Types of commercial insurance most businesses benefit from

A successful business takes a lot of hard work and enormous risks. Having commercial insurance can help to mitigate some of the risks that threaten your business. At Jason Ridley Agency in Colleyville, TX, we understand business risks and will determine the type of commercial insurance that is right for your business. We are an independent insurance agency, and we work for our clients. 

Types of commercial insurance

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance is about not only protecting the physical building where you do business, but it also covers the content of that building and the things you need to conduct your business. It is the equivalent of home property and content insurance combined. The actual things it covers depend on the type of business you have. If you own a store, it covers the inventory, display units, electronics, and everything you use to make your business work. For a plumber, it could be tools, pipes, fixtures, etc. This is valuable coverage even if you don’t own the building itself. 

Commercial Liability Insurance

The single biggest risk that businesses of all types face is being sued. If there is a judgment against you, it could mean the end of your business if you don’t have commercial liability insurance. Commercial liability will pay the judgment up to the limit of your policy and also legal expenses.  

Commercial Auto Insurance

If your business owns a vehicle or vehicles, they need to be insured with commercial auto insurance. Your personal auto insurance will not cover you for business use, and that could leave you in a very risky situation if you have an accident while out on business. 

Workers Compensation Insurance

Texas doesn’t require workers’ compensation insurance, but that does not take away your requirement to pay employees injured on the job. 

Consult With Us

Contact our team at Jason Ridley Agency in Colleyville, TX to discuss your commercial insurance needs. 

Creating and storing a home inventory

Most people have no idea of the number of possessions that they actually have. Chances are that if you had to write down what you own, the list would be much shorter than the reality. If your home is damaged or destroyed, you will need to provide the insurance company with a list of what needs to be replaced. Having this already done in detail will save you a lot of anxiety in an already stressful situation. At Jason Ridley Agency in Colleyville, TX, we will be there with you through any claims that you have. 

Creating and storing a home inventory

Get together a pad, a pen, and your phone or camera, you will want to take pictures of all your rooms from as many angles as possible. Pick a room and start writing down everything that is in it. Look up and down, open any closets or drawers, and write down everything you see in as much detail as possible. For electronics write down the model number and manufacturer. If you have sales slips, receipts, or appraisals, attach them to your inventory. 

Take your time and do every room in your home. Don’t forget your attic, linen closet, and basement. You should also include the garage and any sheds that you might have. Once your inventory is complete, you need to find a way to keep it safe so that you can use it if you ever need to. If you have a safe deposit box, that is ideal. You should try not to keep it in your home. But if you must keep it at home, put it in a waterproof fire-resilient container.  Place a copy on the cloud if possible. 

We Are Here To Help

Call the Jason Ridley Agency in Colleyville, TX and let our team help you get the right home insurance and answer any questions you have. 

How Whole Life Insurance Works

When you need life insurance, there are two main types to choose from. One of these is term life insurance, and the other is called whole life insurance. Whole life comes with its own pros and cons. It’s a popular type of life insurance because it has so many great benefits. When you want to leave something behind for your beneficiaries, you can call us at Jason Ridley Agency in Colleyville, TX to find out more about these policies. 

Whole Life

The name of this policy type indicates that it’s good for your whole life. It never expires no matter what age you reach. If you were to get a term policy instead, this type would expire on a certain date. But with a whole life policy, you never have to worry about that as long as you continue paying your premiums. The policy can’t be canceled as long as you keep paying for it. This is a major benefit of this type of life insurance. However, there is also another big benefit that brings people to this life insurance type. 

Cash Value

As you continue to pay the premiums, the insurance company invests those premiums in order to make a profit. With a whole life policy, a small percentage of those profits are put into a cash value for the policy. This amount is there for you to borrow if you ever have a financial need. Many policyholders get peace of mind from this cash value because they know they’ll have access to it in case of a financial emergency. 

Get Whole Life Insurance

It’s always a good idea to have life insurance, and whole life is a good choice for many people. FI you’re interested in whole life, just call us at Jason Ridley Agency in Colleyville, TX. 

Auto Insurance and Getting Estimates During Claims

When filing an auto insurance claim in and around the Colleyville, TX area, obtaining accurate repair estimates is a crucial step in the claims process. Understanding the significance of estimates helps ensure fair compensation, timely repairs, and a smooth claims experience.

Determining the Extent of Loss

After an accident, it is vital to evaluate your vehicle’s damages thoroughly. This includes visible damage to the exterior, mechanical issues, and potential hidden damages. Conducting a detailed inspection or seeking professional assistance from reputable repair shops can help accurately document the damages for insurance purposes.

Exploring Repair Options

It is advisable to seek multiple estimates from reputable repair shops to ensure a fair evaluation of damages and repair costs. Obtaining multiple estimates allows you to compare prices, assess repair options, and select a repair facility that meets your needs. It also provides a basis for negotiating with your insurance company, if necessary.

Collaborating with Claims Professionals

When obtaining estimates, working closely with your insurance adjuster is essential. They play a vital role in the claims process, reviewing estimates and facilitating communication between you and the repair shops. Keep your adjuster informed about the estimates you receive and any additional information or concerns that may arise.

Exploring Insurance Network Options

Some insurance companies have preferred repair shop networks, which offer certain advantages. These shops are often pre-screened by the insurance company and may provide benefits such as expedited service, direct billing to the insurer, and guaranteed repairs. However, policyholders have the right to choose their repair facility, so weighing the benefits against personal preferences and convenience is crucial.

How Jason Ridley Agency Can Help You

At Jason Ridley Agency, we can answer all your questions concerning auto insurance coverage. We assist the Colleyville, TX region. Contact us today. 

Three things you might not know about your commercial insurance needs

You need to meet the commercial insurance coverage needs of your company to protect the future of your business. Jason Ridley Agency is an insurance provider offering commercial coverage. 

Business owners in Colleyville, TX should be properly informed about their insurance needs.

The following are three things you might not know about your commercial insurance needs:

You’ll probably need commercial insurance to take out a business loan.

If you have been operating under the assumption that you don’t need commercial insurance, you should consider the likelihood that you’ll seek a business loan in the future.

Many lenders require that businesses carry commercial insurance before they approve them for business loans. Carrying commercial insurance makes your company a more secure and reliable investment for business loan providers. 

Commercial insurance covers costs you face because of lawsuits.

Lawsuits are expensive. If your company gets sued, you’ll need to pay for a legal defense. This makes lawsuits expensive even if you are able to successfully defend yourself.

Fortunately, commercial insurance offers liability coverage that will protect your company if you get sued. In the event of a lawsuit, commercial insurance can cover the costs of your legal defense along with any amount you have to pay out as a penalty or settlement. 

Commercial insurance can help you attract clients.

Prospective customers like to see that companies are insured. Carrying commercial insurance makes your company seem more professional and safe to customers so that you more easily attract new business. 

Reach Out To Us

Do you have questions about the insurance needs of your commercial operation in Colleyville, TX? You can rely on us at Jason Ridley Agency to provide you with the information you need. Get in touch with us today. We’ll provide you with a quote on a commercial insurance policy. 

Tips to make your house more energy efficient

When trying to save energy, many of us here in the Colleyville, TX area think of ways that we can cut back on our electricity use. But there are also lots of other ways to make your house more energy efficient.

Here are some tips from us at Jason Ridley Agency to help you get started:

1. Install an Energy Star-certified Appliance:

Installing an Energy Star-certified appliance such as a dishwasher or washing machine can reduce your electricity costs significantly. Look for models with the highest efficiency rating and make sure they are properly installed by a professional technician. 

2. Switch to LED Lighting:

LED lighting typically uses up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs, so switching over to LED lighting can have a big impact on your energy bills. Not only is it much cheaper in the long run, but it’s also long-lasting and kinder to the environment. 

3. Seal Leaks and Drafts:

Air leaks around doors and windows can cause energy bills to skyrocket during colder months. Consider investing in weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows for better insulation, especially if you notice cold air coming inside your house during the wintertime. 

4. Utilize Natural Light:

Take advantage of natural light during daytime hours! Instead of turning on lights, open up curtains or blinds to let sunlight fill up rooms instead – this will help with heating costs while providing natural warmth and daylight indoors without having to use any electricity at all! 

Reach Out To Us

Taking just these few steps towards making your home more energy efficient could have huge benefits for both your wallet and the environment alike! For more tips, give us at Jason Ridley Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the Colleyville, TX area.

4 Facts and Myths About Life Insurance

At Jason Ridley Agency, serving the greater Colleyville, TX region, we often hear myths about life insurance. We assist in clearing up any misconceptions. 

Here are some common myths and the facts to counter:

Myth 1: I Don’t Have Kids, So I Don’t Need Life Insurance

Life insurance is a good idea for many people, not only those with children. Essentially, if you have anyone who depends on your income, you need life insurance. You should also consider a policy if you have debts that you don’t want to leave for loved ones. 

Myth 2: I’m Young and Healthy, I Don’t Need Life Insurance

Unfortunately, the unexpected happens. Your risk does go up as you age and as you develop health conditions. However, this means that the best time to buy a life insurance policy is when you are young and healthy because your premiums will be lower. 

Myth 3: Most Americans Have Enough Life Insurance

The number of Americans who say they don’t have enough life insurance has doubled since 2010. Many Americans don’t have enough life insurance, and they may not even be aware of the gap. 

Experts recommend that you have ten times your annual income in insurance at the minimum. It’s also a great idea to consider your dependents and any debt you have, which will add to the amount you need. 

Myth 4: I Have Enough Life Insurance Through My Employer

Many people have a life insurance policy through their employer. While this is a good idea, it’s often not enough coverage. The standard for employer policies is $100,000, far below what the average person needs. 

Another problem with relying solely on an employer policy is that you may lose your coverage if you stop working there. This can leave you scrambling for a policy later on when the premiums will be more expensive. 

Reach Out To Us

If you need life insurance in Colleyville, TX, contact us at Jason Ridley Agency. We have life insurance options to ensure that you and your family are prepared for the unexpected. 

Stay Protected on the Road: Auto Insurance Tips

If you’re a driver in Colleyville, TX, you know that there’s nothing quite like hitting the open road. But as you do so, it’s important to make sure that you’re properly protected with the right auto insurance coverage.

Here are some tips from the Jason Ridley Agency to help you stay safe and secure while you’re out on the road.

Auto Insurance Tips

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the types of auto insurance coverage that are available to you. Liability coverage, for example, is required by law in Texas and covers any damages or injuries that you cause to others while operating your vehicle. However, liability coverage won’t cover any damages to your own vehicle or injuries you sustain in an accident. Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage are two additional types of coverage that can provide additional protection for your vehicle.

Another important factor to consider is your deductible, which is the amount you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible can help lower your monthly premium, but it also means you’ll be responsible for paying more if you’re in an accident. It’s important to choose a deductible that you can afford in the event of an accident.

When it comes to choosing an insurance provider, it’s important to do your research and find a company that you can trust. Look for an insurer that has a strong financial rating and a good reputation for customer service. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family members who have had positive experiences with their own insurance providers.

Finally, it’s important to review your insurance coverage regularly to make sure that it still meets your needs. If you’ve recently purchased a new vehicle, for example, you may need to adjust your coverage levels to ensure that you’re adequately protected. It’s also a good idea to review your coverage if you’ve experienced any major life changes, such as getting married or having children.

Contact Us Today

By following these tips and working with the Jason Ridley Agency to find the right auto insurance coverage for your needs, you can enjoy peace of mind as you hit the road in Colleyville, TX. Remember, staying protected on the road is essential for your safety and financial security, so don’t hesitate to take the time to find the right coverage for you.

Got a Side Hustle? Find Out What Commercial Insurance Products May Be Beneficial For You

One of the biggest myths pertaining to commercial insurance is that these products are only for large business owners. Many small business owners, including those with a side hustle, can benefit from one or more commercial insurance products. Here at Jason Ridley Agency, providing commercial insurance in the greater Colleyville, TX area, we work hard to match business owners with the right commercial insurance products.

Here are some of the products that may benefit you if you have a side hustle:

Commercial Auto Insurance

If you drive your automobile as part of your side hustle, including driving your car for Uber, Lyft, Door Dash, Grub Hub, Instacart, or another similar service, your personal auto insurance does not cover you when you are earning income while driving. You need a commercial auto insurance policy to protect you and your vehicle. 

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance, also referred to as errors and omission insurance, helps to protect you in case your business is sued by a customer or client. For example, if you make cakes and a customer claims your cake made them sick, they can file a lawsuit against your business, and potentially against you personally. Professional liability insurance helps to cover the costs associated with defending the lawsuit, so one lawsuit does not put an end to your business. 

Business Interruption Insurance

Natural disasters or health pandemics may cause your business to come to a screeching halt. Business interruption insurance helps to provide you with an income and cover the expenses associated with your business, such as rent, if your business is forced to stop operating temporarily due to one of these unexpected events. 

Give Us A Call

Commercial insurance products are not only for large businesses. Many freelancers, self-proprietors, and small business owners can also benefit from commercial insurance products. If you are looking to obtain commercial insurance in the greater Colleyville, TX area, let Jason Ridley Agency help you. Reach out to us today to learn more. 

I hit my neighbor’s mailbox by accident. Will my home insurance pay for the repairs?

Home insurance provides a wide variety of different benefits. Not only will it pay for the repair or replacement of your home, personal belongings, and structures on your property, but liability protection as well. Homeowners insurance provides many different benefits that help homeowners manage and protect their homes. Our Colleyville, TX team at Jason Ridley Agency is committed to helping homeowners understand the benefits of home insurance. 

What is Home Insurance?

Homeowners insurance is designed to provide coverage and personal protection for you, your home, and your property, as well as liability coverage. Liability coverage can include medical compensation for someone who becomes injured on your property, and property damage compensation if you damage someone else’s property.

Loss of use cost is also a benefit of homeowners insurance. Loss of use coverage is also a benefit of homeowners insurance that provides compensation to homeowners who aren’t able to reside or use their home or some other structure. However, what’s covered by your home insurance policy will be determined by the specific guidelines and coverage details of your policy. 

I hit my neighbor’s mailbox by accident. Will my home insurance pay for the repairs?

Yes. Your home insurance will pay for the repair of your neighbor’s mailbox if you accidentally hit it. Your liability coverage includes property damage coverage. If you’re responsible for damaging your neighbor’s mailbox, your insurance company will either replace or repair the damaged mailbox.

Contact Us Today

If you have questions regarding what’s covered under a home insurance policy, we’d be happy to help you explore coverage levels. We can also answer any questions you may have. Call us at Jason Ridley Agency in Colleyville, TX. We’re standing by.