Differences Between Firearm Insurance and Firearm Business Insurance

The difference between firearm insurance and firearm business insurance is based on the use that the weapons receive.
Therefore, a business working with firearms should not be satisfied with firearm insurance and should get firearm business insurance too.

Simple firearm insurance protects the bearer from accidents and liability by damages produced with the gun. However, if the firearms are used as part of a business like in sporting firearm commerce or collector’s exhibitions, there is another kind of policy that needs to be purchased. Moreover, there are actually two different policies that are known as firearm business insurances.

Firearm Insurance

Firearm insurance protects the owner and or bearer of the weapon from damages caused by its use or misuse (depending on the extension of the insurance contract). The average policy includes only accidents caused by the use of the gun, however, some insurance policies may include other risks like damage to properties when using the weapon reasonably, etc.

Under no circumstances an insurance policy will cover for the illegal use of a firearm that results in damages to people or possessions. However, damages caused when using a firearm to defend oneself are usually covered by firearm insurance policies as the self defense is an exception that excludes the misdemeanor from most actions that would otherwise constitute a crime.

Firearm Business Insurances

As explained above, there are two different types of firearm business insurances. Neither of them has to do with actual firearm insurance and should complement it. These insurances protect the holder, user or transporter of any damages caused to the weapon or by the weapon under its commercial use. Since firearms can be used commercially in different ways, more than one insurance policy had to be created.

Collector policies are firearm business insurance that protect the owner against damages when the weapons are not fired or used. This includes the use of weapons only for exhibits, and needs also to protect the goods while they are in route to a show or exhibition against: fire, flood, theft, damage, explosion or other accidental damages that may render the firearm useless for the commercial purpose covered.

Sporting firearm business insurance, on the other hand, protects weapons that are used for competitive shooting, target shooting, hunting or any other LEGAL use that implies firing the weapons. It obviously protects both the weapons and other possessions and people from the damages caused by the firearms.

On both cases, it is very important to obtain, prior to the insurance contract, an appraisal of the firearm value, especially when the weapon is an antique. It is advisable to get it from a third party and not to resort only to the insurance company’s appraisal specialists even if your are asked to provide a value yourself for the insurance contract as price variations can occur and you should be protected of that too.

Hilary Bowman is the author of this article. She works successfully as a financial advisor and publishes informative articles about personal finance at www.fastguaranteedloans.com

By: Hilary Bowman

Annual homeowners insurance premiums in Michigan have been on the rise this decade because of increased flood claims and higher rebuilding costs. Homeowners have seen their premiums rise 85%. This trend makes it more vital than ever that you take time to shop around for homeowners insurance and make sure you're paying the lowest possible price.

Keep Your Insurance Costs Down

To keep your homeowner insurance costs as low as possible, follow these tips:

* Set your coverage limits high enough to protect you, but not higher than your home and belongings are worth. To get accurate numbers, take an inventory of your belongings and call a realtor or builder to get an estimate of how much it would cost to rebuild your home.

* Set your deductible as high as you can afford. The deductible is the amount you pay on a claim before the insurance starts to pay. If you can afford $500 or even $1,000 out of pocket, set your deductible at that level and you'll save 15% to 25% on your yearly premium.

* Get all the discounts you can. Michigan homeowners insurance companies typically offer discounts for non-smokers, for having multiple policies with the same company, for installing security features, and a host of other discounts. Ask if they offer any other discounts you might qualify for and include them in your policy.

Shop Around for Insurance

Did you know that over 100 insurance companies offer homeowners insurance in Michigan? These insurance companies compete with each other to provide the lowest rates and the best service. Their rates can vary dramatically from one company to the next, which means you can save hundreds of dollars a year just by comparison shopping.

The best way to comparison shop for Michigan home insurance is to visit an insurance comparison website. At an insurance comparison website you fill out a form with information about yourself, the home you're insuring, and your insurance needs (such as your limits and deductibles). You then receive quotes from multiple A-rated insurance companies, allowing you to easily compare the quotes and choose the company with the lowest rate.

The best insurance comparison websites even have a chat feature, so if you have any questions about homeowners insurance, you can get accurate, timely answers from trained insurance professionals.

http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/homeowners-insurance.html or click on the following link to get Michigan homeowners insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can also get more insurance tips there.

Author: Brian Stevens

What to Know When Making a Truck Insurance Claim

While most truck drivers are very careful, various circumstances can lead to accidents and truck damage claims. This is, after all, the reason why truck insurance exists. It is important to be aware of the process involved in making a truck insurance claim, as well as procedures to be followed on the scene of the accident.

In the end, the claims process is relatively simple. The driver files a claim and the truck insurance provider sends a claim adjuster to inspect damages, after which the truck insurance claim is processed and payments are made. In order for the claims process to go smoothly, it is important to have five pieces of information for your truck insurer: your story, the stories of other drivers involved in the accident, the police report, eyewitness accounts, and physical damage at the scene.

To be sure to gather this information for your truck insurance company, follow these five steps.

Step 1
Immediately following the accident, the first thing you need to do is assess the safety of the situation. Contact emergency services, such as 911. If you are hauling hazardous materials, contact the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Response Center (NRC) at (800) 232-0124. Provide any medical assistance that you are capable of and trained to provide. Providing medical assistance without proper training can result in lawsuits and further damage claims by other parties.

Step 2

Obtain information from other parties involved in the accident including contact information, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Most states require drivers to carry an insurance card. All pertinent information will be included on this card.

Step 3

Speak to witnesses of the accident and ask them for an account of what they saw. Sometimes this may not be possible because of the severity of the accident, injury, etc. If this is the case, the police will also be gathering testimony.

Step 4

Contact your truck insurance provider. The sooner you call them the better. The truck insurance agent will immediately begin the process of filing the claim and advise you of any other actions that you may need to follow through on. They can help you determine at this time what types of insurance will be used in the claim. For example will both Primary Liability and Cargo Insurance be used?

Step 5

An appointment with a truck insurance claims adjuster will be scheduled. The adjuster will estimate the value of loss and price of repairs for your insurance claim. After this the process is fairly smooth with payment being made for the repair or replacement of equipment.

Joe Trzepla is a truck insurance consultant that works with companies such as Cover Me Insurance Agency which specializes in truck insurance for owner operators and small fleet. He also consults for other similar truck insurance companies such as the Direct Truck Insurance company.

How Safe Is Your Mattress? Replacing Your Mattress Could Save Your Life and Your Bank Account

Fire safety is probably the furthest thing from your mind as you drift off to sleep each night. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 360 people die each year from mattress fires. Considering that statistic, you might want to re-think your current sleeping arrangements and re-visit your insurance policies.

Beginning July 1, mattress manufacturers must meet a federal fire resistant standard that could save your life and/or the lives of your loved ones. The new mattresses will meet a strict performance regulation that will make them more resistant to fires started by open flames from matches, lighters, candles, etc.

While the mattress regulations will not eliminate fires, the new performance standards will buy consumers valuable time in the event of a fire. It only takes a few minutes for flames to engulf a mattress, then destroy a room. Mattresses manufactured under this regulation will burn much more slowly, adding to the time victims can escape injuries or death.

Recognized as a leading cause of death for children, mattress fires can be caused by a number of things, which is why it is necessary to take strict safety precautions.

1. Don’t smoke in bed. This habit is a major source of accidental fire deaths in homes. If your mattress was manufactured after 1973, it was required to resist cigarette ignition. The standard set on July 1, 2007 will resist open flame ignition.

2. Be watchful of decorative candles.

3. Don’t fall asleep while candles are burning.

4. Don’t allow children to play with candles, matches or lighters. Warn them of the dangers of fire.

5. Install a functioning fire alarm in every bedroom.

6. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 270 deaths and 1,330 injuries will be prevented every year once this mattress flammability standard is in place. While you can’t predict when or if a fire will occur in your home, you can prepare for it.

In addition to taking safety precautions, it’s also important to be sure you have insurance that will cover damages and/or injuries caused by smoke or fire. Following safety guidelines can reduce your risk factor, but they will not eliminate the possibility of the unexpected. Insurance is for the unexpected. Take time now to prepare for these unpredictable events.

Damages or injuries from fire or smoke can drain your bank account if you are not prepared. Thoroughly review your insurance policies to be sure you are covered for these perils.

If you haven’t done so, talk with your local insurance agent to consider your risk factor and discuss your insurance policy.

If you need to check insurance rates for your area, take a few minutes to complete an application with HometownQuotes. They will distribute your inquiry to multiple insurance agents in your area for free so you can shop for affordable insurance rates.

HometownQuotes provides a quick and easy way for consumers to compare multiple insurance quotes.

Publishing Guidelines: This article may be published with permission by sending a request to krista@hometownquotes.com.
*Please note that this article is not a professional consultation. This article is for general information only. Always seek specific information from a licensed insurance professional.*

By Krista Farmer

http://www.hometownquotes.com/how-safe-is-your-mattress.html

Home-Based Business Owners, You Need Insurance Coverage

When you start a home-based business, buying insurance may not be your first priority, but you cannot afford to ignore it either. When the unexpected happens -- and it will -- having insurance coverage may mean the difference between the success and failure of your home-based business.

You may not require all types of insurance listed here, but taking some time now to consider your insurance needs can save you money and headaches in the future. Ultimately, after reading this article, the best way to determine your complete needs is to consult with your insurance agent. Explain to them the details of your home-based business and he or she should be able to determine the best insurance coverage for you (and any employees).

Health Insurance

Health insurance should be the first consideration for yourself and any employees you may have. If you have just left your current job to start your own business, you may be eligible for COBRA, which will provide temporary interim coverage. This will keep you covered while you search for the best health insurance policy.

Disability Insurance

Disability insurance will guarantee that you have some income should you suddenly become unable to work because of injury or illness. Having this extra peace of mind is almost always well worth the extra money you pay.

Life Insurance

Life insurance will help ensure that your family has the money it needs should you meet with an untimely death. Some lenders require that you have life insurance before they'll issue a loan; this guarantees that the loan will be repaid if you meet with an untimely end.

Business Property Insurance

Business property insurance helps protect you against loss of inventory or equipment. If your business equipment or inventory is damaged in a flood, fire, or other disaster, this type of insurance will allow you to recoup your losses.

General Liability Insurance

Comprehensive general liability insurance is necessary for your home-based business if you plan on having clients or customers visit your home. Whether you plan to hold meetings, allow customers to pick up merchandise, or have members of the public enter your home for any other reason, this insurance will protect you if someone is injured while on your property. This insurance will typically pay for your legal defense should you face a lawsuit as the result of a fall or other damage that occurs on your property.

Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance will help your business recover from natural disasters. It will cover you for income lost during the disaster, and will pay for operating expenses that continue to accrue, even though your business isn't up and running.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers' compensation insurance is an absolute necessity if you plan on having employees working out of your home. Without workers' comp, you'll be responsible for any medical expenses arising from injuries employees sustain while working for you. Many home-based business owners mistakenly believe that this type of insurance is only required by businesses that have a retail or separate location, but that's not the case. Another mistake is assuming that only ‘dangerous’ employers (such as construction or movers) need this type of insurance. But what if your employee slips on the stairs or their chair breaks? While those are both unlikely, they are possible and the less risky your business, the cheaper the insurance will be.

These insurance plans can help ensure that you are prepared to face any eventuality that might occur while you are running your own business. Disasters, accidents, and crises can strike at any time. By preparing now, you may be saving you and your company significant financial loss, wasted time, and difficulty.