basement floor (or on the structure if there is no basement) and protects the property for 1 year. In addition to protecting the new construction, it also covers the foundation, equipment and supplies used during construction as long as they are within 100 feet of the structure.</p> <p><strong>What Isn&rsquo;t Covered</strong></p> <p>Like any insurance policy, builders risk has certain uncovered items. Any damage to the land, trees, shrubs or plants outside the new or renovated section is not covered. In addition, many outside properties are uncovered, such as signs and antennae. Signs that are actually attached to the building are covered.</p> <p>Payments for damages that result in claims to your builders risk insurance are paid out as actual cash value, up to the limits of the policy and their relation to the actual value of the building at completion. So, if your limit is 50 percent of the value of your building, your claim will be reduced by 50 percent and the deductible will also be taken into consideration. In addition, claims may only be put through the builders risk policy, not through both builders risk and commercial property coverage. </p> <p>Business expansion is vital to creating a thriving economy and a thriving portfolio for business owners. When construction is a necessary step in the business expansion, then the purchase of builders risk insurance makes as much fiscal sense as the expansion itself.</p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/contact.aspx" target="_self"><strong><em>Contact us</em></strong></a>&nbsp;today to make sure your&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allaboutins.com" target="_self">Dallas Business Insurance</a> is right for you and your company!</em></strong></p>urn:uuid:e382914d-a0c3-4b4d-8b6c-aab2816ae9da<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000002139482XSmall.jpg' align='left' />In your business, you are looked upon as a professional expert. Because of this, you are expected to protect and inform your clients by utilizing the full extent of your professional knowledge. Unfortunately, there are times when errors or omissions ...Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:13:31 -0500In your business, you are looked upon as a professional expert. Because of this, you are expected to protect and inform your clients by utilizing the full extent of your professional knowledge. Unfortunately, there are times when errors or omissions may occur that mean you failed to uphold reasonable expectations for a professional at your level. These mistakes and omissions could expose you to a lawsuit for any damages that they cause.&nbsp;<a href="/business/default.aspx">Professional liability coverage</a> protects you from these liabilities, but you need to decide which type is right for you. <br /> <br /> <strong><img style="width: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;" alt="Business Insurance" src="/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000002139482XSmall.jpg" />Medical professional liability (also called malpractice insurance):</strong> If you act in a professional capacity in the medical industry, then this insurance is appropriate for you. But medical professional liability isn&rsquo;t just for doctors, nurses and dentists. It is also an appropriate coverage for physical therapists, surgeons, ophthalmologists, medical institutions, and others. It can cover you if you fail to administer a treatment that you should have, if you perform a medical act poorly, if you use poor judgment when diagnosing or treating someone, if you fail to inform a patient about possible side effects or alternative treatments, and other insurable incidents. Some medical facilities may not allow you to work out of their building if you do not carry this coverage.<br /> <br /> <strong>Errors and omissions insurance:</strong> Those in the financial industry will find that errors and omission (also called E&amp;O) insurance is best for their liabilities. Errors and omissions insurance covers liabilities that stem from errors in completing paperwork, issuing insurance policies, setting up financial institution accounts, executing trades and changes, and accidentally omitting to tell the client about certain exceptions, risks, etc. Other professionals such as architects, attorneys, notaries and engineers can also benefit from this insurance. E&amp;O acts as a sort of catch all for professionals that work outside the medical community, so most professionals will find this suitable.<br /> <br /> It is important to remember that professional liability coverage does not cover bodily injuries or property damage liabilities for the named professional. It is only meant to cover the insured in the event that he or she fails to act up to the expected standard of his or her profession. In addition, it covers the insured when he or she is acting in a professional capacity only, so if you are sued personally for advice or action that falls below your profession&rsquo;s standards, the insurance policy will likely not cover the claim. <br /> <br /> Let us provide you with the best&nbsp;<a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/default.aspx" target="_self">Dallas Business Insurance</a> at All About Insurance today!urn:uuid:17794a20-9565-4a9f-89aa-4e8192545d74<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.allaboutins.com/map_of_mansfield_tx.jpg' align='left' />Mansfield is a town in Ellis, Johnson and Tarrant Counties in the State of Texas. Mansfield is a dynamic, growing community with a rich history and a bright future. In its more than 100 years Mansfield has developed from a rural, farming community to...Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:42:55 -0500<p><img style="width: 200px; float: left; margin-right: 6px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" src="http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.allaboutins.com/map_of_mansfield_tx.jpg" alt="Mansfield TX" />Mansfield is a town in Ellis, Johnson and Tarrant Counties in the State of Texas. Mansfield is a dynamic, growing community with a rich history and a bright future. In its more than 100 years Mansfield has developed from a rural, farming community to a bustling suburban city of more than 50,000 people.</p> <p>Yet despite the explosive growth this city has seen in recent years, Mansfield has not lost it's friendly atmosphere or it's small-town feel. With a quality of life considered to be one of the best in the Metroplex, Mansfield offers more than 240 acres of beautiful parkland, a historic downtown area, recreational opportunities for young and old, superior rated schools, quality housing and a growing business community.</p> <p>All of these elements make Mansfield a wonderful place to live and raise a family and a popular place to do business.<br /> <br /> </p> <p>All About Insurance has been providing <strong>Mansfield businesses</strong> with comprehensive <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/default.aspx">business insurance</a> policies since 1995. Our experienced agents understand the particular needs and exposures each type of small business faces. We work one-on-one with our clients to provide coverage for their business vehicles, operations, products, assets, employees and more. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>We work with leading insurance companies and have successfully <strong>saved customers 20% or more</strong> on their business, auto and home insurance policies. As an independent agent, we have the ability to shop several carriers&rsquo; rates and coverages which gives us the distinct advantage to provide the best coverage for the best price. Our experienced agents&rsquo; primary goal is to make sure you have the protection your family or business needs to get you back to where you were before the loss. </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color: #e36c09;"><em>All About Insurance pays attention to the little details... that is what defines our superior service.</em></span></p> <p>(Source: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mansfield-tx.gov/">Mansfield-TX.gov</a> and Photo Source: <a href="http://townmapsusa.com/d/Map-of-Mansfield-Texas-TX/mansfield_tx/">TownMapsUsa.com</a>)</p>urn:uuid:5f8a5a79-c961-4be7-a325-0268b3d20d99<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/square_orange_btn_automobile.jpg' align='left' />&nbsp; What is Auto Insurance? Auto insurance protects you against financial loss if you have an accident. It is a contract between you and the insurance company. You agree to pay the premium and the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as ...Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:00:14 -0600<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://b4f80f78-d1dc-4b17-b716-cc07ffde0684.autoquote.iwantinsurance.com/welcome.aspx" target="_blank"><img src="/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/square_orange_btn_automobile.jpg" title="Get a Free Auto Quote Now" alt="Get a Free Auto Quote Now" style="margin-right: 20px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/module.aspx?ref=900"><img src="/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/square_orange_btn_homeowners.jpg" title="Get a Free Home Quote Now" alt="Get a Free Home Quote Now" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /></a></p> <p></p> <h1>What is Auto Insurance?</h1> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/automobile/default.aspx"><img src="../img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/iStock_000014131005XSmall.jpg" style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 200px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; height: 133px; margin-top: 5px;" alt="Woman in Car" />Auto insurance</a> protects you against financial loss if you have an accident. It is a contract between you and the insurance company. You agree to pay the premium and the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your policy.<br /> <br /> Auto insurance provides property, liability and medical coverage: <p></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car. </li> <li>Liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage. </li> <li>Medical coverage pays for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses. </li> </ul> <p>An auto insurance policy is comprised of six different kinds of coverage. Most states require you to buy some, but not all, of these coverages. If you're financing a car, your lender may also have requirements.<br /> <br /> Most auto policies are for six months or a year. Your insurance company should notify you by mail when it's time to renew the policy and to pay your premium.<br /> <br /> <strong>Why do you need auto insurance?</strong><br /> It's really all about protecting yourself financially. </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>If you're in an accident or your car is stolen, it costs money, often a lot of money, to fix or replace it. </li> <li>If you or any passengers are injured in an accident, medical costs can be extremely expensive. </li> <li>If you or your car is responsible for damage or injury to others, you may be sued for much more than you're worth. </li> <li>Not only is having insurance a prudent financial decision, many states require you to have at least some coverage. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Questions to ask your agent </strong><br /> Your Independent Agent is an advocate for finding auto insurance that meets your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for the discussion: </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>How much can you afford to pay if you get in an accident? (To keep premiums low you may want to have a higher deductible and be willing to pay more for repairs.) </li> <li>What is the insurance company's level of service and ability to pay claims? </li> <li>What discounts are available? (Ask about good driver, multiple policy and student discounts.) </li> <li>What's the procedure for filing and settling a claim? (Ask who to call and what happens after you file a claim.) </li> </ul> <p></p> <h1>What is Homeowners Insurance?</h1> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/homeowners/default.aspx"><img src="../img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/iStock_000014198853Small.jpg" style="float: left; width: 200px; height: 133px; margin-right: 15px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin-top: 5px;" alt="Dallas House" />Homeowners insurance</a> provides financial protection against disasters. A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it.<br /> <br /> Homeowners insurance is a package policy. This means that it covers both damage to your property and your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or members of your family cause to other people. This includes damage caused by household pets.<br /> <br /> Damage caused by most disasters is covered but there are exceptions. The most significant are damage caused by floods, earthquakes and poor maintenance. You must buy two separate policies for flood and earthquake coverage. Maintenance-related problems are the homeowners' responsibility.<br /> <br /> <strong>Why do you need homeowners insurance?</strong><br /> It is really all about protecting yourself financially if something unexpected happens to your home or possessions. That's important because chances are your home is likely one of your largest investments. <p></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>If your home was destroyed by fire or damaged by a natural disaster, you'd need money to repair or replace it. </li> <li>If a guest in your home is injured, liability protection and medical coverage help pay expenses. </li> <li>If you are a victim of theft and vandalism, it can reimburse you for your loss or pay for repairs. </li> <li>If you are still paying for your home, your lender will require insurance. </li> </ul> <p>It is important to know that homeowners insurance is meant to cover unexpected damage, not routine maintenance. Ask your agent to talk about what is covered and be sure to read your policy so you know exactly what's included and what is not.<br /> <br /> <strong>Things to consider and questions to ask your agent<br /> </strong>Here are few things to discuss with your agent that will influence your decisions. </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>How much will it cost to rebuild my house and replace my belongings if they are damaged or destroyed? (Ask your agent to talk you through your home's features and the things you own so you can make an informed decision about coverage.) </li> <li>Does the insurance company have a good reputation for customer service? Is it known for paying claims fairly and promptly? </li> <li>What discounts are available? (Ask about multiple policy, security system and fire resistance discounts.) </li> <li>What's the process for filing and settling a claim? (Ask who to call and what happens after you file a claim.) </li> </ul> To learn more about Dallas auto or home insurance call us today at <strong>(817) 626-3339</strong> or <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/locations.aspx">visit</a> one of our offices.urn:uuid:9ee3e92a-24b4-44ab-8613-1b41660deda0<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/iStock_000013915148XSmall.jpg' align='left' /> Every day you conduct your business in the face of many potential liabilities. No matter how hard you try to avoid them, these liabilities can adversely affect your company&rsquo;s finances unless you have business liability insurance to protect you...Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:58:12 -0600<div style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="" style="float: left; width: 281px; height: 186px; margin-right: 7px;" src="/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/iStock_000013915148XSmall.jpg" />Every day you conduct your business in the face of many potential liabilities. No matter how hard you try to avoid them, these liabilities can adversely affect your company&rsquo;s finances unless you have <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/general_liability_quote.aspx">business liability insurance</a> to protect you. While some liabilities are caused directly by the actions of your business in providing a service or product, those aren&rsquo;t the only kinds of liabilities you are exposed to. Sometimes, incidents outside your direct purview could result in a liability claim.</div> <p><strong>Indirect and Contingent Liability</strong></p> <p>If the actions and activities of others related to your business could result in damages, then you may need indirect and contingent liability. Indirect and contingent liability covers the activities of your employees, subcontractors, agents, contractors and other representatives if they cause damage to others while conducting business for your company. </p> <p>The major difference between traditional commercial or business liability and indirect contingent is that with direct liability, your business has done something, possibly preventable, to cause harm for one&rsquo;s body or property another. With indirect and contingent liability your business hasn&rsquo;t done anything directly, but someone representing it has. </p> <p>It is much more difficult to predict and protect yourself against these indirect liabilities because they may be related to activities that you have no real control over. For instance, let&rsquo;s say that you hire a contractor to hang your new sign up outside your business. They subcontract the job out to another company but remain on-site to supervise the process. As the sign is getting hung, the subcontractor&rsquo;s equipment fails and your sign falls onto the car of a patron of a store across the street. Technically, this isn&rsquo;t your fault. You hired an experienced and licensed contractor and you expected them to do their job&mdash;which they did. But because it is your sign being hung the injured party can sue you for damages. If they are successful, then the money must come out of your business unless you have indirect and contingent liability to protect you.</p> <p>This unpredictability and difficult to control nature of indirect claims makes it even more vital that you have the proper insurance protection. Don&rsquo;t get caught by surprise with a lawsuit and no way to cover the resulting expenses.<br /> <br /> Learn more about <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/default.aspx">business insurance</a> including types of coverage and factors that affect your insurance premium. <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/contact.aspx">Contact</a> us to get free auto insurance quote at <strong>(817) 626-3339</strong>.</p>urn:uuid:35d1f1ac-aa74-4aed-b5b9-3a6b8bc953adIf mayhem strikes, the last thing you want to worry about is sitting down and trying to create a list of all of your property. Taking stock of your valuables beforehand can save you a tremendous amount of stress and hassle, help you determine the cor...Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:06:59 -0600If mayhem strikes, the last thing you want to worry about is sitting down and trying to create a list of all of your property. Taking stock of your valuables beforehand can save you a tremendous amount of stress and hassle, help you determine the correct amount of insurance to carry, and will help to get a claim settled faster.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <div>It can appear to be a daunting task, documenting everything you own, but there are several tools out there that can ease the process. Some choose to write everything down in a notebook, room by room. Other options include taking photos or videotaping your property. If you choose any of these methods, just be sure to store the list somewhere other than your home. Another option is to download the free home inventory software at <a href="http://www.knowyourstuff.org/" target="_blank">www.KnowYourStuff.org.</a></div> <br /> Always be sure to remember to update your item list from time to time, especially if you make a significant purchase. Certain items such as collections, jewelry, and artwork may need to be insured separately, so have your home inventory handy when discussing your insurance needs with your agent.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Contact us at any one of our <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/locations.aspx">three locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area</a> to talk about a home insurance policy or call us at&nbsp;<strong>(817) 626-3339</strong> today.urn:uuid:c4fcc77a-88f2-4690-95c6-7f18509abf8e<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000002395315XSmall.jpg' align='left' />SANTA CLAUS IS COMING &ndash; AND SO IS THE &ldquo;SMART PHONE SCROOGE&rdquo;! In spite of the poor economy, parents are determined to make this Christmas the best one yet for their kids. One of the hottest items on 2010 Christmas Lists will be a sm...Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:53:29 -0600<p style="text-align: center;">SANTA CLAUS IS COMING &ndash; <br /> <b>AND SO IS THE &ldquo;SMART PHONE SCROOGE&rdquo;!</b></p> <p>In spite of the poor economy, parents are determined to make this Christmas the best one yet for their kids.</p> <p><img style="width: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;" alt="Information Liability" src="/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000002395315XSmall.jpg" />One of the hottest items on 2010 Christmas Lists will be a smart phone.&nbsp;&nbsp; These clever little devices are packed with fun gadgets, games, and ringtones which make them a top choice among teens, while capabilities like parent controls and GPS locators make them a smart choice for parents.&nbsp; Many parents have found that the peace of mind in being able to keep in touch with their kids is well worth the cost of a cell phone. </p> <p>Unfortunately, Identity thieves love smart phones, too!&nbsp; Identity thieves attack where you&rsquo;re most vulnerable and that&rsquo;s exactly what they are doing when it comes to kids and smart phones.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Cell phones come equipped with simple ringtones.&nbsp; There is a vast market of clever ringtones that can be downloaded for free.&nbsp; However, many of these &lsquo;free&rsquo; ringtones are offered by identity thieves as bait.&nbsp; Often what is downloaded is a great deal more sinister than a ringtone.&nbsp; Many of these sites can attach viruses used to steal <b>personal information</b> and use it for Identity Theft.</p> <p>Parents should safeguard themselves by attaching strict Usage Guidelines to the gift of a smart phone.&nbsp; The following are some guideline suggestions which are important to the security of your personal business and the safety of your kids:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Don&rsquo;t send text messages to receive free ringtones.</strong>&nbsp; Use the ring tone that came with the phone.&nbsp; It is the only sure-fire way to avoid identity theft with ringtones.&nbsp; Only buy ringtones from reputable cell phone service providers like AT&amp;T, Sprint and T-Mobile.&nbsp; Read the terms and conditions before you allow your kids to make any purchases. </li> <li><strong>Don&rsquo;t put personal information like banking, credit card numbers, or even date of birth on cell phones.</strong>&nbsp; The less personal information there is on a phone, the less thieves have to work with. </li> </ul> <p>Most phones have the capability of setting a PIN number for the phone.</p> <p>But most users never that option considering it an inconvenience.&nbsp; To stay safe, set a PIN number that your child can remember.&nbsp; If the phone is lost or stolen, thieves can&rsquo;t open the phone and get to personal information.</p> <p>Children should follow basic safety precautions to prevent losing the phone or leaving it unprotected where thieves can steal it.&nbsp; Advise them to let you know immediately if they can&rsquo;t find their phone.</p>urn:uuid:98f68b1b-b981-4970-96a3-010655677d3b<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000003397879XSmall.jpg' align='left' />The sad truth is most of us will be involved in an automobile accident at some point in our lives. Even if you are not injured, there are certain things that you should and should not do. Stay at the Scene. If you are in an accident involving bodily...Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:00:37 -0600<p><img src="/img/~www.allaboutins.com/iStock_000003397879XSmall.jpg" alt="Dallas Auto Insurance" style="width: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />The sad truth is most of us will be involved in an automobile accident at some point in our lives. Even if you are not injured, there are certain things that you should and should not do.<br /> <br /> <strong>Stay at the Scene.<br /> </strong>If you are in an accident involving bodily injury or substantial damage to property, remain at the accident scene until the police tell you that you can leave.&nbsp; If you are unsure whether the damage or injury is &ldquo;substantial&rdquo;, stay there and let the police decide.&nbsp; Leaving the scene of an accident can result in driver&rsquo;s license sanctions and even criminal charges.<br /> <br /> If you are on the roadway, turn your flashers on, or use flares to warn approaching traffic.<br /> <br /> <strong>Do Not Admit Fault.<br /> </strong>Even if you think you are at fault, <strong>do not admit liability.&nbsp; </strong>There may be factors you are not aware of that played a role in the accident which could determine the other driver was more at fault than you. Therefore, avoid discussing who is at fault in the accident.<br /> <br /> <strong>Obtain Relevant Information.<br /> </strong>In any accident, you should obtain the following information:</p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>The other driver:</strong> Name, address, driver&rsquo;s license number, insurance information and license plate number.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Witnesses:</strong> Names, addresses, and telephone numbers.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Police officers:&nbsp; </strong>Ask the police officer(s) who investigate the traffic scene to provide you with a business card and an &ldquo;incident number&rdquo;.&nbsp; </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>The location:</strong>&nbsp; You may wish to take notes about (and/or pictures) where the accident happened; the road conditions, speed limits, traffic control devices, the weather, and the lighting.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>The accident:&nbsp; </strong>If possible take notes about how the accident occurred, such as the direction of travel of the vehicles involved and what the cars were doing at the time of the collision.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Be aware that if litigation results from the accident, you may have to share your notes with the all parties involved in the suit.<br /> <br /> <strong>If You Are Injured, Accept On-Scene Medical Treatment or See a Doctor As Quickly As Possible.<br /> </strong>Don&rsquo;t take chances with your health.&nbsp; If there is a possibility you may have been injured in the accident, accept medical treatment.&nbsp; It is better to be safe than sorry.<br /> <br /> Get a free auto insurance quote by calling&nbsp;(817) 626-3339 or <a href="/contact.aspx">emailing</a> us.</p>urn:uuid:a96209a1-8ecb-49eb-b002-adbdf3b4e82c<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/family_invan_10585994.jpg' align='left' />State law requires you to have auto liability insurance, and if you still owe money on your car, your lender requires that you also carry collision and comprehensive coverage. Auto insurance pays for damages, injuries, and other losses specifically c...Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:24:55 -0600<p><img alt="" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px; margin-left: 7px; width: 250px;" src="/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/family_invan_10585994.jpg" />State law requires you to have auto liability insurance, and if you still owe money on your car, your lender requires that you also carry collision and comprehensive coverage. <a href="https://b4f80f78-d1dc-4b17-b716-cc07ffde0684.autoquote.iwantinsurance.com/welcome.aspx" title="Auto Insurance Quote">Auto insurance</a> pays for damages, injuries, and other losses specifically covered by your policy. Read your policy carefully to know exactly what it covers. Pay special attention to the exclusions section, which lists the things your policy doesn't cover. The front page of your policy is called the declarations page. It contains useful information such as the exact name of your insurance company, your policy number, and the amount of each of your coverage's and deductibles.</p> <div class="subtitle">Shopping for DFW Auto Insurance</div> <p>Rates vary widely among companies, so it pays to shop around. Following are some useful tips to help you find the best deal for your money:</p> <ul> <li>Decide before shopping what coverage's you need. </li> <li>Consider choosing a higher deductible. Your deductible is the amount you must pay yourself before the insurance company will pay. Higher deductibles will lower your premium, but remember that you'll have to pay more out of your own pocket if you have a claim. </li> <li>Because rates vary, ask several companies and agents for price quotes. Make sure the quotes you get are for the same coverage's. </li> <li>When getting a price quote or applying for insurance, answer questions truthfully. Wrong information could cause you to get an incorrect price quote or could lead to a denial or cancellation of coverage. </li> </ul> Consider factors other than price - including a company's financial rating and its complaint index. Financial ratings indicate a company's financial strength and stability, while its complaint index indicates a company's customer service record. Buy only from licensed companies and agents. <ul> <li>Ask your agent whether you qualify for any discounts the company may offer. </li> </ul> <div class="subtitle">Understanding Rates</div> <p>State law requires rates for insurance offered to be reasonable, adequate, not excessive to the risks for which they apply, and not unfairly discriminatory. Auto insurance companies set their own rates and then file them for review. Companies do not have to receive prior approval before putting their rates into effect, but if it is determined that a company's filed rates are excessive, the company can be ordered to make refunds to consumers who were overcharged.</p> <div class="subtitle">Discounts and Surcharges</div> <p>Discounts can help you save money on your premium. Following is a list of some of the discounts commonly available:</p> <ul> <li>defensive driving and driver education courses for young drivers </li> <li>airbags and other passive restraints </li> <li>two or more cars on a policy </li> <li>your age and annual mileage driven </li> <li>policy renewal with a good claims and driving record </li> <li>anti-lock brakes </li> <li>a parent or family whose young driver is away at school without a car </li> <li>cars with automatic daytime running lights </li> <li>students with good grades. </li> </ul> If you have a poor driving record, you can expect to pay more for your insurance. Companies may add surcharges to your premium for the following: <ul> <li>accidents (the more accidents, the higher the surcharge) </li> <li>moving violations (speeding, etc.) </li> <li>involuntary manslaughter </li> <li>driving under the influence </li> <li>criminally negligent driving </li> <li>driving without a license or with a suspended license. </li> </ul> Learn more about <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/automobile/default.aspx">auto insurance</a> including types of coverage and factors that affect your insurance premium. <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/contact.aspx">Contact</a> us to get free auto insurance quote at <strong>(817) 626-3339</strong>.urn:uuid:abc1167f-38dd-432d-b17f-0a308e5c8a96Read through our recent blog postings from around the web: Dallas Business Insurance&nbsp;tips for owners to consider Studies on aggressive teen driving Dallas'&nbsp;commercial real estate ranking Business health insurance&nbsp;op...Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:16:48 -0500<h2>Read through our recent blog postings from around the web:</h2> <ul> <li style="pading-bottom: 5px;"><a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/blog/Dallas_Business_Insurance.aspx" title="Business Insurance" target="_self">Dallas Business Insurance</a>&nbsp;tips for owners to consider </li> <li style="pading-bottom: 5px;">Studies on <a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=534528211&amp;blogId=540242622" title="Auto Insurance" target="_blank">aggressive teen driving</a> </li> <li style="pading-bottom: 5px;">Dallas'&nbsp;<a href="http://allaboutins.blogspot.com/2010/10/dallas-ranks-12th-in-us-in-commercial.html" title="Real estate" target="_blank">commercial real estate</a> ranking </li> <li style="pading-bottom: 5px;"><a href="http://allaboutinsurance.typepad.com/blog/2010/10/business-health-insurance.html" title="Health Insurance" target="_blank">Business health insurance</a>&nbsp;options </li> <li>Accepting an&nbsp;<a href="http://allabout-ins.livejournal.com/1686.html" title="Auto Insurance" target="_blank">insurance company's offer</a> too quickly </li> </ul> <p>Be sure to check back often for more updates and blog postings!</p>urn:uuid:f48a5c2e-cca0-4a7c-8071-1000f454b817<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/iStock_000004081160XSmall.jpg' align='left' />Potential Liabilities Considerations for Dallas Business Owners There are so many things to do and consider when deciding whether or not to go into business for yourself.&nbsp; One very important item to consider is the potential to be sued because o...Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:48:31 -0500<h2><img src="/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/iStock_000004081160XSmall.jpg" style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 250px;" alt="Warehouse" />Potential Liabilities Considerations for Dallas Business Owners</h2> <p>There are so many things to do and consider when deciding whether or not to go into business for yourself.&nbsp; One very important item to consider is <strong>the potential to be sued because of your actions or inactions as a business owner.</strong>&nbsp; We have listed some common potential liability exposures business owners face:</p> <ul> <li>Premises Liability &ndash; the potential for visitors to be injured or harmed while at a business location.</li> <li>Operations Liability &ndash; the potential for injury to occur because of the work performed by the business.</li> <li>Products Liability &ndash; the potential for products manufactured by a business to cause harm or injury.</li> <li>Injury to employees &ndash; laws exist that dictate the liability a business owner can have when an employee is injured during the course of employment.</li> <li>Professional liability &ndash; professionals, for example doctors and lawyers, can have additional legal duties placed on them because of their professional status.</li> <li>Management Liability &ndash; the potential for directors and officers of a business to be liable because of their responsibilities to those they serve.</li> </ul> <p>Let <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/about.aspx">our agency</a> help you determine what risks your business can face and the appropriate <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/default.aspx" title="Business Insurance">insurance coverage</a> you need so you can rest easy knowing you are properly covered at a cost that can meet your budget. <br /> <br /> Call us today at <strong>(817) 626-3339</strong> for <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/bop_quote.aspx">Dallas business insurance</a> quote.</p>urn:uuid:be189dd0-2dc4-4082-8ef4-a029814c7d8d<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/insurance_policy.jpg' align='left' />Insurance of all kinds is generally intangible. Whether you are talking about life insurance, auto insurance, home insurance or flood--you can&rsquo;t hold insurance and you can&rsquo;t sense it. Upon entering a vehicle or premise, you won&rsquo;t ev...Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:13:13 -0500<p><img src="/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/insurance_policy.jpg" style="float: left; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" alt="Insurance Policy" />Insurance of all kinds is generally intangible. Whether you are talking about <a title="Life Insurance" href="http://www.allaboutins.com/life/default.aspx">life insurance</a>, <a title="Auto Insurance" href="http://www.allaboutins.com/automobile/default.aspx">auto insurance</a>, <a title="Home Insurance" href="http://www.allaboutins.com/homeowners/default.aspx">home insurance</a> or <a title="Flood Insurance" href="http://www.allaboutins.com/flood/default.aspx">flood</a>--you can&rsquo;t hold insurance and you can&rsquo;t sense it. Upon entering a vehicle or premise, you won&rsquo;t even know insurance is &ldquo;present&rdquo; unless someone tells you. </p> <p>Generally, it doesn&rsquo;t matter that you can&rsquo;t touch, feel or sense an insurance policy. As the insured you pay your premium when it is due and you know that, should disaster strike, your policy will be useful. You have proof of your payments and somewhere, where you store your most important documents, a copy of a policy. </p> <p>But there are times when you need some sort of physical proof that you are insured and if you don&rsquo;t have a policy or if you need something with a current date proving that you are still consistently paying your premium, it is then that a certificate of insurance is a useful tool.</p> <p><strong>The Certificate of Insurance</strong></p> <p>A certificate of insurance is a document issued by an insurer that discloses details about your insurance coverage, depending on the type of insurance you have. It can disclose the owner of the policy&rsquo;s information, information about the insured property or person (if it is a life insurance policy) as well as the amount of insurance and the incidents that are covered.</p> <p>&nbsp;This certificate can come in handy when you are getting a loan, registering a car or have any need to prove to a person or business that certain liabilities you are exposed to are covered. You may be able to use a copy of your policy to this end but depending on the date of your policy, you may be required to show something more current that also serves as proof of recent payment. </p> <p>It is important that you do not confuse a certificate of insurance with an actual policy. While neither is necessary to actually get the benefits of your policy, the certificate gives just a basic overview of your benefits. It does not spell out any requirements, exemptions or stipulations that may be within your actual policy document. Relying on your certificate of insurance as a guarantee of insurability is not a good idea. </p> <p>Lastly, a certificate of insurance is not considered a bi-lateral contract. You cannot write directives or assignments on it and have them considered binding. It is simply a message to interested parties that you are currently insured. </p> <p>Call us to get a free insurance quote at <strong>(817) 626-3339</strong> or complete an <a title="Online Quote Forms" href="http://www.allaboutins.com/get_a_quote/default.aspx">online quote form</a>.</p>urn:uuid:d3c01290-f547-494c-9e60-5d8f0d339acc<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/claim_form.png' align='left' /> To get an accurate claim history on consumers, many insurance companies use a service called CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange). CLUE is a centralized database that provides a seven year history of auto and homeowner insurance claims. T...Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:27:46 -0500<p></p> <p><img style="float: left;" src="/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/claim_form.png" alt="Insurance claim form" />To get an accurate claim history on consumers, many insurance companies use a service called <strong>CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange)</strong>. CLUE is a centralized database that provides a seven year history of auto and homeowner insurance claims. The database enables <a title="Homeowners Insurance" href="http://www.allaboutins.com/homeowners/default.aspx">homeowner</a> and <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/automobile/default.aspx">auto insurance</a> companies to exchange your claim history. The CLUE database is maintained by ChoicePoint, a consumer reporting agency.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>Information provided on the reports include the date of the loss, the type of loss, the name of the insurance company, policy number, the amount paid, and other general information. As with any report that is collected by a consumer reporting agency, you have the right to obtain a free copy annually. Information on how to obtain your CLUE report can be found on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.choicetrust.com/servlet/com.kx.cs.servlets.CsServlet?channel=welcome&amp;subchannel=clue">CLUE Reports</a> website.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>Your insurance premiums are determined by the information provided on these reports, therefore, it is recommended to check them periodically. In the event you find a discrepancy on your report, you have the right by law to dispute it. Checking your CLUE report prior to shopping for <a title="Get a quote" href="http://www.allaboutins.com/category.aspx?id=QUOTE">insurance coverage</a> will give you the time needed to fix any discrepancies before purchasing a policy.</p>urn:uuid:18f33393-0ff9-44cf-8d25-cf7f2d0cbb47<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/small_business_papers.jpg' align='left' />Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods &ndash; all can be devastating if not fatal to a small business.&nbsp; Disasters can prevent access to your business, can destroy vital records, and may even put employees in harm&rsquo;s way.&nbsp; Accordin...Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:17:17 -0500<p><img alt="" style="float: left;" src="/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/small_business_papers.jpg" />Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods &ndash; all can be devastating if not fatal to a small business.&nbsp; Disasters can prevent access to your business, can destroy vital records, and may even put employees in harm&rsquo;s way.&nbsp; According to the American Red Cross, as many as <strong>40% of small businesses do not reopen their doors following a disaster.</strong> Planning ahead and taking the necessary precautions can prevent your business from becoming just another statistic.</p> <p></p> <p>Below we have listed some steps to begin a disaster recovery plan:</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Phone Lists.</strong> Compile a list of emergency numbers for employees so they know who to contact in the event of a disaster. The phone list should include emergency management agencies, key personnel, utility companies, insurance company/agent, suppliers, contractors, and the landlord if applicable.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p><strong>Create an immediate response plan.</strong> Educate employees whom they should notify in the event of a disaster and what steps to take to prevent injuries or further property damage.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Develop a communication plan and venue. </strong>Decide what method would be best to communicate with your employees, vendors, and customers in the event your premises are inaccessible. Ideas could include email, website, or an offsite phone messaging system.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Keep duplicate records. </strong>Regularly back up your computer files offsite. Also talk to your software providers to see if there is a way to access that data outside of the office.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Create an emergency kit. </strong>Have emergency supplies available &ndash; water, first aid kit, and tools. Be sure all employees are aware where the kit is stored.</p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Review your insurance policy. </strong>In addition to insurance for your property, talk to your agent about <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/default.aspx">Business Interruption insurance</a>. This valuable coverage keeps income coming in when business comes to a halt.</p>urn:uuid:028de7fb-17bb-44a5-b7a3-7669939d3ba9<img src='http://www.allaboutins.com/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/fort_worth_stockyards_preservationnation.org.jpg' align='left' />All About Insurance has been providing Fort Worth businesses with comprehensive commercial insurance policies since 1995. Our highly experienced agents understand the unique needs and exposures each type of business faces. We work one-on-one with our...Thu, 27 May 2010 09:22:16 -0500<p><img alt="" style="float: left;" src="/img/%7Ewww.allaboutins.com/fort_worth_stockyards_preservationnation.org.jpg" />All About Insurance has been providing <strong>Fort Worth businesses</strong> with comprehensive <a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/business/default.aspx">commercial insurance</a> policies since 1995. Our <strong>highly experienced</strong> agents understand the unique needs and exposures each type of business faces. We work one-on-one with our business clients to provide coverage for their business autos, operations, products, assets, employees, and more. </p> <p></p> <p>We work with leading insurance companies and have successfully <strong>saved customers 20% or more</strong> on their business insurance policies. As an independent agent, we have the ability to shop multiple carriers&rsquo; rates and coverages which gives us the distinct advantage to provide the best coverage for the best price. Our experienced agents&rsquo; primary goal is to make sure you have the protection your family or business needs to get you back to where you were before the loss. </p> <p><em>All About Insurance pays attention to the little details... that is what defines our superior service.</em></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 10px;"><br /> </span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 10px;"><br /> </span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 10px;">(Photo source: <a href="http://www.preservationnation.org/" target="_blank">PreservationNation.org</a>)</span><br /> </em></p>urn:uuid:3fe76675-dcda-4327-baff-c4add812547cWe've joined the Internet! Connect with us on any (or all) of these networks! Facebook Youtube Twitter MySpace Yahoo Live Spaces Blogger Typepad Live Journal Wordpress Mon, 24 May 2010 09:49:08 -0500We've joined the Internet! Connect with us on any (or all) of these networks!<br /> <br /> <ul> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Richland-Hills-TX/All-About-Insurance/174349569245">Facebook</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/AllAboutIns">Youtube</a></li> <li><a class="ApplyClass" target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/AllAbout_Ins">Twitter</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.myspace.com/allabout_insurance">MySpace</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://profiles.yahoo.com/allabout_insurance">Yahoo</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://allaboutinsurance.spaces.live.com/default.aspx">Live Spaces</a></li> <li><a href="http://allaboutins.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blogger</a></li> <li><a href="http://allaboutinsurance.typepad.com/blog/" target="_blank">Typepad</a></li> <li><a href="http://allabout-ins.livejournal.com/" target="_blank">Live Journal</a></li> <li><a href="http://allaboutins.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Wordpress</a></li> </ul>urn:uuid:96a2ba2d-65c8-49fd-8cc5-6368c36dcd19Join&nbsp;us and Infinity Insurance&nbsp;on May 13th to watch the talented students at West Hurst Elementary School perform. We expect attendance to peak at 500 students from junior kindergarten to grade 6. The students&nbsp;will be playing songs the...Wed, 12 May 2010 12:15:18 -0500Join&nbsp;us and Infinity Insurance&nbsp;on May 13th to watch the talented students at West Hurst Elementary School perform. We expect attendance to peak at 500 students from junior kindergarten to grade 6. The students&nbsp;will be playing songs they wrote themselves and performing short skits to help raise money for the school.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;<a href="http://www.allaboutins.com/" target="_blank">All About Insurance</a>&nbsp;&amp; Infinity Insurance are sponsoring this year's event. <br /> <br /> "We are very proud of the teachers, students and staff of the West Hurst Elementary to put this show together. We hope you can support "Performance in the Park" by bringing your families and friends this evening to enjoy some food and fun while supporting a great cause." says Christine Huddleston, owner of All About Insurance. All About Insurance and Infinity Car Insurance will be offering hot dogs, chips and soft drinks, to be sold for the benefit of the PTA of the event. <br /> <br />urn:uuid:4a385c00-fe95-4a88-b2a0-86a85305f8e9By Patrick Danner - Express-News Posted: 05/11/2010 Texas ranked fourth in the country in the number of insurance claims related to staged auto accidents over the past three years, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported. Insurance companies r...Tue, 11 May 2010 17:40:34 -0500<strong>By Patrick Danner </strong> - Express-News Posted: 05/11/2010<br /> <br /> Texas ranked fourth in the country in the number of insurance claims related to staged auto accidents over the past three years, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported. <p>Insurance companies reported 792 suspicious insurance claims in Texas from 2007 to 2009. The number of claims, where insurers suspect fraud, was 308 last year, up 50 percent from 2008 when there were 204 claims.</p> <p>Florida had the most questionable claims over the three-year period, with 3,006. It was followed by New York, with 1,680 questionable claims, and California with 1,619.</p> <p>Among cities with the most suspicious claims, Houston ranked fifth with 376 claims over the three-year period. No other Texas cities ranked in the top five. New York City had the most questionable claims with 1,305, followed by Tampa, Miami and Orlando.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/local/texas_ranked_4th_in_suspicious_auto_accident_claims_93457049.html" target="_blank">Source</a></p>urn:uuid:03168ca3-8353-48d0-b5a4-c66b906ee4fdCheck out our new Twitter profile where you will find everything you need to know about Fort Worth Commercial Insurance. Follow us at http://twitter.com/AllAbout_InsTue, 11 May 2010 09:57:03 -0500Check out our new Twitter profile where you will find everything you need to know about Fort Worth Commercial Insurance. Follow us at <a href="http://twitter.com/AllAbout_Ins" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/AllAbout_Ins</a>