Newsletter (page 14) - Neate Dupey Insurance Group

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Five Home Remodeling Insurance Tips

March 25, 2021

This has been a tough winter for all of us in the Northeast, but the good news is that spring is just around the corner. Many people are planning a home remodeling project for the spring or summer. These projects may include a new backyard, kitchen or an addition for the expanding family. Whatever the project, you need to protect yourself from the financial risks and hazards associated with a home remodel project.

If you are planning on hiring a contractor or construction company to help you with your project, keep these tips in mind. Following these guidelines will help reduce your risk and increase your chances for a successful, and hopefully stress-free, project.

Before you hire a contractor ask for references. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start.
Know what you want and have a specific list of products, including the brands. For example, if you want a furnace, be specific about the type and brand. There are many brands; some good and some not so good.
Always have a written contract with a competition date.
Go visit other homes on which the contractor has worked.
Some contractors may ask for100% of the payment upfront. Never do this. A small (10% to 15% upfront is normal)

Bonus Tip: Make sure the contractor is insured. Ask for a certificate of insurance for general liability and workers' compensation.

Homeowner’s Insurance
If you are increasing the value of your home as a result of the remodel, you will need to make adjustments to your homeowner’s insurance limits. Your homeowner’s insurance will not cover the contractor or his work. If the contractor causes damage to your home, you will want their insurance to provide restoration.

The Neate Dupey Insurance Group had its beginnings in 2010 with the establishment of AMD Insurance Services in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Since then, we have grown to become a boutique independent insurance broking and risk management firm, supported by a large panel of national carriers, with clientele throughout the United States.
We occupy the niche between the big national insurance agencies and the typical suburban or captive agency. This makes us the ideal insurance partner for those clients seeking a combination of personal service and technical expertise.

We focus on tailoring innovative insurance solutions for clients who require more than “off the shelf” financial services.

As a full-service insurance agency, our clients range from large multi-state enterprises to small and medium businesses, along with residential homes, scheduled personal property, auto, liability umbrellas, and all other ancillary personal insurance products.

When you form a relationship with Neate Dupey, you can rest assured knowing you will always be treated as an important client, and that your business or family’s future will be fully protected.
We look forward to speaking with you and assisting you with your insurance and risk management requirements.

Tips to Enjoy Your Spring Workout

March 10, 2021

There are three key elements that are important to make any exercise program successful. These elements are safety, effectiveness, and enjoyment.

Safety: The “No pain, no gain” theory is a myth. Avoid any exercise that causes pain or undue discomfort. If pain occurs in the neck or chest area, stop exercising and, if necessary, seek medical attention. General muscle soreness is another matter, especially for the beginner. You can expect some soreness, but it need not be excessive.
A personal trainer will design an exercise program for you and your current fitness level. As your fitness level increases, your program will be adjusted to keep up with you. Too much too soon will only undermine your efforts.

Using proper form, technique and avoiding high-impact will keep your exercise program safe. A strain in your lower back, shins, calves, ankles, and knees are predictable results of improper form. Repetitive, jarring movements should be avoided for general fitness. If you feel a strain, please let your trainer know. We don’t always know if you don’t tell us.
Don’t bounce or force stretching movements. Quick, pulsing movements while stretching can result in muscle strain and tears. Static movements that gradually extend muscles through the full range of motion until you feel resistance is the stretching to use for general fitness. Stretching will also decrease the likelihood of injury and soreness.
Effectiveness: Effective exercise does require effort, but those who say it must hurt are wrong. The level of exercise is determined by your fitness level and goals. The fuel source for the body during low to moderate aerobic exercise is fat. If burning excess body fat is your current fitness goal, stick to the recommended exercises and intensity levels to receive maximum results. As your fitness level increases, so will the formula for your program. Intensity, weight, repetitions, and rest periods will all be adjusted as you progress.
Proper warm-up before exercising and cool down afterward is essential to avoid injury and achieve peak performance.

Enjoyment: It has been said that nobody will exercise just because it is good for them. We need additional motives or goals that mean something to us, and that will come as a result of regular exercise.
It is important to identify your goal, so your exercising effort focuses on your goal(s) to keep you motivated. The more motivating your exercise becomes, the more enjoyable it will be. More enjoyment produces more consistent and more incredible results!
So how do you make exercise fun? First of all, stop thinking of it as exercise and start thinking of it as play. You remember play: those activities you enjoyed as a child. Turn exercise into play! Usually, play involves interaction with friends and variety.

All of us at Neate Dupey Insurance Group appreciate your continued business, and wish you a healthy and happy March!

Top Reasons That Lead Employers Into Litigation

March 9, 2021

Employees are a critical part of every business operation. Managing the employer-employee relation is important in keeping your business up and running. Unfortunately, these relationships create issues that may lead to litigation. Many of these lawsuits involve current or past employees who believe they have some “dirty laundry” on the business or think they can turn a minor grievance into a major payday.
Here are some of the reasons employers get into trouble.

Lack of training. It is important that all managers have effective training on how to manage their employees. It is also vital that you understand all statutes and laws that govern the employee-employer relationship.
Not Following the Company's Own Policies and Procedures. It is important to make sure all managers and employees follow the procedures you have established.
Ignoring Employment Laws. Failure to follow basic, relevant employment laws could be much worse than just a lawsuit. You could face fines and other penalties.
Documentation. Documentation is a must for a business owner. It will protect you against lawsuits as long as you do the due process and you’re treating your employees fairly. Every action you take should have corresponding documents.
Not Using Employment Agreements. Written employment agreements, as long as they’re professionally drafted, can eliminate any doubts about what is expected in the employee/employer relationship.

A normal commercial insurance policy may not cover this risk, so it pays to have us complete a review of your insurance coverage. An Employment Practice Liability Insurance policy offers insurance protection against claims and lawsuits brought against a business, its officers or directors, or its employees and managers.

Are You Starting A Home Business?

March 3, 2021

Do you want to start a home-based business? Having a home business of your own is a good way to make a living. Keep in mind that it there are risks involved. Most home-based businesses do not have the same risks as other businesses, including buildings, employees, production machinery, and a fleet of vehicles.

However, home-based businesses do have many risks that need to be considered.

Do Some Pre Planning

Check with your local zoning to see if home-based businesses are allowed
If you are planning on having customers visit your home, you may need special permits.

Home Based Business Risks Can Include

Product liability
Professional Liability
Injury or damage to customers
Auto accidents
Disability
Cyber breach
Property loss and damage
Crime and dishonesty
Cyber liability
Web page copyright liability
Employees or contractor’s issues

The key is to understand what these risks are so you can take the necessary actions to make sure that your business is protected. It’s important to carry the right commercial insurance to protect your business in case of an unforeseen event. Hire a reputable insurance provider to help you assess the potential risks and determine which types of policies meet your business needs.

As an independent insurance agency we are affiliated with multiple industry-leading companies. It is these partnerships that allow us to provide our clients with better coverage at a competitive price. Our staff is knowledgeable and committed to providing a quality customer service experience to our valued clients.

Renters Need Insurance Too

March 1, 2021

Why Renters Insurance?
Even if you don't own a home, you still have a lot at risk. After all, look around your apartment; you own clothes, electronics, furniture, tools, jewelry, and a lot more. Renters insurance can help protect your assets without costing a lot of money. Renters insurance offers you peace of mind at a very affordable cost. Renters insurance is like a homeowner’s policy without the home.

What Renters Insurance Covers
Renter insurance will cover your personal property and provide personal liability coverage.

Personal property (furniture, tools, electronics, computer equipment, jewelry, clothing, etc.)
Personal liability coverage if someone (third party) is hurt in your apartment.

Your Landlord May Require Renters Insurance
Many landlords now require renters insurance. More often landlords are getting pressure from their insurance companies to require that their renters have renters insurance.

What Does Renters Insurance Cost?
The Insurance Information Institute shows the national average is about $257 annually. We can usually offer very competitive rates that beat the national average.

What Determines the Renters Insurance Premium?

How much coverage you need and your limits
They type of coverage you choose
The amount of your deductible
The location of your rented home or apartment

The coverage you need can’t always be determined in 10 minutes over the internet. A short phone call to our office will help us provide you with the right combination of price, coverage and service for your renters insurance.

Regardless of where you live, your renter’s insurance policy and cost will be unique. An insurer will take into account your assets, your risk factors, and several other items when presenting you with a quote.