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How To Make a Home Inventory for Homeowner’s Insurance

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A home inventory is a big piece of protecting your investment and ensuring that your homeowner’s insurance covers everything. Goodman Insurance Inc., located in Shelton, CT, is eager to help you learn how to create a complete list of your possessions for your policy. By keeping a detailed inventory, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that we have what’s needed if you have to make a claim.

Getting Started

After looking around your place, creating a home inventory may seem like an overwhelming job. However, it can be done rather easily with little planning and organization. We recommend you follow these steps to streamline the process and make things as stress-free as possible:

  • Choose a method: First, decide whether you prefer to create a physical list, use a digital spreadsheet, or take advantage of one of the many home inventory apps. 
  • Start with high-value items: Begin by documenting your most valuable possessions. Things like jewelry, electronics, and artwork should be at the top. Ensure you include a description, the make and model, serial number, purchase date, and an estimated value.
  • Move room by room: Go through each room, listing every item and its details. Don’t forget to include items in closets, attics, basements, and garages.
  • Please take photos or videos: Take pictures or video footage to provide visual proof of their condition and the fact that you have them. This can be particularly helpful for items that are difficult to describe or have unique features.
  • Keep receipts and appraisals: Store any related documents, like receipts or appraisals, with your list. The information helps validate claims and speeds up the process.
  • Update regularly: Make sure to update your home inventory whenever you get new items or dispose of old ones. It is also a good idea to review your list at least once a year,

Safeguard Your Inventory

Once your home inventory is complete, store it securely, such as a fireproof safe or a digital cloud storage service. Share a copy with our insurance agent at Goodman Insurance Inc. in Shelton, CT. We will review it and ensure you have enough coverage for everything on your list.

Make an Appointment Today

Take the first step toward protecting your most prized possessions and all of your belongings by creating a detailed home inventory list. Contact Goodman Insurance Inc. in Shelton, CT, today to discuss your homeowner’s insurance protection needs. Let our experienced team guide you through the sometimes challenging process. We’re happy to help!

Do You Need Commercial Insurance for Your Connecticut Business?

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If you own a business in Connecticut, there are specific requirements you must follow when it comes to commercial insurance. The agents at Goodman Insurance Inc., serving the Shelton, CT area, are here to assist you with your commercial insurance needs. They want you to know and understand the different coverage options and requirements that you need to know about when it comes to commercial insurance for your business.

Commercial Auto Liability

Under the state laws of Connecticut, all drivers must have at least auto liability insurance in place. If you own or rent vehicles for your business or use personal vehicles for business purposes, you must ensure that you have auto liability insurance for each car.

Commercial Liability Insurance Coverage

Commercial liability insurance coverage is critical since it covers many things. For example, if a customer or other visitor to your business slips and falls, their medical bills will be paid under this type of coverage. This coverage can also assist you if you have a breach in security online with your customers’ information or are sued for slander, copyright infringement, or libel.

Commercial Property Insurance

It is vital that you have commercial property insurance to cover the inventory that you have for your business in case there is a fire, a natural disaster, or an act of vandalism. Commercial property insurance will assist you in recovering any losses that you suffer if your business is also robbed.

Contact Goodman Insurance Inc.

The agents at Goodman Insurance Inc., serving the Shelton, CT area, are ready to assist you with all your insurance needs, including commercial insurance. Call today for an appointment to get your policy started.

Home Insurance: What It Does and Does Not Cover

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If you own a house, you probably understand that protecting it is crucial. One of the best ways to do it is to purchase home insurance. Its purpose is to protect you and your home from the unexpected. However, before buying any home insurance policy, you should know what home insurance covers and does not cover. 

What Is Covered By Home Insurance?

It is essential to know that home insurance is divided into two parts – property coverage and liability protection. 

Property protection covers the following:

  • Dwelling
  • Personal property 
  • Loss of use or additional living expenses
  • Other structures
  • Additional coverages

Here is what liability protection covers:

  • Personal liability 
  • Liability 
  • Medical bills

What is NOT Covered By Home Insurance?

Unfortunately, home insurance has certain limitations and does not cover everything. Here is what is usually not covered by standard home insurance:

  • Flood damage
  • Earthquake damage
  • Home insurance and mold
  • Volcano coverage
  • Landslides

If you think you may face these risks or you live in an area prone to the risks listed above, you should consider buying additional special coverage. 

Goodman Insurance Inc. in Shelton, CT – The Insurance Company That You Can Trust

If you are lucky and you have a property in Shelton, CT, or any other nearby area, it is important to have proper and sufficient home insurance to protect your home. If you are searching for an insurance agency to purchase a home insurance plan addressing your needs, do not look any further – Goodman Insurance Inc. will gladly assist you. Our experienced insurance specialists will answer all your questions and provide detailed information about the insurance types we sell. 

What types of commercial insurance coverage are there?

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There are many different things that businesses have to do to keep their businesses running. One of these things that a business owner should do is have insurance to protect their finances, property, employees, and the public in case stuff happens. This is where commercial insurance comes in. There are several different types of commercial insurance coverage to choose from for your business insurance needs.

General liability

General liability covers if something happens to a customer or employee. It helps cover the costs if someone is injured or their belongings are damaged due to the company’s fault. It also helps protect you financially if you end up with a lawsuit against your business.

Property insurance

Property insurance protects against property damage.

Business interruption insurance

This covers your potential financial loss if something interrupts your business and potential income.

Worker’s compensation

Worker’s compensation protects workers if they get injured on the job.

Commercial auto insurance

Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles that are company owned or used for the work of the business.

Employment practices liability insurance

This covers the business if an employee does something that reflects poorly on the company and affects customers.

Cyber insurance

This helps cover losses from cyber crimes. There are limits to cyber insurance coverage and strict guidelines that you need to follow, such as having high cyber security measures in place.

Crime insurance

If a crime occurs, commercial insurance can help cover the losses and damages that happen to the business.

Contact Goodman Insurance Inc.

If you have a business in Shelton, CT, and are looking for commercial insurance coverage, look no further than Goodman Insurance Inc.

Don’t forget to increase your commercial coverage when purchasing heavy machinery

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Business owners in the greater Shelton, CT area can rely on the Goodman Insurance Inc. team for all their commercial insurance needs. We understand the importance of protecting your hard work. Call to schedule a consultation today.

Heavy machinery purchases could mean changes to your commercial insurance

Firms that operate heavy machinery have a lot of insurance needs that many other types of companies may not have to deal with. Operating heavy machinery involves the risk of injury in addition to the possibility of material damage. This can mean that a firm will need liability insurance and worker’s compensation protection.

The cost of heavy machinery can be pretty substantial, so protecting the company’s investment is also important. Before making a large purchase of heavy machinery, it makes sense to take the time to review the company’s current commercial policy. This is also an excellent time to sit down with an insurance professional to review all insurance policies thoroughly. 

It may be time to upgrade to a comprehensive commercial policy or add an umbrella policy to the company’s insurance portfolio. With such significant equipment investments, obtaining a professional outlook is worthwhile. Don’t be caught without the necessary insurance to protect your equipment, employees, and the overall health of the company’s bottom line. 

We are here to help with all of your insurance needs

Goodman Insurance Inc. is proud to serve the Shelton, CT business community. Our team is dedicated to helping community business owners protect their hard work. If you have questions about your commercial insurance or are planning to start a business in the future, we are here for you. Contact our office today!

Do I Need Business Insurance if I Have No Employees?

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You might be tempted to skip business insurance when you first start your business. The cost of coverage can seem prohibitive for new companies. But as your business grows and requires more protection, you’ll want to add business insurance even if you are the only one working for your business.

Goodman Insurance Inc. has the expertise to help Shelton, CT business owners protect their business with the right insurance coverage. We understand the unique challenges of small businesses and the importance of having the proper protection in place.

Insurance You Are Legally Required to Have

The state only has two laws that require you to have insurance. The first is for worker’s compensation, which only applies if you have employees. The second is for commercial auto insurance, which only applies if you have a vehicle used for business purposes.

If you use a vehicle exclusively for business purposes, you must insure it against a minimum amount of coverage. These coverages include liability for bodily injury and property damage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Note: You aren’t required to insure a personal vehicle used for work purposes with a commercial auto policy. However, it’s good to have hired and non-owned auto coverage (HNOA), like your personal auto policy, which may not cover damages incurred during business use.

Insurance You Should Have for Your Businesses’ Protection

If your business has property such as computers, inventory, office equipment, etc., that would be expensive to replace if damaged or stolen; then you need a commercial insurance policy. Likewise, suppose you are worried about your business being sued for damages due to an accident involving a customer or in the event of a data breach. In that case, commercial insurance is a good idea.

Business insurance can offer protection for:

  • Property
  • Liability
  • Vehicles
  • Identity Theft
  • And more…

Contact Goodman Insurance Inc. today to discover what commercial insurance is available for you in Shelton, CT.

Required Commercial Insurance in Connecticut

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When you own a Connecticut business, there may be certain commercial insurance policies that you are required to have. Not having the required insurance policies can lead to fines and fees that your business would be better without. These insurance policies also protect your business from a number of costs and lawsuits in the event of an accident. If you need commercial insurance in Connecticut, give us a call at Goodman Insurance Inc. in Shelton, CT to find out more. 

Workers’ Compensation Coverage

If your business has any number of employees, even just one, you are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance for them. Part-time and seasonal employees as well as regular, full-time workers are included in this mandate. Household employees who work 26 hours or more each week also have this stipulation. If they work less than this amount, they don’t have to be covered. This kind of insurance pays for the costs that result from an injury at work including lost wages and medical bills.

Commercial Auto Coverage

If your business owns a vehicle of any type, your business must have a commercial auto insurance policy on it. If the vehicle were to be in an accident that was the fault of you or your employee, this insurance policy pays for the ensuing medical bills as well as property damage costs. This policy must include a specific minimum amount of coverage for bodily injury for a single person injured and another amount for all of the parties injured in the accident. There is another amount required for the damage to the other person’s property. In addition, there is coverage mandated for underinsured and uninsured motorists with one amount needed for one person who was injured and another amount for all of those who were injured. 

Get Your Business Covered

If your business needs commercial coverage, call us today at Goodman Insurance Inc. in Shelton, CT.

Life Insurance: Four Things That Could Impact Your Rates

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When you get life insurance in Shelton, CT, there are numerous factors that must be taken into consideration before an insurer like Goodman Insurance Inc. will offer you coverage. This may include anything from family history to your current health. Here is a closer look at some of the most common lifestyle factors that will play a role in your life insurance coverage rates.

Drinking Habits

If you regularly consume an excessive amount of alcohol, you are predisposed to a number of health conditions, such as hypertension, gastritis, and even seizures. Since these health conditions can have a considerable impact on your well-being and future health, you can expect your drinking habits to be considered when determining whether to offer you life insurance coverage and at what rate. Lowering or stopping your alcohol consumption may benefit you and your policy premiums.

Tobacco Use

You have always been told that it is bad for your health to smoke, so it probably comes as no surprise that an insurance company will take your tobacco usage into consideration for a life insurance policy. This includes anything from cigarettes and vapes to pipe smoking and chewing tobacco. Stopping smoking can reduce your risk of developing heart disease, cancer, and other health conditions later in life, which may have an impact on your rates.

Hobbies

It may be hard to believe, but your physical lifestyle can play a role in your life insurance rates. This is because there are certain activities that are considered risky, such as sky diving, mountain climbing, scuba diving, and auto racing.

Got questions? Contact Goodman Insurance Inc., serving the Shelton, CT area, to find out more about life insurance and what you can do to control your rates.

3 Reasons Your Connecticut Commercial Insurance Needs Errors and Omissions Insurance

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When you run a business in Connecticut, you have a lot of worries and concerns on your mind. Liabilities are going to be on your mind every day. You can’t afford to make a single mistake.

At Goodman Insurance Inc., we want Shelton, CT business owners to be aware, and protected, for every liability.  Errors and Omissions insurance is an important part of your Connecticut commercial insurance policy.

Learn the three main reasons why errors and omissions insurance is important today. 

Protects Your Mistakes

You may be a superhero in your business world, but you are also a human there too sometimes. E & O insurance is there to undo your mistakes by protecting them from costing you in a large financial way.  
You are going to make mistakes. You try to avoid these ones, but this insurance will back you up if they end up actually costing you.

Covers Legal Costs

Errors and omissions insurance is liability insurance in the event that you make an error or an omission during the course of your professional service. You could get sued for that error or omission. This liability insurance will cover your legal costs.

It often covers court costs, and settlements, and other fees incurred during an E & O lawsuit. Legal fees in these lawsuits can be extraordinary. You will want E & O for that alone.

Protects You From Internal Problems

When you run a business, your employees are liabilities as well. E & O insurance will protect you from any problems that they may cause. It won’t protect you from a temporary employee or contractor problems. It also won’t cover any work that was done before your policy came into effect. 

You worry about your employees making errors or omissions in the course of their work. This insurance could protect you.

Update Your Commercial Insurance Policy

When you are running a business, there is a chance you could make a mistake. That is what errors and omissions insurance is for. At Goodman Insurance Inc., we help Shelton, CT business owners build the commercial insurance policy they need to keep their mistakes protected financially. Call us for a quote today or to update your Connecticut commercial insurance policy.

What Is Whole Life Insurance?

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If you have a family, you likely want to have some life insurance. It’s important to have a way for your loved ones to pay your final expenses as well as to handle the loss of your income. Many people choose to get a whole life policy for its many benefits. If you are interested in life insurance, give us a call today at Goodman Insurance, Inc., in Shelton, CT.

Term and Whole Life

Both term life and whole life are helpful to those who want insurance protection, but term life is only good for one specific term, or time period, and whole life is good for the rest of your life. It’s called whole life because that’s how long it can last. If you keep up with paying the premiums, the policy cannot be canceled- not even by the insurance company that issued the policy. Many people like that they won’t have to reapply after a term is over and that they can keep the policy no matter how old they get. 

Cash Value

Another important advantage to getting a whole life policy is that it will build a cash value over time. Policyholders can borrow against the amount of the policy’s cash values when they need to. This can help protect you against a financial emergency that requires a quick influx of cash. It takes a few years for the policy to start building up its cash value, but when it does, it continues to grow. Once you borrow against that amount, you pay it back just like any other loan. If you are to pass away before the amount is paid back, that amount is simply deducted from the death benefit.

Get Whole Life Insurance

If you are interested in a whole life policy, call us at Goodman Insurance, Inc., in Shelton, CT.