Archives: 2020

Back to School, Back on the Road: Auto Insurance Tips for Teen Drivers

For many families in Ohio, the back-to-school season marks a time when teens get behind the wheel for the first time. Whether your teen is getting a permit, a first car, or driving to school events, having the right auto insurance is essential. Find out what every parent and teen driver should know about auto insurance.

First Car, First Policy: What You Need to Know

Getting a first car is a major life milestone. But with that freedom comes responsibility and, of course, risks. Most insurance companies require a teen driver to be listed on a parent’s policy or to carry a separate policy if they own the vehicle themselves. If your teen is using a family car, you must notify your insurance provider to ensure they are covered. If they have a car, ensure the title and insurance match the primary driver; this helps avoid potential claim disputes later.

Teen Risk Factors and Why They Matter to Insurers

Teen drivers have the highest crash rates among any age group, according to the CDC. Inexperience, distracted driving, and risk-taking behavior all contribute to higher accident rates. That’s why insurance companies charge more to cover teen drivers; statistically, they’re more likely to file a claim. Factors such as good grades, a clean driving record, and driver education can help lower premiums with some providers.

Tips for Lowering Teen Driver Premiums

While teen driver insurance is typically costly, there are steps parents can take to reduce the financial burden:

• Good student discounts: Many insurers reward teens who maintain a B average or higher.
• Defensive driving courses: These courses teach teens critical safety skills and can lower premiums.
• Safe vehicles: Cars with high safety ratings, airbags, and anti-lock brakes typically cost less to insure than sports cars or older model vehicles that have fewer safety features.
• Consider usage-based insurance: Programs that track driving habits through apps or devices may offer discounts for safe driving behavior.

Monitoring Apps and Safety Features

New technologies bring powerful tools for both parents and teens. Apps like Life360 or built-in features from insurance providers can help monitor speed, location, and driving habits. Many vehicles now include crash avoidance features, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking; these features not only improve safety but may reduce insurance costs.

How Parents Influence Teen Driving

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s driving habits. Studies show that teens whose parents model safe driving behaviors are more likely to adopt those habits. Establish clear expectations regarding phone use, passenger behavior, curfews, and seatbelt usage. Consider creating a teen driving contract to encourage accountability.

Call Today for the Right Auto Policy

Whether your teen is a cautious first-timer or a confident senior on the move, the right policy can help bring you peace of mind. The staff at Horizon Insurance Services can help you explore affordable personal insurance options and ensure your coverage fits your teen’s needs. Reach out at (614) 326-0200 to schedule some time to review your policy and get your family road-ready for the school year.

Retirement Safety Net: How Life Insurance Can Support Your Golden Years

When most people think of life insurance, they picture a safety net for loved ones after they’re gone. Life insurance can do much more than that and can serve as a powerful financial asset in your retirement years. As one aspect of a long-term planning strategy, life insurance can help provide supplemental income, protect your legacy, and offer peace of mind during a time when financial stability is key.

Life Insurance for the Living

Life insurance isn’t just about what happens after death. Permanent life insurance policies, such as whole life or universal life, accumulate cash value over time. This cash value is available to the policyholder during their lifetime. It can be borrowed against or even withdrawn, often without triggering immediate taxation.

This feature makes life insurance a valuable financial resource for retirees who may need additional funds to cover unexpected expenses, long-term care or to supplement other sources of retirement income like Social Security or pensions. In times of market downturns, having access to a non-market-correlated asset like life insurance can help retirees avoid drawing from investment accounts during poor performance years.

Tax-Deferred Growth Explained

One of the key benefits of permanent life insurance is the tax-advantaged growth of its cash value. As long as the funds remain in the policy, they grow on a tax-deferred basis. That means you won’t pay taxes on the gains as the value accumulates, allowing the policy’s value to grow more efficiently over time.

Additionally, policyholders can borrow against the cash value of their policy through a policy loan. If structured properly, these loans are not considered taxable income and do not need to be repaid during the policyholder’s lifetime. However, any unpaid loans will reduce the death benefit.

This tax-deferred structure allows retirees to access funds without increasing their taxable income, which is especially useful for managing tax brackets and preserving eligibility for income-based benefits like Medicare or Social Security.

Supporting Your Heirs and Estate Plans

Life insurance also plays an important role in legacy planning. The death benefit is typically paid out to beneficiaries tax-free, providing a simple and efficient way to leave an inheritance. For those with larger estates, life insurance can be used to offset estate taxes, ensuring that more of your assets pass directly to your heirs.

By using life insurance as a funding tool, you can provide financial stability for your loved ones, donate to charitable causes, or even establish a family trust to preserve wealth for future generations.

The Importance of Early Enrollment

The younger and healthier you are when you purchase life insurance, the more affordable and flexible your options will be. Locking in coverage early can secure lower premiums and maximize long-term cash value growth. Waiting until later in life often results in higher costs or limited coverage due to health conditions.

How Life Insurance Supports a Diversified Retirement Plan

A well-rounded retirement strategy includes more than just a 401(k) or IRA. Life insurance adds another layer of stability and flexibility. It acts as a non-correlated asset, offers liquidity through loans or withdrawals, and provides guaranteed benefits regardless of market fluctuations.

Plan Now, Relax Later

Life insurance can be a powerful tool in securing your retirement lifestyle and protecting your legacy. Whether you’re decades from retirement or already making withdrawal plans, our team st Horizon Insurance Services can help you understand how life insurance fits into your financial future. Reach out at (614) 326-0200 to explore your options with one of our experienced advisors.

What is Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)?

Employment Practices Liability Insurance, commonly called EPLI, is a crucial business insurance that safeguards companies against employee claims alleging rights violations. In today’s complex employment landscape, even small businesses face exposure to potential lawsuits related to hiring, firing, workplace conduct, and management decisions. Having EPLI coverage can provide 

EPLI 101: A Shield Against Workplace Lawsuits

EPLI policies typically cover legal defense costs and settlements associated with a range of employee claims, including:

• Discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, or other protected categories
• Wrongful termination
• Sexual harassment or other forms of workplace harassment
• Retaliation for whistleblowing or reporting misconduct

These claims can arise from current, former, or job applicants. With legal fees and settlements often reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, the cost of defending your business without EPLI coverage can be devastating.

Who Needs EPL?

Many business owners mistakenly believe EPLI is only necessary for large corporations. In reality, any business with employees can be at risk. Smaller businesses may be more vulnerable as they may not have in-house legal or HR departments focusing on labor laws. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), nearly 55% of employment-related claims are filed against companies with fewer than 100 employees.

Whether you employ five people or fifty, EPLI can shield your business from the financial fallout of an employment-related claim. The more employees you have, the greater your risk, but even a single disgruntled worker can file a lawsuit that disrupts operations and drains resources.

What EPLI Doesn’t Cover: Know the Boundaries

Like all insurance policies, EPLI has limitations. Common exclusions include:

• Wage and hour disputes, such as unpaid overtime or misclassification of employees
• Criminal acts or intentional wrongdoing by the employer
• Workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance claims
• Violations of labor regulations not specifically covered under the policy

Understanding these exclusions is crucial. Some risks may be managed through other insurance policies or better internal practices.

Real Claims and How EPLI Responds

Consider the case of a small restaurant sued by a former server who claimed she was fired for complaining about inappropriate comments from a manager. The EPLI policy covered the legal defense costs and a negotiated settlement, saving the business over $80,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.

In another instance, a tech startup was sued by a rejected job applicant who alleged age discrimination. Without EPLI, the company paid over $30,000 in legal fees before the case was dismissed. EPLI coverage would have helped absorb those costs.

HR Best Practices That Support EPLI

EPLI works best in tandem with strong human resources practices. Implement clear anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. Train all employees, especially supervisors, on appropriate workplace behavior. Keep detailed documentation of employment decisions, disciplinary actions, and employee complaints. These steps not only help reduce the risk of claims but may also lead to more favorable EPLI policy terms and premiums.

Cover Your Business From the Inside Out

Workplace claims can happen to any business, regardless of size or industry. At Horizon Insurance Services our advisors have helped businesses in Ohio assess employment-related risks and guide them toward the most suitable Employment Practices Liability Insurance. Let’s work together to protect your business from the inside out. Call us at (614) 326-0200 to get started. 

Home Sweet Home: Insuring Your Property and Belongings

Your home is more than just a place to live. It’s your most valuable asset and the center of your everyday life. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your investment, your belongings, and your financial stability. Many homeowners aren’t sure what their policy covers or where the gaps could exist. Understanding your coverage options is the first step to ensuring your home and everything inside it is truly protected.

The Home Base: Understanding Your Homeowners Policy

A standard homeowners insurance policy typically includes four main types of coverage: dwelling, personal property, liability, and additional living expenses.

Dwelling coverage protects the physical structure of your home, including the roof, walls, flooring, and built-in appliances. Coverage usually extends to attached structures, such as a garage. Many policies also include detached structures, such as sheds or fences.

Additional living expenses coverage, sometimes referred to as “loss of use,” pays for temporary housing, meals, and other incidental costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, such as a fire or severe storm. This ensures you aren’t paying out of pocket during an already stressful situation.

What Personal Property Coverage Really Means

Personal property coverage refers to your belongings inside the home. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and more. However, how you’re reimbursed depends on whether your policy uses actual cash value or replacement cost.

Actual cash value takes depreciation into account, so your 5-year-old couch will be worth less than what you originally paid. Replacement cost coverage, on the other hand, reimburses you for the current cost of buying a new, similar item. Although replacement cost policies tend to be slightly more expensive, they offer stronger protection when you need to replace damaged or stolen items.

Be aware that valuable items such as jewelry, fine art, or collectibles may have sub-limits. In those cases, you may need to purchase additional scheduled personal property coverage.

Natural Disaster Coverage Explained

Homeowners insurance typically covers damage from fire, hail, wind, lightning, and certain types of water damage, including some burst pipes. However, many natural disasters are not covered by a standard policy. Floods and earthquakes are typically excluded, and you would need to purchase separate flood or earthquake insurance.

If you live in an area prone to specific weather-related risks, it’s essential to talk to your agent about supplemental policies that fill those gaps in coverage.

When Accidents Happen on Your Property

Personal liability coverage is another essential part of homeowners insurance. It protects you financially if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, legal fees, and settlements. If you have pets, kids, or a pool, increasing your liability coverage or adding a personal umbrella policy may be a smart move.

Why a Home Inventory Is Key

In the event of a major claim, a home inventory can help ensure you are reimbursed accurately and quickly. You can create one by walking through your home and taking videos or photos of each room. Record the value, brand, and purchase date of each major item. Keep this inventory in a secure cloud storage or external drive that can be accessed when needed.

Protect Your Castle Without the Headache

Whether you’re buying your first home or reviewing your current coverage, at Horizon Insurance Services in Ohio we can help ensure your homeowners insurance meets your needs. Our team is here to guide you through the process, explain your options, and help you find the right policy for your home and your budget. Call us at (614) 326-0200 for a custom quote.

Understanding the Basics: Types of Life Insurance and How They Work

Life insurance is a cornerstone of a sound financial plan. It helps protect the people you care about by providing financial support in the event of an unexpected occurrence. Beyond that, some policies offer additional benefits you can use during your lifetime. Whether you’re just starting a family, buying a home, or preparing for retirement, understanding how life insurance works can help you make confident decisions for the future.

Life Insurance at a Glance: Why It Matters

At its core, life insurance provides a death benefit to your chosen beneficiaries after you pass away. This payout can be used to cover funeral expenses, pay off debts, replace lost income, or fund future needs like college tuition. Without life insurance, your loved ones may be left financially vulnerable during an already difficult time.

Life insurance also offers peace of mind. Knowing that your family would be protected from financial hardship allows you to focus on living your life today while securing their tomorrow.

Term vs. Whole: Which Is Right for You?

There are several types of life insurance, but the most common are term life insurance, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance.

Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period, usually 10, 20, or 30 years. It’s often the most affordable option and is ideal for temporary needs, such as covering a mortgage or raising young children. If you outlive the term, the policy will expire without paying out.

Whole life insurance offers lifelong coverage and includes a savings component known as cash value. Premiums are typically higher than term policies but remain level over time. The cash value grows over the years and can be borrowed against or withdrawn, although doing so may reduce the death benefit.

Universal life insurance is another permanent policy that combines life coverage with investment flexibility. Policyholders can adjust premiums and death benefits as their needs change, and the policy also builds cash value based on market interest rates.

Living Benefits: It’s Not Just About After You’re Gone

Some life insurance policies offer living benefits—features you can use while you’re still alive. This may include:

• Accessing the policy’s cash value through loans or withdrawals
• Accelerated death benefits for terminal illness
• Coverage for chronic or critical illness under specific riders

These options make life insurance a valuable tool not just for protection but for long-term financial flexibility.

What to Expect When You Apply

Applying for life insurance generally involves the following:

• Completing a health questionnaire
• Undergoing a medical exam (for some policies)
• Providing financial and lifestyle information
• Waiting for underwriting approval

Simplified issue and no-exam policies are also available, especially for those looking for smaller coverage amounts or faster approvals.

Life Stages, Life Policies: Matching Insurance to Milestones

Your life insurance needs to evolve as you do. Here’s how:

• Young adults may start with affordable term life to cover student loans or cosigned debt
• Married couples often buy policies to protect shared income and mortgage obligations
• Parents typically increase coverage to secure their children’s future
• Retirees may use life insurance to manage estate planning, legacy gifts, or final expenses

Matching your policy type and coverage amount to your current stage of life ensures you’re protected at every stage of life.

Secure Their Future—And Yours

Life insurance is more than just a safety net. It’s a proactive step in securing your financial future and supporting the people who matter most to you. Our team at Horizon Insurance Services can help you find a policy that meets your goals today and grows with you into the future. Reach out at (614) 326-0200 to start the conversation.

Exclusions in Business Insurance Policies: What’s Not Covered?

When purchasing business insurance, many policyholders focus on what is covered. But just as important is understanding what is not. These uncovered situations, known as exclusions, can leave your business vulnerable if you’re not careful. Knowing how exclusions work can help you choose smarter coverage and avoid costly surprises.

What “Exclusion” Actually Means

An exclusion is any situation, condition, or type of damage your insurance policy states are not covered. These clauses are in the fine print of your policy. They are essential for understanding your actual level of insurance protection. Exclusions exist to limit the insurer’s risk, clarify the scope of coverage, and often reduce premium costs. Failing to account for exclusions can result in denied claims when you need help most.

Common Exclusions

Most business insurance policies include several standard exclusions. These can include:

• Wear and tear: Damage from normal use over time is usually not covered.
• Intentional acts: Deliberate damage or criminal activity by the business owner or employees is typically excluded from coverage.
• Cyber incidents: Many standard policies do not include coverage for data breaches, ransomware, or other cyber events unless cyber liability insurance is purchased separately.
• Contract disputes: Breaches of contract are generally excluded unless specifically addressed with endorsements.

These exclusions can affect general liability, commercial property, and even professional liability policies. Always read the exclusions section to understand the limitations of your coverage.

Industry-Specific Exclusions to Watch For

Some exclusions vary based on your industry. For example:

• Construction: Exclusions may apply to work performed by subcontractors or damage resulting from poor craft.
• Healthcare: Claims related to malpractice or HIPAA violations often require specialized medical liability coverage.
• Retail: Shoplifting losses or customer data breaches may be excluded unless specifically covered in the policy.
• Technology: General business policies may not cover errors and omissions in software development or system implementation.

Every industry has unique risks, and your policy must be tailored to address them.

Riders and Endorsements Explained

Fortunately, many exclusions can be addressed through riders or endorsements. These are policy add-ons that provide additional protection for risks not included in a standard policy. For instance:

• A cyber liability endorsement can help cover expenses related to data breaches.
• A contractual liability rider can extend coverage to specific agreements.
• A pollution endorsement may cover environmental damage, which is often excluded from standard policies.

Ask your insurance provider about available riders that may help close critical gaps in your coverage.

The Fine Print Checklist: Questions to Ask Your Broker

When reviewing your business insurance, consider asking:

• What exclusions apply to each policy I hold?
• Are there any risks in my industry that are not covered by this policy?
• What riders or endorsements can I add?
• Are there bundled options that better suit my business?
• Can you provide examples of claims that would be denied under this policy?

These questions can help you uncover coverage limitations and make informed decisions.

Build Smarter Coverage for Your Business

Don’t let hidden exclusions derail your protection. Our agency can help you identify potential gaps and build a policy that fits your business needs. Contact us at Horizon Insurance Services to schedule a review of your current business insurance and ensure you’re protected where it counts most.

Managing Premiums: Tips for Getting Lower Personal Insurance Rates

Insurance is vital to protecting the value of your home, car, and other personal assets. That doesn’t mean that the premiums should break the bank! Whether you’re trying to lower your monthly expenses or want to ensure good value, understanding what drives the cost of your premiums is the first step. Let’s take a closer look at how personal insurance rates are calculated and what you can do to keep costs in check.

What Goes Into Your Insurance Costs

Several key factors influence the cost of your personal insurance. While the exact formula varies by provider and policy type, insurers evaluate the following factors:

• Age: Younger and older drivers often face higher auto insurance rates due to increased risk profiles. Homeowners of varying ages may also see rate variations.
• Location: Living in a neighborhood with higher crime rates or prone to weather-related incidents can increase premiums.
• Credit score: In many states, insurance companies use a credit-based insurance score in risk assessment. A lower score means higher premiums in many cases.
• Claims history: If you’ve filed multiple claims in recent years, insurers may view you as being a higher-risk client.
• Coverage limits: Choosing higher coverage amounts or additional insurance protection, such as personal liability insurance, increases premiums but provides higher levels of protection.

Being aware of these factors allows you to make informed decisions when purchasing insurance.

Combining Policies to Save More

Bundling policies is one of the easiest ways to reduce overall insurance costs. Many insurers offer multi-policy discounts when you combine auto, home, renters, or other personal insurance coverage. Aside from convenience, bundling can save you up to 25% in many cases. It is advised that you find out about options to include additional types of coverage, such as umbrella insurance or recreational vehicle insurance, to access more potential savings.

Deductibles and Your Bottom Line

Your deductible is what you will pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible can result in a lower monthly premium. For example, increasing your auto insurance deductible from $500 to $1,000 could result in a 10% to 20% reduction in your premium. Ensure you are financially prepared to cover that higher amount if you need to file a claim.

How Your Score Impacts Your Rate

It may come as a surprise, but your credit score can play a significant role in determining your insurance rates. Insurers often use credit-based scores to evaluate risk. A higher score typically means lower premiums. If you want to improve your credit and potentially lower your insurance rates, consider these tips: pay bills on time, keep balances low on credit cards, and review your credit report regularly for errors.

Discounts You Might Be Missing

Many overlook discounts that could lead to real savings on their personal insurance. Here are a few to consider:

• Good driver discounts or savings for completing a defensive driving course
• Smart home features such as smoke detectors or water leak sensors
• Anti-theft devices installed in your vehicle
• Low annual mileage or participation in usage-based programs
• Loyalty or multi-year customer discounts

Your insurance agent can help you identify which discounts are currently available from reputable insurance providers that could help reduce the cost of your insurance policies.

Let’s Lower That Rate Together

If you’re looking for ways to trim your premiums without sacrificing coverage, our agency can help. At Horizon Insurance Services, we’ll walk you through options tailored to your lifestyle and budget—from bundling to policy reviews to unlocking every available discount. Let’s work together to find personal insurance coverage that protects what matters most at a price that makes sense. Give us a call at (614) 326-0200.

Choosing Your Life Insurance Beneficiary

Selecting a beneficiary for your life insurance policy is a decision that demands careful consideration. As your choice determines who will receive the funds when you pass away, it is a critical factor in financial planning. The following information can help you make an informed decision.

What Is a Beneficiary?

A beneficiary is the person or entity you designate to receive the death benefit from your policy. You have the option to name multiple beneficiaries and specify the percentage of the payout each will receive. You can name individuals, trusts, charities, or even your estate as beneficiaries. The choice depends on your financial goals and the individuals you want to have financial support when you pass away. 

Beneficiaries fall into the following two main categories:

• Primary beneficiary: This is the first person in line to receive your life insurance death benefit.
• Contingent beneficiary: If the primary beneficiary dies before you or is unable to receive the payout, the funds will go to the contingent beneficiary. 

What Are the Key Considerations in Choosing a Beneficiary?

 The following information should be evaluated when you choose a beneficiary:

• Family dynamics: It is essential to consider family relationships and dynamics. If you have children from a previous marriage or dependents with special needs, your beneficiaries can be structured accordingly.
• Minor children: Until they reach the age of majority, minor children cannot directly receive a life insurance payout. If you have minor children you want to name as beneficiaries, a solution may be to set up a trust and name a trustee to manage the funds.
• Trusts as beneficiaries: Naming a trust as your beneficiary allows you to control how death benefits are used, even after you are gone. This may be particularly useful if you want to manage distributions over time or if your beneficiaries are minors or have special needs.
• Contingency planning: Always name a contingent beneficiary. If your primary beneficiary predeceases you or is unable to claim the death benefit, the proceeds will go to your contingent beneficiary instead of going through probate. 

What Are Some Common Mistakes?

The following are common mistakes to avoid when naming beneficiaries of a life insurance policy:

• Failing to update the policy: Major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, birth, or death, should prompt a review of your beneficiary designations. If they are outdated, the death benefit could go to someone you no longer intend to support.
• Vague designations: Avoid using terms such as “my spouse” or “my children” without specifically naming each person. Legal complications can arise from ambiguity in identifying beneficiaries.
• Naming your estate: If you name your estate as the beneficiary of your policy, the proceeds must go through probate. This can delay distribution and reduce the amount your loved ones receive.
• Ignoring tax implications: If your estate is substantial and the insurance payout is included in your estate, it could push the value over the federal estate tax exemption limit, triggering significant tax liability. An effective way to avoid this is to name an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) as the beneficiary to exclude life insurance proceeds from your estate for tax purposes. An ILIT allows you to control distributions and avoid estate taxes on the policy’s value. 

For help with designating a beneficiary for your life insurance policy, speak with one of our helpful local agents at Horizon Insurance Services to guide you in this critical estate planning issue. Give us a call today at (614) 326-0200. 

Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover My Home Business?

Running a business from the comfort of your home is incredibly convenient, but it also raises questions about insurance coverage. While homeowners’ insurance can offer some protection, it may not fully cover home-based business activities. Understanding the limitations of your policy and exploring additional coverage options to help protect your business from unexpected losses.

What Are the Limitations of Homeowners Insurance?

A homeowners’ insurance policy is primarily designed to protect your home and personal belongings, not any business assets. While it may provide limited coverage for business property, the amount may be significantly capped. In addition, most homeowners’ policies do not include liability protection for business-related accidents. 

If a client or delivery person is injured on your property when you are conducting some facet of your business, it is likely that your homeowners’ insurance will refuse to cover the claim. This gap in coverage can leave you vulnerable to lawsuits and the risk of severe financial losses you will be forced to pay out of pocket. 

When Is Additional Coverage Necessary?

If your home business stores inventory, sees clients regularly, or uses costly equipment, you may need additional insurance coverage. The following are some options to consider:

Home Business Endorsement

This add-on to a homeowner’s policy extends coverage for business-related property and liability. While it offers more protection than standard homeowners insurance, it still has limitations, particularly for larger operations.

In-Home Business Policy

Designed for more comprehensive protection, an in-home business policy covers business property, provides liability coverage, and protects against loss of income and data breaches. This type of policy may be ideal for a smaller home-based business with low risk, small-scale operations, and little inventory or foot traffic. It provides more comprehensive coverage than a homeowners policy endorsement.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

A BOP bundles commercial property insurance, general liability insurance, and business interruption coverage into one cost-effective package. It is more comprehensive than an in-home business policy. This may be the right option for a small to medium-sized home-based business with higher risks, more equipment, or more client interaction. For larger operations or a highly specialized business, you may need commercial business insurance that includes custom options, such as professional liability, cyber liability, or workers’ compensation. 

Is Liability a Major Concern?

Liability is one of the biggest risks for home-based business owners. If a person is injured while visiting your home for business purposes, your homeowners’ policy is unlikely to cover the medical costs or your legal fees. This risk is higher for businesses that host clients, such as consultants, tax preparers, and daycare service providers.

As a liability claim could lead to thousands of dollars in damages in addition to legal fees, it is important to secure adequate coverage. An endorsement on your homeowners policy or business liability insurance can help fill the gap to ensure you are protected from the financial fallout of an accident. 

Protecting Your Business Investments

Beyond liability, consider what you have invested in business equipment. Computers, cameras, and specialized equipment are high-value items that are not likely to be covered under a standard homeowners policy. Take inventory of your business assets and meet with our experienced agents at Horizon Insurance Services. We can help you determine if your business should have higher levels of insurance protection. Give us a call today at (614) 326-0200.

Summer Grilling Safety Tips

There is nothing like the scent of burgers sizzling on the grill or the flavors of perfectly charred vegetables during the warm summer months. While grilling is a seasonal tradition, it is important to prioritize safety to keep cookouts accident-free. These essential summer grilling safety tips can help you ensure your outdoor cooking is both enjoyable and safe.

Choose the Right Location

The first step to safe grilling is to set up your grill in the right spot. Always place it on a flat, stable surface at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, or any flammable item or materials. Avoid grilling on wooden decks or near dry grass that could easily catch fire. Never use a grill indoors or in an enclosed space, as this could cause dangerous carbon monoxide build-up.

Inspect Your Grill

Thoroughly inspect your grill before firing it up for the first time each season. If you have a gas grill, check it for leaks by applying soapy water to the hose and connections. If bubbles form when the gas is turned on, you have a leak that must be repaired before using the grill. Ensure charcoal grills are free of leftover ash and debris.

Control Flare-Ups

Grease build-up is the main cause of grill flare-ups. To minimize excess fat, clean your grill grates and drip trays after every use. If you experience a flare-up, try to move the food to a cooler part of the grill and close the lid to smother the flames. 

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Accidents can happen even when you take precautions. Keep a fire extinguisher within reach and know how to use it in case a fire breaks out. To put out a small fire without an extinguisher, cover the flames with baking soda. 

Stay Focused

Distractions are a common cause of grilling accidents. Although it is easy to get caught up in conversation or step away to grab supplies, leaving a grill unattended can be a major fire risk. The designated grill master is responsible for keeping an eye on the flames at all times. 

Shut Down Properly

When you have finished grilling, it is important to shut down your grill properly. For gas grills, turn off the burners and close the propane valve. For charcoal grills, allow the coals to cool completely, which takes many hours. Then, spray them with water and dispose of them in a metal container. Never leave hot coals unattended or in wooden or plastic trash cans or containers.

Pay Attention to Weather Conditions

Windy days increase the risk of flare-ups and flying embers. Be particularly cautious when grilling in less-than-ideal weather. If winds are strong, consider postponing your cookout to avoid fire risk. 

Protect What Matters with Horizon Insurance Services

While practicing safe grilling is essential, ensuring you are protected in case of an unexpected event is also important. Homeowners’ insurance can provide coverage for fire damage and liability protection should a guest be injured. Contact our experienced agent to learn more about how the right insurance can give you peace of mind this grilling season at (614) 326-0200.