Small businesses need dedication and vision. And as protection they need comprehensive insurance to protect themselves from disasters, illnesses, disability and loss of property and goods among many others.
Every small business owner needs a business owner’s policy cover. This kind of policy is designed to protect every kind of risk possible: property insurance, liability insurance, business income, machinery insurance, human failure, employee protection and management protection, and more.
There are many options and the choices can be mind boggling. Here are a few tips for buying small business insurance coverage:
1. Surf the internet and download a “business owner’s insurance check list.” This will form the basis of your effort to get small business insurance cover.
2. Make the effort to do a comprehensive search for the many options available both online and offline. Or ask your insurance agent to create a docket of options.
3. Understand what your business will need and seek coverage accordingly. An ideal source for insurance coverage is trade associations and business groups; they often have tie-ups with insurance companies for coverage at reduce premium rates.
4. Check the website of the Institute for Business and Home Safety for recommendations: www.ibhs.org and the Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov.
5. Ask for quotes and recommendations from at least three leading small business insurance providers. Making a comparison of the coverage and rates will help you get a good deal.
6. Use a small business liability tool available online to determine the risks faced by specific small business. Note down the risks and get a quote for an insurance policy that covers all the delineated risks.
7. Contact the same insurance company that covers your life, health hone and vehicle. Often when a company knows a person as a client then they offer better insurance rates and facilities.
8. Often online polices are offered at better rates. Surf the internet for a small business insurance directory and explore buying insurance online.
9. When buying a small business policy online ensure that the company is reputed and has been in business for a long time. Check with the better business bureau whether there are any cases pending against the company.
10. Buy insurance from a leading insurance company that follows fair business practices. This way you will maximize your protection as the insurance company will be reliable.
Choose a comprehensive policy and ask for a COLA option; the cost of living adjustment option will ensure that the insurance plan stays current with inflation. Before buying a policy online or offline check the financial ratings of the insurance company.
Ensure that you check the United States small Business Administration’s standards and requirements before buying an insurance policy to cover your small business. Check the World Wide Web for updates on insurance laws and needs. Read articles and tips written by insurance professionals. Learn how to protect your interests by making informed choices.
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Article sourced from:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/business_and_finance/article_9127.shtml
Showing posts with label Insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Insurance. Show all posts
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Monday, 3 March 2008
At Your Own Risk: 10 Countries Where Travel Insurance Won't Be Able To Help You
The foreign and commonwealth office draws up an extensive list of countries that should not be travelled to quite regularly, and is from that, that our, and other global travel insurance providers’, underwriters decide which countries travel insurance should be provided for. We look at the government travel advice and decide from that whether or not we can provide insurance to travellers.
Although global travel insurance does, by its nature, cover the majority of the world, the current climate ensures that there are some places where the likelihood of incident means that UK travel insurance providers are unable to offer protection. Thankfully, the list is clear of the majority of popular holiday destinations, and you’re unlikely to have your big holiday plans affected. The most likely group to have their travel plans altered by the foreign office’s travel advice are business travellers.
The foreign office’s travel advice is not to travel to the following countries, even if it means losing business – the risk from the warzones listed below is just too great to make the reward worth the danger:
Here’s our top 10 countries to avoid travelling to, and the reasons for the high risk factor! The risk is far from conclusive (the foreign office’s travel advice lists many more countries), but to me, these are the ones that all travellers should avoid like the plague:
10) Liberia
Economic hardship in Liberia is currently making outbreaks of violence common, and foreigners (especially westerners) are at risk targets due to their affluence. This extra likelihood of incident ensures that no UK travel insurance provider would risk offering you cover if you choose to visit Liberia
9) Nepal
Occasional acts of terrorism and political violence in urban areas make Nepal off-limits for those who want to get travel insurance. In September this year, three nearly simultaneous bombs went off in the capital of Kathmandu, killing 3 and injuring many innocent bystanders.
8) Haiti
Haiti is considered off limits to many travellers on account of the high risk of kidnappings and civil unrest that is prominent. At the time of writing, there have been 12 kidnappings of American travellers in 2007 – mostly criminal in nature. In the past, these kidnappings have ended in physical and sexual assaults and shootings. The potential for spontaneous protests and demonstrations has also been known to result in unexpected violence, day or night. It’s no surprise that the government’s travel advice is not to travel here!
7) Yemen
Due to the high levels of terrorist activity in Yemen, westerners are advised to steer clear of Yemen. If this is not possible, then all travellers are encouraged to stay vigilant and to keep a low profile to avoid attacks or kidnapping. The situation is so grave that the US Embassy often restricts American citizens from certain hotels, restaurants and shopping areas.
6) Israel
The Gaza Strip and West Bank has seen immense violence in recent months between Israeli and Palestinian factions, and shootings, kidnappings and violence demonstrations have occurred in each. The region’s continued instability makes travel to Israel widely recommended against – the risk of abduction or worse makes travel insurance impossible to obtain.
5) Democratic Republic of Congo
The democratic republic of Congo remains one of the most dangerous places to travel in Africa, where violence, neglect and corruption has left the country distinctly damaged. Fighting erupted in the streets of Kinshasa in March this year, and the situation remains volatile despite the immediate threat of violence calming down. Travel outside of Kinshasa is difficult and dangerous with security, especially in the north and easy, being unstable. Any traveller brave enough to travel to the Congo should be extremely cautious, avoid the North Kivu district which is the backdrop to armed conflict between government troops and army rebels, avoid crowds and keep a close eye on local media.
4) Burma (Myanmar)
While the human rights situation makes Myanmar an ethically uneasy place to visit, currently there is a lot of personal risk involved as well. Throughout September, the anti-government protests sparked a violent crackdown from the authorities and made international headlines. Although the dusk-til-dawn curfew imposed in some of the towns has been lifted, it still remains an uncertain time to visit the country and you’re unlikely to find any global travel insurance company who will insure you.
3) Colombia
Colombia remains one of the most dangerous places to travel in the world thanks to the crime the country suffers from. The illicit drug trade in urban areas such as Cali and Buenaventura means that there is often a high risk of violence, while the more rural areas expose visitors to the country at risk from narcoterrorist groups who will often kidnap civilians to use for ransom or to gain media attention. Naturally UK travel insurance companies are loathe to insure travellers who choose to ignore these warning and travel to Colombia anyway.
2) Afghanistan
With the war on terror in Afghanistan still fresh in the mind, it’s no surprise that the country remains a big no-go area. Western tourists are obvious kidnap and assassination targets, as many of the disbanded Taliban and Al-Qa’ida forces remain at large and hostile to the new regieme. Additionally, the country remains unsafe due to tribal groups, explosive devices, landmines, military operations and acts of terrorism. Unsurprisingly, the government’s travel advice is to avoid travelling here at all costs!
1) Iraq
Given the high profile nature of western kidnappings by various insurgent groups, and the regular acts of terrorism and hostility to Western troops, it is no surprise that no travel insurance companies will insure travellers to the troubled country. The instability is caused by various groups – Ba’ath regime remnants, transnational terrorists and criminal elements have been known to attack convoys en-route to venues, hotels, restaurants, checkpoints and police stations.
While holidaymakers are unlikely to be affected by these less touristy locations, their riskiness means that business travellers will have to forgo their travel insurance if they are unable to cancel their trips.
----------------------------------------
Article sourced from:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_3153.shtml
Although global travel insurance does, by its nature, cover the majority of the world, the current climate ensures that there are some places where the likelihood of incident means that UK travel insurance providers are unable to offer protection. Thankfully, the list is clear of the majority of popular holiday destinations, and you’re unlikely to have your big holiday plans affected. The most likely group to have their travel plans altered by the foreign office’s travel advice are business travellers.
The foreign office’s travel advice is not to travel to the following countries, even if it means losing business – the risk from the warzones listed below is just too great to make the reward worth the danger:
Here’s our top 10 countries to avoid travelling to, and the reasons for the high risk factor! The risk is far from conclusive (the foreign office’s travel advice lists many more countries), but to me, these are the ones that all travellers should avoid like the plague:
10) Liberia
Economic hardship in Liberia is currently making outbreaks of violence common, and foreigners (especially westerners) are at risk targets due to their affluence. This extra likelihood of incident ensures that no UK travel insurance provider would risk offering you cover if you choose to visit Liberia
9) Nepal
Occasional acts of terrorism and political violence in urban areas make Nepal off-limits for those who want to get travel insurance. In September this year, three nearly simultaneous bombs went off in the capital of Kathmandu, killing 3 and injuring many innocent bystanders.
8) Haiti
Haiti is considered off limits to many travellers on account of the high risk of kidnappings and civil unrest that is prominent. At the time of writing, there have been 12 kidnappings of American travellers in 2007 – mostly criminal in nature. In the past, these kidnappings have ended in physical and sexual assaults and shootings. The potential for spontaneous protests and demonstrations has also been known to result in unexpected violence, day or night. It’s no surprise that the government’s travel advice is not to travel here!
7) Yemen
Due to the high levels of terrorist activity in Yemen, westerners are advised to steer clear of Yemen. If this is not possible, then all travellers are encouraged to stay vigilant and to keep a low profile to avoid attacks or kidnapping. The situation is so grave that the US Embassy often restricts American citizens from certain hotels, restaurants and shopping areas.
6) Israel
The Gaza Strip and West Bank has seen immense violence in recent months between Israeli and Palestinian factions, and shootings, kidnappings and violence demonstrations have occurred in each. The region’s continued instability makes travel to Israel widely recommended against – the risk of abduction or worse makes travel insurance impossible to obtain.
5) Democratic Republic of Congo
The democratic republic of Congo remains one of the most dangerous places to travel in Africa, where violence, neglect and corruption has left the country distinctly damaged. Fighting erupted in the streets of Kinshasa in March this year, and the situation remains volatile despite the immediate threat of violence calming down. Travel outside of Kinshasa is difficult and dangerous with security, especially in the north and easy, being unstable. Any traveller brave enough to travel to the Congo should be extremely cautious, avoid the North Kivu district which is the backdrop to armed conflict between government troops and army rebels, avoid crowds and keep a close eye on local media.
4) Burma (Myanmar)
While the human rights situation makes Myanmar an ethically uneasy place to visit, currently there is a lot of personal risk involved as well. Throughout September, the anti-government protests sparked a violent crackdown from the authorities and made international headlines. Although the dusk-til-dawn curfew imposed in some of the towns has been lifted, it still remains an uncertain time to visit the country and you’re unlikely to find any global travel insurance company who will insure you.
3) Colombia
Colombia remains one of the most dangerous places to travel in the world thanks to the crime the country suffers from. The illicit drug trade in urban areas such as Cali and Buenaventura means that there is often a high risk of violence, while the more rural areas expose visitors to the country at risk from narcoterrorist groups who will often kidnap civilians to use for ransom or to gain media attention. Naturally UK travel insurance companies are loathe to insure travellers who choose to ignore these warning and travel to Colombia anyway.
2) Afghanistan
With the war on terror in Afghanistan still fresh in the mind, it’s no surprise that the country remains a big no-go area. Western tourists are obvious kidnap and assassination targets, as many of the disbanded Taliban and Al-Qa’ida forces remain at large and hostile to the new regieme. Additionally, the country remains unsafe due to tribal groups, explosive devices, landmines, military operations and acts of terrorism. Unsurprisingly, the government’s travel advice is to avoid travelling here at all costs!
1) Iraq
Given the high profile nature of western kidnappings by various insurgent groups, and the regular acts of terrorism and hostility to Western troops, it is no surprise that no travel insurance companies will insure travellers to the troubled country. The instability is caused by various groups – Ba’ath regime remnants, transnational terrorists and criminal elements have been known to attack convoys en-route to venues, hotels, restaurants, checkpoints and police stations.
While holidaymakers are unlikely to be affected by these less touristy locations, their riskiness means that business travellers will have to forgo their travel insurance if they are unable to cancel their trips.
----------------------------------------
Article sourced from:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_3153.shtml
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Real Estate, Mortgages, Home Loans and Interest Rates - Do you get it?
Real Estate, Mortgages, Home Loans and Interest Rates - Do you get it? Is it all too much to take in? For somebody like me who is just starting out in the investment market, it seems like there is a lot to understand before you take the first big step.
Finding the right investment or home to live in is becoming increasingly difficult in Sydney. Not only due to pricing but the lack of available properties and land. What was considered farm land 10 years ago is now becoming heavily built suburbs and its stretching more and more inland from the centre of Sydney. Another question you have to ask yourself which is popular with people I know is that would you rather live in the best home in a not so good area or would you rather live in the oldest or run down house in a top area?
With mortgages it seems every Tom, Dick and Harry can offer you a loan. Ive had a home loan application and talk with both a bank and a mortgage broker and they were quite different but I would say the broker has helped me out more than anyone has so far and they visit you for free in the comfort of your home.
My bank home loan meeting was quite confusing to be honest. They kept mentioning personal insurances and stuff like that which I still dont really get and will need to look into.
What about these interest rates. Are they going to keep going up or has it peaked and it should spiral down? Will a change of government this year change this? The reserve bank says that for rates to go down, we need to cut down on spending but this is difficult in today' World with so many goodies like TVs, computers, MP3 players and etc readily available at amazing prices and with great technology advances.
And is Real Estate still the right investment? Would you rather put your money in stocks and shares? Australia is a place that is fascinated with Real Estate and this will never end, I just hope I can get on the bandwagon before the next boom hits.
Finding the right investment or home to live in is becoming increasingly difficult in Sydney. Not only due to pricing but the lack of available properties and land. What was considered farm land 10 years ago is now becoming heavily built suburbs and its stretching more and more inland from the centre of Sydney. Another question you have to ask yourself which is popular with people I know is that would you rather live in the best home in a not so good area or would you rather live in the oldest or run down house in a top area?
With mortgages it seems every Tom, Dick and Harry can offer you a loan. Ive had a home loan application and talk with both a bank and a mortgage broker and they were quite different but I would say the broker has helped me out more than anyone has so far and they visit you for free in the comfort of your home.
My bank home loan meeting was quite confusing to be honest. They kept mentioning personal insurances and stuff like that which I still dont really get and will need to look into.
What about these interest rates. Are they going to keep going up or has it peaked and it should spiral down? Will a change of government this year change this? The reserve bank says that for rates to go down, we need to cut down on spending but this is difficult in today' World with so many goodies like TVs, computers, MP3 players and etc readily available at amazing prices and with great technology advances.
And is Real Estate still the right investment? Would you rather put your money in stocks and shares? Australia is a place that is fascinated with Real Estate and this will never end, I just hope I can get on the bandwagon before the next boom hits.
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