What are the Different Types of Commercial Insurance?

There are four basic types of commercial insurance. These are property, liability, worker’s compensation, and commercial auto insurance.  Depending on the type of business you own, you may choose certain specialty insurances to mitigate risks associated with your business as well. 

Property Insurance

Property insurance covers damage to your physical property. It will cover the place where you conduct your business. This can be a storefront, office space, or even your home office. It also covers your physical property in the space. This includes business equipment, furniture, and physical inventory.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance protects you from financial risk if a third party is injured or their property is damaged. If someone falls in your store and gets injured, for example, liability insurance would cover any liability you have for the person’s medical bills and personal suffering. 

Worker’s Compensation Insurance

If you have employees, you will need worker’s compensation insurance. If an employee is injured on the job, you will be responsible for any medical bills related to the injuries and lost wages. A worker’s compensation policy will cover these expenses.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Commercial auto insurance and business interruption insurance are valuable for many companies as well. Commercial auto insurance may be necessary if you transport tools or goods for your business, run errands for your business, or provide transportation for clients. Commercial auto insurance generally covers liability and physical damage to your vehicle.

When it comes to commercial insurance, the value goes beyond relieving you of financial responsibility. In the event of a claim, you have an experienced agent overseeing the process. This can help ensure your legal compliance during proceedings, give you peace of mind, and make your life much easier.  Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. in Woodstock, GA has experienced agents that can help you select the types of commercial insurance you need. 

What Are the Basics of Commercial Truck Insurance?

If you need to get commercial truck insurance for your business, there are some things you should know first. Be prepared by having the basic details of what you need and what trucking insurance is all about by talking to an agent at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc.

What Do You Give Your Insurance Agent to Set Up Commercial Truck Insurance?

If you already have an insurance policy, make sure to bring your policy declarations page. Otherwise, it’s fine to give your agent your current personal automobile insurance declarations page. It’s also possible to have your old insurer send along with the information to the agency you’re switching to for your commercial trucking insurance.

In addition, you’ll need to give them driver’s license numbers and the basic driving histories for anyone who will be driving your company’s trucks. Make sure you include everything that could have an impact since your insurance quote will increase if it’s found that one of your drivers has a worse driving history than what’s being reported.

Bring along the VIN (vehicle identification numbers) for each of the automobiles. You’ll have to provide the agent with something explaining the security and safety features for each of the trucks. If you don’t have those numbers with you, tell the company as much about the vehicles as you can until you are able to provide this information.

Types of Commercial Truck Insurance

It’s ideal to have additional coverage for your trucks. Here are some of the more common types:

  • Liability insurance – this is mandatory to have for your vehicles. It covers damage that’s caused by one of your trucks.
  • Motor truck cargo – though this type isn’t mandatory, it’s helpful. Some shipping companies do make it a point to get this.
  • Bobtail insurance – this is another voluntary type of insurance, it covers when you’re on the road and it covers when you need to get service on the truck.
  • Physical damage – though this isn’t required, it does cover if there’s a fire, theft, or any flood damage.

Reach out to an experienced agent like those you’ll find at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. of the greater Woodstock, GA region. You’re sure to be pleased with the results.

 

Do You Need ATV Insurance

Do you really need ATV insurance? In many cases, you may be legally required to have ATV insurance. If you aren’t, it’s still a good idea. If you are in Woodstock, GA, you can purchase insurance form Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. 

When ATV Insurance is Required

Full coverage ATV insurance may be required if you have a loan for your ATV. This is to protect the loan company’s investment. If you total your ATV and you default on the loan, they have no way of recouping their losses. You may also be required to have ATV insurance under certain state laws. Georgia law states "All-terrain vehicles operating on the highway are motor vehicles and subject to the uniform rules of the road". This means that if you ride your ATV on a highway, you are legally required to have liability insurance.  

Do I Need it Anyway?

So you aren’t planning on riding on the road, and you don’t have a loan that requires you to have insurance. Do you still need it? Yes, you do. For a few reasons.

The first is a liability. Accidents happen, even on trails or in the woods. You take down someone’s fence while riding, you are liable for it. A passenger falls off and gets injured while riding, you are liable. You run into someone spectating, you are liable. Any of these situations can easily add up to big bucks.

Don’t think just because you don’t have the assets to cover it that you will be in the clear either. The court can and will arrange payments for as long as it takes. 

Secondly, your ATV is an investment that would likely be hard for you to replace financially. If you don’t have the cash available to repair or buy another one in the event of an accident, theft, or act of nature, you need full coverage.

Lastly, don’t skip the uninsured motorist. Most people that ride ATVs do not insure them. If you are trail riding and someone runs into you, you may be stuck with the damage to your ATV and medical bills. 

If you need ATV insurance in Woodstock, GA, contact us at Peter Laczko Insurance. Our agents can talk to you about the best policy for your needs. 

Preparing Your Golf Cart for Off-Season Storage

A golf cart is an extremely versatile vehicle that you can use for a wide range of activities, such as professional events, but they also allow you to travel around the neighborhood in Woodstock, GA without having to drive your car. In order to ensure your golf cart has the longest lifespan possible, it’s important to keep up with the maintenance. One important step of maintenance is to properly prepare the golf cart for off-season storage. Here are a few tips from Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. to prepare your golf cart for storage.

Prepare the Battery

Before storing your golf cart it’s important to fully charge the battery. A battery that is fully charged won’t freeze should the temperatures drop below freezing. You should also disconnect the battery cables to make sure there aren’t any problems that may occur while the golf cart is in storage. While you’re tending to the battery, it’s also recommended that you check the tire pressure and inflate any low tires before storing; this will help the tires maintain their shape.

Clean the Golf Cart

Before putting the golf cart in storage, it is important that you thoroughly clean it; both inside and out. Using a mild detergent and water, clean away the grime, dirt, grease, and mud from the exterior of the golf cart, including the wheels. Be sure to use a leather protectant on dash, steering wheel and seats to help prevent drying during storage.

The final step in properly storing your golf cart is to park the key in a proper position, turn the key switch to off, remove the key and make sure the switch is in neutral. Place sturdy rubber or concrete blocks behind all the tires to prevent the golf cart from rolling and disengage the parking brake.

Residents of Woodstock, GA interested in learning more information about golf cart insurance should contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc.

3 Reasons to Turn Your Motor Home Into Your Full Time Home

Having an RV is a great way to increase your travel opportunities. For some people, this just isn’t enough, though. For the ultimate freedom experience, more and more RV owners are turning to full-time RV living. If this is something you have thought about, our friendly staff at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. serving Woodstock, GA, can help you understand insurance options for full-time RV life. Keep reading for three great reasons to RV full time.

Affordable 

Many full-time RV enthusiasts have discovered that full-time RV life can be a lot cheaper than mainstream. Most livable RVs can be purchased for under $10,000. If your RV is your full-time residence, then you can cut your monthly living expenses by a lot. Usually, campsite fees are minimal, and there are even many places around the country that will allow you to park your RV for free. 

Get Out of Debt or Avoid Debt

Living in your RV can give you an opportunity to get out of debt. If you are tired of having a mortgage hanging over your head, selling your home and living full time in your RV could be a great solution for you. Many people have found that this is a great way to pay off that unwanted debt, or better yet avoid getting into debt in the first place with a more affordable living arrangement. 

Encourages an Outdoors Lifestyle

One of the greatest benefits of living in your RV full time is that it literally forces you outside. Living in a small space, like an RV, encourages you naturally to get out into nature. Obviously, if you have an RV you want to travel, but once you reach your destination, there will be no temptation of sitting inside all day watching Netflix. You will be out exploring your beautiful world. 

If you would like to learn more about insuring your RV, please call our friendly staff at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. serving Woodstock, GA today. 

Towing Your Boat? Make Sure You Have the Right Coverage

We love getting out on the water here in Georgia and think that our area has some of the best lakes for enjoying boat ownership! If you are a boat owner in the greater Woodstock, GA area, the team at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. would love to talk to you about your boat insurance options. 

Hazards that Can Occur When Towing Your Boat

A basic boat policy may not include optimal coverage for accidents that occur while your boat is being towed. If your boat or trailer causes damage while you’re in transit from your home to the water, the coverage that a basic policy offers may be less than ideal. With a comprehensive policy that includes coverage while you are in transit, you can relieve a lot of stress should an accident occur. Many people who take their boat from their usual marina to a nearby lake or another body of water may not be aware of the necessity for more robust coverage while their boat is on the road. If the damage is caused by the trailer itself, the accident may not be covered by your boat insurance. Similarly, if someone else causes damage to your boat due to a vehicle accident, it is possible that your boat policy won’t provide the coverage you want. Make sure that you have the appropriate coverage before you trailer your boat. 

Want to find out more about your coverage options? If you are in the Woodstock, GA area and want to make sure that you have the right coverage for your boat and trailer, Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. is here to help! Call or stop by today to learn more about the boat insurance options that are available in our area. 

What is “Off -Season” RV Insurance?

If you’re like most RV owners, you probably hit the road during spring and summer and store your vehicle during off-season months when cold weather sets in. Adjusting your insurance coverage during this off-season period can help save you money on premium costs. At Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. in Woodstock, GA, we can help you adjust your coverage to meet your off-season RV insurance needs. Here are a few ideas of how to adjust your insurance coverage during the off-season months:

Liability

When you’re on the road, you need ample liability coverage to protect you against accidents you may cause. During the off-season, however, you can reduce your liability protection to minimum state requirements to save on insurance costs.

Optional Coverage

You may want to drop optional coverage like roadside assistance, towing or campsite liability during these off-season months as they won’t be needed while your RV is in storage. Just remember to reinstate this coverage when you’re ready to hit the road again in spring so you’re not caught unprepared.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage is still important while your vehicle’s in storage as there’s always the risk of theft, vandalism or damage due to adverse weather. You may also decide to use your vehicle once or twice during the off-season, making it important to retain this essential coverage.

Check for Discounts

When adjusting RV insurance for the off-season, check for discounts that can help reduce insurance costs. If you’ve paid your RV in full or had no claims over the last year, you may qualify for a discount on your policy. Improved credit or bundling your RV with auto or home insurance could also make you eligible for a discounted rate on your RV insurance policy.

For more information on RV insurance coverage and costs, contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. in Woodstock, GA.

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Damage Caused by Natural Disasters?

You work hard every day to manage your business and keep it afloat. You protect it to the best of your ability believing that you have your bases covered. Then, nature strikes and you are devastated to find that you were wrong. Too late you discover that you do not have the necessary coverage for natural disasters, and you are stuck wondering what to do now.

Unfortunately, about half of small businesses hit with a natural disaster do not bounce back, leaving a dream to go down the drain. Here at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc., we do not want to see our friends in Woodstock, GA fail, so we want to help you understand commercial insurance and what you can expect it to cover. All businesses are different to some degree: they have different products, services, equipment, property, and more.

Commercial policies are as unique as the businesses they cover. There is really no one-size-fits-all answer, so we will start with some general information. A typical commercial policy covers the owners and employees. It also covers the property from damage due to crime, falling objects, lightning, wind, some storm activity, and fire.

Most basic policies do not cover acts of nature, though a wildfire will likely be covered. Damage caused by floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornados are usually only covered if additional coverage is added to the original policy. 

If you currently have commercial insurance, take a look at your policy to know your exact coverage. For those in the Woodstock, GA area, Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. will be happy to help you understand the current policy coverage you have. If there are any gaps that need to be filled, we will be happy to find the additional coverage you need. Give us a call or stop by our office for your no-obligation quote.

 

Can I Insure My Golf Cart?

Want to have some fun? Watch the vintage comedy movie Caddy Shack and enjoy the hilarious antics of Rodney Dangerfield who has a tricked-out golf bag on wheels that is the envy of all. If Rodney was alive now, he would love the amazing golf carts that are now available.

Customized Golf Carts

Interested in solar-powered battery recharging? That’s a green idea. Want to have a wet bar? No problem. A grill to make hamburgers? That’s easy. How about air-conditioning? Wow, that sounds cool, both in style and in temperature. These things and more are now in fashion when it comes to golf carts.

Golf Cart Insurance

If you are making an investment in such an expensive, customized golf cart, be sure to protect it with adequate insurance. Work with the specialists at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. serving Woodstock, GA and the nearby communities.

Be sure to discuss with your agent where the golf cart will be stored and whether there is a benefit for installing an anti-theft device on the golf cart. Also, it is a good idea to have replacement cost coverage rather than just insuring the actual value.

With replacement cost coverage, you can get a new golf cart that is the same or similar to replace one that is completely damaged or stolen. In that way, your golf game is not interrupted by needing to pay more money to buy a new golf cart. Without replacement cost coverage, you may only get what the old one was worth if you sold it.

Remember, with golf, it is not so much how well you play as you keep practicing. It certainly does not hurt to always have a cool drink available in your golf cart’s refrigerator when desired.

To get a quote for golf cart insurance and any other “toys” you may have, call toll free: 888-883-1650 or 678-833-2860 to speak with an agent at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. in Woodstock, GA who is ready to help you.

Preparing a Travel Trailer For the Perfect Vacation

Here is a nice checklist about the things to do to get your travel trailer ready for a trip that comes from Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. serving Woodstock, GA and the nearby communities.

Getting Ready to Go on the Perfect Vacation

Here are the steps to take to get your travel trailer ready:

  1. Clean: If your travel trailer has been in storage, it will need a good airing out and cleaning to get it ready. Scrub everything down and open all the windows to let some fresh air come in. Wash the bedding, pillows, and towels, if they are musty.
  2. Dump: Make sure the sewer tank is empty and dump the contents before heading off.
  3. Fill: Flush the water tank and fill it up with clean water.
  4. Propane: Make sure the propane tank(s) are full.
  5. Stock: Stock the cabinets and refrigerator with food supplies and things needed for the trip.
  6. Tires: Check the tires for proper tire pressure. Be sure to check the spare as well.
  7. Equipment: Make sure everything operates properly such as the oven, refrigerator, toilet, faucets, water pump, generator, electronics, and auxiliary equipment like a satellite dish.
  8. Tools: Be sure to bring along tools to make minor repairs.
  9. Spare Parts: Bring spare parts for things that may be needed, such as light bulbs.
  10. Emergency Kit: Bring a kit with first aid supplies, a flashlight with extra batteries, and important medicines.
  11. Maps: Bring maps and plot the trip in advance.
  12. Campsite Reservations: If you plan to stop at campsites, make reservations in advance if possible.
  13. Vehicle Registration: Make sure the registration for your car and trailer are up-to-date and the license plates are current.
  14. Insurance: Make sure your insurance coverage is adequate and in place.

To get a quote for travel trailer insurance, contact your agent at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. in Woodstock, GA by calling Toll Free 888-883-1650 or 678-833-2860. If you prefer, you can also use the convenient online form.