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Arkansas Insurance Blog

The Basics of Commercial Insurance

Owning your own business can be a wonderful way to make a living, particularly in Northwest Arkansas, an area home to some of the largest cities in the state. One aspect of owning a business is ensuring that your insurance policies provide adequate protection, and that is why it makes sense to speak to Adams Insurance & Financial about your options.

Commercial or business insurance is there to protect you from financial loss due to the unexpected. Most commercial insurances fall into one of two main categories. These are property insurance and liability insurance.

Liability insurance provides cover against legal liability. Depending on the type of business you own, there are the following options:

  • General liability insurance – suitable for any business.

  • Product liability insurance – suitable for businesses that wholesale or retail products, including manufacturing.

  • Professional liability insurance – this is for businesses that provide services.

  • Workers compensation – mandatory insurance for many Arkansas businesses with three or more employees falling under the liability category.

Property insurance is for insuring your property, including but not limited to buildings, inventory, and equipment. There are two main options.

  • Commercial property insurance – this is for large businesses with substantial physical assets.

  • Home-based business insurance – this is for businesses that run from home. Standard personal home insurance will not be sufficient.

Finally, there is an option called a business owner’s policy (BOP) and this combines several standard types of commercial insurance into one package, greatly benefitting small businesses.

The most basic tenet of any insurance is to purchase cover for what you cannot afford to pay for yourself. Protect yourself and your business and speak to Adams Insurance & Financial serving Northwest Arkansas about structuring your commercial insurance the right way for your business.

Can You Add Your Garage and Other Structures to a Home Insurance Policy?

You just added a new garage to your property or have a variety of different storage sheds that you want to protect with your home insurance. But is this possible? Adams Insurance & Financial can help Northwest Arkansas residents understand their rights and what kind of protection is possible for their needs.

Understanding Your Garage Coverage 

Your home insurance should cover the various structures on your property, as long as your policy was purchased with these items on the property. However, adding new structures will change the value of your property, meaning that your coverage may not help you if these structures go over the worth of your current policy. This situation often happens when you add things like:

  • Garages on your home that increase property value
  • Buildings you may rent out to others 
  • Storage sheds where you can place many types of equipment 
  • Other types of storage options

These types of addiction coverage options can be added to your home insurance policy to protect you. Typically, they are only necessary after your insurance policy has been purchased based on your current home value. However, it is also possible to change your insurance policy based on your new house value, if necessary. Doing so can help to ensure that you get the best level of home insurance. 

Don’t Let Your Garage Get Damaged 

As you can see, it is possible to protect your Northwest Arkansas garage using high-quality home insurance. But if you’re still confused about this situation and aren’t sure what to expect, it is a good idea to talk to us at Adams Insurance & Financial right away to learn more. Our team will help sort through your situation and provide the help necessary to understand your insurance needs as a person better.

What Kind of Annuity Is Best to Provide an Income Stream?

Many people don’t realize that choosing the right annuity can actually provide an income stream for you. This income could be a fixed or variable amount and could last for a significant amount of time if planned correctly. Luckily, Adams Insurance & Financial serving Northwest Arkansas are the experts for all of your annuity needs.  

Annuities are a valuable way to provide an immediate and constant stream of income. This is particularly true for older individuals who are concerned that they have not managed to gather as much in retirement savings as they will need to last until their death.

An income annuity essentially swaps a lump sum payment made by an individual or a couple and turns this into a guaranteed stream of periodic income.  The purchaser of the annuity can expect to begin receiving payments from their annuity either immediately or within a month or so after they are purchased.

There are a wide variety of annuities, but the ones that provide an immediate stream of income are generally known as:

  • Immediate Annuity
  • Single-Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA)
  • Immediate Payment Annuity

People who have more time to go until retirement can also plan ahead and purchase a deferred annuity that won’t begin paying out till many years down the road. This type of annuity would not provide an immediate income stream, but it would be a promise for guaranteed income in the future. 

If you are looking to open an annuity in Northwest Arkansas, Adams Insurance & Financial can direct you towards which type of annuity is right for you and explain the differences in fixed and variable investments. Annuities can be fixed or variable and they typically are designed to last for the life of the purchaser.

Everything you need to know about life insurance beneficiaries

Congratulations on making your first step towards safeguarding your dependent’s future. The critical part is over, but you’ve yet to make another lifelong decision that can cost you peace if you are not careful enough–choosing a life insurance beneficiary. Not sure what a beneficiary is? How to pick one, and why you should discuss it with your family? Adams Insurance & Financial will help you get all the answers.

What is a Life Insurance Beneficiary?

A beneficiary is simply the person or entity you want to receive and benefit from the wealth you leave behind in your life insurance policy. When you purchase your life insurance policy in Northwest Arkansas, you will be asked to name two people or entities as your beneficiaries. It is a critical part of the policy. After all, beneficiaries are the reason you’re buying the policy in the first place.

Who Can Be My Beneficiary

Anyone can be your life insurance policy. It can be your family, friend, neighbor, organization, business partner, or even a trust. It’s essential to note that some insurance companies limit the number of beneficiaries you can name. However, if you have to name all of them, it is critical that you determine the percentage each should get to avoid conflict.

Difference Between Contingent and Primary Beneficiary

Every life insurance policy comes with two entries for beneficiaries. You must add a primary beneficiary and a contingent beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the first name to receive the death benefit if you die, but if the primary beneficiary dies before you, the secondary, also known as contingent beneficiaries, will receive the death benefit.

Need Help?

At Adams Insurance & Financial, we care about what you value. We are here to help you understand your policy better, so you can obtain enough coverage for the people that matter to you. Call our Northwest Arkansas agents, and they will be happy to help.

How Do Annuities Work?

With so many options for refunding retirement from Roth IRAs to pensions to 401Ks, it is easy to forget about an investment vessel known as an annuity. In short, an annuity is a contract between yourself and an insurance company with agreed-upon goals that could include lifetime income, principal protection, legacy planning, or long-term medical cost planning. An annuity is often referred to as an investment. Still, it is important to recognize that it is a transfer of risk contract that locks you and the insurance company into certain obligations that can only be broken in extreme circumstances. Annuities work by providing the policyholder with access to limited funds on a specific cadence like monthly or annually and can be considered similar to income received via Social Security.

While there are many reasons to purchase an annuity, the most common is because it provides guaranteed income for the entirety of your life. Like other insurance types, the policyholder pays a premium to the insurance company to harbor the risk of an annuity. This payment can be made over a specific period of time or in a single lump sum and is considered part of the insurance accumulation phase. Unlike auto or home insurance, you don’t pay an annuity premium indefinitely. Eventually, you stop paying for the policy, and it begins to pay you in what is known as the payout phase. 

At Adams Insurance & Financial in Northwest Arkansas, our friendly and talented team of insurance professionals are ready and willing to answer all your questions on annuities. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure that you understand the specific aspects of your annuity and customize a policy that best meets your future needs. Give Adams Insurance & Financial in Northwest Arkansas a call today to learn more about how we can help you secure your financial future.

Does my auto policy cover the driver or the vehicle

Auto insurance provides protection when you are on the road. Most states have requirements for how much auto insurance you must have. The amount and type vary by state. It is up to you as the auto owner and as a driver to know the requirements in your state. At Adams Insurance & Financial in Northwest Arkansas, you can count on us for all your auto insurance needs. We specialize in giving our customers more than just ordinary customer service; we go above and beyond to make sure you get exactly the coverage you want. 

When you own a car, you need to have auto insurance to protect yourself and your vehicle. You may wonder if you, as the driver, are the one that is covered or if it is your vehicle. The occasion may arise when you drive a vehicle that is not your own, and you may wonder if you are covered. You may also allow someone else to drive your vehicle, which is not listed on your insurance policy. Generally speaking, the vehicle is what is covered. This means no matter who you allow to drive your car; your insurance will be responsible in the event of an accident. 

This could leave you being responsible for the deductible. It is something you should discuss with the person who is using your car before the actual event. It is also something to consider yourself if you have an accident in a vehicle that belongs to someone other than yourself. An exception is when you rent a car, and in this case, your personal insurance will provide the same protection in the rental vehicle as you have on your personal vehicle. 

When you want customized auto insurance, contact Adams Insurance & Financial in Northwest Arkansas, our customer service won’t disappoint. 

4 Reasons You Need Life Insurance

Life insurance isn’t a topic most people want to discuss. From our experience at Adams Insurance & Financial, we see most people procrastinate life insurance until something significant happens. This shouldn’t be the case. Purchasing life insurance early on is a worthwhile investment you can count on. But because it’s never too late, you can still buy life insurance to enjoy the below benefits.

To protect your loved ones.

If you have anyone that depends on you for financial support, that alone is a reason to buy life insurance. Life insurance substitutes your income when you pass on. As such, your dependents don’t have to suffer financially when you are long gone.

To leave an inheritance. 

Yes, you might not have substantial assets to leave to your heirs, but with life insurance, you have something to pass on. This way, you will leave your kids or parents with substantial financial support to cater to expenses you used to pay when you were alive.

To pay off debts.

Perhaps you have a home or car debt. If you were to die today, who will assume your obligations? Generally, your next of kin will have to bear the financial liability. Would you want that? Certainly not. With this in mind, obtaining life insurance takes care of your debts, thus making sure that your loved ones don’t have to carry your debt burden when your time comes.

For a sense of security.

Generally, human beings worry a lot. To this end, the thought of death might invoke a flurry of thoughts, especially pondering how your loved ones will cope when you are long gone. Of course, they will be sad, but they don’t have to slump into a financial mess when you die. Taking life insurance won’t replace life, but it gives you the certainty that your family will be taken care of when you die.

Life insurance in Northwest Arkansas.

Need more information on life insurance? Please contact us at Adams Insurance & Financial for more insights. And if looking for a life insurance investment, we are ready to help you protect your loved ones now and in the future. Please contact us today if you are in Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding areas.

4 Reasons You Need Life Insurance

Life insurance isn’t a topic most people want to discuss. From our experience at Adams Insurance & Financial, we see most people procrastinate life insurance until something significant happens. This shouldn’t be the case. Purchasing life insurance early on is a worthwhile investment you can count on. But because it’s never too late, you can still buy life insurance to enjoy the below benefits.

To protect your loved ones.

If you have anyone that depends on you for financial support, that alone is a reason to buy life insurance. Life insurance substitutes your income when you pass on. As such, your dependents don’t have to suffer financially when you are long gone.

To leave an inheritance. 

Yes, you might not have substantial assets to leave to your heirs, but with life insurance, you have something to pass on. This way, you will leave your kids or parents with substantial financial support to cater to expenses you used to pay when you were alive.

To pay off debts.

Perhaps you have a home or car debt. If you were to die today, who will assume your obligations? Generally, your next of kin will have to bear the financial liability. Would you want that? Certainly not. With this in mind, obtaining life insurance takes care of your debts, thus making sure that your loved ones don’t have to carry your debt burden when your time comes.

For a sense of security.

Generally, human beings worry a lot. To this end, the thought of death might invoke a flurry of thoughts, especially pondering how your loved ones will cope when you are long gone. Of course, they will be sad, but they don’t have to slump into a financial mess when you die. Taking life insurance won’t replace life, but it gives you the certainty that your family will be taken care of when you die.

Life insurance in Northwest Arkansas.

Need more information on life insurance? Please contact us at Adams Insurance & Financial for more insights. And if looking for a life insurance investment, we are ready to help you protect your loved ones now and in the future. Please contact us today if you are in Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding areas.

Common commercial insurance terms explained

When you are new to business or commercial insurance, you may have lots of questions. You may find some included terms confusing. Insurance companies use terms that may not be part of everyday language. Most people will need clarification of at least some insurance terms. At Adams Insurance & Financial in Northwest Arkansas, we are here to help our customers any way we can, whether answering questions or explaining terms. 

  • Actual cash value- This is the amount your property is actually worth today. A 10-year-old machine you use in your business is not worth the same amount when purchased. When you choose this type of coverage, depreciation is taken into account when you try to collect. 
  • Business interruption insurance- If your business suffers a covered peril, this insurance can provide the money your company needs to meet normal expenses while you cannot do business. 
  • Business owners’ policy (BOP)- A Business Owners’ Policy combines two of the most common commercial insurance coverage types, property and liability coverage. Usually, this combination will be less expensive than the two policies separately. 
  • Commercial Lines- These are insurance products that provide business coverage in the form of commercial auto, general and professional liability, workers compensation, and other coverage to protect your business.  
  • Replacement cost- Replacement cost is exactly what it sounds like. If something you need to do business with is damaged beyond repair, it will be replaced at the cost of replacement today, not the cost when it was purchased. 
  • Rider- This may also be referred to as an endorsement. It is an amendment or an alteration to your policy that provides additional or something not covered on the original policy. 
  • Workers Compensation Insurance– This is a commercial line of insurance that protects workers when they are injured while doing their job. 

Contact Adams Insurance & Financial in Northwest Arkansas for all your commercial insurance needs. 

Which home insurance coverages should you focus on as a young homeowner?

Owning a home at a young age comes is great. It comes with many responsibilities and opportunities to make well-thought decisions like marriage or having children. For this reason, you want to make sure your loved ones and your new home is safeguarded with a home insurance policy. With so many additional market policies, finding coverages that will work for you and your family may seem daunting and overwhelming. That’s why Adams Insurance & Financial recommends knowing what to focus on in advance.

The Dwelling Coverage

This coverage covers your entire home; the floor, walls, and ceiling. It also covers critical aspects such as plumbing, wiring, heating, and cooling. The coverage is essential in helping you rebuild your home in case of damage. If you live in Northwest Arkansas, make sure your coverage limits are updated every year to reflect the current rebuild cost.

Personal Property Coverage

All your valuables such as clothing, furniture, appliances, and electronics are covered under personal property coverage. You can choose between a replacement or actual cash value, depending on your preference. However, you might want to get a separate policy for priceless or treasured possessions like artwork, jewelry, and sports memorabilia.

Additional Living Expenses

Also known as loss of use, additional living expenses can be essential, especially when your home is so damaged that it becomes unlivable. Your insurance company in Northwest Arkansas helps you find a convenient place to stay and live as your home gets repaired.

Liability Coverage

Home insurance without liability coverage is incomplete. You may not be in a position to control all accidents that happen in your home, especially with visitors or friends around. Liability insurance helps protect you in case someone sues you for damage or injuries. The coverage is even more essential when you have teenagers in your home.

Let Adams Insurance & Financial help you protect your investment with adequate home insurance. Our talented insurance agents are ready to walk you through the insurance journey and make sure you find coverage that matches your needs, style, and budget. Contact our team today!

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