Do I need workers compensation insurance for my small business if I only have one employee?

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Workers compensation doesn’t just protect your employees when they are injured; your policy also protects your Manchester, NH business from lawsuits when one of your employees is injured. Having this protection in place helps you and your employees avoid unnecessary expenses that may be difficult to cover during an emergency. At AS Insurance Agency, we can help you compare different policies that may work for your business.

Which Businesses Are Required To Carry Workers Compensation Insurance?

Any business that has any employees must carry workers compensation insurance by law in New Hampshire. This applies if your business is a nonprofit, if the workers are part-time or unpaid, and if the employees are related to you. Even contractors may need to carry workers compensation insurance.

Failure to carry this kind of insurance could result in fines for your business even if no one ever uses the policy. Workers compensation is completely separate from personal health insurance.

Are There Exceptions?

There are only a few exceptions where you may not need workers compensation insurance. If you are a sole proprietor, you are the only one working for the business. The same applies to a partnership, where two individuals have equal ownership of the business. 

If you are a sole proprietor, in a partnership, or self-employed, you do not need to carry a policy, but you can still choose to protect yourself.

Make sure your Manchester, NH has the protection it needs. Workers compensation is just one of the ways you can make sure your small business doesn’t suffer when facing an unfortunate incident. Call AS Insurance Agency today if you have any questions about commercial insurance or if you would like to discuss your current policy.

When is Umbrella Insurance Beneficial?

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While researching the different types of insurance available to you as a Manchester, NH resident, you may have come across umbrella insurance and begun to wonder why you had never heard of it. Umbrella insurance is beyond basic insurance, and some people never even consider purchasing it because they have no reason to. So, what exactly is umbrella insurance, and when is this type of insurance beneficial? Here is a brief overview to help you better understand this type of insurance coverage. 

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is a supplemental insurance that kicks in once a person’s primary insurance has paid out the maximum amount. This could be their homeowners, boat, or even auto insurance policies. For example, if a person is a homeowner and a delivery person drops off an order at that homeowner’s house and is bitten by the homeowner’s dog, medical bills could be high. If the victim’s medical bills are $75,000, and the homeowner’s insurance policy maxes out at $50,000, the umbrella insurance would likely cover the extra $25,000. 

Umbrella Insurance for the Wealthy

Low and moderate income individuals rarely need umbrella insurance. This is because well-off individuals are more likely to be sued for what they’re worth, which is substantially more than the average person.

As you can see, umbrella insurance is a supplementary insurance that most likely benefits wealthy individuals. Wealthy individuals are more likely to have expensive assets that make them more likely to be sued for large amounts of money that can easily deplete their primary homeowners’ insurance. Once the homeowners’ insurance has paid the maximum, the umbrella insurance will pay what’s left over. If you’re a Manchester, NH resident, and you need a new insurance agency, you should give us a call at AS Insurance Agency. Our company, AS Insurance Agency, has been in business for years, providing customers with the A-1 customer service that we hope to provide for you. 

Three Things New Homeowners Need to Consider Regarding Flood Insurance

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At AS Insurance Agency, we are committed to offering our Manchester, NH clients the most comprehensive flood insurance for their homes. You won’t be left with a huge bill after your home sustains irreparable water damage. Many people bypass getting flood insurance thinking their standard homeowners insurance covers it. This is a mistake. Many standard homeowners insurance policies don’t include proper flood coverage, even if you live in a low-risk area. 

If you are searching for a new homeowners policy and are new to flood insurance, you should know about the following three things. 

Three Things To Consider Regarding Flood Insurance 

There Will Be Fine Print

Almost every Manchester, NH flood insurance policy includes some fine print. When you contact AS Insurance Services, our representatives will be sure to be comprehensive and clear when explaining to you what your policy covers. The last thing you want is to have flood damage and not have the proper insurance to pay for it. 

It Doesn’t Kick In Right Away

If you’re thinking you are heading for a time of year when there will be a high flood risk, don’t hesitate to add flood coverage to your policy. This is because most flood coverage doesn’t kick in right away. You should assume that there will be at least a 30-day waiting period before flood coverage is added to your homeowners’ policy. 

The Payouts Are High

According to FloodSmart.gov, the average flood insurance payout in the United States is 69,000 dollars. With this add-on to your homeowners’ policy, you are almost assuredly going to be properly covered if your home sustains major flood damage. 

Consult With Us

Don’t feel too comfortable about flood risk if you live in a low-risk area, you should still have some type of coverage, but anything can happen when it comes to weather. Contact us at AS Insurance Agency in Manchester, NH today if you have any further questions about flood insurance. 

Condo Insurance and Time Shares

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It can be tough getting insurance on a time-share condominium. For one thing, they get a lot more visitors than the typical vacation home. You’re sharing this condo with several other people, so determining who is responsible for what can get difficult. However, if you keep organized with a clear mind, you can manage through this and get back to enjoying your vacation. 

How To Do It

 You may already be covered. Go over your timeshare agreement. Read it all down to the fine print. See what kind of coverage you already have. If you have a deeded timeshare, that means it’s your legal property with all rights and responsibilities. That includes getting property and liability insurance. If you rent it out, you will need a commercial landlord policy. 

Other Considerations 

Keep in mind that due to the fact that the facility is commercial and not completely owned by you, the standard homeowner’s insurance policy generally will not provide adequate coverage. Check on how much you covered in the event of theft. Your liability insurance may cover accidental damage to someone else’s property. In any case, your home insurance agent should be able to explain your coverage to you. 

Umbrella Insurance

That’s a lot of things to cover, isn’t it? You may want to consider umbrella insurance for your timeshare condo. It offers more liability coverage at a lesser cost than the increasing liability limits of your underlying policy. 

AS Insurance Agency serving Manchester, NH

If you are looking for insurance coverage for your property in the Manchester, NH area, consider contacting the AS Insurance Company. We are dedicated to providing fair compensation for your property. 

Can a Motorcycle Insurance Policy Cover Multiple Motorcycles?

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At AS Insurance Agency, serving the greater Manchester, NH community, we assist our clients with protecting their motorcycles. Whether you have one motorcycle or ten motorcycles, there’s almost always a way to make sure that all of your motorcycles have the protection they need for you to feel safe to drive them on the wide, open highway. For motorcycle enthusiasts, it can seem convenient and practical to place all your motorcycles on the same motorcycle insurance policy. Although you might see the benefits to this, it’s another thing to consider whether it’s even possible with how motorcycle insurance policies work. 

Even though most policies have terms and limits that are specific to them, we can speak on a broader note about how motorcycle insurance policies typically handle owning multiple motorcycles. Of course, for the best advice for your situation, we always recommend speaking with a qualified insurance agent at our office to get more specialized suggestions and information. We’re always happy to answer questions.

Can a Motorcycle Insurance Policy Cover Multiple Motorcycles?

If you have more than one motorcycle, it’s convenient and helpful to insure them all under one policy. Thankfully, multi-bike policies exist for this reason. Under a multi-bike policy, you can insure more than one motorcycle with terms and limits that are tailored to having multiple motorcycles. If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you shouldn’t let worries about insurance limit the number of bikes you have! At our office, we’ll be able to walk you through different policies so you have an idea of what might be ideal for your circumstances. 

Contact Us Today

If you want to insure one motorcycle, two motorcycles, or 10+ motorcycles, you should call AS Insurance Agency in Manchester, NH today for more information about our motorcycle insurance policies and more!

How Do I Know If Something is Considered To Be a Pre-Existing Condition?

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One of the questions that we at AS Insurance Agency, serving the greater Manchester, NH region, are often asked in regard to medical insurance is how I know if something is considered to be a pre-existing condition. This is important to know, as some insurance companies will deny care for a pre-existing condition.

What Is Considered a Pre-Existing Condition?

Pre-existing conditions typically refer to health conditions that existed before the start of the insurance policy. The policy may define a specific look-back period, which is the duration during which the insurer will review your medical history to identify pre-existing conditions. Common look-back periods are typically around six months to a year.

What to Know About Look-Back Periods

Most health insurance companies have look-back periods of six to 12 months in regard to pre-existing conditions. This means that you usually need to go six- to 12 months without having been treated, taken medication for, or used medical devices for a medical condition in order for it to not be considered a pre-existing condition. 

What If I Am Unsure If Something Is a Pre-Existing Condition?

If you have specific health concerns or medical conditions, it’s advisable to consult directly with the insurance provider. They can provide guidance on how their policy defines and handles pre-existing conditions and offer clarity on any coverage limitations or waiting periods that may apply.

Give Us A Call

Selecting the right medical insurance policy for your needs can be challenging, especially if you have questions about the policy or terminology. If you are looking to purchase a new health insurance policy in the greater Manchester, NH area, let the insurance agents at AS Insurance Agency help you find your next policy.

The difference between whole life insurance and term life insurance

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Whole life insurance and term life insurance are two of the main types of life insurance policies available to individuals at AS Insurance Agency here in the Manchester, NH area. Whole life insurance is a type of permanent policy that provides coverage and financial protection over your entire lifetime until you die or reach the age of 100. Term life insurance is a temporary policy, with coverage typically lasting for a set amount of time—usually 10, 20, or 30 years—before it expires. 

Whole life insurance has several advantages over term policies. For one thing, whole life policies accumulate cash value over time and can be used as an investment tool. This money can be borrowed in times of need and will also provide your beneficiaries with a death benefit upon your death. In addition, premiums remain fixed throughout the duration of the policy and cannot increase due to age or health status changes. 

On the other hand, term life insurance is often cheaper than whole life policies because it is considered less risky since it only lasts for a certain period of time. It’s generally best for people who want to ensure their family’s financial security in case they pass away early but don’t necessarily need long-term coverage. Another advantage is that if you outlive your policy, it won’t provide any benefits to your beneficiaries; however, you won’t have to pay any additional premiums either. 

Reach Out To Us

For more information, give us at AS Insurance Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the Manchester, NH area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets both your needs and budget. You will sleep better knowing that your family is protected.

Will Renters Insurance Help if My Home’s Robbed?

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As a renter, you know unexpected circumstances can happen anytime, anywhere. One of the worst scenarios we can think of is a home robbery. Losing valuables can be a traumatic experience, but having renters insurance from us at AS Insurance Agency in Manchester, NH can provide some relief.

Coverages of Renters Insurance

Our renters’ insurance policies cover different personal property damage, including theft and burglary. When these unfortunate events happen, acting fast and filing an insurance claim as soon as possible is essential. The insurance company will appraise the stolen items’ value and pay out the claim.

Limits and Deductibles

However, it’s essential to remember that renters insurance has limits and deductibles. Our policies come with payout limits for specific items, and we’ll review these coverage limits before you complete your insurance policy. And, like all insurance policies, renters insurance has a deductible that you must pay before the insurance company covers the rest of the claim.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

When it comes to renters insurance in Manchester, NH, it’s crucial to consider the total value of all your belongings when deciding on the coverage you need. Depending on the value of your possessions and the coverage limit you want, you may need to purchase additional coverage or increase your coverage limit. Some factors you’ll need to consider include the size of your home, the number and types of items you own, and your lifestyle.

Reach Out To Us

At AS Insurance Agency, our team is here to help you determine the right amount of coverage for your specific needs and budget. We’ll work with you to craft a personalized policy that protects what matters most. Contact us today to get started and let us help you secure the peace of mind you deserve.

What Fresh Grads Should Know About Workers Comp Insurance

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Embarking on your career is an exciting adventure, but you’ll have a lot of responsibility on your plate. Those responsibilities won’t end when you check out of work either. You’ll likely have bills to pay, such as rent, health insurance premiums, and more. New grads should check to see if their employer offers workers comp insurance, and they should also check for plans from insurance providers. Contact AS Insurance Agency, serving Manchester, NH and beyond, to learn more about workers comp policies.

Workers comp policies will often provide payments to make up for lost income if you are out of work. Of course, you should read every policy closely to see what is and is not covered.

The Benefits of Workers Comp for New Graduates

Unfortunately, many things could derail your career. This is as true for fresh graduates as it is for experienced hands. You might suffer a slip and fall at work that leaves you recovering in bed for weeks on end. You may need to undergo surgeries, which in turn typically have recovery times that keep you from work. Sadly, some people will contract serious diseases, like cancer, that will require ongoing treatment and that may keep them from working.

In these cases, workers’ comp may help families and individuals make up for lost income. It’s important to read every workers’ comp plan to see what is and is not covered. However, you can find plans that will provide coverage for income lost due to workplace injuries and serious natural diseases like cancer.

The workers’ compensation policies offered by employers typically focus on injuries and conditions contracted at work. Workers comp policies offered by third parties, meanwhile, can often be used to mitigate injuries and diseases contracted outside of work.

Which policies are right for you?

Contact AS Insurance Agency, serving the greater Manchester, NH region, to explore your options.

 

Umbrella Insurance 101: Understanding How It Works and What It Covers

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Umbrella insurance can provide an extra layer of protection for your assets and income. It is designed to supplement your existing liability coverage, such as homeowner’s or auto insurance, providing additional limits over and above what those policies may offer. Here at AS Insurance Agency, we serve the Manchester, NH area with umbrella insurance solutions to ensure our clients have the protection they need.

How Does Umbrella Insurance Work?

Umbrella insurance policies provide an extra layer of financial security above and beyond what’s available in traditional liability coverage. It is designed for situations when a large claim occurs that exceeds the limits of your existing policy, such as auto or homeowners insurance. An umbrella policy can help cover legal fees, medical bills, and any settlements awarded by the courts. It can also provide coverage for incidents such as libel, slander, or false arrest.

Who Needs Umbrella Insurance?

When it comes to umbrella insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone’s needs are different and should be discussed with an insurance professional.

Homeowners: Homeowners may need umbrella insurance if they live in an area prone to natural disasters or injuries, such as slips, falls, or flooding. If any of these incidents occur and a lawsuit is filed against the homeowner, their liability limits could be exceeded. In this case, an umbrella policy can provide extra coverage.

Business Owners: Business owners may need umbrella insurance if they face potential liabilities from their business activities, such as product recalls or faulty services. An umbrella policy can provide additional coverage for legal fees and other expenses that could arise from a lawsuit.

Renters or Landlords: Renters and landlords should consider an umbrella policy if they are exposed to liabilities such as property damage or a tenant injury. Even if a landlord’s standard policy provides sufficient coverage, an umbrella policy can provide additional protection for legal fees and settlements.

What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?

Umbrella insurance provides coverage for three main types of liability: Bodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, and Personal Liability.

Bodily Injury Liability provides coverage for medical expenses and other related costs if you are found legally responsible for an injury that another person suffered due to your negligence.

Property Damage Liability provides coverage for damage to another person’s property that was caused by your negligence.

Personal Liability covers non-bodily injury or property damages, such as libel and slander. It also provides additional limits over and above what traditional liability policies provide, protecting you from large claims and lawsuits.

Understanding how umbrella insurance works and what it covers can help you determine if this type of coverage is right for you or your business.

Reach Out To Us

If you are located in the Manchester NH area, contact us at AS Insurance Agency to learn more about our umbrella insurance solutions. We’ll provide a comprehensive review of your current policies and discuss the protection that umbrella insurance can provide.