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Tips for Shopping for Homeowners’ Insurance

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Shopping for homeowners insurance can be an overwhelming task, but it’s essential to research all of the types of policies so you get fantastic coverage for yourself and your family. Our team at the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency serving residents in the Omaha, NE area understands that each homeowner has unique needs when it comes to their policy.

Here are our expert tips to help make shopping easier:

Determine Your Specific Coverage Needs

First, determine how much coverage you need. Consider the size and type of your home, as well as any special features or assets that need protection. Your policy should cover more than just the structure of your home; it should also consider other properties such as furniture, electronics, jewelry, artwork, and valuable collections. Many policies offer additional coverage for things like flooding, earthquakes, or windstorms.

Understand the Different Types of Homeowners Insurance Policies

There are several types of homeowners insurance policies available, depending on your budget and the amount of coverage you need. Some common policy types include HO-1 through HO-8. Each of these policies offers a different level of coverage, and some are more comprehensive than others. Make sure to research and compare the types of policies that are available to determine which one is right for you.

Considering Your Options

At the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, we understand that shopping for homeowners insurance in Omaha, NE can be a daunting task. We are here to help guide you through the process and offer advice on which policy is best for your specific needs. Our experienced agents will work with you to find the right coverage options so you can have peace of mind knowing that your home and belongings are protected. Contact us today for more information!

Involved in a Hit and Run? Here’s What to Do Next

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At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, we are happy to assist Omaha, NE drivers with all their auto insurance needs and related concerns, such as what to do next if you have been in an accident. 

Check out this step-by-step guide to what to do when you’re dealing with a hit and run:

First: Get Help

If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, call 911 (if there are injuries or you’re in an unsafe area, such as on the side of a busy highway). If there are no accidents or immediate danger, call your local police station. 

Second: Gather Evidence

After you’ve received any immediately necessary medical treatment and are in a safe location, it’s time to gather some evidence. Take pictures of any damage to your vehicle. If you remember any details about the person who hit your car (such as the make and model of the car they were driving, a description of the driver, or the state on their license plate) be sure to write it down, so you’re able to convey information to your insurance company. If anyone witnessed the accident, be sure to ask them for anything they noticed. 

Third: Call Your Insurance Company.

You’ll want to let your insurance company know right away that you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident. Be sure to call even if you’re not sure whether you’ll file a claim. 

Searching for the right auto insurance? We’re here to help

At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, we’re proud to serve our Omaha, NE customers, and we’re excited to get to know you and chat about your auto insurance needs. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help keep you and your family protected.

Why Does Your Business Need Commercial Insurance?

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Business establishments at their introductory stages may encounter risks and challenges. For any business entity to remain relevant in entrepreneurial dealings, it should devise a framework to reduce these impeding risks. Without efficient commercial insurance protection, you may be exposed to a stressful settlement of legal dues in cash, leading you to bankruptcy or resulting in detrimental financial constraints.

Our team of insurance experts at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency is here to provide you with more information on commercial insurance. 

How Is Commercial Insurance an Asset to Entrepreneurs?

Commercial insurance coverage provides you with a broad range of benefits for various investors, including:

Protection from lawsuits

Lawsuits are catalysts for bankruptcy for many ventures. Any business can be at risk of costly lawsuits. Workers’ comp insurance kicks in and pays for the lawsuit fees.

Covering of advertising liability

Any violation of the copyright of any individual establishment can result in dire consequences from respective authorities in Omaha, NE. If your business entity interferes in any copyright aspect of other existing ventures or parties, commercial insurance comes in and pays for any legal costs against such accusations.

It protects business assets.

Any business establishment has crucial and valuable components within its location. These assets ensure seamless productivity for the business enterprise in question. However, these precious assets responsible for the smooth running of your business are at risk. Commercial insurance will prevent your business components like furniture and computers from imminent risks.

Protecting your employees

Statistics have proved that many employees suffer injuries while operating in various businesses but go unrecorded and are compensated. Worker’s comp insurance coverage is mandatory in Omaha, NE where business entities are hiring permanent or seasonal workers. It is a safeguard against work-related sickness or injuries for employees working for your company. It is also for funeral benefits and missed wages.

Give Us A Call

Start a thriving business without fear of an underlying peril in Omaha, NE! Please don’t hesitate to contact or visit our dedicated agents at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency and get more details about commercial insurance.

 

How to prepare your home for a storm

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Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, serving the greater Omaha, NE community, has been taking care of your home insurance needs for many years. We know that a severe storm can cause a lot of damage to your home, so it’s important to take steps to protect your property before one may hit.

Here are some tips on how you can prepare your home for a storm:

1. Trim any trees or branches that may pose a risk to your house during the storm.

Falling tree limbs and branches can easily break windows and cause other types of damage, so this is an important first step in preparing for a storm.

2. Check your roof for loose shingles, cracks, or other signs of wear and tear that could lead to leaks or structural issues during the storm.

If you spot any problems with your roof, get them fixed as soon as possible – even if it means temporarily covering the area with a tarp or plywood until you can schedule a full repair.

3. Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage in case your home is damaged by the storm.

You should review your current policy to ensure that it covers any potential damage, and request an increase in coverage if necessary.

4. If possible, take steps to reinforce the exterior of your home before the storm hits, such as putting up shutters on windows or doors and reinforcing doorways with braces or other supports.

This will help protect your property from wind damage and flying debris during the storm.

5. Clear out gutters and downspouts so they’re free of leaves and other debris that could cause problems when water starts to flow.

Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to roof damage, flooding, or other issues during a storm.

Get Home Insurance Today

Make sure to have insurance coverage for your home to protect your most valuable asset. For more tips, call the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency today. We are proud to serve the Omaha, NE area. 

3 Steps to Take When You Get Into a Car Accident

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If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know what to do after getting into a car accident. We’ve put together a simple guide on handling yourself after an accident to help you through the process.

By following these three steps, you can stay calm and handle the situation in the best way possible:

1. Check for Injuries

The first thing you should do after an accident is check for injuries. If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. If someone is injured, you should call 911. 

2. Exchange Information

Once you’ve made sure that everyone is okay, the next step is to exchange information with the other driver. You’ll need their name, contact information, and insurance information. You will also want to take note of their license plate number. If there are any witnesses to the accident, you should also get their information.

It’s also a good idea to take photos of the damage to both vehicles and report the crash to reduce the risk of disputes. In Omaha, NE, you can call the OPD Traffic Unit at 402-444-5626.

3. Notify Your Insurance Company

After you’ve collected all the necessary information, the next step is to notify your insurance company. You’ll want to give them all of the details of the accident, including any injuries, damage, and witness information. Ed Thompson Insurance Agency serves the Omaha, NE area and can help customers start the claims process.

Contact Us Today

By following these steps, you can ensure you are fully prepared in the event of a car accident. Knowing what to do ahead of time will help you stay calm if an accident occurs. If you have any questions, call Ed Thompson Insurance Agency today. 

How Insurance Can Save Your Business If You’re Sued

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No one wants to think about getting sued, but it’s a risk every business owner faces. If you’re sued, having the right insurance can save your business. There are various types of business insurance, but every business owner should have three: general liability, product liability, and errors and omissions insurance. Discover more about protecting your business during litigation from Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE.

The Five Most Common Types of Business Lawsuits

The five most common types of business lawsuits are a breach of contract, violation of intellectual property rights, employment discrimination, personal injury, and wrongful death.

A breach of contract occurs when one party to a contract fails to perform its obligations under the agreement. This can happen for several reasons, including not being able to meet the terms of the contract, not being able to complete the work, or not being able to pay for the job.

Violation of intellectual property rights is when a company uses someone else’s intellectual property without permission. 

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer mistreats an employee because of race, religion, gender, age, or national origin. 

Personal injury occurs when someone is injured because of someone else’s negligence. 

Wrongful death occurs when someone dies because of someone else’s negligence. This can happen in the same ways as personal injury, but it also can occur when someone dies because of a defective product.

How Insurance Can Save Your Business from a Lawsuit

If you have insurance, your business is protected in case of a lawsuit. Your insurance company will pay for your legal defense if you are sued. If you are found liable, your insurance company will pay the damages up to your policy’s limit.

We specialize in commercial insurance at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE. We work with businesses of all sizes to find the coverage that best suits their needs. Whether you’re looking for property, liability, or workers’ compensation insurance, we can help. Contact us today for a consultation.

Why should you get a home insurance plan in Omaha?

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If you are going to live in the Omaha, NE area, you may find that owning a home is a good housing option. Since there are so many benefits to owning a home, you will want to know that you are insured as well as possible. There are multiple reasons why someone here should get home insurance if they are going to purchase and own their home. 

Benefit from Coverage

An important reason for anyone to get a home insurance policy is so they can benefit from the appropriate coverage. With a home insurance policy, you will get coverage to protect your dwelling and your personal assets if your home is damaged during a fire or due to bad weather. Also, with home insurance, you get coverage to help reduce your personal liability risks. This can be helpful if there is an accident that results in damage or injuries to another party.

Stay in Good Standing

You also should get home insurance to make sure you are able to stay in good standing. Anyone that buys a home in Omaha needs to understand their personal insurance requirements. This can include having a certain level of coverage set by their mortgage lender or by a home association. If you carry the right level of home insurance, you can avoid penalization due to lack of coverage. 

Get Home Insurance Today

Having home insurance in the Omaha, NE area needs to be a priority for everyone. Once you are ready to start looking for coverage, here, calling the team with Ed Thompson Insurance Agency is a good option. There are a lot of choices to make when looking for this insurance and Ed Thompson Insurance Agency will help you choose a plan that is right for your situation. 

Required Auto Insurance in Nebraska

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Having auto insurance is required for all vehicles in Nebraska. This coverage protects you in a number of ways that are each important. When you get your insurance policy, there are certain types of coverage that are required, and there are other types that are helpful but optional. When you need auto insurance, call us at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE.

Required Auto Insurance

Liability Auto Coverage

Most of the types of coverage required in Nebraska are for liability. These pay for the damages to someone else rather than to you or your driver. When you have a vehicle in the state, it’s required to have an amount of coverage that is for bodily injury liability for one person who is injured in an accident that is your fault. There is then a larger amount of coverage required for all of the people in the accident who are injured. Then, there is property damage liability with pays for damages done to the property of others. 

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists

Separate coverage amounts are required for both uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. These types provide coverage when you are hit by a motorist who has no insurance or has too little. This coverage is also important in case you get hit by a hit-and-run driver. 

Other Coverage

While it isn’t required, it’s often recommended for drivers to have collision coverage as well. This type pays for the damage that is done to your own vehicle if you were at fault for an accident. Comprehensive coverage is a type that pays for risks to your vehicle when it isn’t being driven. 

Get Your Auto Coverage

When you need an auto policy in Nebraska, we can help. Give us a call today at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE to find out more and to get started. 

What Are Some Common Exclusions In Commercial Insurance Policies?

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Insurance plans for businesses or property are designed to compensate owners for financial losses sustained as a result of property damage. They often include a number of exceptions to the rule. Understanding what the policy does not cover is equally as vital as knowing what they cover. Consult with us at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE for expert insurance advice. 

Commercial Insurance Exclusion: What It Entails

An insurance policy exclusion details a kind of loss for which the policy doesn’t provide coverage. The law demands that exclusions be specified in a way that is explicit and detailed. 

Every insurance policy comes with a set of features and restrictions. The kinds of businesses that are excluded might also change depending on where you live. Most insurance firms don’t offer coverage that results from things such as water damage, acts of war, kidnapping, and existing damage. 

In commercial insurance contracts, "exclusions or carve-outs" remove coverage for particular types of property, risks, conditions, or hazards. Exclusions are a tool that insurance companies use to exclude coverage for risks that they do not wish to insure. 

Because they cannot be prevented, certain dangers, like regular deterioration, aren’t covered by insurance policies. These include normal wear and tear. The ability to mitigate risk is provided to the policyholder, who is responsible for performing conducting routine maintenance and upkeep. Commercial insurance exclusions include: 

  • Contractual Liability
  • Liquor Liability
  • Pollution
  • Aircraft, Autos, and Watercraft
  • Intentional Acts
  • Contractual Liability

The higher the level of protection provided by the policy, the greater the risk posed to the insurance provider, and the higher the premium required to pay for the coverage. 

Give Us A Call

Most insurance policies prohibit coverage for any act or danger related to war or terror. You are required to carefully go over your policy before signing the document. Also, ask questions about exclusion issues. For expert insurance guidance in the greater Omaha, NE community, confer with Ed Thompson Insurance Agency.

5 Tips for Buying Home Insurance

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Owning a home is a huge financial and emotional investment. You want to protect your home and belongings in case of an accident, theft, or natural disaster. That’s where home insurance comes in. Home insurance provides financial protection if your home is damaged or destroyed. With that in mind, Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE provides this guide in navigating this important coverage.

Here are five tips to help you find the best home insurance policy for your needs:

1. Know What You Need

Before you start shopping for home insurance, it’s important to know what coverage you need. Home insurance policies typically cover the structure of your home, your personal belongings, and liability if someone is injured on your property. You can also purchase additional coverage for things like flooding or earthquakes.

2. Shop Around

Once you know what you need, it’s time to start shopping around. Get quotes from multiple insurance companies and compare their rates and coverage. Be sure to read the fine print to understand what each policy covers.

3. Consider Your Deductible

This is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for home insurance. Deductibles work like this: if your home is damaged in a covered event, you will have to pay the deductible before your insurance company starts paying for repairs. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium will be. However, you don’t want to set your deductible too high, or you could have to pay more out of pocket if something happens to your home.

4. Read the Fine Print

As with any insurance policy, it’s important to read the fine print before you purchase home insurance. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. Pay attention to exclusions, limits, and conditions so you’re not caught off guard if you need to file a claim.

5. Review Your Policy Regularly

Your needs will change over time, so it’s important to review your home insurance policy regularly to ensure it still meets your needs. If you’ve made any major changes to your home, such as a renovation or addition, be sure to let your insurance company know so they can adjust your coverage accordingly.

Get Home Insurance in Omaha, NE

These are just a few things to remember when shopping for home insurance. Ed Thompson Insurance Agency can help you find the right policy for your needs. Give us a call to get started.