Author Archives: Barnes Insurance Tennessee
Preparing Your Home for Summer Risks
For many, summer is one of the long-awaited seasons of the year. Many spend their days having barbecue parties, lounging by the pool, and spending quiet evenings on the porch. However, summer is also considered a season of risks. From sweltering hot temperatures, disease-carrying pests to other seasonal risks, there are many hazards that you need to look out for during summer. By taking the necessary steps to prepare your home, you can minimize any potential summer risks that can result in damage and expensive losses.
Tips to Prepare Your Home to Avoid Summer Risks
In anticipation of the summer …
Small Businesses: The Pros & Cons of Employee Benefits
Employers are not legally required to offer employee benefits, so why do they offer them? Since payroll is already the largest line item on most employers’ balance sheets, and recruiting new employees costs time and money, attracting and retaining the top talent should be a priority. This is particularly true within competitive industries where workers have multiple options.
Small businesses must manage expenses and cash flow wisely and with much caution. It is also important to note that employers who offer benefits also are bound by certain laws and regulations. Regardless of whether there are violations, employers may need the …
Spring Home Maintenance Tasks
Spring is upon us and it is a great time to get outdoors and tackle some maintenance tasks. If the winter weather conditions were rough on your home, you might be in need of repairs, but regardless there are many things you can do for a smooth and enjoyable transition into the new season. Here is a checklist of ideal spring home maintenance tasks.
Driveways and Paths
Freezing and thawing are rough for just about all hardscape materials. Walk around your property checking for damage to walkways, paths and driveways, then schedule repairs as needed. It may just require a …
Defensive Driving: How to Reduce the Risk of an Accident
Driving is a privilege, not a right. It must be taken very seriously, as it can be an extremely dangerous activity. The risks of driving are real and there are far too many accidents. Luckily, there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce your risks and help make the roads safer for all.
Sober Driving
Driving with any sort of buzz is obviously a dangerous behavior, yet too often drivers get behind the wheel with alcohol in their bloodstream. This strongly impairs judgment and slows reaction time. If you have been indulging at all, always designate a driver. …
Start the Year off Right by Checking These Things in Your Car
Many people think of their vehicles as little more than expensive and complex appliances. Whatever your relationship to your car, you rely on that thing to keep your daily life running smoothly, and the beginning of the year is a great time to get around to the checklist of maintenance. Use your owner’s manual as a guide, and get ready for a great year on the road!
Brakes & Brake Fluid
Changing your brake fluid is very important. If your brake pedal has gotten squishy over time, there’s a good chance you need to flush out your brake fluid. The …
What to Know About Insuring Your New Holiday Gifts
We hope you had a wonderful holiday! It’s likely that you and your family now have a variety of exciting new gifts to enjoy. However, before you get too comfortable with your new gifts, it’s important to understand how to keep them protected for years to come.
Some holiday gifts will be covered under your standard home or renters insurance policy, even if they’re stolen from your car, but standard policies typically have coverage caps on certain types of valuable items, so it pays to think ahead if you’re buying a pricey present or in possession of a gorgeous new …
Don’t Let These Common Homeowners Insurance Claims Ruin Your Holidays
The holidays are a festive, fun time, but the holidays can also bring about a heightened risk for homeowners. Flickering candles are fire hazards. Wet walkways can present a slip and fall. Pyramids of presents can be burglary bait. But homeowners insurance can help you recover financially and ensure that a little mishap doesn’t spoil your entire holiday season.
House Fires
Dehydrated Christmas trees, candles and overworked outlets, make fire hazards a huge threat this time of year. Within homeowners insurance, dwelling coverage pays for home repairs and personal property insurance covers belongings.
Speak to your agent about pinpointing your …
The Most Important Insurance Coverages for Dentists
Dentists must protect their practice and assets with proper coverage. Those in this profession are commonly sued for negligence, prone to break-ins from thieves looking to get drugs, and can also encounter property damage from occurrences such as fires and floods. Luckily, there is insurance available to help you in case the worst happens. Dental businesses are too prone to lawsuits for you to take any chances by working uninsured. Be sure to protect yourself with a well-rounded dental insurance program.
General Liability
Operating your own business is always a large risk. There is a lot that can go …
What’s the Difference Between a BOP and a CPP?
When looking for insurance for your business, you’ve likely come across the various “package policy” options that are available to you. There are two main policies: the business owners policy (BOP) and the commercial package policy (CPP). Is there a real difference between the two?
For small businesses without specialized risks, a Business Owners Policy may offer the basic property and liability coverage that you need. But for a company growing in size and complexity, or that may be faced with specialized risks due to the nature of the business, then a Commercial Package Policy may be needed.
