Landlord Liability Insurance Explained

Landlords are liable for many things. While being a landlord can be rewarding financially, they still have to shoulder considerable risks. Fortunately, however, landlord liability insurance and other insurance policies can help reduce risks. This way, property owners can enjoy peace of mind while they serve their local communities and build their businesses. Are they looking for landlord liability insurance? Contact Martin Insurance Team, serving Evergreen Park, IL, and beyond.

Landlord Liability Insurance 101

First, your general homeowner’s insurance policy may not cover any rental properties you own. Often, landlords must instead take out separate insurance policies to cover rental properties.

Since the risk profile and liabilities for a rental property may be different from a private, personally-owned dwelling, costs and terms between homeowners’ and landlord liability insurance policies often differ. This is true even for the same exact house or other building.

If a tenant is injured on your property, say suffering a slip and fall in the parking lot, you might ultimately be found liable as a landlord. If you have the right insurance policies, they can provide protection during many events. Of course, it is essential to closely vet the terms and conditions when considering any insurance policy, including a landlord liability policy.

A landlord insurance policy may also cover damage caused by adverse weather events, like lightning or a tornado. However, many insurance policies will only cover certain weather events, so make sure you ask an insurance agent about any gaps or other risks.

Before purchasing a property to use as a rental property, it’s wise to take a holistic look at all the risks involved. Examining risks doesn’t mean you need to shy away from them, far from them. However, it would be best to have a good grasp of the challenges involved before making any significant decisions. This way, you can consider how to mitigate risks from the get-go.

Want to learn more about landlord liability insurance and other insurance policies? Folks living in or near Evergreen Park, IL should swing by and chat with the Martin Insurance Team.

Differences Between Personal Umbrella Insurance and Business Umbrella Insurance

At Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL, we are happy to help business owners, and homeowners navigate the insurance process. No matter your questions, we can answer them all at our office or over a convenient phone call. If you have difficulty differentiating personal umbrella insurance and business umbrella insurance policies, we’ve listed some key differences below.

What is business umbrella insurance?

Business umbrella insurance provides coverage that extends commercial insurance policies. For example, if you have commercial auto insurance, business umbrella insurance can help increase the mileage of the policy by covering liability expenses beyond the commercial auto insurance policy’s limit. For general commercial liability insurance, a business umbrella policy can be helpful in the same way.

What is personal umbrella insurance?

For homeowners and personal vehicle owners, personal umbrella insurance can give you an added amount of liability protection on top of your current home insurance or car insurance policy. While you already need to have a home or car insurance policy to add umbrella insurance, it can be helpful if you anticipate a high risk for liability or want more coverage than your existing policy provides.

What is the difference between personal and business umbrella insurance policies?

As you can probably tell, the main distinction between personal umbrella insurance and business umbrella insurance is the types of policies under them. For commercial insurance policies, you will want to add commercial umbrella insurance. You will want to add personal umbrella insurance for all personal insurance policies.

If you still have difficulty telling these insurance policies apart, our staff at Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL is here to answer all your questions over the phone or in person!

What is Cyber Insurance and Who Can It Benefit?

If you are a business owner, cyber insurance may be something you should consider purchasing. However, many businesses have never heard of this insurance product and, as such, have no idea what it is and how it may benefit them. At Martin Insurance Team, serving the greater Evergreen Park, IL region, we want to help you learn more about cyber insurance. Read on to get started. 

What Is Cyber Insurance?

Cyber attacks can be costly. If you suffer a data breach, you may have to pay for credit monitoring services for all of your clients or customers’ information that was impacted by the breach. Additionally, you may have to pay to upgrade your security after that happens. If you suffer a ransomware attack, you may have to pay a large amount of ransom to get your protected information back. And there are other types of cybersecurity incidents, including malware attacks, can negatively affect your business. Cyber insurance helps to offset the costs related to these types of cyber attacks. 

Who Can Benefit From Cyber Insurance? 

These days, nearly every business has some protected information that is being stored. This may include personal customer information or protected business secrets. If you have information that is being stored in a cloud or network, you can benefit from purchasing cyber insurance. 

Cyber insurance is designed to protect your business against any losses it may have suffered as a result of cyber attacks. If your business has a protected network or protected data, you could benefit from cyber insurance. If you want to learn more about this product or wish to obtain a quote, Martin Insurance Team, serving the Evergreen Park, IL area, would love to assist you. Reach out to us today to get started. 

Liquor Liability Insurance in Evergreen Park, IL: Protecting Your Business with Martin Insurance Team

As a business owner in Evergreen Park, IL, you must be aware of the potential risks of serving alcohol at your establishment. Liquor liability insurance is essential to protect your business from the financial and legal consequences of alcohol-related incidents.

Liquor liability insurance is crucial for establishments that serve or sell alcohol, such as bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. This type of insurance can cover your business if it is held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the actions of intoxicated patrons. For example, if a customer leaves your establishment after consuming alcohol and causes a car accident or assaults someone, your business could be held legally liable for the damages.

In Evergreen Park, IL, liquor liability insurance is not just a wise business decision – it is often required by law. Many states, including Illinois, have dram shop laws that can hold businesses accountable for the actions of intoxicated patrons. Ensuring that your business has adequate liquor liability coverage can help you comply with these regulations and protect your business from potential lawsuits.

At Martin Insurance Team, we understand the unique risks associated with serving alcohol and are here to help you find the right coverage for your business. Our knowledgeable agents can guide you through the process of selecting a liquor liability insurance policy that meets your needs and complies with Illinois regulations.

By working with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that your establishment is covered in the event of alcohol-related incidents. If you have questions about liquor liability insurance or want to discuss your coverage options, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to serve the businesses of Evergreen Park, IL, and help you safeguard your investment. Reach out to us today to discuss your liquor liability insurance needs.

What You Need To Know About Worker’s Compensation Insurance

As a business owner, you can’t afford to be unaware. It is your job to be educated on all of your many responsibilities concerning your employees. Worker’s compensation insurance is one of those areas you need to be an expert in. At Martin Insurance Team, serving Evergreen Park, IL, and the surrounding areas, we are here to ensure you always have the information you need to make smart insurance choices. Keep reading to learn more about worker’s compensation insurance. 

Required By Law

The state of Illinois requires all employers with at least one employee, whether full or part-time, to have worker’s compensation insurance. This is required by law to ensure that workers are not injured in the line of work and left unassisted. This would equate to a form of exploitation, so to protect the workers of Illinois, worker’s comp insurance is required by law. 

The Employer’s Responsibility 

It is of the employer to pay insurance premiums to provide this insurance coverage to their employees. Many employers like to consider this type of coverage as an employment benefit. However, this is not entirely true because all employers in Illinois are held to the same standard. Worker’s compensation insurance is not a special benefit your company offers to attract high-quality employees. This is just the company fulfilling its legal responsibility in Illinois. 

Consequences of Lack of Coverage

If business owners fail to comply with worker compensation guidelines, they could face fines and other consequences. In addition, if an employee is injured, you will be held liable for expenses that might arise from that injury. 

If you want to learn more about worker’s compensation insurance, please contact us at Martin Insurance Team, serving Evergreen Park, IL, and the surrounding areas. 

What You Need To Know About General Liability Insurance

As a business owner, you, unfortunately, carry the risk of liability for anything bad that happens at your business or as a result of your goods, services, or employees. This can feel like a heavy responsibility, but here at the Martin Insurance Team serving Evergreen Park, IL, and the surrounding areas, we want to help protect you from that liability with solid insurance services. Keep reading to learn more about general liability insurance. 

What Is General Liability Insurance? 

General liability insurance is a type of insurance policy that can help pay for expenses that arise for a business owner if someone is injured at your business or because of your goods or services. It can also help cover the repair or replacement cost if your property is damaged. 

Why Do Business Owners Need This Type of Coverage?

Carrying the responsibility for these types of liabilities could mean financial hardship for your business. When held liable, you must pay for the expenses arising from the incident. Depending on the extent of the costs, it could financially mean disaster for your business. 

Liability coverage will help pay for these expenses, so your company is not negatively affected. 

If you are a business owner, it is vital that you remember that when it comes to liabilities, it is not a matter of if they will happen but rather when they will happen. You need to have the protection you can count on when liabilities hit. 

If you want to learn more about commercial insurance services or general liability insurance, please get in touch with us at The Martin Insurance Team serving Evergreen Park, IL, and the surrounding areas. We will happily answer your questions and find an exemplary insurance service. 

 

Five Legal Ways to Get More Tax-Free Retirement Income

Having a significant retirement income is great. Legally avoiding taxes on a large retirement income is even better. The Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL suggests five legal ways to protect your hard-earned dollars from the IRS and Illinois Department of Revenue when you retire.

Fund Your Roth IRA

There is no tax deduction for your contributions to your Roth IRA, but there are no taxes on the account’s growth. In 2023, you can contribute $6,000 a year into your Roth account if you are under 50 or $7,000 a year if you are 50 or older.

Contribute To a Roth 401(k) or Roth 403(b) 

Roth 401(k) or Roth 403(b) accounts are like a Roth IRA account in that investment growth, and withdrawals are tax-free. The difference is that you can contribute up to $20,500 a year, plus a $6,500 catch-up if you are 50 or older.

Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bond Funds

The interest you earn on municipal bonds is exempt from Federal income taxes. However, you may want to invest in municipal bonds issued outside of Illinois since municipal bonds issued in Illinois are included in your Illinois income.

Health Savings Accounts

Health savings accounts offer a triple whammy of tax avoidance. You get a deduction for the money you put into the plan. You don’t pay a tax on withdrawals. And you don’t pay a tax on the growth of your investment in the plan. However, it would be best if you had an appropriate health insurance plan to open an HSA. The Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL can give you more information on your HSA.

Cash Value Life Insurance, the "Rich People Roth" Strategy

Have you maxed out your retirement contributions? Your answer may be a cash-value life insurance policy. You won’t get a deduction for your premiums, but you won’t pay taxes on the accumulated interest on your premiums, and you can get a policy that will pay you a fixed monthly income when you retire. Ask the Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL for the details of the life insurance plan that will work for you!

What type of insurance do I need for trucking?

If you’re a truck driver in Evergreen Park, IL, you know an effective insurance plan is essential. But with all the different types of coverage available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which type of policy is best for you. Here the Martin Insurance Team provides an overview of the different types of insurance that truckers need to consider. 

Commercial Vehicle Insurance 

Commercial vehicle insurance is designed to protect truck drivers from losses caused by damage to their vehicles while they are on the road. This type of coverage typically includes property damage and liability protection, and most truck drivers are required to have at least a minimum level of commercial vehicle insurance to operate legally. 

Cargo Liability Insurance 

Cargo liability insurance helps protect against financial losses if goods or materials are damaged or destroyed while in transit. This type of coverage is especially important for those transporting valuable items such as electronics, jewelry, or antiques. It also covers any legal costs should a claim be made against the driver or company due to cargo damage. 

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance 

Non-trucking liability insurance provides coverage when a truck driver is not directly engaged in carrying goods or services for their business but still needs protection from potential liabilities arising from accidents or other unexpected events. This policy covers incidents such as vandalism, theft, fire, and personal injury claims related to non-business activities like driving home after work. 

Having adequate insurance coverage is essential for any truck driver in Evergreen Park, IL who wants peace of mind while on the road. Contact the Martin Insurance Team for more details.

What Does Transportation Insurance Cover?

Suppose you plan to travel from one location to another, whether for work, you may want to secure travel insurance. This coverage protects you from liability in the event of an accident or incident where there is damage to property or any cargo you may transport. Most truck transportation companies and owners secure this additional coverage to prevent losses from fire, theft, delays, or damage. Let the experts at Martin Insurance Team, serving Evergreen Park, IL, help you secure the coverage you need. 

Transportation Insurance Coverage

Consider this coverage if you have a commercial truck or a regular car and want added protection against physical damage and cargo losses. It’s additional insurance protection aside from liability. It can protect you when you experience unexpected events, such as an accident involving an animal or even falling objects and vandalism. 

Transportation insurance is a blanket of protection for the cargo and the vehicle in one package. Transportation insurance covers more than just trucks, however. It can cover vehicles and cargo that range from standard trucks to railway cars and boats. This insurance is also ideal for protecting employers from the negligent actions of employees on the road. 

Find Out More Today

The experts at Martin Insurance Team are ready to assist the residents of Evergreen Park, IL, and the surrounding areas in getting the insurance coverage they need to protect them from risk and liability. Call or stop by the office today to speak with one of our helpful agents. We can help determine the level of coverage you need and provide great options to help protect your cargo and assets while they move from one location to another. 

Are Disability Insurance and Long-term Care Insurance the Same Thing?

Many Evergreen Park, IL residents ask the Martin Insurance Team if disability insurance and long-term care insurance refer to the same thing. Disability insurance and long-term care insurance (LTC) cover two different things. Private disability insurance covers your loss of income while you cannot work up to the age of 65 years. LTC policies cover payment for the healthcare needed when you need long-term care.

Neither covers only the elderly, and most young professionals should carry both types of insurance. Why? Because an accident can happen at any time that temporarily debilitates you. The disability coverage goes beyond what your employer provides through workers’ compensation. If you don’t work for someone else or you’re unemployed because you care for your household and children, you still need these two types of coverage.

You can obtain either type of policy with a pre-existing condition. The insurance won’t cover those items.

Of the two, disability insurance is more critical for those not yet 65. It pays you up to 60 percent of your typical monthly income. That means that you can continue to pay your bills.

Private disability insurance covers both short-term and long-term situations. If you’re involved in an accident that causes you to need to stay home from work for three months while recuperating, this type of policy covers partial income during that time.

It also provides that partial income if your injury means you cannot work for ten years. During that ten years, as long as you continue to pay the premiums, the insurance pays for your partial income.

Protect your way of life and income in Evergreen Park, IL by purchasing private disability insurance from the Martin Insurance Team.