What Does Flood Insurance Typically Not Cover?

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Ensuring that you have the proper coverage for your home and belongings is an essential part of protecting your real estate investment. There are no laws in Phillipsburg, NJ that mandate the purchase of flood insurance, but your lender will usually require it if you live in a hazardous area, particularly if it is government-backed. 

Flood Insurance Exclusions

There are perils that are typically not included in your plan, and your TAS Insurance Agency representative can go over the specifics of these with you. Broadly speaking, however, damage that occurs from gradual moisture and not from a sudden flooding event will be outside your coverage. This can be any type of mold or mildew, and this falls under home maintenance responsibilities for the owner. 

Flooding is generally defined as water that first touches the ground before entering your home. This means burst pipes or rainwater that comes in through a break in a window, for example, would not qualify for a claim. 

Another category of disaster is attributable to the movement of the earth, and even if this happens as a result of flooding, it is considered separate and will not be listed under covered perils. This can include sinkholes or mudslides. 

Unlike homeowners insurance, your flood insurance will usually extend only to the insured building and not other edifices on your property, such as sheds, workspaces, or barns. Your swimming pool, patios, and decks will also be excluded from coverage. The contents of your home will be protected except for your currency, bonds, stocks, or precious metals, like gold or silver coins or blocks. 

TAS Insurance Agency Is Here To Help

We are proud to offer insurance packages and services to those in the Phillipsburg, NJ area, and we invite you to call, reach out online, or visit us in person to discuss your needs further. 

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

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Getting a car you can call your own is a big deal, especially in the United States. It means going places on your own without the need to wait for other people to drive you around.

With a new car comes new responsibilities. You need to keep up with regular maintenance and all the legal stuff, such as getting it registered and licensed and getting insurance to cover it. Most states require you to have a minimum amount of auto insurance. TAS Insurance Agency, serving the greater Phillipsburg, NJ community, can help you navigate the different types of auto insurance available for your needs. 

What types of auto insurance coverage are available?

There are several types of auto insurance. The three main types most insurance companies offer are liability coverage, comprehensive and collision coverage, and underinsured/uninsured driver coverage. Let’s look at the definitions of each type.

Liability coverage

To drive legally, you are required to have a minimum amount of liability coverage. The amount that you need is dependent on the state you live in. Liability insurance covers the other driver and passengers if you get into an accident that you caused.

Comprehensive and collision coverage

Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle if it gets damaged by something other than a collision. It can come from natural disasters, fire, and other things that can cause damage. Collision coverage is what it sounds like; any damage done to your vehicle when you get into an accident. Your vehicle will be covered whether you caused the accident or not.

Underinsured/uninsured driver coverage

If you get into an accident with another driver, their liability insurance usually covers your damages and medical bills from the accident they caused. What do you do if they do not have insurance or don’t have enough? Underinsured/uninsured driver coverage comes in to save the day. You still get things covered even if the other driver does not have the proper insurance coverage.

Give Us A Call Today

You can stop by or contact us at TAS Insurance Agency in Phillipsburg, NJ, for more information about our auto insurance policies.

How Commercial Insurance Can Help Protect Your Small Business

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Commercial insurance protects businesses from financial losses due to events such as natural disasters, terrorism, and business interruptions. It can also protect companies against lawsuits and damage caused by third-party accidents or acts. TAS Insurance Agency, serving the greater Phillipsburg, NJ community, is here to answer your queries. 

Why Is Commercial Insurance Important for My Business?

Startups and small business owners choose commercial insurance policies to safeguard their small businesses from financial loss in the face of unexpected business interruption or work stoppage that is out of the owner’s control.

Below are answers to common questions about why New Jersey small business owners protect their businesses with commercial insurance.

What coverage can commercial insurance provide in natural disasters?

Insurance provides financial protection in a natural disaster (like an earthquake), terrorist attack, or other catastrophic events.

What protection does commercial insurance offer against technology-related disruptions?

Business insurance can help mitigate risk from unexpected business disruptions (like cyberattacks).

What financial protection does commercial insurance provide?

Insurance can protect against lawsuits and financial losses resulting from incidents with third-party customers or suppliers.

How Can Commercial Insurance Help My NJ Small Business?

There are various types and levels of commercial insurance available to small businesses, so it’s important to speak with an agent specializing in this area to find the right coverage for your business.

Common features of commercial insurance coverage include liability insurance, property damage insurance, contract enforcement services (like credit monitoring), and business interruption coverage.

Contact Us Today

Commercial insurance is a valuable tool that can help safeguard your company against potential financial disasters. Speak with an agent at TAS Insurance Agency to learn about the best coverage options for business owners in the Phillipsburg, NJ area!

How to Protect Your Home When You are Away

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TAS Insurance Agency has long provided Phillipsburg, NJ area homeowners with the coverage they need for their homes. In doing so, we address the common concerns that often arise, especially when our clients plan a trip away from their homes. Vacations are exciting, but most people forget about protecting their homes while they are away.

Here are some proper steps you should take to protect your home on the inside and the outside:

Inside the house

  • Set timers on inside lights to make it look like there is someone at home.
  • Unplug all electronics or have them hooked up to a surge protector in case of a power surge.
  • Don’t make status updates. Status updates tell potential burglars when you are leaving and when you will be back.
  • Alert your alarm company that you will be gone for a while.
  • Secure your valuables in a lockbox, or put them in an unusual place where someone won’t think to look.
  • Set HVAC to a controlled temperature.
  • Insulate pipes and ask a trusted family member or friend to check that the pipes don’t freeze.

Outside the house

  • Arrange for lawn care. If the lawn isn’t maintained, it can show everyone around that you are not there.
  • Stop mail and newspapers. Newspapers and mail piling up at the door are like a huge beacon to burglars.
  • Set outside lights on timers so that they turn on and off to make it look like someone is there.
  • Don’t leave spare keys outside. If you can think of a place to hide it, then a burglar will most likely find it. Instead, leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member.
  • Lock the garage even if there is no inside entrance from the garage. If you have an automatic garage opener, disconnect it.

Make Sure to Get Coverage For Your Home

These tips help protect your home from burglary, flooding, potential fires, etc. While all these are important tips, do not forget to get or update the insurance coverage for your most important asset – your home. Contact our team of insurance experts at TAS Insurance Agency in Phillipsburg, NJ for all your insurance needs.

An umbrella policy may be the missing insurance piece for your business

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Phillipsburg, NJ area business owners can turn to the team at TAS Insurance Agency for all of their insurance needs, including umbrella insurance. If you want to make sure that you have the liability protection you need, give us a call today.

An umbrella policy can help protect your business

When it comes to protecting your company from liability risk, having an umbrella policy is a good place to start. Umbrella insurance will protect your company from losses due to liability. This type of policy is especially important for any business that operates in an industry where lawsuits are common.

If your company is at risk of lawsuits, such as slip and fall claims, it’s smart to have robust insurance coverage. An umbrella policy is a good addition to a business’s commercial insurance portfolio because it will provide that protection. When a primary business policy reaches its policy limits, the risk of financial loss caused by liability risk will fall solely to the company.

And, depending on how the company was established, such as having an LLC versus a C Corp, the owners can become personally responsible. This, of course, is an unwanted situation that should be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, an umbrella policy can protect a company from this liability risk. When a primary policy is exhausted, the umbrella policy will come into play and provide protection. It makes sense to add an umbrella policy to your insurance portfolio.

We are here to help with all of your commercial insurance needs

TAS Insurance Agency is proud to serve the Phillipsburg, NJ business community. If you have questions about umbrella insurance and how it could protect your business, give us a call today.

Tips For When Your Home Is Flooded

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A natural disaster can strike at any time without warning leaving homeowners struggling to pick up the pieces. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, so it’s critical to be prepared. TAS Insurance Agency in Phillipsburg NJ can help you provide flood insurance coverage and related advice. 

Here are a few tips on what to do if your home is flooded:

Contact Your Insurance Agency

The first thing you should do is call your insurance agent and file a claim. Document the damage by taking pictures and videos of the affected areas. Make a list of all damaged or lost items for your insurance adjuster. These items can include everything from clothing and appliances to furniture and electronics.

Start the Clean-Up Process

Next, begin the process of cleaning and repairing your home. If the water damage is extensive, you may need to call in a professional water damage restoration company. Otherwise, you can start by removing any wet carpeting, flooring, or drywall. Be sure to open all the windows and doors to allow for proper ventilation. If possible, use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. 

Prevent Mold and Mildew

Once your home is dry, you can begin cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces with bleach or another EPA-approved disinfectant. Pay special attention to areas where mold and mildew are likely to form, such as around toilets, under sinks, in closets, and any other damp or dark areas. You could also call a professional company to help eliminate or prevent any mildew given that it can be dangerous to your health.

Get Flood Insurance Today

No one ever wants to think about their home being flooded, but it’s important to be prepared in case it does happen. By following these simple tips, you can minimize the damage caused by flooding and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. Contact TAS Insurance Agency in Phillipsburg, NJ for comprehensive flood insurance.

Required Auto Insurance in New Jersey

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When you get auto insurance in New Jersey, it works differently than in other states. There are two policy types that auto owners can choose from- the standard policy and the basic policy. The basic policy has very basic coverage in small amounts, and those amounts can’t be increased with this policy type. The standard policy has similar minimum amounts as the basic policy, but the amounts can be increased if desired. Because these amounts are so small, it’s generally recommended to get a standard policy and to increase the amounts of coverage above the minimum amount for better protection.

When you need auto insurance in New Jersey, call us today at TAS Insurance Agency in Phillipsburg, NJ.

Liability Coverage in New Jersey

When it comes to bodily injury liability, it’s always best to have a good amount of it to stay well-protected. The basic policy doesn’t include this coverage, but it is available in a small amount if requested. The standard policy has amounts of this coverage that include one amount for one person who has been injured in an accident and a higher amount that is available for all of the people who are injured. This type of coverage pays for the medical bills for the other party when required. For property damage liability, the coverage pays for damage to the property of the other person in the accident. There is a small amount of it included in the basic policy, and this same amount is included in the standard policy, though it can be increased.

Other Coverage Types

Personal injury protection is coverage that pays for your own medical bills after an accident. There is a set amount of this available in the basic policy, and this same amount is the minimum included in the standard policy. Coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists is not available with basic policies, but it can be added to standard policies if you want it. 

Get Your New Jersey Auto Insurance

When you have a vehicle in the state, you need coverage. Just call us at TAS Insurance Agency in Phillipsburg, NJ.

Required Commercial Insurance in New Jersey

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Each state has its own laws regarding which types of commercial insurance its businesses are required to have. In New Jersey, there are two types of commercial insurance that are required of many businesses. To get the commercial insurance that your business needs, give us a call now at TAS Insurance Agency in Phillipsburg, NJ.  

Required Commercial Insurance: What You Need To Know

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

This is a type of insurance that pays for the medical bills and other costs associated with an employee becoming injured or sick at work. In New Jersey, it also gives injured parties disability benefits. Having this insurance is required for any New Jersey business that has any number of employees whether they are full or part-time. This coverage is important for businesses to have both because it’s required and because it offers significant protection for their businesses if an accident does happen. 

Commercial Auto Insurance

If your New Jersey business owns a vehicle, that vehicle must have a commercial auto policy on it. That policy must have a number of types of coverage within it. These include having personal injury protection coverage to pay for your injuries after an accident. Two amounts are required for bodily injury liability, one for one person and one for everyone who is injured. The state also mandates that you have property damage liability. All of these amounts are small when compared with other states, and it’s often recommended that you get a higher amount of coverage than is required so that you can pay for a serious accident if one should occur. 

Get Your Commercial Insurance Policies

In addition to your required insurance policies, there are likely other types of commercial coverage that would be helpful for protecting your business from lawsuits and liability. When you need coverage, contact us at TAS Insurance Agency in Phillipsburg, NJ.

5 Reasons You Need Umbrella Insurance

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Anyone who owns a home or a car is likely to have some form of insurance, but umbrella insurance is often overlooked. Umbrella insurance is designed to provide additional coverage in the event of a lawsuit, and it can be a valuable asset for anyone with significant assets or income. TAS Insurance Agency in Phillipsburg, NJ  provides this guide on navigating this coverage.

Here are five reasons why you should consider umbrella insurance:

1. Coverage Beyond Your Existing Policy

Your existing insurance policy is likely to have limits on the amount of coverage it provides. For example, most homeowners’ insurance policies have limits on the amount of coverage they provide for liability. Umbrella insurance can provide additional coverage beyond those limits, which can be important if you are sued.

2. Protection Against Lawsuits

Umbrella insurance can help protect you from lawsuits. If you are sued and found liable for damages, your umbrella policy can help cover the costs of the lawsuit, including legal fees.

3. Asset Protection

Regardless of the size of your assets, you could be at risk if you are sued. If you have significant assets, such as a home or investment property, umbrella insurance can help protect those assets.

4. Peace of Mind

You never know about the future, and you never know when you might be sued. Having umbrella insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that you have additional coverage in the event something happens. Not only can it help you financially, but it can also help you emotionally.

5. Affordable Coverage

While you might think umbrella insurance is expensive, it can actually be very affordable. The cost of umbrella insurance depends on various factors, including the amount of coverage you need and the assets you want to protect. However, even a small policy can provide a significant amount of coverage. But regardless of how much you pay for your policy, the peace of mind it can provide is priceless.

Get Umbrella Insurance in Phillipsburg, NJ

Umbrella insurance is a great option if you’re looking for additional protection beyond your existing insurance policy. It can help protect you from lawsuits, safeguard your assets, and provide peace of mind. TAS Insurance Agency can help you find the right Umbrella insurance policy for your needs. Contact us today to get started.

Is Your Home Covered From Pest Damage?

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Pest damage is one of those serious home problems that can be so frustrating to handle. Unfortunately, not everybody understands what their home insurance can and cannot do to manage pests in their home. That’s why we at TAS Insurance Agency are ready to answer your questions. We serve the Phillipsburg, NJ area and can help you better understand what your policy covers.

Pest Coverage is Complex

Typically, pest damage is not covered by your home insurance because it is considered preventable damage. In other words, insurance companies believe that pests invasions are caused by homeowner negligence and, as a result, shouldn’t be covered by their policy because it could have been stopped.

That said, your policy may cover what is known as “unexpected damage” that pests cause. One classic example of this unexpected damage is when ants chew into your wiring and cause a fire. While the damage caused by the chewing ants is not covered, a fire is not an expected result of ant infestation.

As a result, your insurance will cover any damage caused by the fire but not by the ants itself. So, if there is significant ant-related damage separate from the fire-affected area, you will have to pay to replace it yourself. These fine points may seem confusing until you talk to a professional about them.

Get Help Today

If you think that your home is likely to experience pest-related damage and you want to get protection, please don’t hesitate to contact us at TAS Insurance Agency serving Phillipsburg, NJ to learn more. We can help you understand what your policy does and does not cover and will identify an option that makes more sense for your needs as a homeowner, saving you money and time in the process.