When you are a renter in Baton Rouge, LA, it can be tempting to skip purchasing all that insurance you might think is the responsibility of your landlord. However, the agents at Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. want to remind you that renters insurance is an inexpensive way to keep your savings account intact and your future on track.

Replace Your Stuff when Disaster Strikes

If your apartment building burns down in a fire, your landlord’s insurance only replaces the building. That doesn’t help you with your furniture, wardrobe, and all the other things that cost you a bundle to buy. Renters insurance helps you replace your possessions, so you won’t be relying on emptying your savings account.

Pay for Lodging when Your Apartment is Lost

Even if your unit was spared the flames, it could become uninhabitable due to smoke, water, or fumes. What will you do while it is renovated? A hotel can cost more than you expect. You can add temporary housing to your renter’s insurance. When you know you have a safe place to sleep, you can keep working and continue on with life until your place is refurbished and ready to be occupied once again.

Cover Medical Bills after an Accident

If one of your friends trips on the front stairs, your landlord’s liability insurance will handle their medical bills. When they fall in your apartment, that’s when your renter’s insurance kicks in and will take care of the trip to the ER while making sure that your friendship remains in one piece.

If you think all this coverage has to be unaffordable, think again. Check with your knowledgeable insurance agent at Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. in Baton Rouge, LA and be pleasantly surprised that your peace of mind is entirely within your reach.

Umbrella insurance is excellent for someone who has amassed a number of assets throughout their lifetime. The idea behind it is to have liability protection that a policyholder can use to protect themselves against financial ruin in the event of baseless allegations or a single lawsuit. But while this insurance may be more associated with the wealthy, there are reasons why someone of more limited means may still benefit from having the right umbrella policy. 

Extra Protection 

Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. works with people in Baton Rouge, LA who may be in a targeted position. So if a small business owner is sued for discrimination, they’ll need someone to be able to handle both the legal aspect of the claims as well as the potential loss of reputation. A general commercial insurance policy will certainly help, but the owner may find that they exceed the limits of that policy far faster than they realized. Umbrella insurance is there to pick up the slack where those limits drop off. So not only is it helpful to have, sometimes it can be downright necessary for the policyholder. 

Help When You Need It 

A policyholder doesn’t have to be a millionaire to want to protect their livelihood. That’s why Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. is here to help people who want to keep themselves safe from any number of threats in Baton Rouge, LA or throughout the state. If you’re interested in learning more about our policies, give us a call to find out more. We not only take the time to answer your questions about umbrella insurance, but we can also alert you to potential issues you may not have originally considered. Having this information is the perfect way to arm yourself against a loss of assets.

Baton Rouge, LA is a beautiful place to live; the beautiful landscape and the friendly demeanor of the residents make the city and suburbs an ideal residential area. However, if you live here or considering moving in, you should consider taking up flood insurance from Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.

Floods aren’t a rare occurrence here, and over the years, residents have lost property to the spontaneous floods leaving them with a huge financial setback. With a flood insurance policy, you can protect yourself financially from such incidences. 

Here are other reasons why you should take up the coverage:

• Helps you repair or rebuild your house: house repairs are among the most costly to undertake while recovering from flood damage. With flood insurance policy options, you can repair your house with ease. 
• Helps you replace your personal belongings: Everyone has possessions and souvenirs that make our houses feel more homely. It could be your television, kitchen appliances, or clothing. Losing such items to floods is always devastating; however, with a flood insurance policy, you can replace your personal belongings. 
• Peace of mind: Building a home is an investment that takes years of planning and sacrifice. Losing the investment to perils such floods can be difficult for anyone, financially and emotionally. A flood insurance policy is an ideal solution to such circumstances. With it in place, you can rest assured that you will always have a place to call home. 

Flood insurance solutions in Baton Rouge, LA. 

Are you looking for a reliable flood insurance coverage? Contact Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. for an ideal flood insurance solution. Our insurance agents are knowledgeable in the flood insurance niche and are at hand to advise you on the perfect policy option. Make your living space feel more like home with our flood insurance coverage. Reach out to our agents for a quote.

If you are looking to purchase a health insurance plan for your family, one of the questions that you may have is how a family health insurance plan differs from an individual plan. At Insurance & Financial Services, Inc., serving the greater Baton Rouge, LA area, we want you to be informed about the different options so you can make an informed choice as to which plan is best for you. Here are a few of the differences between individual and family health insurance plans. 

The Cost 

One of the differences between a family health insurance plan and an individual health insurance plan is the cost. It is typically cheaper to buy one family health insurance plan than it would be to buy individual plans for everyone in your family. 

The Deductible

Another critical difference between a family health insurance plan and an individual plan is the deductible. On an individual plan, you have one single deductible you need to meet. On a family plan, there is an individual deductible for every person and a family deductible. Whichever deductible is met first is the one that matters for a family plan. 

The Policy Limits

The last key difference between individual and family health insurance plans is the policy limits. On an individual plan, the policy limits only apply to you. On a family plan, there are family limits. This means every person who is on the family plan has their totals combined. If one person has been ill and has needed a lot of care, it may affect the amount of coverage left for everyone else on the plan. 

When you are ready to purchase a health insurance plan in the Baton Rouge, LA area, contact Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. We can help you find the right health insurance plan for your family’s needs.

When it comes to cybercrime in Baton Rouge, LA, most people are used to hearing about major corporations being breached. Hackers who went after Target stole credit card information, while those who went after Equifax took social security information. All of which happened in numbers that are beyond most business owners’ imaginations. However, just like individuals are experiencing identity theft on a daily basis, so too are small businesses. Find out what you need to know about it from Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.

Risks in Baton Rouge, LA 

No location on Earth’s safe from cybercrime, regardless of what you do and who you are. Even major corporations like Apple have a difficult time keeping their security up to speed (and there’s no one more prepared for hacks than Apple.) So when it comes to your business, you need to be aware of not just tech geniuses who penetrate your network, but also social phishers who rely on tired or stressed out employees to click on something that they shouldn’t. Having better preventative strategies can call to attention any glaring gaps in your security, but you can also go one step further for the ultimate in protection. 

Call Someone Who Knows 

Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. has seen people who have to deal with security breaches, and it’s not always a pretty picture. Having the right commercial insurance can help though. When you’re conducting business online, you need a way to both protect your customer’s sensitive information and a plan on what to do should it be stolen. Give us a call today if you’re looking for a better plan. We can help you decide which policy will best keep you from being under the thumb of a hacker who just wants to use your information for their gain. 

More than three-quarters of millennials living in Baton Rouge, LA rent apartments. Renting is a great and viable option if you have just graduated from college and landed your first job.  

Here are the top three reasons why you need to apply for a renter’s insurance from Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. as soon as possible.

1. Renters Insurance Protects You and Your Stuff

There is no big difference between homeowners insurance and renters insurance except the fact that a renters policy is tailored to meet the needs of a renter. Your landlord’s policy does not cover your property in any way.

The renter’s insurance covers personal possessions such as electronics and furniture, medical payments if someone other than yourself gets injured in an accident at your place, and personal liability if you are ever found to be legally responsible for property damage or injuries like the slip and fall cases. Renters insurance also covers some extra living expenses such as your residence becoming uninhabitable and having to find an alternative accommodation.

2. It Can Cover Your Roommate Too

A renter’s insurance policy can cover up to two unrelated people meaning that you can add your roommate to the same single policy. However, if you are living with more than two people in the same apartment, then the rest will have to get an additional policy.

3. It is Highly Affordable

A renter’s policy for millennials living in Baton Rouge, LA is affordable. It is much cheaper than the other insurance policies and will save you money in the long run. Adding your renter’s insurance policy to your other existing policies makes it even less expensive through bundling.

You can get more information on renters insurance by visiting our offices at Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. Our agents are ready to answer your questions and help you get started right away.

One of the most important personal responsibilities that people have is making sure that they are properly insured. While most Baton Rouge, LA residents are aware that they need to have a home and auto insurance to provide insurance protection, many would also benefit from having an additional umbrella insurance policy.  

You Have a Lot of Assets

One of the main reasons why people should have an umbrella insurance policy is that they have numerous assets that need to be protected. If you are being sued and found to be liable, the other party will likely try to take as many assets from you as possible. This can include your car, home, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and even take a lien on your future income. If you are sued, your umbrella insurance policy will provide you with coverage to ensure that your personal assets are not taken. It is important to discuss your limits with an agent.

Basic Insurance is Not Enough

Most people that own cars and homes will have some form of liability insurance coverage included in their insurance policies. Unfortunately, this level of insurance is often not enough. If you are involved in an auto accident that resulted in serious damage or medical bills, the total amount of the damage could quickly exceed your liability insurance protection in your auto insurance policy. Having the additional umbrella insurance will provide the gap you need to ensure that you are protected.   

In conclusion, having an additional umbrella insurance policy can be a great option. For those that are in the Baton Rouge, LA area and are in need of additional umbrella insurance, reach out to Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. for advice and questions. Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. will be able to provide you with a consultation on your insurance needs and can start the process of providing you with a quote. 

Those who live in the Baton Rouge, LA area, and around the state, are used to wet weather. The average yearly rainfall of 62 inches fills lakes and streams while keeping the surrounding landscape lush and green. Although, that excess moisture can also seep through the cracks in the walls and foundation of a home, causing damage to the structure.

Are you in the market for a new home? The experts at Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. want to be certain that your new home is healthy, clean, and problem-free. Make sure the building you buy is free of expensive water damage before submitting an offer with these tips.

Walls

• Check the walls and ceiling for brownish-colored stains.
• Look around the edges of walls, doors, and window sills for peeling, cracked, or stained paint.
• Look for cracks, creases, and bulges in the drywall.

Touch any areas that concern you. If it feels spongy or soft, it could mean water damage.

Floors

• Check the entire floor for buckling, shifting, and uneven spots.
• Pay special attention to the basement floor, as this is the usually the first place water damage shows.
• Peek under rugs and in corners where the floor meets the wall.

Look closely at any inconsistent spots, as this could be a sign that previous owners tried to repair damaged flooring.

Plumbing

• In the kitchen, inspect under and around the sink for signs of loosening or warping sealant.
• In the bathroom, look around tubs, showers, sinks, and fixtures for was water seepage.
• Use a flashlight to check pipes for rust or corrosion.

Most water damage is caused by plumbing malfunctions. Thoroughly inspect areas where water comes in or goes out.

Other Considerations

• Mold has a distinct smell. Get close to areas that show signs of water damage, and use your nose to help you decide.
• Survey the outside of the property too. Missing roof tiles, leaky gutters, and puddles in the yard could point to poor drainage issues.

Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. serves the Baton Rouge, LA area. When you find the perfect home, visit us to customize a policy that protects your new residence from the wind, rain, and whatever else might come your way.

Are you a Baton Rouge, LA resident who is interested in purchasing health insurance for you and your family? Here’s what you need to consider when choosing your plan:

• Monthly Premium Costs
  • You will pay your monthly premium each month, so you’ll need to determine how much you can spend each month on your policy. This premium will automatically narrow your choices.
• Personal Medical Needs & Prescriptions
  • It might seem rather difficult to estimate how much you’ll need to go to the doctor, get tests or surgeries, or see specialists. If you can calculate this amount on average, it may help you determine the best plan for you and your family. Remember also to consider any prescriptions that you or your family members take.
• How Much to Pay Out-of-Pocket
  • You will need to look at your out-of-pocket maximum as well. This is the maximum amount of money that you would have to pay over a year of coverage. Once you pay this amount for the year, your insurance company will take care of 100% of the rest. You want a low out-of-pocket maximum.
• Your Doctor and Your “Network.”
  • Different insurance companies have different networks with different health care providers in them. If you have a primary physician that you want to stick with, make sure that they’re in your network before choosing a plan.

Call Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. Today

Health insurance is one of the most important types of insurance that you should secure for you and your family. At Insurance & Financial Services, Inc., we’re proud to serve the residents of Baton Rouge, LA, and we’d be happy to sit down with you and discuss your health insurance options. Call us today or stop by our nearest office location to speak with one of our agents. We look forward to talking with you!

If you own a business, you may have heard conflicting information about commercial insurance, also commonly called business insurance. At Insurance & Financial Services Inc. serving the greater Baton Rouge, LA area, we want to take the time to clear up some of this confusion. One of the questions we often hear is whether a business is required to carry commercial insurance. Here are the three times you are required to carry this type of insurance. If you do not meet these criteria, you are not legally required to carry it, though it is strongly advised you do.

You Own a Commercial Building that is Not Paid Off

If you own a commercial building, odds are, you are required to obtain and carry commercial insurance as part of your loan agreement. This instance is just like a home mortgage lender requiring you to pay for home insurance on a home you do not own outright.

You Use Vehicles As Part of Your Business

Regular auto insurance policies typically preclude you from using your personal cars for business. As such, you will need to obtain a commercial insurance policy to cover any cars you use for business.

The City or County Requires It

Some cities or counties require every business owner in their city or county to carry a commercial insurance policy to obtain a business license. If you live in one of these cities or counties, you must abide by the laws in those areas.

If you are looking to obtain a new commercial insurance policy in the Baton Rouge, LA area, give Insurance & Financial Services Inc. a call today for a free price quote or to discuss your commercial insurance needs.