My Agent doesnt call !

As much as agents are in the people business, we are in business and that sometimes can conflict practicality versus profitability.  I know that I have not spoken to my existing clients enough and if I did schedule  phone calls for everyone it might take months to complete and consume my time, my time to keep producing and maintain profitability. Hey I apologize! It is very helpful when my clients call around the time of renewal or send an mail, I am not making excuses, just suggesting a reason why you may not hear from your agent and making you aware that you should consider taking the initiative and email and call. insurance agencies are similar to doctors and lawyers practices, you don't hear from them out of the blue too often, hmm that reminds me my doctor hasn't called, I guess I will.

Renters and Dogs Liability

Just a quick Info note!  if you own and rent, you should first of all screen tenants for having dogs, specifically what kind of breeds.  Why? several breeds of dogs are not allowed on any property insurance whether you rent or not. In addition many insurance companies are excluding animal liability (ommonly dog bites) if your dog bites and injures someone. Compounding this issue is as a landlord you rent, you are unaware that your tenant has a dog or you know they have a dog not what breed, including half breeds. The insurance discovers through a drive by inspection there are dogs and dogs not allowed by their underwriting guidelines.  You now have 4 problems, cancellation of policy is likely, liability protection excludes dogs, your renter wont get normal liability coverage through a renters policy and now you have to find another company

This recently happened to me as an agent, insured placed tenant with dogs without notifying me first. Now I have to get the tenant covered for animal liability as there are banned dogs on site and a standard renters policy wont cover, regardless of dogs and would cancel.

Discuss with your agent, before you lease!

Tenants and animals
Require HO-4 renters policy
Discuss the pros and cons of property ownership Individuals v LLC or INC
Inspection and walk through of premise


Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions

Work Comp using 1099's

If you plan on a business using 1099's as a cheaper or seemingly good business decision, be aware of the Workers Compensation implications. You may not be aware of this but a 1099 worker at your clients home or property can hold the client responsible as would any work comp insurance carrier to pay for injuries, loss wages and other costs.

Guess what the client would do if they are sued?  Not only bad for business, bad for your reputation. Be sure have have a thorough cost analysis of using 1099's v W-2 employees. Better yet get Work Comp insurance and or have your 1099's get their own. One claim can ruin your day for years to come!