Posted under Commercial Insurance, News and Announcements.

google434f

Our Business Insurance Answers

Your business insurance is an important part of your risk management program. It is important to have the right insurance coverage, competitive pricing, and the right insurer.  We have researched the top Google searches regarding business insurance programs, and we thought you might like to see what kinds of questions people are asking.

  1. What are the different kinds of business insurance? Business insurance can be broken down into the following categories; commercial property, general liability, crime, commercial auto, professional liability, and excess liability.
  2. What is employment liability insurance?Employment liability insurance covers claims made by your employees for injury that they suffer due to their work.
  3. Do I need business interruption insurance? Yes, every business should have some level of business interruption coverage. This insurance covers your business in the event you have to shut down for period of time due to a covered loss.
  4. How much insurance is enough? If you own a business, you should always consider liability limits of at least $1,000,000. Depending on your business you may need more. For example, if you own a wall building company you will want to have higher limits than someone who owns a laundry business.
  5. Is combined liability insurance available? You can build a business insurance policy that combines all the coverage you need for your business. You can take out liability, product liability, and employers’ liability cover to create a combined liability insurance policy.

We are locally owned and operated out of Overland Park, Kansas and are strongly represented in all areas of the Kansas City metropolitan area including not only Kansas City, but also Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa & Shawnee.  We primarily write business in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas but are licensed in the entire State. We primarily write business in Jackson, Cass and Platt County in Missouri but again are licensed in the entire State to write business. We offer preferred coverage that qualifies for all mortgage companies and strive to be the premier Kansas City Independent Insurance Agency.

 

Posted under Commercial Insurance, News and Announcements.

bigstock-Architect-looking-at-House-moc-15903488PlatinumOne Insurance Agency, provides insurance and risk services to the construction industry. Insurance can play an important role in “on time and on budget” projects. If your insurance coverage is not written properly, your business may not survive financially. Your success depends on good planning whether you’re estimating a project, hiring good people, protecting your business with complete commercial insurance, or selecting your insurance agent.

You can depend on our team of construction professionals to design, build, negotiate and implement an insurance program that fits your individual needs. As your insurance partner we will create and deliver insurance solutions today in order to keep you in business tomorrow.

­­­­­­PlatinumOne Insurance Agency, has created and developed strategic partnerships with many highly rated insurance companies. Our goal is to create the right combination of coverage, price, and service that exceed your expectations.

Over the years our construction professionals have worked with many different kinds of construction firms, including:

  • General contractors
  • Restoration contractors
  • Environmental contractors
  • Electrical contractors
  • Painting contractors
  • Paving contractors
  • Excavation contractors
  • Masonry contractors
  • HVAC contractors
  • Plumbing contractors
  • Roofing contractors
  • Artisan contractors
  • Landscaping contractors
  • Specialty contractors

 

Having the right insurance coverage and the right agent is an important part of managing construction risks. As a contractor your insurance needs can change quickly. You need an insurance agency partnering with you to make sure your company’s unique needs are met.

We are locally owned and operated out of Overland Park, Kansas and are strongly represented in all areas of the Kansas City metropolitan area including not only Kansas City, but also Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa & Shawnee.  We primarily write business in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas but are licensed in the entire State. We primarily write business in Jackson, Cass and Platt County in Missouri but again are licensed in the entire State to write business. We offer preferred coverage that qualifies for all mortgage companies and strive to be the premier Kansas City Independent Insurance Agency.

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance.

umbrella-1014057_1920Let’s face it, most of us have limited budgets when it comes to our insurance.  And most people feel insurance is an expensive item.  Generally, auto, homeowner’s, RV, and boat insurance policies cover liability for injuries or property damage suffered by a third party. Personal insurance policies are designed to cover accidents for which the insured person may owe tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, sometimes the person may be responsible for an accident so catastrophic that the damages are $1,000,000 or more.

What An Umbrella Policy Covers

An umbrella insurance policy covers excess of your primary homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, and other primary policies. Here is an example. John Doe falls asleep while driving and hits a van with a family inside. The accident results in $600,000 of medical bills, but John Doe’s auto policy has a $500,000 limit. Fortunately, John Doe also has a $500,000 umbrella policy, and the additional $100,000 would be covered under the Umbrella.

When You May Need An Umbrella Policy

  • Having rental property
  • Owning a Boat, RV, or ATV
  • Have a high net worth
  • Owning a business
  • Having teen drivers
  • Own a swimming pool, trampoline, or swing-set

In addition, the umbrella may cover things like volunteer activities, statements made online, and certain business activities that a homeowner’s or auto policy might not cover.

We are locally owned and operated out of Overland Park, Kansas and are strongly represented in all areas of the Kansas City metropolitan area including not only Kansas City, but also Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa & Shawnee.  We primarily write business in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas but are licensed in the entire State.

Posted under Commercial Insurance, News and Announcements.

bigstock-Modern-business-buildings-45559522Commercial Insurance Update

There is no denying the fact that the success of your business depends on the hard work of you and your team. But one disaster can wipe out all your efforts and take the profits to dust.  So, to avoid such a situation, you need to insure your business; whether it is a small enterprise or a large corporation.

There are insurance companies which have policies that combine protection for all major property and liability risks into one package. You can also opt for separate coverage. Such a policy is called a Business Owners Policy (BOP). Larger companies tend to purchase a commercial package policy.

What Is Included In A BOP?

BOP’s include property insurance for buildings and equipment owned by the company. If there is any loss of income due to disruption of operation and business because of accidents like fire, it can be covered under the Business Interruption Insurance.

A BOP also covers the company’s legal responsibility for the harm it may cause to others, (bodily injury and property damage) as a result of your company’s negligence. BOP’s can also include professional liability, auto insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance.  Earthquake/Flood is not included in most BOP’s.

Advantages of A BOP

  • Includes many needed coverages
  • Can be very cost effective
  • Many of the top insurers offer BOPS
  • Can be modified to fit your needs
  • It can include workers compensation coverage

We are locally owned and operated out of Overland Park, Kansas and are strongly represented in all areas of the Kansas City metropolitan area including not only Kansas City, but also Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa & Shawnee.  We primarily write business in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas but are licensed in the entire State. We primarily write business in Jackson, Cass and Platt County in Missouri but again are licensed in the entire State to write business. We offer preferred coverage that qualifies for all mortgage companies and strive to be the premier Kansas City Independent Insurance Agency.

Posted under Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance.

MC900441294

Personal Insurance Update

The holidays are behind us, the tree is down, and the gifts are put away.  But wait, you may have a problem! In some cases, you may need to update your home insurance or auto insurance in order to maintain the proper coverage.  Many of us may have purchased gifts that increase our personal liability, and we thought it might be good to review these items. If you have any of these items, please call your agent today.

Gifts That You Will Need To Add To Your Personal Insurance Program

  • ATV’s, motorcycles, boats, and RV’s are not covered for damage or liability without an endorsement to your personal insurance policies.
  • If you bought an expensive ring, watch, or other item, it needs to be insured separately for loss and theft.
  • Drones are considered aircraft and there are many new laws that could impact your personal liability. Call your agent to review these issues.
  • The new car you purchased for your teenager will need to be added to your auto insurance policy.
  • Smart home technology. These systems may actually help reduce your homeowner’s insurance, especially if the technology includes alarm systems.
  • Guns and art may also need to be added to your policy if they are valued over a certain amount. Each policy is different, so call you agent.

If you added any other personal items of value you may want to review your personal property limits to make sure you are covered correctly.

We hope you never have a loss or claim, but if you do, call our office as soon as possible. Remember your deductible will apply to all losses. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, News and Announcements, Personal Insurance, Safety.

NL only shopping sWe are getting closer to the peak holiday shopping season. We would like to provide all our clients with a few reminders about how to be safe and to prevent your gifts and other purchases from being stolen. Shopping during the holiday season can present unique dangers, but following a few prevention measures can help keep your holiday season joyous.

Please keep these safety tips in mind, so that you can enjoy the season without incident:

Shopping Safety Tips

  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Don’t leave purchased merchandise in your parked car where it can be seen. If you take purchases to your car and then continue shopping, always put your purchases in the trunk.
  • Police advise you to remove the GPS unit and if necessary, take it with you. That includes even the suction cup, if that can be removed.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with checks, credit or debit cards. Carry your cash and wallet in a front pocket to reduce your chances of having your pocket picked.
  • NEVER leave car doors unlocked or windows open.
  • Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
  • ALWAYS park in lighted areas. Do NOT park in remote areas.
  • Shop with a friend.
  • Keep receipts in your wallet or purse.
  • As you return to your car, be sure to keep your car keys in your hand.
  • If you make expensive purchases like jewelry or guns, call our office as we may need to add these to your policy.
  • Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
  • Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

We hope you never have a loss or claim, but if you do, call our office as soon as possible. Remember your deductible will apply to all losses. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

 

 

 

Posted under Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance, Safety.

Did you know that the insurance industry can tell you what the most common claims are for each month? Insurance companies keep very accurate and detailed records of when claims occur and what kinds of claims occur in what month.

We thought it might be informative to let you know what kinds of claims occur in the fall season.

  • Rear-end collisions. These occur more in the fall due to changing weather and increased rain. If you’re following a car, leave at least four seconds of time between you and the car in front of you if going 45 mph.
  • Water damage. Damage as a result of rain or freezing pipes, occurs more often between October and December than in any of the other months.
  • Fires from candles, cooking, and fireplaces caused over 45% of the home fires in the fall months.According to gov, more than 2,500 people lose their lives in house fires each year, and another 12,600 are injured.
  • Theft from vehicles. From October through December, more cars are broken into at shopping malls, due to increased holiday shopping. Always place your packages out of sight in the trunk when going back and forth from your car to the stores.
  • Snow, ice and rain accidents. Winter weather, even in warmer parts of the country, creates increased hazards and accidents. 37% of all skidding and snow claims occur between October and December.
  • Home burglaries increase about 33% during the fall. Keep your doors locked, use motion detectors, and turn on your home alarm.
  • Accidents involving animals. The fall is prime time for deer and other animals to be moving, and often they are on the roads. Pay attention especially in the early morning and early evening.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We have established relationships with some of the top carriers in the industry including Travelers, Allied, Kemper, Encompass, Progressive and many others.

We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

Posted under Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance, Safety.

As the outdoor temperature gradually drops, animal activity and deer-vehicle accidents increase. Every year across the country, deer and other animals cause millions of dollars in vehicle damage as well as thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities. Whether you are taking your family on a trip through the woods or just traveling on business, the following safety tips are intended to save your life and prevent accidents.

Drivers should review their auto insurance policies since not all policies cover damage caused by deer strikes. Comprehensive coverage is optional insurance but it does cover deer strikes. If you only have collision coverage or liability coverage, your Louisiana insurance carrier will not cover damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with an animal.

Actions to Consider

  1. Heed the warning signs. Posted warnings of deer and animal crossing are there for a reason.
  2. Always drive at a safe speed.
  3. Many animals move around at dusk and early morning.
  4. Observe your surroundings. Actively scan the sides of the roads as you drive for any signs of wildlife.
  5. September through January is a time when deer and elk are particularly active.
  6. Deer and elk are herd animals, so if you see one, there may be more.
  7. Don’t rely on vehicle-mounted whistles or reflectors to keep deer away from your vehicle. Studies show they are not effective.
  8. Notify the local law enforcement agency if you have an accident with an animal.
  9. Contact the local emergency services if anyone is injured.
  10. If you have comprehensive coverage, deer accidents are covered. However, if you swerve to avoid hitting the deer and hit another vehicle, that would be considered collision coverage, and is many times more expensive for your insurer and you.

We hope you never have to worry about hitting a deer or other animal.  Please slow down and be safe. Taking simple precautions can be the difference between having an accident with a deer, and almost having an accident with a deer.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We have established relationships with some of the top carriers in the industry including Travelers, Allied, Kemper, Encompass, Progressive and many others.

We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, News and Announcements, Personal Insurance, Safety.

iStock_000016395160XSmall-150x150The weather has changed. Over the next number of months we will all be experiencing winter’s wrath. Now is the time to get your home, auto, RV, and boats ready for winter. Remember, we can help you with all your personal insurance needs.

Winter Checklist

  • Get your furnace serviced if needed. Turn on your furnace to make sure everything is working properly.
  • Clean your fireplace if necessary.
  • Check windows and doors for drafts and efficiency.
  • Get your motor boat out of the water, drain all fluids and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for winter storage. For more information, go here.
  • Make sure your RV is winterized. Here is some good information.
  • Check your inventory to verify that you have extra supplies like water, flashlights, food and candles on hand.
  • Purge all sprinkler system lines of water with an air compressor to prevent freezing and bursting.
  • Ice and snow can weigh down branches, so be sure to remove any that are hanging too close to the house.
  • Invest in a home energy audit.
  • Put a clean filter in your furnace.
  • Replace batteries in smoke detectors.
  • If you have any ceiling fans inside your home, know the rules; counter-clockwise rotation produces cooling breezes and clockwise rotation produces warmer air.

Good Time For An Insurance Check Up

Let PlatinumOne Insurance Agency provide you with an insurance check-up to make sure you have the best possible coverage. We have access to a number of different markets and can save you even more if you combine your home and auto together.

 

Posted under Commercial Insurance, Personal Insurance.

17685653_xxlEvery so often we think it is a good idea to talk about what may be happening regarding business insurance, personal insurance and risk management. We review many different insurance publications, insurance company bulletins and other professional’s opinions, to analyze these trends.

We hope you will consider these as part of your personal and business insurance review process.

Insurance and risk management trends to watch

With the recent cyber breachs, cyber liability is a hot issue. More firms are buying cyber coverage. Cyber threat is a hot, high profile issue these days throughout business and the insurance industry. The threat is real and the economic exposure potentially catastrophic. Basically, a company is liable for any damage, real or possible, caused by computer-based theft or vandalism. If attacked, a business is legally responsible for notification (ongoing communications with every individual whose records were possibly compromised) and it is liable in any legal action regarding identity theft.

There are more insurers entering the marketplace. While this can be a good thing, some of these insurers are not financially strong, which might lead to issues at a later date. We always recommend using stable and financially strong insurers.

Increased reliance on technology will lead to better run insurers and stable premiums. The development of advanced loss control analytic tools will revitalize insurers focus on claim reduction, and potentially lead to increased investments in loss control.

Term life insurance continues to be very competitive. This will continue to allow more and more people to have an interest in life insurance.

Mobile applications are one of the fastest growing areas of insurance. People are managing their insurance on-line, including premium payments.

Health insurance will cost more for most of Americans.

Retirement income innovations.  A groundswell of consumer interest in ensuring sufficient income in retirement has led to many innovative products for those planning retirement.

Let PlatinumOne Insurance Agency provide you with an insurance checkup to make sure you have the best possible coverage. We have access to a number of different markets and can save you even more if you combine your home and auto together.