3 Ways to Keep Your Business Safe For Customers and Employees

In Chester, NJ and surrounding areas, businesses are working diligently to keep their workplace safe and hazard-free for their employees and customers who travel through the area. At The Insurance Outfit, our agents would like to provide our clients with three tips to keep everyone safe at the workplace. 

Keep walkways and public areas clear

  • Remove excess water
  • Avoid stacking boxes 

If you are expecting your customers and your employees to visit this area while the business is open, it is best to give them a clear area to walk through without having to walk through a maze or find their way through. 

Sings and Labels are your Friends

Point out locations and directions clearly with signs and labels to keep both your employees and your customers safe as they work their way through your business. Knowing which direction they are going, especially if they are looking for a certain room, area, or office can prevent further damage. For workplaces that are not appropriately labeled, these individuals may find themselves in the wrong place and get hurt. 

Inspections

Having daily or shift inspections of tools and areas by a member of management is essential to everyone’s safety. When you conduct a thorough inspection as required, management will find problems such as broken furniture, a leak, or notice excess clutter that needs to be eliminated before clients get hurt. These inspections protect everyone traveling through the area. 

Top off the Safety with Commercial Insurance

In addition to these ways to keep your workplace safe, choose a commercial insurance policy from The Insurance Outfit. If you live in or around Chester, NJ and own a business, our agents are ready to talk to you and help you get the coverage you need. 

3 things to do to protect your car

Chester, NJ is not an exception to car theft. Unfortunately, many of us never think about car theft until it’s too late. Your car needs to be protected whether parked or on the move. And by protection, we mean from any form of damage. The Insurance Outfit can provide you with three major tips to keep your car safe not only from thieves but also from harsh weather and other elements.

1. Park intelligently

Park in well lit areas close to building entrances and near security cameras. If you have the choice of a parking garage, it is considered safer there than in an isolated garage. If you have to park around the roads, make sure it is around a security camera or personnel.

2. Purchase car insurance

This should probably be the first thing that rings in our minds when we talk about protection.  Auto insurance in New Jersey is a legal requirement. Therefore, when you purchase the policy, you do not just protect yourself but also follow an order to help protect others on the roads.

3. Take advantage of the security features of your car

Vehicles today come with modern security features that can help secure your vehicle from harm or theft. Some can automatically lock themselves every time you pull away. Others use lighting to scare thieves at night. Others come with tracking systems. If yours doesn’t come with one, you can always add. A tracking system will not prevent thieves from taking your car but it can help recover and locate it if stolen.

Taking steps to prevent your car from damage is better and easier than making claims when it’s too late. For all your insurance needs contact The Insurance Outfit in Chester, NJ today.

 

How Jewelry Insurance Works

We have all learned to insure our most expensive possessions, such as a car or home. But we never consider using this same approach to insure our jewelry until now. 

To many Chester, NJ newlyweds and long-time married couples, an engagement ring is the most cherished jewelry piece in their possession. Often, it defines their relationship, but the ring is susceptible to damage, loss or theft due to its daily usage. And you can forget about securing the engagement ring in a wall safe as jewelry is the most common stolen item in most home invasions. The idea of jewelry insurance is intriguing, but still an unknown concept to all. 

So, let’s discuss how jewelry insurance works to protect your expensive investments:

Why Do I Need Jewelry Insurance

It’s easy for sentimental or valuable jewelry to go missing in a blink of an eye. We all have taken off our rings, watches or necklaces when playing sports, going swimming or taking a shower and suddenly they’re gone. Unfortunately, this happens far too often, but you should never be afraid to wear your jewelry in public because of the fear that something bad is going to take place. That wouldn’t be the case if you acquire jewelry insurance from The Insurance Outfit to help ease your mind.

What Does Jewelry Insurance Cover

The biggest misconception about insuring jewelry is that it’s covered in a homeowner’s insurance policy. Unfortunately, under the terms of the agreement, jewelry is considered a non-essential household item and usually gets the least amount of coverage from a standard policy. 

The essence of jewelry insurance is to cover the full value of the item in the event of damage, theft or accidental loss. The first two terms are self-explanatory as all damage or theft will be repaired or replaced under the terms of the agreement. The last term, accidental loss, does have a specific meaning. 

Accidental loss is when your jewelry has been lost by mistake or if the piece is beyond repair as a result of an accident. Usually, a jeweler will have to confirm the item cannot be repaired. 

It’s devastating to have a piece of jewelry that represents a special moment in your life suddenly get lost, damaged or stolen. Come in and speak with an agent with The Insurance Outfit of Chester, NJ as they can design a jewelry insurance policy that fits all of your needs.

Things to Consider When Insuring an ATV in New Jersey

In the state of New Jersey, if you plan to operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) you cannot use it on any public street, road, or public area that is not a designated area for ATV use. In New Jersey, ATVs are only allowed for off-road use. They are not considered “street-legal.” This means that to use one, you need to have a way to transport it to the off-road location unless it is already on private land where you use it. You cannot legally drive an ATV down the street for a few blocks to get to private off-road trails. You cannot use it in a big parking lot unless you own the lot.

Age Limits for ATVs in New Jersey

There is no requirement by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) for a person to have any operating license to drive an ATV. The only legal operating restriction is that any person under the age of 16 cannot operate an ATV that has a motor larger than 90cc.

Insurance for an ATV in New Jersey

Work with your insurance agent at The Insurance Outfit, serving Chester, NJ and the nearby towns, to make sure you have adequate insurance for your ATV. You will want to discuss how you will use it, who will use it, and where it will be used. You will also want to discuss how it will be stored. If you need to transport your ATV, you will need to think about insurance coverage for the trailer you use to carry it, as well as possibly adjust your automobile insurance to allow towing a trailer with your vehicle.

Summary

You will need proper coverage for the value of ATV plus protection for the risk of property damage and personal injury. Be sure to also have your agent check any life insurance policies you have because there may be exclusions in life insurance policies for ATV use. Contact your agent at The Insurance Outfit in Chester, NJ to get an ATV insurance review and a quote.

Update Your RV Insurance For That Winter Trip

RV camping during the winter months can be a perfect time to bond with the family, hit the slopes or stay inside and enjoy a winter wonderland. It can also be a time to update your RV insurance in the event of cold-weather hazards or mishaps. If you’re headed for winter-weather fun, The Insurance Outfit of Chester, NJ can help you review your policy and make sure it’s up to date.

Review the Type of Coverage You Have Before Your Trip

RV Insurance encompasses different types of coverage. Liability is required, then there’s comprehensive and collision. But there’s also vacation coverage, emergency expense coverage and other additional or supplemental coverage.

If you’re not sure what you’ll need for your winter adventure, you should contact an insurance agent for advice on the best coverage to protect your investment during your excursion.

Check Your Coverage Limits and Consider Purchasing Additional Coverage

If you’re carrying the minimum required amount of insurance, your policy likely has limits to what’s covered. So, any additional equipment, and gear in your RV may not be covered. Perform an inventory of all the contents you’ll carry in your RV during your winter trip to ensure you get adequate coverage. 

For example, if you’ve got snow toys like skis, snowboards or even a snowmobile in tow, you’ll want to review your policy to make sure they’re covered. If not, consider updating your policy to protect these items in case of unforeseen events.

Contact An Agent to Update Your RV Insurance

You want to have an enjoyable experience winter RVing, so it’s important that your RV has the protection it needs. Don’t spend your vacation worrying about the what-ifs of not having adequate coverage. Contact The Insurance Outfit in Chester, NJ today!

 

How Is Collector’s Vehicle Insurance Different From Regular Auto Insurance

Those who reside in Chester, NJ and wish to insure their entire auto collection do not always know where to turn. It can be tough to discern the differences between a collector’s vehicle insurance and regular auto insurance. Fortunately, The Insurance Outfit is here to provide the necessary insights. 

Generalities Are Used

An insurance company in Chester, NJ is usually going to rely on generalities in order to make a decision. The vehicle cannot be any less than 15 years old. In some instances, the insurer may even mandate that the vehicle needs to be at least 25 years old. The policy that is shaped by the motorist will take these factors into account. This is not something that a regular auto insurance policy will focus on. 

Depreciation Is Discussed

The motorist must prepare themselves for this discussion beforehand. The difference between collector’s vehicle insurance and regular auto insurance is that this consideration does not have to be made for a typical policy. Depreciation is always going to impact the value of a car in these instances but when it comes to collector’s insurance, the effects tend to be far more pronounced.

Separate Cars Must Be Discussed

A regular auto insurance policy focuses on the coverage of a vehicle that the motorist utilizes on a daily basis, in the majority of instances. Meanwhile, a collector car is not going to be driven regularly. A policyholder can find deep discounts by taking the time to prove to the insurance company that they are not going to be using the collector car on a regular basis. By offering proof of a different vehicle for daily usage, the motorist steers clear of higher costs.

If a prospective client has any further questions on these matters, the good folks at The Insurance Outfit are here to help. Be sure to schedule a consultation meeting as soon as possible. 

Why you should consider wedding insurance

With the cost of weddings these days, protecting your special day with wedding insurance can be a very good idea. The Insurance Outfit in Chester, NJ has the information that you need before you decide if this coverage is right for you. Having made a major investment in the perfect day, it is important that no matter what, things can go forward without a hitch.

One never wants to think that bad things happen but life is uncertain and as most people know, what can go wrong, will go wrong. Wedding insurance offers protection against some of these things. It comes in two different parts, liability insurance, and cancellation insurance. They can be purchased together or you can choose only one. 

Wedding liability insurance

Wedding liability insurance is a type of event insurance and it can protect you if someone is injured or theft occurs at your event. You should check with both the venue and your homeowner’s insurance before you purchase this type of coverage. You may find that it is already being covered.

Wedding cancellation insurance

Wedding cancellation claims are the most common with event cancellation, vendor issues and venue damage amounting to almost two-thirds of all claims. Weather is one of the many factors in these claims and depending on the time of year that your wedding is being held and the location, it may be something that is important for you to consider. Another is vendors or venues going out of business or sustaining damage and being unavailable. 

What could be worse than having something catastrophic happen and it affect your wedding? If you live in or near Chester, NJ The Insurance Outfit will be happy to discuss the different types of wedding insurance and whether they are something that you need to consider.

3 Things You Need to Ensure a Safe Event

Hosting an event requires you to be as diligent as possible when it comes to safety measures and ensuring everyone has a good time without risking an injury or an accident of any kind. In Chester, NJ, you can call The Insurance Outfit if you are planning on hosting a large event and need advice on how to keep your guests as safe as possible. They have the answers you are looking for and will be able to guide you in the right direction.

Security

Depending on the type of event, you may want to hire a security company. Having a few individuals on the premises to make sure everything goes according to the plan. In most cases, nothing happens out of the ordinary. It’s always a good idea, however, to have a few security members on hand.

Professional Set-Up

If you plan on having any type of lights or entertainment on hand, make sure all of the equipment is set up by professionals. This will ensure all of the electrical cords are connected correctly. A blown fuse or circuit can ruin the entire night.

Liability Insurance

Lastly, having liability insurance in place will protect both you and your guests if an accident does occur. Having the venue set up and inspected so that it meets the requirements of the insurance policy is a great way to ensure everything is as it should be before the event starts.

In Chester, NJ, the staff of The Insurance Outfit is always available if you have questions about what to do prior to setting up for your event. They have all of the answers you need! Call them today.

 

New Jersey Helmet Laws

When riding on a motorcycle in New Jersey, be sure you have adequate motorcycle insurance. Check your coverage with the help of an agent at The Insurance Outfit serving Chester, NJ and the surrounding area. Always wear a helmet.

New Jersey safety law requires anyone operating or riding on a motorcycle to wear a helmet that passes the certification requirement of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT standard is the minimum legal requirement; however, it is not the strictest standard. There is also a voluntary standard, used by helmet manufacturers, called the Snell standard, which is more rigorous than the DOT standard.

How are motorcycle helmets tested?

Surprisingly, the DOT certification program is done on the honor system. Each manufacturer is allowed to claim their helmet meets the DOT standard. Some spot checking occurs by the government; however, not all DOT-certified helmets are checked by a third-party testing facility.

The Snell standard is a certification that only comes after passing actual laboratory testing. In the test, the helmet, covering a head-shaped form, is dropped through guides to hit a steel anvil that has either a flat or a curved surface.

Each helmet has four impact areas tested. Then, Snell measures the severity of the impacts. Helmets that are Snell-certified are more trustworthy. All Snell helmets meet the DOT standard but not the other way around.

Safety First

Riding motorcycles is fun. Protecting your head is very important because many fatalities occur when riders have an accident and are not wearing a helmet. Moreover, if a helmet survives an accident it should be disposed of and a new one bought to replace it because it no longer has the structural integrity to provide protection.

If you are new to the area, thinking about buying a motorcycle, or are not sure you have enough insurance, contact an agent at The Insurance Outfit in Chester, NJ to get an insurance review and a quote for motorcycle insurance coverage.

Is Boat Insurance Required in New Jersey?

Your watercraft is one of the most important investments you’ll ever own. From salt water treks across the open sea to a weekend fishing trip on calm lake waters, every trip you make offers an adventure of a lifetime. However, spending any time on a boat will leave occupants at risk for accidents, collisions, or weather related destruction that may completely ruin your special investment. Before putting your boat out on the water in Chester, NJ, it’s important to understand your individual insurance needs for your watercraft, and whether owning a coverage policy is required by law.

Boat insurance is not required by the State of New Jersey, but it is highly recommended for anyone who intends to be out on the water in their own craft. There are several unique types of boat insurance policies available for all different kinds of individuals, including:

  • Agreed Amount Value for repairing or replacing a boat up to a specified amount in the insurance owner’s policy.
  • Actual Cash Value Coverage for factoring in the depreciation amount of a boat before repairing or replacing it.
  • Replacement Cost Coverage for expenses related to repairing or replacing a boat. Your local insurance agent can help you to decide if this type of coverage is for you.

For more information about the types of boat insurance available to you, reach out to the team members at The Insurance Outfit, your coastal experts on policy for watercraft and beyond. Located in Chester, NJ, The Insurance Outfit has consistently brought the residents of New Jersey some of the most comprehensive boat insurance policies available on the market. Call or visit our office now to learn more about how we can better serve you and start building the perfect boat insurance policy today.