Why is Commercial Liability Important?

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commercial liability

As a business owner, you know that commercial liability insurance covers you from your own mistakes. Whether the mistake was real or only perceived as a mistake by a customer, liability insurance helps you out when you find yourself in legal hot water. If you’ve struggled to fully grasp just what a liability policy does and does not cover, you’re not alone. Here’s an easy reference that will help you understand the importance of commercial coverage for your business.

What Does Commercial Liability Cover?

Commercial liability covers legal fees, investigatory charges, and potential settlements. It often covers bodily injury or property damage for certain types of accidents, and will even cover copyright violations.

There are plenty of risks in the business world. If an employee sues you for wrongful discrimination, or a competitor accuses you of copying their marketing strategy, you’ll want commercial coverage to help you either settle the claim or fight it in court.

What’s Not Covered with Commercial Liability?

Commercial coverage doesn’t typically include employee injuries, punitive damages, or professional mistakes. Punitive settlements refer to money given to an injured party over and above the face value of their injuries (e.g., settlements given for emotional damages).

Business owners need separate worker’s compensation insurance to cover employee injuries and professional liability to cover professional mistakes. (An example of a professional mistake would be a baker who made two cakes, German Chocolate and Chocolate Peanut Swirl, and then sent the swirl cake to the wrong person, who happened to have a severe peanut allergy.)

How Much Commercial Liability Is Enough?

A single lawsuit could cost you tens- to hundreds of thousands of dollars before it’s ever settled. Liability policies have financial limits that you must remain aware of as your business ebbs and flows.

No matter how hard you work to keep incidents to a minimum, it’s impossible to cut liability risks down to zero. Whether you work on your own or maintain a small business with more than 50 employees, it’s important you seek the counsel of a trusted insurance agent to help you decide how much commercial liability is right for you.

homeowners insuranceIf you have questions about how to better protect your business with liability insurance, call Synergy Insurance to find out more about our policies, or visit us online for to get a Free Commercial Liability Quote. Our experienced agents make it easy to find the limits and coverage you’ll need in the event of a liability claim.

Essential Safety Tips for Nighttime Boating

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boat insurance

If you own a boat (or better yet, as the joke goes, you know someone who does),  you’ve probably thought about spending some evenings on the water – especially in the summertime.

It’s a great thought, of course. But, when you’re boating after dark in Florida, you need to think about staying safe, even as you enjoy the stillness of the water and the starry sky.

Here are seven things to keep in mind, both before you hit the water and once you’re out cruising around:

    1. Have a plan – and tools to help if it goes wrong: Don’t go boating at night in an unfamiliar place. You can’t see as well, obviously, so stick to where you know the ropes, so to speak. And because things look different in the dark, make sure you have the correct navigational tools in case you get lost.
    2. Share your plan: Always give a friend or family member your “float plan.” Include where you’re going, your boat’s description and registration information, who’s with you and when you’ll be back.
    3. Check – and dress for – the weather: On top of the other difficulties of boating at night, you don’t want to get caught in a storm if you can help it. And you want to be comfortable, so be sure to bring clothing appropriate for the forecast. A sweatshirt, blanket and extra towels may come in handy, even in the summer.
    4. Do a pre-trip inspection: This is good advice for daytime boating as well, but at night it’s crucial that your navigation lights work, for starters. You also need a horn, plenty of fuel, a radio, a flashlight, flares, fire extinguishers and life jackets for all passengers.
    5. Slow down: Speed is a factor in many boating accidents, and the limited visibility at night makes the water even more dangerous. Remember, you aren’t going to be the only one on the water at night, so know the right-of-way rules.
    6. Pay attention. Know how to monitor the navigation lights of other vessels to recognize which direction they are going. Be particularly cautious about small vessels, such as canoes and kayaks, as well as anchored or drifting boats. Their lights can be easily confused with lights onshore.
    7. Don’t get distracted – or drunk: It’s never okay to drink and operate a boat, so be sure you have a designated driver. And, though you’re out there to have fun, make sure you can still hear the sounds from approaching vessels. Keep the stereo low and your ears open.

While these tips are important, there’s nothing like experience to help ensure a safe voyage. If you’re a new boater or just in an unfamiliar vessel, you may want to put in more hours during the day before tackling an area at night. Even then, start with short evening outings and work your way up to a moonlight ride. And don’t forget to turn on the lights at the dock before you go!

Contact Us!

homeowners insurance At Synergy Insurance Group, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable.

Contact us today to speak with an agent and get a free, no-hassle quote! Our agents are available to help you find the best coverage possible.

 

What Should Go in Your Home Safe (or Safe-Deposit Box)?

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home insurance

Spring has arrived, which means it’s time to clean the cobwebs out of the corners, organize the closets and so forth. While you’re at it, don’t forget to revisit the important documents and other items you have in your home safe and in that safe-deposit box at the bank.

What documents do you need to keep? What can your shred? Are your valuable items properly secured?

Wait, what’s that? You don’t have a home safe? Or a safe-deposit box? Well, let’s look at why you may want to get one – or both – and what to keep inside.

Home Safes

Oftentimes these are well suited for safeguarding important documents and valuable things you access somewhat regularly, such as jewelry or watches. Keep in mind that while residential safes help protect against fire and theft, they often aren’t as robust as commercial models. For the best protection in a home safe, select a model that is heavy enough that a burglar couldn’t make off with it, and consider bolting it to the floor. Here are some of the things you may want to keep inside:

  • Insurance policies and your agent’s contact information.
  • Passports, original birth certificates and Social Security cards.
  • Photocopies of passports, credit cards and driver’s licenses, in case they are ever lost or stolen from your purse or wallet.
  • Tax documents and tax returns, from the past six to seven years.
  • A list of your family’s medical information and contacts, including doctors, pharmacies and medications.
  • Investment and banking documents, including billing contact information, as well as emergency cash.
  • Heirloom and other valuable jewelry and watches.
  • Wills and other important legal documents, including wills that list you as the executor.
  • Computer backup disks or drives, or other small electronics you don’t use regularly.
  • Safe-deposit box keys.

Safe-Deposit Boxes

Speaking of safe-deposit boxes, are they an old-fashioned notion or something that’s worth your while? To answer that question, U.S. News & World Report recommends gathering everything you might want to store in a safe-deposit box and then determining whether you feel secure enough storing it all at home.

If not, a safe-deposit box may be a better, more secure option. A bank is more heavily guarded than your home, after all – against theft, fire and other disasters.

If you do decide on a safe-deposit box, here’s what you might want to keep in it:

  • Originals of key documents, such as property deeds, car titles, etc.
  • Valuable collections or family keepsakes that you don’t access very often.
  • Pictures or videos from your home inventory to use for insurance purposes.

If not, store these items in your home safe. And, here’s what NOT to put in a safe-deposit box:

  • Anything you may need to access quickly, such as passports, powers of attorney documents, etc.
  • Cash. Not only will your money not earn interest in a safe-deposit box, it won’t be protected by FDIC insurance, either.

homeowners insuranceRemember, putting something in your home safe or a safe-deposit box is more secure than stashing it in your sock drawer, but it doesn’t guarantee anything, either. So, think about having document backups, as well as insurance for your valuable items.

After all, if something is valuable enough to lock up, isn’t it valuable enough to insure, too? Talk to us about your personal property coverage and about scheduling any high-value items, especially expensive jewelry and collectibles, separately.

Getting Your Boat Out of Storage and into the Water

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boating safety

Spring is here, and you’re ready to get out on the water. But is your boat ready?

Even if you’ve kept it properly stored for the winter and protected from the elements, there are still a number of things you need to do before hitting the local lakes and rivers.

While much of your focus will be on the boat itself, don’t forget other important things, such as your trailer, your vessel registration and, of course, your insurance coverage. We can help you with that. As far as the boat and trailer, check out these tips from Discover Boating, which provides boating information and public outreach on behalf of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Engine and Electric

Your boat’s been sitting for a few months, so it’s not ready to zip across the water just yet. Here are a few things to check before firing up the ignition:

  • Make sure fuel hoses are not soft, brittle or cracked and check the system for leaks or damage. Also verify that fittings and clamps are secure.
  • Check all other belts, hoses and cables as well. Replace them if needed.
  • Inspect electrical connections for corrosion and verify your battery is holding a charge.
  • Check all fluid levels and change or top off as needed.
  • Test for proper ventilation.

Propellers and Hulls

Damage to your propeller or hull can make for an unpleasant day on the water. Here are some things to look for:

  • Propellers that have dings or distortion. This can lead to not only an unpleasant ride due to vibration but can also damage your drive train. While securing your propeller, check that the bearings are not worn out.
  • Hulls with blisters or cracks. Cleaning the hull (use an environmentally safe solution) gives you a good opportunity to check for damage. While you’re at in, clean above deck, too.

Trailer

You should treat your trailer with as much care as your boat. After all, you can’t go boating if you can’t get your boat to the water.

  • Inspect the grease fittings on the hubs and reapply grease as needed.
  • Test the lights on your trailer each time before you get out on the road.
  • Rinse thoroughly after exposure to salt water.
  • Ensure your car jack will work to lift the trailer and that you will be able to loosen and tighten the lug nuts. You don’t want to be surprised when you’re on the side of the road.
  • Look over the trailer bunks once your boat is in the water to ensure the padding isn’t worn.

Safety Equipment

No matter how well your boat runs, you should never run it without the proper safety equipment. So take inventory of what’s on board to be sure you have:

  • Enough life jackets for all potential passengers. Make sure they’re in good condition, too.
  • Fire extinguisher. Be sure it’s the correct classification for your boat and is in working order.
  • Emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) so you can be found if you get lost.
  • Carbon-monoxide detector if there’s an enclosed area on your boat.
  • Working navigation lights.

Proper preparation can mean the difference between a great day on the boat and a disastrous one. So take a little time to make this boating season a happy and safe one.

Contact us today for a free boat insurance quote, and talk to one of our trusted agents. Hope to see you out on the water!

4 Important Driving Tips to Share with Your Teen

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auto insurance

Getting a license to drive is a huge and thrilling milestone in a teen’s life! For parents, adding a new driver to their auto insurance policy is usually less thrilling and more anxiety-inducing. You want your teen to feel confident out on the road and you want to know they’re making smart choices, so what can you do to stress less and help them drive better?

Here are some useful tips to share with your teen to help them make safe driving choices.

Encourage healthy cellphone habits

While it is illegal to text while driving in Florida, it’s not illegal to talk on the phone. The Florida DMV does, however, urge drivers to limit phone use to emergencies and to invest in a hands-free device. They recommend knowing the features of your phone and using speed dial so the eyes stay on the road and not on the phone.

You might really want to reach your teen, but you don’t want them to risk their safety answering your, “Are you coming home for dinner?” text. Talk to them about the importance of waiting until they are parked before answering any phone or text messages. Your tech savvy teen might even already know how to set up an auto-response feature on their phone, but if not you can show them this.

Also, remind your teen to save those emotional or stressful phone conversations with friends for another time and to never talk on the phone when the weather and road conditions are hazardous.

This is not a circus. The vehicle is not a clown car

Now that your teen is reveling in his or her newfound freedom, it’s likely they’re eager to cruise around with friends and give rides to everyone they know. While they can probably fit a lot of bodies in one vehicle, overcrowding a car is a recipe for distraction. It’s also unlawful.

Remind your teen that they can legally only transport as many passengers as they have seatbelts for in their car and that limiting passengers to just one or two friends reduces distractions.

Plan and don’t rush

Nudge your new driver toward advance trip planning. Leaving even ten minutes early lets drivers reach their destination without speeding and allows for any traffic surprises. Depending on your teen’s age, there are certain times at night when they can’t be on the road. Check out this link and discuss night time curfews where applicable.

It’s important for your teen to understand they fall in the highest risk group for auto accidents.

Even a minor fender bender can send their monthly car insurance premium skyrocketing and keep it high for years to come. Let them know if they plan ahead and don’t rush, they not only reduce their risk of a car accident but also the cost of auto insurance.

Be a defensive driver not an aggressive one

We all know someone who claims they suffer from “road rage”, right? Warn your teen about potential road situations that could lead to frustration and rage. Remind your teen to never follow another vehicle too closely. If they get tailgated, they should remain calm and try to move into another lane as soon as it is safe to do so. This is a good time to also review how to properly use the car horn as a defensive tool (i.e. when another car doesn’t see you and is about to merge into your lane and hit you).

You can help your teen stay safe from predators by making sure they know to drive to the nearest police station, instead of driving home, if they ever fear they’re being followed.

 

auto insuranceYou want your new driver protected against whatever comes their way out there and Synergy Insurance wants to help. Call us today to speak with one of our friendly and helpful agents for more information about car insurance or go here for a Free Quote.

Would your teen know what to do if they were involved in a car accident? Make sure they’re prepared for the worst by downloading our Auto Accident Workbook! This free guide easily folds to fit into any car compartment, meaning they’ll have it on hand if they ever need it.

5 Reasons Why an Insurance Company May Deny Your Hurricane Claim 

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hurricane deductible

Few things are worse than having an insurance claim denied, especially after a devastating event like a hurricane. But as you may already well know, it can be an all too common occurrence. Sometimes customers fight the denials and win, spending months or even years trying to convince someone that they deserve coverage. But it’s usually far easier to have a better understanding of how your policy works.

You Don’t Have Flood Insurance

Homeowners in designated flood zones are required to buy some type of flood coverage, but more than half of people affected by flooding damage during a hurricane live outside the zoning lines. It’s a good idea to educate yourself about the benefits of flood insurance whether you live in a designated flood zone or not. The National Flood Insurance Program aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures. Check out their site to learn more about their program!

Cleaning Up Is Circumstantial

If a tree breaks the windows of your home or crushes your car, this is usually covered by your policy. If it was your car that was damaged, typically your auto insurance policy is the best outlet to cover your claim. But if a tree happens to fall in your yard, you’re usually on the hook to clean it up. You may even need to cover the damage if your neighbor’s tree falls on your house. It’s best to cooperate with your neighbor, let them know that you are reporting the claim to your insurance company and share any pertinent information with them as long as your carrier permits.

Your Policy Has Certain Exclusions

In 45 states in the US (including Florida), insurance policies have a (heavily buried) clause that allows them to deny claims if two catastrophic events occurred simultaneously and one of those events wasn’t covered. In other words, if the wind took out half your roof and flooded your basement, both claims might be denied if you didn’t have flood insurance.

Federal Flood Insurance Is Limited

If you do happen to live in a designated flood zone and were required to purchase federal flood insurance, it doesn’t automatically mean that your claim will be approved. The minimum federal flood insurance will only cover the structure of the home as opposed to any outdoor property. So if your pool was destroyed during the hurricane, you may be out of luck.

You Haven’t Factored in Both Deductibles

When it comes to hurricane claims, homeowners have one deductible for loss and theft as well as an annual deductible for a hurricane. So your claim can conceivably be denied because you need to meet both deductible minimums before your policy kicks in (exact deductibles depend on your policy).

Homeowners do have recourse if their claim is denied, it’s just a lot more work than understanding your coverage up front. Don’t wait until you are forced to file a claim to find out that you don’t have the right homeowners insurance policy. Synergy Insurance can make it easier (and less confusing) to ensure that you get the coverage you need. Get a free, no-obligation insurance checkup if you think your coverage is lacking, and let us be your insurance experts!

homeowners insurance

How to Create an Inventory of Your Valuables

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home inventory

We never anticipate disaster. A fire, a storm, a flood, or theft—they leave chaos and vulnerability in their wake. Did you know taking proper inventory of your valuables helps make sure your insurance claim is covered? When you lose everything, it’s difficult to go back in your mind and remember what you had, when you bought it, and how much it was worth. This adds stress to an already stressful situation.

However, using a home inventory checklist makes it easy to document your valuables now to give you peace of mind later. Storm season in Florida will be here before you know it. Here’s how to create an inventory of your valuables.

How to Get Started

At Synergy Insurance Group we understand protection. That’s why we created this free Home Inventory Checklist you can quickly download to help you keep a detailed account of your property. Once you’ve finished your room-by-room inventory, we suggest you talk to your insurance agent to decide if you have the right level of coverage based on your home valuables.

But I Don’t Have Anything of Value

Have you had this thought? Think again.

Your grandmother’s ring, your new juicer, your autographed copy of War and Peace – every room has something in it you wouldn’t want to lose. Musical instruments, knives, furniture, rugs, shoes, electronics, bicycles, outdoor equipment…we guarantee your home property items add up to more than you think.

The Nitty Gritty Details

homeowners insuranceA proper home inventory is more than a simple list of what you’d like to replace in the event of a disaster. Your insurance company will request a detailed account of home valuables which can include: receipts to prove dates of purchase and original purchase price and photos of the item.

As you document your items, write down brand names and serial numbers, and even consider taking video and verbally recording major items. Store your inventory, receipts, and photographs/video in a fire-proof safe deposit box.

It’s never too early to be prepared, so get started on your own Home Inventory Checklist today! Click the image to download your free copy, and protect your valuables this year.

How to Drink Responsibly this Holiday Season

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holiday safety

Between the food, the friends, and the festivities, it isn’t hard to go overboard on the booze during the holidays. It isn’t always clear when or where you hit your limit, so make sure you enjoy a safer holiday with a few tips for drinking responsibly.

Slow Down

We get it. Family reunions on a holiday come with their share of both fun and stress. We get together and raise our glasses in toasts, but we also reach for another drink every time Great Aunt Peg asks why the children keep throwing food at each other. If you’re drinking because of anxiety, try going outside for a few minutes to breathe and reset instead of opening another bottle of wine.

Stay aware of what you’re drinking and why throughout the day. Drink a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you have, and/or limit yourself to a drink (or less) per course.

Know Your Myths

A cold shower or jolt of caffeine will not sober you up.  If you’re looking to limit the rate at which your blood absorbs the alcohol, the best thing you can do is eat.

Eating has no effect on your body after you’ve already been drinking, but it will affect your metabolism if you’re eating and drinking at roughly the same time. In other words, if you really want a couple cups of eggnog at the beginning of the party, make sure it’s to wash down some hors d’oeuvres.

Make Contingency Plans

Choose a designated driver before the party or schedule an Uber. Police officers are hyper-vigilant on the holidays, so even if you don’t feel drunk it’s likely you’re over the limit.

Driving while intoxicated is extremely risky and always the wrong choice. The problem is, once intoxicated it can seem like the right choice. “I didn’t have that much…I stopped drinking an hour ago…” the usual excuses. And why? Because calling a cab is expensive? Or phoning a friend feels inconvenient? So, plan ahead when you’re still thinking straight and keep yourself and others safe.

Homeowners Insurance - Home InsuranceCall Synergy Insurance to speak with one of our friendly and helpful agents today if you’d like more information about homeowner’s insurance. We provide exceptional coverage to Florida homeowners so they can enjoy the moments that matter most, during the holidays and all year long.

Your homeowners insurance covers the basics, but what about holiday accidents? Download our Home Insurance Claims eBook today and put your mind at ease before all of the holiday craziness.

The Retail Rush: How to Cope with Increased Traffic During the Holidays

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business insurance

The Black Friday stampede keeps everyone on their toes, but it’s not the only event that poses a threat to your retail establishment. The holiday season brings both an increase in sales and an increase in damages to inventory (and customers or employees). For a safer and less stressful holiday rush, keep these tips in mind during all your last-minute sales.

Contingency Plans for the Holiday Rush

Plan ahead to improve the customer’s experience. Direct the flow of traffic in as many ways as possible so everyone knows where to go and what to do. Frenzied holiday shoppers need boundaries, so use ropes or barriers at exits and entrances as well as friendly employees to make navigating the store seamless and stress-free for your customers.

OSHA even recommends you talk to your local fire department of your plans so you can be certain you’re in compliance with safety regulations.

The Big Event 

When you hire new blood during the holiday season to help get you through the busiest months, you can count on some communication and training issues. Make sure teams have a way to assemble and share information so all employees are on the same page.

Each individual team member should know exactly what their role is in case of emergency, and there should be clear rules about the most common scenarios that may occur (e.g., a fight breaks out, a customer falls down, inventory is knocked over, etc.) 

business insuranceSynergy Insurance Group knows how crazy the holidays can be, which is why we want to cover business owners in Florida and help ensure a successful holiday shopping season. Give us a call if you’re looking for a better policy. We have plenty of options to protect your financial future and keep you covered through the holidays and all year long.

How to Safely Deep Fry a Turkey

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holiday safety

Deep-fried turkey is mouth-watering good. Home chefs everywhere are getting ready to roll up their sleeves this Thanksgiving to prepare an unforgettable meal and for many that means trying something new—like a deep-fried turkey. If you want to join the fad, take heed first—deep fried turkeys are the cause of thousands of home fires around the US every year. Avoid an accident with a little research and take the following tips to heart!

Prepping the Turkey and the Fryer

The fryer needs to be at least 10 feet away from the house and should be placed on the flattest surface you can find. Never fry a turkey on an incline.

Ensure the turkey is completely thawed and then thoroughly dried. It takes about 24 hours to thaw a turkey for every 4 pounds, so you’ll need to give yourself plenty of time. If there’s any water in the turkey at all, it will expand and cause the scalding hot oil to spill over onto the burner and start a fire.

Keep a fire extinguisher on hand at all times in case of a fire. Remember—you cannot put out an oil fire with water!

Frying the Turkey

You will not be able to leave the turkey while it’s frying (it takes about 3 minutes per pound.) Be vigilant about children or dogs going anywhere near the fryer, and appoint another (sober!) adult to keep an eye on them.

Use a fryer with a thermostat or buy one of your own, and ensure the temperature doesn’t climb higher than it should (it’s normally 350° for a vegetable-based oil.)

Finally, be careful touching the fryer as the lid and sides can become extremely hot and cause severe burns.

Synergy Insurance Group wants you to get the fabled crisp skin and delectably tender meat that deep frying a turkey can bring, we just want you to do so safely! Serving our customers is our priority and protecting you is what we do best. If you have questions about coverage, contact Synergy Insurance today to speak directly with an agent. Happy Holidays and stay safe out there!

homeowners insuranceThe holidays can be stressful, and insurance coverage is probably the last thing on your mind during the hustle and bustle. Our Home Insurance Claims eBook is your one-stop guide to what exactly is and is not covered with your homeowners insurance policy. We know family time can get a little crazy, so rest assured we’ve got you covered.