Travel Insurance – Business Insurance Coverage

Traveling? Are You Covered by Insurance?

paperless — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:43:36 +0000

Here’s what you need to know to determine whether you’ll be covered while traveling – domestically or internationally – and the steps you can take for more extensive coverage if your insurer doesn’t cover you while you’re away.

Your Insurance: What You’ve Already Got Going for You

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might already cover losses like theft while you’re traveling. If so, you might not need to take additional steps to ensure your belongings are protected.

If your policy includes off-premise protection, your belongings are covered even when they’re not at home. This can provide significant relief if your luggage is stolen or valuables go missing from a hotel room. However, consider a few things before setting off on your adventure, such as the question many travelers have: “Do I need rental car insurance coverage?”

Figure Out How Much Is Covered

Typically, for losses outside your home, you’re covered up to the full amount of personal property coverage on your homeowners policy. However, check with your carrier to confirm this. Deductibles and limits are important considerations. For instance, if your policy has a $500 deductible and your stolen luggage is worth $400, it may not be worth claiming that loss.

Additionally, not all items are covered to the same extent. Many policies limit payouts on high-value items like cameras, computers, and jewelry. Verify which of your items are covered and to what extent. If you want to ensure the safety of your belongings while traveling, consider buying supplemental valuable items coverage.

Protect Yourself Against Liability

Your homeowners or renters insurance policy often covers liability in case of accidents while traveling. For example, if you accidentally break a dishwasher in a rental house or hit someone with a golf ball, your policy can cover the damages. If you plan to leave the country, confirm with your insurer that your liability coverage extends to foreign countries.

Double-Check Your Rental Car Coverage

If you plan on renting a car, your coverage depends on two key questions:

What type of car insurance coverage do you currently have?
Where are you vacationing?

Collision Coverage

Usually, you need collision coverage on at least one vehicle on your policy, and you need to be traveling within the United States, its territories, Puerto Rico, or Canada for rental coverage to apply. If these conditions are met, comprehensive and collision coverage may extend to your rental vehicle, subject to your deductible. If you have a multi-car policy with different deductibles, the lower deductible generally applies.

Collision Damage Waiver

If you have coverage, it may make sense to reject the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) offered at the rental car counter. However, be aware that the rental company may require immediate payment for any damages when the vehicle is returned. You might need to pay from $1,000 to the full value of the car if it’s damaged. Consider your financial ability to handle this payment before rejecting the waiver.

If your auto policy lacks collision coverage, purchasing the collision damage waiver is a wise choice. For international travel, contact the U.S. consulate for rental coverage options in the destination country, or ask the rental car company about coverage options.

Have the Right Insurance Coverage

If you’re traveling for work, you likely can’t submit claims to your home or rental insurer. Work trip losses should be covered under your employer’s business insurance policy. If you’re self-employed, don’t assume your business property is covered. Many policies limit coverage for business tools. If you need to insure your business items, consider a business insurance policy.

Ensure you’ve explored your insurance options and have the necessary coverage to feel secure during your journey. No one wants to worry about potential issues while on vacation. Let your insurance company handle those concerns for you.

Contact your insurance agent today to review your travel coverage options and secure peace of mind for your next adventure!

Sky High Efficiency: Essential Tips for Business Flyers

paperless — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 23:19:58 +0000

I travel a lot for work and leisure, and I’ve picked up some great tips for making flying easier and more fun. Here are six key things to keep in mind, especially if you’re flying for business:

1. Get TSA Pre-Check: If you fly often, you should definitely get TSA Pre-Check. It’s a pretty easy process, usually just filling out a form at your local airport and meeting with them once. The time you spend doing this pays off. You get through security faster, can keep your shoes and belts on, and don’t have to take stuff out of your bags. Some airports even have special TSA lines that are less crowded.

2. Use Flight Aware for Updates: To stay updated on your flight status, check out Flight Aware. This site tells you where your plane is, when it’s leaving, and if there are any delays. It gets info from the FAA, airlines, and airports, so it’s often more accurate than the airport or airline itself.

3. Download the Airline’s App: It’s a good idea to have the app of the airline you’re flying with. It gives you updates, digital boarding passes, and other helpful info. Even if you’re only flying with them once, the app can be really useful.

4. Stick with One Airline: It might be tempting to pick flights based on price or convenience, but staying loyal to one airline has its benefits. You get perks like quicker boarding, chances for upgrades, and better service when there are delays or cancellations. Airlines take care of their regular customers first if they need to rebook flights.

5. Be Careful with Wi-Fi: It’s best not to use public Wi-Fi, like at the airport, for safety reasons. Use your phone’s hotspot instead. If you really need to use public Wi-Fi, make sure you’re using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to keep your data safe.

6. Smart Transportation Choices: For getting around the airport, taxis are a good choice since they’re always there, saving you time. But for rides to the airport, think about booking an Uber or Lyft. You can even set these up ahead of time for a worry-free trip to the airport.

These tips can really help make your flights better, especially for business trips. They save you time, reduce stress, and keep you safe and comfy while you travel.

Traveling? You Might be Covered by Your Insurance

paperless — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 20:21:09 +0000

Here’s what you’ll need to know to determine whether you’ll be covered while you’re on vacation—whether traveling domestically or in a foreign country—and the steps you can take if you’re interested in more extensive coverage or if your insurer won’t cover you while you’re away.

Your Insurance: What You’ve Already Got Going for You

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might already cover you for losses like theft while you’re traveling. If so, you might not need to do anything extra to make sure you and your belongings are protected while you’re out and about.

And if your policy includes off-premise protection, your belongings should be covered even when they’re not inside your home. When you’re traveling, this could lend a lot of relief if your luggage is stolen or your valuables go missing from a hotel room.

However, there are still a few things to bear in mind before jet-setting carefree into the great unknown, including the question many travelers have “Do I need rental car insurance coverage?”

Figure Out How Much Is Covered

Usually, when it comes to losses outside of a home that you own, you’re covered for up to the full amount of personal property coverage on your homeowners policy (just check with your own carrier to confirm).

But of course, there are deductibles and limits to consider. Let’s say you have to meet a $500 deductible before your policy will pay out. If your luggage is stolen but it’s only worth $400, it’s probably not worth your time and effort to claim that loss on your policy.

Also note that not all items are covered to the same extent, or even at all. Many policies limit payouts on specific high-value items like cameras, computers and jewelry. Be sure to verify which of your items are covered by your current policy and to what extent—and if you want to ensure the safety of your belongings while you’re on the go, you might consider buying supplemental valuable items coverage.

If you’re depending on this coverage during your travels, be sure to choose a worldwide plan before spending the extra money.

Protect Yourself Against Liability

Your homeowners or renters insurance policy will often cover you for liability in case accidents happen while you’re traveling. For example, maybe you inadvertently break the dishwasher in your rental house. Or maybe you’re out golfing and you accidentally hit someone with your golf ball and that person needs to pay for medical care.

Although you might not be able to replace broken items or pay for medical expenses on your own, your homeowners or rental policy can cover the damaged parties for your liabilities. If you’re planning to leave the country for vacation, double check with your insurer that your liability coverage works in foreign countries.

Double-Check Your Rental Car Coverage

Planning on renting a car? Whether you have rental car coverage usually depends on two key questions:

What type of car insurance coverage do you currently have?
Where are you vacationing?

Collision Coverage

In most cases, you’ll need collision coverage on at least one vehicle on your policy and you’ll need to be traveling within the United States, its territories, Puerto Rico or Canada for rental coverage to be provided through your auto policy.

If you meet both of these conditions, comprehensive and collision coverage may be extended to your rental vehicle subject to your deductible. If you have a multi-car policy with different deductibles, the lower deductible usually applies.

Collision Damage Waiver

If you already have coverage, then it may make sense to reject the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) offered at the rental car counter. But before you do, you need to be aware of a few more details. Although damage to your rental car may be covered under your auto policy, the rental car company may require payment for any damages at the time the vehicle is returned.

Be sure to ask the rental agent about this since you may have to pay from $1,000 to the full value of the car if the car is damaged. You should consider your financial ability to handle this payment, even in the short term, before you reject the waiver.

Tip:

If your current auto policy does not have collision coverage, purchasing the collision damage waiver is a good idea.

If you’re planning to rent a vehicle while traveling abroad, you can contact the U.S. consulate in advance regarding the particulars of rental coverage options in the country that you’re planning to visit. You can also ask the rental car company about coverage options.

Have the Right Insurance Coverage

Traveling for work? You probably won’t be able to submit claims to your home or rental insurer. If you’re on a work trip and you’re required to tote gear along with you, those losses should be covered under your employer’s business insurance policy.

Self-employed? Don’t assume you’re covered for business property just because you’re covered for other kinds of items. Many insurance policies limit the amount of coverage for business tools (e.g., computers). If you need to insure your own business items, you should consider a business insurance policy.

Whatever the case, make sure you’ve explored your options and have the coverage you need to feel secure during your journey. After all, who wants to worry about what could go wrong on vacation? Let your insurance company do that for you.

AirCare – New Travel Insurance by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

paperless — Fri, 23 May 2014 22:54:22 +0000

Right in time for the vacation season, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, part of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, has launched the first product in its new travel insurance line designed for travelers, travel agencies, tour operators and travel suppliers called AirCare.

AirCare is a fixed-benefit flight protection coverage available up to one hour before flight departure.

Compare Travel Insurance Quotes Now

AirCare coverage is priced at $25 per trip and pays $1,000 to travelers for tarmac delays of more than two hours; $1,000 if a traveler experiences lost or stolen luggage; $500 if a flight delay causes a traveler to miss a connecting flight; $500 for luggage delayed more than 12 hours; and $50 if a traveler experiences more than a two-hour flight delay. AirCare also includes travel-assistance through MyAssist, a global-assistance and concierge service.

AirCare was developed in response to what is shaping up to be one of the most disruptive and expensive years for travelers. According to data from FlightAware, this has been the worst year on record for flight cancellations in the U.S., with nearly 90,000 flights cancelled since December 2013. AirCare is the first of several travel-protection products slated to be released under the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection name over the next several months.

Compare Travel Insurance Quotes Now

International Advantage Natural Disaster Enhancement

paperless — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 17:49:28 +0000

When working in the real world, businesses can face real world problems.
A U.S.-based church group was stranded in a Haiti crisis zone. Our service provider sent a security detail to escort the group to the Dominican Republic, where they were repatriated safely to the U.S. within 24 hours of the call.

How can we help?
Our international package policy can provide executive assistance services with an optional Natural Disaster Relocation and Repatriation coverage enhancement to assist your employees in their time of need.

Other coverage enhancements, not typically provided by other foreign package markets, include:

Transportation costs incurred for relocation and repatriation to the employee’s resident country or to the nearest place of safety after the covered natural disaster strikes.
Reasonable accommodation costs incurred while relocated and repatriated, subject to time and dollar limits.

Do you or your employees travel overseas? If yes, contact us to learn more about business travel insurance.

Highlights and Advantages

Limits up to $2,500 per employee and $10,000 per policy
Pricing starting at $250
Highly skilled and international business trip travel focused underwriters
Superior customer service
Financial Strength: A+ by A.M. Best & Rated AA- by Standard & Poor’s

Travel Insurance for Thanksgiving 2013

paperless — Fri, 25 Oct 2013 00:47:29 +0000

Have you started planning your Thanksgiving weekend? Can’t wait to finally join your family at the festive dinner table?

There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your holiday trip, return home early or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling.

Anything could go wrong:

It’s 9:30 PM and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?
Your bag was lost with your medicine inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?
This Thanksgiving day your family celebrates in Europe, and your passport and wallet are stolen. Where do you turn for emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?
You’re involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help arrange and pay for a medical evacuation?
If your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your trip, what happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?
You arrive in Hawaii and your luggage doesn’t. If it’s lost, who will help you find it? If it’s delayed, who will pay for your necessities? If it’s stolen, who will pay to replace it?
Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who will help get you to your destination?
You’re walking down a street in Barcelona and twist your ankle. Who can help you find an English-speaking physician?
20 days before your scheduled arrival, a terrorist incident occurs in the city to which you are planning to visit. Who will pay if you want to cancel your trip?
While visiting your family in North Carolina, you are forced to evacuate due to an approaching hurricane. Who will help you evacuate and who will reimburse your lost vacation investment?

With travel insurance through Paperless Insurance Services, Inc you’ll have valuable coverage that travels with you and your family. We’re offer multiple travel insurance plans and assistance programs and we’re here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To get a quote or compare insurance plans online visit www.paperless.mobi.

How to Prepare Your Home Before Your Vacation

paperless — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 22:23:12 +0000

Vacation is a time to escape for a little rest and relaxation, but it’s also the time thieves increasingly break into empty homes. According to recent claims data from insurance company Travelers, theft increases during the summer months largely because more people are away. But it’s not only criminals you have to worry about while you are kicking back, you also have to be concerned about…
…potential damage from a broken pipe, busted hot water heater or other unexpected mishaps.

Read full article on preparation of your home before your vacation.

Want to get a quote for your Homeowners’ Insurance? Visit our website or call 877-239-0067.

Traveling Tips for the Holiday Season

paperless — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 01:35:29 +0000

The holiday season is probably one of the busiest for the majority of us, for many reasons. Add any holiday travel plans into the mix and stress levels can begin to rise. With stricter security guidelines and long lines, it’s easy to focus merely on making it to your destination. However, this time of year is also busy for thieves who will often seize opportunities when the unsuspecting victim is distracted or otherwise unaware of his or her surroundings. Stay vigilant this year when traveling for the holidays by using the tips below, and ensure your holidays stay as they should, merry and bright!

Before you leave:

Put your mail on hold with the post office until you return and halt any newspaper deliveries.
Remove any unnecessary cards from your wallet or purse. Carry only the credit and debit cards you will need while vacationing and leave your checkbook at home. And remember, your social security card should never be in your wallet; keep it in a locked and secure place at all times.
Make photocopies of all of your travel documents (passport, identification, airline tickets, etc.) and carry them separate from the originals. Include a list of phone numbers for your financial institutions and credit card companies so you’ll know contact information if your cards are lost or stolen
Do not post your travel plans online on any social networking forums or sites.
While traveling:

Never leave your valuables or wallet in your car.
Don’t use your phone’s Bluetooth in the airport or other crowded public place. Cell phone hacking is easy if you’re using a Bluetooth set to “discoverable” mode. A hacker can pair with your device, steal information, send emails, or even install a virus on your phone. Be sure your phone’s “discoverable” option is not selected and keep any sensitive information stored on your phone encrypted.
If traveling with your laptop, practice good security measures. Don’t put your laptop on the security conveyor at the airport until the last minute and watch it like a hawk to ensure no one walks off with it. Better yet, if traveling with a companion, have one person go through first and then load your own valuables after he/she is through so they can keep an eye on them. Also, be careful when logging on to free public internet services at the airport. As your computer sniffs out the public connections available, you could inadvertently jump onto a “lure” internet link where hackers are waiting for access to your computer. Find out the name of the airport’s public internet link so you will recognize it when your laptop finds it and ensure safe surfing.
If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, contact your credit card companies immediately to cancel your cards and dispute any fraudulent charges that have already occurred. File a police report and obtain a copy if possible. If traveling internationally, go the nearest US Consulate for passport replacement. Arrive extra early for your return flight to allow time for security delays if you’ll be flying home without identification.
Remain aware of your surroundings. Tourists stand out as targets for thieves. Exercise caution when choosing a taxi cab; look for car number and taxi company name marked on the outside of the car, registration and driver information card on inside dashboard.

Want to get a quote for your Homeowners’ Insurance? Visit our website or call 877-239-0067.

Hurricane Shelter Plan

paperless — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:48:07 +0000

The creation of new public faculties across Florida has contributed to a significant increase in the number of storm shelter spaces, according to a plan approved this. The Division of Emergency Management presented its updated statewide crisis plan to the cabinet at a meeting held at a Florida Keys elementary school. A combination of hurricane shelter surveys, retrofitting existing schools and building new schools to meet shelter design criteria has created more than 939,000 public shelter spaces over the last 12 years, emergency management officials said. More than half of those spaces were created through the construction of new public schools. Statewide, 37 counties now have a surplus of shelter spaces for the general population and people with special needs, officials said. Those counties include Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Brevard and Orange counties, along with counties in Florida’s Panhandle. Southwestern Florida continues to have a lack of shelter spaces due to its exposure to storm surge.

Moving Scams in Texas

paperless — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:09:17 +0000

Texas officials say that illegal moving companies are operating statewide, putting consumers at risk for losing their belongings or paying a ransom for getting them back.

To operate legally, a moving company must display a valid TxDMV or United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) license number on the truck.

Movers should never be hired from free Internet advertising sites. In March, the Houston Police Department arrested two men suspected of using hostage tactics in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin. The pair ran an unlicensed moving operation that promised cheap moves, but held customers’ household goods hostage, demanding hundreds of dollars in additional money before they would unload the truck. If a customer refused to pay, the truck drove off.

In the past police departments felt hamstrung and unable to help victims of moving scams because of the lack of accountability in the law. Unlicensed movers would show a contract riddled with hidden fees but signed by the customer. Under a new state law, unlicensed movers can receive up to a $4,000 fine and a year in jail for operating illegally in the state.

Trevino encouraged police departments throughout the state to use the law, and to also consider using their cyber-crimes units to pro-actively find illegal movers.

TxDMV is working to educate police and sheriff’s departments on the new law, and is stepping up its efforts to inform Texans how to avoid hiring an illegal operator with its “Don’t Make a Move Without Us!” consumer awareness program.

Source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles