Barr's Blog

Insurance Companies offering iPhone Apps

2011-03-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

I've been an iPhone user for two years now and love what it can do. I recently found several applications that can be very helpful for our clients. Companies such as Progressive, Hartford, Travelers & Safeco (previously Ohio Casualty and Peerless Insurance) now have iPhone apps that can help you if our office is closed. These apps have functions of paying your bills, looking at your policy and even turning in claims. If you have an iPhone, go into the App Store and download it. However, you still have to go onto their respective websites to get yourself set up with your policy information.

What's great about this is that if you don't have any of the mentioned companies, and the way companies are progressing with technology, you'll soon see many more companies offering this!! Though we at Barr's Insurance love offering personalized service, we know that technology can make your experience with us and your insurance company smoother for every aspect of your insurance needs.

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

2011-02-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

It is tax season and if you are a small business owner, you might be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, a sliding scale tax credit that pays up to 35% of a qualified employer's cost to provide health insurance coverage for it employees. It's available for tax years 2010-13 and can be claimed on an employer's annual tax return. If you have fewer than 25 Full Time Equivalent Employees for the tax year, have average annual wages less than $50,000 per Full Time Employee, and employee's premiums are paid under a qualifying arrangement, you are eligible.

In order to claim this credit, employers must complete IRS Form 8941 (available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8941.pdf) and attach it to their annual tax return. Instructions on how to complete the IRS Form 8941 are available on the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf.i8941.pdf.

For more information on the Tax Credit, Barr's Insurance, Inc. recommends that you consult a licensed financial adviser or tax professional.

Notice: This post in informational only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advice.

Garage Insurance

2011-02-25T08:01:00.000-08:00

Garage Insurance

In the event of a fire, employee injury, theft of a customer’s vehicle—whatever the scenario, our job is to make sure you are covered financially so you can quickly get back to business as usual.

You can now take advantage of custom insurance solutions designed specifically for the auto service and repair industry. These solutions are available exclusively through Barr’s Insurance.

Barr’s Insurance offers competitively priced insurance products which automatically include a host of important coverages. You may also consider adding commercial auto, workers’ compensation, life insurance or an umbrella policy to conveniently consolidate your insurance with one reliable agency.

Barr’s Insurance is proud to represent many fine insurance carriers. Founded in 1873, Barr’s Insurance has been serving businesses like yours for several generations.

We would appreciate an opportunity to show you how Barr’s Insurance commercial products can benefit your business.

Posted by Barr's Insurance at 10:00 AM 0 comments

Self Storage: Items to Consider

2009-12-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

Did you know that most homeowner’s policies will not pay for the loss of household items that are in storage? Have you reviewed your contract lately?
It may be important to alert your space holders that they should contact their agent for very specific coverage.

How will your finances hold up if there was a fire, smoke, windstorm, or other perils at your storage unit facility?
If you have a mortgage or have borrowed money to fund this venture, then you need to make sure that your policy covers loss of income. It’s preferable to have it insured for the actual loss you sustain for up to one year. Let us help you design a policy that fits your needs.

Self Storage: Types of Insurance Coverage

2009-12-15T08:34:00.000-08:00

There are different types of property to consider when insuring your self storage business; real property and personal property. Real property are items such as buildings and permanently attached items. Personal property includes items that belong to your business such as computers, furniture, and equipment. Insurance policies can include limits for both your real and personal property. These can also be combined with liability coverage on a business owner’s policy. This type of policy can be custom tailored to your business.
In the event of a direct loss, a coverage to consider is Business Income coverage. This type of insurance provides coverage for a direct loss to the business. Examples of a direct loss include fire damage, water damage, and wind damage. This coverage begins at the time of loss and may continue until your facility is fully restored.
If you have a staff of employees, you may also want to consider Employee Dishonesty coverage. Employees can be tempted if they have access to your storage facility or your tenant’s property. An Employee Dishonesty policy can help protect your business.
A personal insurance package can be designed for your self storage business. We realize that your business is unique and the self storage industry has special coverage needs. Contact Barr’s Insurance at 888-399-6368 to create your package today.

Self Storage: Items to Consider When Opening a New Self Storage Facility

2009-10-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

Self Storage facilities are can be an exciting opportunity. Like any business, there are challenges and issues that will need to be considered. Some of these issues include proper licensing, insurance coverage, contracts agreements, and overall readiness to operate a business.

1. Licensing— File for any necessary licenses early as this process can take time and could prevent you from opening on your ideal day.
2. Insurance— Insurance is an integral part of protecting your business. A package can be tailored to your business. Contact Barr’s Insurance to answer any questions that you may have at 888-399-6368.
3. Contracts— Have all rental agreements and contract language on hand and ready to use. These items are important to your business and may need to quickly reference.
4. Readiness— This can include many things from ordering supplies, preparing your site, or measuring out your units.

Consider the maintenance and upkeep of your facility. Also, marketing and advertising plans can be utilized to promote your business. These are just a few of the items that should be considered when opening a self storage facility. If you have any questions regarding proper insurance coverage for a business like this, please contact Barr’s Insurance at 888-399-6368. We can create an insurance package that’s right for you.