Do I Need Umbrella Insurance?

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You’ve probably heard of umbrella insurance, but you may be questioning its necessity in your life. Umbrella insurance offers additional protection for you and your family in today’s litigious society. The Merhar Agency LLC, located in Willoughby, OH, offers umbrella insurance policies to meet your specific needs.

What are Your Assets?

If you have $1 million or more in assets, it’s recommended to have an umbrella policy. Standard coverage limits on your home and auto policy may not be sufficient to cover a catastrophic liability claim. If a judgment is made against you, you risk losing the assets which you have worked tirelessly to acquire.

An umbrella policy provides protection for your assets and safeguards your financial stability.

Do You Have Dependents?

An umbrella policy becomes even more critical if you have dependents. It’s important to ensure the financial security of your loved ones should anything happen to you. By making this decision, you can leave your children and dependents in a stable financial position, but remember, your decisions affect your entire family, so choose wisely.

Do You Have Excess Risk?

Accidents that lead to major liability claims can happen to anyone. However, certain circumstances make you more susceptible.

Items on your property, such as a swimming pool or a trampoline, can increase your risk. Owning dogs, particularly large breeds, can pose a higher liability risk. Enjoying entertaining and inviting guests into your home can also result in potential liability claims.

Do You Want to Protect Your Financial Future?

Lastly, it would be best if you considered your financial future. A judgment against you can affect your future earnings and assets. In some cases, your future earnings could be garnished until the claim is paid in full. An umbrella policy provides additional protection, securing your and your family’s financial future.

Umbrella Insurance at The Merhar Agency LLC

If you’re considering umbrella insurance in Willoughby, OH, don’t hesitate to contact The Merhar Agency LLC. Our experts are ready and happy to help you select the best policy for your unique requirements and situation.

What to Look for in an Ohio Homeowner’s Flood Insurance Policy

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Home insurance is a top priority for homeowners in Willoughby, OH. When looking into home insurance, keep in mind you will need a separate policy to cover flood hazards. The Merhar Agency LLC can assist in exploring insurance options to protect your assets from flood damage. Here are some key considerations to help you while researching flood insurance.

Policy Requirements

When selecting homeowner’s flood insurance, one of the specific areas to look into is the policy requirements. If you’re like most homeowners and have a mortgage, then you may actually be required to obtain flood insurance before getting a home loan. The requirements can also vary depending on where you live and the risk of flooding in your area. For example, river waterfront homes carry a higher risk of flooding than homes in hilly regions, so the flood insurance requirements may vary.

Covered Assets

Covered assets are another important consideration when looking into Ohio flood insurance for homeowners. Standard flood insurance policies cover direct physical damage to the property up to a certain value. Contents coverage is separate from the standard flood policy, so it’s good to check with a local insurance agency to ensure comprehensive flood protection.

Policy Limitations

The limitations listed in the policy are something else to research before purchasing a policy. This may pertain to the maximum amount of damages covered and any exclusions you should know about. It’s also important to consider whether a certain policy will cover you for one flood or multiple flood events.

Explore Your Flood Insurance Options

If you’re in the Willoughby, OH, area and want peace of mind regarding proper flood insurance protection, The Merhar Agency LLC can help. Contact our office to discuss flood coverage tailored to your needs.

Do you Need Commercial Motorcycle Insurance?

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Commercial Motorcycle Insurance – Necessity or Choice?

Are you a motorcycle owner using your vehicle for business in Willoughby, OH? If yes, obtaining a commercial motorcycle insurance policy isn’t just lawfully mandated but also pledges reimbursement if an untoward incident occurs during work usage.

Let’s discuss when one would need commercial motorcycle insurance and the coverage it offers:

When is Commercial Motorcycle Insurance Required?

Commute for work to and fro does not require commercial coverage. However, if the motorcycle is used for commercial activities, you’ll need it. Such activities may include making deliveries, traveling for business meetings, operating a motorcycle rental business, or even allowing an employee to use your motorcycle. It’s always illegal for an employee to use your motorcycle without commercial insurance— even if they are family.

What Does Commercial Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

Coverage depends on the policy type chosen. Basic policies often include bodily injury liability, general liability, and property damage liability coverage. If delays could impact your work, including towing assistance would be beneficial. Consider excess liability coverage or umbrella coverage if you operate in an industry prone to civil litigation.

Get Commercial Motorcycle Insurance From The Merhar Agency LLC

At The Merhar Agency LLC, a family-owned firm catering to Willoughby, OH residents since the 1950s, we pride ourselves in understanding commercial motorcycle insurance under various circumstances. Our personalized guidance can help you select the most suitable policy for your business. Feel free to contact us to learn more or request a quote.

Please let me know when you’re ready for the following revised blog.

Condo Insurance Riders: What Are They and Do You Need Them

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Willoughby, OH residents, are you aware of the nuances of condo insurance and the additional protections available through insurance riders? At The Merhar Agency LLC, we’re committed to helping condo owners fully understand their insurance options. While standard condo insurance policies provide essential coverage, riders offer additional layers of protection tailored to your specific needs.

  1. Water Backup Coverage: Condo insurance typically covers water damage from burst pipes or plumbing issues within your unit. However, water backup coverage extends this protection to include damage caused by sewer or drain backups. With heavy rainfall and seasonal changes in Willoughby, OH, water backup coverage can be a valuable safeguard against unexpected flooding and water damage.

  2. Scheduled Personal Property Coverage: While standard condo insurance policies cover personal belongings, they often limit high-value items such as jewelry, artwork, and electronics. Scheduled personal property coverage allows you to specifically list and insure these valuable possessions for their full appraised value, ensuring that you’re adequately protected in the event of loss or damage.

  3. Loss Assessment Coverage: Unit owners may be responsible for shared expenses associated with property damage or liability claims against the condo association in condominium communities. Loss assessment coverage helps protect you from unexpected financial burdens by covering your share of special assessments levied by the association due to covered perils.

At The Merhar Agency LLC, we understand the unique insurance needs of condo owners in Willoughby, OH, and beyond. Ready to explore your condo insurance options and discover the benefits of insurance riders? Contact us today for personalized guidance and a comprehensive insurance solution designed to safeguard your condo and belongings. Protect your investment and enjoy greater peace of mind with reliable coverage you can trust.

Do You Need Life Insurance at Every Age?

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For younger individuals, life insurance often doesn’t rank high on their list of concerns. They may believe that they don’t necessarily need it. However, it can hold significant importance at any age as it assists in protecting the loved ones you leave behind. If you reside in the Willoughby, OH area and seek information on the value of a life policy, The Merhar Agency LLC can provide you with the required knowledge and support. Consequently, you can choose the most suitable policy for your needs and attain considerable peace of mind.

Selecting a life insurance policy might seem daunting if you don’t have proper guidance. This is where our dedicated agents play a vital role. They will provide you with all the necessary details to fully understand your options. Consequently, you can focus on spending quality time with your loved ones, knowing they will be financially secure for the future in the event of your demise.

Whether you prefer a whole life or term life policy, choices must be made. Further, it would be best if you also considered the overall value of the policy you choose. This is typically dependent on your family’s current lifestyle to ensure that they can maintain it even if you are no longer there. Of course, significant changes in your family life, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, may necessitate adjustments to your policy.

Contact us at The Merhar Agency LLC today if you are in the Willoughby, OH area and seeking a life insurance policy. We will help you understand all the necessary details so that you can select an excellent policy that meets your coverage needs. Ensuring the protection of your family is crucial for their security and for your peace of mind.

Moving to a New Space? Here’s Why You Need Renters Insurance

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Whether you’re moving out for the first time or just relocating, getting into a new space can be fun and exciting. You also want to make sure you’re protecting your belongings, and that means you need a renters insurance policy. If you’re in the Willoughby, OH area, reaching out to us at The Merhar Agency LLC is the right way to get the coverage you need so you can focus on getting into your new place and settling in.

Why You Need Renters Insurance

Peace of mind is important when you’re looking for a place that feels like home, and knowing you have good renters coverage will increase your peace of mind significantly. You won’t have to worry about your things and whether they’re covered for a claim if something should happen to them. But not all policies designed for renters are the same, and you want to be sure you’re choosing the one that’s going to meet your needs as well as possible.

Our agents are here to make getting the right policy easy and convenient. We’ll provide you with quotes from different insurers and talk with you about the differences, so you can make an informed selection on the policy that fits your situation. If you need to make adjustments or updates at any point, we can also help you do that, so you’ll always be properly covered and prepared for what’s next.

Explore Your Options

Get in touch with us today at The Merhar Agency LLC if you’re in the Willoughby, OH area and looking for a renters insurance policy. We know how important it is to have a space that feels like home, and you’ll sleep better at night knowing that space is protected properly. Working with us is the right way to protect your rental dreams.

Do I Still Need RV insurance If My Vehicle is Stored in a Building?

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Many people in Willoughby, OH only use their recreational vehicles during the warmer months of the year. So, the natural question involves whether they must continue using RV insurance during the months of their year when that vehicle is in storage. The answer to that question depends on where you store your RV. The Merhar Agency LLC can help you determine whether you need to continue your RV coverage when you are not on the road.

Does the Storage Facility Have Insurance?

Issues such as thefts, fires, and other mishaps can happen if you place your RV in storage. Many commercial policies will cover damage to your RV if a covered accident occurs. Check with the facility before you commit to anything to determine whether you need additional coverage. If you place your RV in a commercial storage facility, you may not need additional insurance if the facility covers mishaps such as fires, theft, and the like. However, if the facility doesn’t have storage insurance included, you should consider long-term RV storage insurance to ensure that your vehicle remains safe.

What If I Store My RV on My Property?

The answer is it depends. The first thing you need to do is review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see what coverage you have. Even if your current insurance doesn’t cover RV storage, you may be able to add coverage through an umbrella policy or another special provision.

No matter where you store your RV, have someone evaluate it before you put it in storage. This step will help ensure its condition.

The Merhar Agency LLC can help Willoughby, OH residents determine the best course for RV insurance. Contact our office today. Roget started on an economical policy that fits your needs.

What should I think about when building a boat insurance plan in Ohio?

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In the Willoughby, OH area, owning a boat can be a lot of fun. When you are going to purchase a boat here, you will enjoy all the local lakes and waterways throughout the region and state. Along with shopping for a boat, you also need to get the right insurance. There is a lot you need to think about when you are going to build a boat insurance plan when you are in this area. 

Your Requirements

One of the factors to consider as you are shopping for boat coverage in this region is what your requirements are. There are various situations when you may be required to carry insurance. To use certain marinas and waterways, you may be obligated to carry a boat insurance plan with liability coverage. There are also scenarios when you will be required to carry full coverage if you have taken out a loan when buying a boat. You should always make sure you receive the necessary coverage. 

Value of Boat for Coverage

It is also important to consider the value of the coverage of your boat. When you are going to get insurance, you can move forward with either an agreed-value policy or actual cash. Agreed value is a coverage level negotiated with the insurer, and the actual value is the market value, which factors in depreciation. 

Consult With Us

Getting boat insurance needs to be a top priority when you are purchasing any watercraft in the Willoughby, OH area. Once you are ready to start shopping for your next boat here, you can call our team with The Merhar Agency LLC to discuss your needs. Our team of professionals with The Merhar Agency LLC can help you by addressing your questions and offering the ongoing support necessary to build a new plan. 

I’m a small business owner with one employee. Do I need umbrella insurance?

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Many small business owners have a vested interest in protecting their assets and their profits. Business insurance provides a variety of different benefits for business owners. The team at The Merhar Agency LLC is dedicated to helping Willoughby, OH business owners get the coverage they need. 

What is Umbrella Insurance?

As a business owner, commercial/business insurance provides protection for accidents, lawsuits, business auto insurance, workers’ compensation, and more. However, there are times when an accident or a loss exceeds the maximum limits of a business insurance policy. This may not happen often, but it does happen from time to time. Umbrella insurance is designed to cover any loss or situation that the primary insurance policy doesn’t cover.

If your accident or loss exceeds the limits of your primary insurance policy, umbrella insurance will cover the overage. Sometimes, if an incident or accident isn’t covered under your business policy, umbrella insurance can act as primary insurance by covering this event/accident/situation. It should be noted that you must have business insurance to be eligible for umbrella insurance. 

I’m a small business owner with one employee. Do I need umbrella insurance?

As a small business owner, umbrella insurance is a good investment if you have assets that you’re concerned about protecting. If you have an accident, loss, or lawsuit, and the coverage limits of your primary business insurance are exceeded, umbrella insurance provides coverage. It’s impossible to predict the future. Umbrella insurance is essentially back-up insurance.

Umbrella insurance provides coverage when the limits of your primary insurance have been exhausted. Although you may not use umbrella insurance often or much at all, it’s good to have it. It’s not designed to be used as primary insurance. It’s actually insurance for your primary insurance.

Schedule A Consultation Today

If you have questions about umbrella insurance, call us at The Merhar Agency LLC in Willoughby, OH. We’d be happy to answer all of your questions.   

What should someone think about when getting flood insurance in Ohio?

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Anyone who is a property owner in the Willoughby, OH area will know how important it is to have the right insurance. When you do look for any type of insurance here, it is important to also consider your flood insurance needs. As you are looking for this coverage, there are various factors to think about when evaluating your options. 

Requirements

The first factor you should think about when you are shopping for flood insurance is what your requirements are. If you choose to purchase a home, you will likely take out a mortgage or live in a home association. In these situations, you likely will have a flood determination pulled to see if you are in a flood zone. If you are, you will likely have specific flood requirements. You should carefully assess these requirements to ensure you remain in good standing. 

Assets to be Covered

As you are looking for flood insurance, you should also consider the assets that you need to be covered. It is important that you have enough coverage so you can fully rebuild your property if it is damaged in a catastrophic flood. It would also be a good idea to ensure you have coverage to replace your core personal assets and even have support if you need an alternative living arrangement while repairs are being made. 

Consult With Us

Anyone living in the Willoughby, OH area will want to be assured that they have the right flood insurance in place at all times. When you are looking for flood insurance when you are in this area, you can call us at The Merhar Agency LLC. When you work with our team at The Merhar Agency LLC, you will get any support you need to build a new plan.