I’ve Been Hit: Now What?

Here at Insurance & Financial Services Inc. in Baton Rouge, LA, we’ll be here to support you through the auto insurance claim process. The initial minutes after an auto accident occurs can be emotional and confusing. It’s important to have a plan for what to do long before an accident happens.

First and foremost, you want to make sure that you, your passengers, and the people in the vehicle(s) involved in the crash are ok. If someone needs medical attention, call 911 immediately. If you are capable and comfortable, perform basic first aid until first responders arrive on the scene. If the accident occurred on a highway, move the vehicles to the shoulder of the road, if possible.

While talking with the other driver, be polite and courteous, but be careful not to say anything that could be interpreted as you admitting fault (unfortunately, phrases such as, “I’m sorry,” or, “I didn’t even see you,” can be used against you down the line). Exchange insurance information with the other driver, either by writing the information down or taking a picture of their card with your phone. You’ll also want to take pictures of any visible damage to the vehicles.

Next, call the police. In Louisiana, it is not legally required to call the police for auto accidents in which property damage is less than $500. However, a police report can be helpful down the line.

Lastly, call your insurance agent at Insurance & Financial Services Inc in Baton Rouge, LA. We’ll walk you through the steps to getting the financial compensation you deserve so that you can be back on the road in no time.

What is Scheduled Personal Property Insurance?

Do you have items in your home that are of high value such as expensive jewelry, collectibles, or high-dollar equipment?  If so, the coverage in your homeowner’s policy may not be enough to protect these items. If you are unclear as to what your homeowner’s policy covers, the knowledgeable agents at Insurance & Financial Services Inc. of Plaquemine, LA can help explain your policy. We can also make recommendations on any additional coverage you may need.

How Much Personal Property Does a Homeowner’s Policy Cover?

While the personal property is covered in policy, there are generally limits to the dollar amount that is covered. For example, perhaps you own an antique clock collection valued over $5,000. If something happens to this clock collection, and it’s covered by your policy, because there is a cap on the amount that insurance will pay, you could only receive $1,000 in reimbursement after filing your claim.

If you elect to add scheduled personal property insurance coverage to your policy, you can increase the limits that insurance will cover.  Just make sure to provide your agent with a copy of your receipts or documentation from a professional appraiser to confirm the value.

The Benefits of Adding Scheduled Personal Property Insurance to Your Policy

One of the benefits of this additional insurance is that it covers more situations than a homeowner’s policy alone does. Plus, if you do need to file a claim, there is typically not a deductible to meet in these cases. So, the value of your prized items is protected. To learn more about whether a scheduled personal property policy is right for you, contact your agent at Insurance & Financial Services Inc. of Plaquemine, LA. We are here to help you with all your insurance questions.

What does Commercial Property Insurance Include?

There are different types of insurance available to address the needs of businesses. From the small family-owned store to the largest of retailers, having the right insurance is a crucial part of protecting your company’s assets. In Baton Rouge, LA, the knowledgeable agents at Insurance & Financial Services Inc. can help you find the right insurance coverage for your business.

What is Commercial Property Insurance?

Commercial property insurance is one of the coverage options available to businesses to protect their assets. Whether you experience a business loss due to a natural disaster, accident, or theft, commercial property insurance can help you recover these losses.  It covers business items, inventory, and equipment that are damaged or stolen. Some policies also include Business Interruption Insurance. If your business suffers damages that prevent you from generating income, this added protection helps you to rebuild rather than close.

What Exactly Does It Cover?

The primary two things that commercial property insurance cover are buildings and personal business property. If you own the building that your business operates out of, then coverage is available for that building. For business owners who rent space, there are insurance options that specifically cover your property within the rental space.

Personal business property protection covers things such as your inventory, supplies, furnishings and equipment. This can include items within your business space, and off-site. For example, if you are a professional photographer who carries expensive camera equipment with you to various locations for photo shoots, your equipment is covered if damaged while at these locations.

At Insurance & Financial Services Inc. serving Baton Rouge, LA, we are here to help your business to grow and succeed. If you have questions about business insurance plans, give us a call or stop by our office.