Fuhriman Insurance Agency

Tips for Life Insurance with a Pre-Existing Condition

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If you have a medical condition and live in the Boise, ID area, you may want to connect with the Fuhriman Insurance Agency to discuss how to get life insurance.  While a pre-existing condition doesn’t mean you’ll be denied life insurance, it can delay the application process and create obstacles.  Review these helpful tips to reduce the time it takes you and your agent to find the best insurance policy to fit your needs.

  • Do your research to gather all information on your condition, which needs to include your medical records with current and past treatment, lab results, and medical visit notes.
  • If your health has improved significantly or if you’ve changed your lifestyle to live healthier, have your physician write a letter describing the improvements.
  • Be completely open and honest with your agent about your condition.  Remember that the agent is on your side and there to help you find the best life insurance to fit your needs.
  • If you have not had a recent medical exam, get one because life insurance companies can give you a better rate the more they know about your condition.
  • Communicate with your physician to make sure when the insurance company attempts to reach the provider that they are accurate and timely with their response, so the process is not delayed.
  • Work with an agent to choose the best insurance policy type because there may be some limitations that will depend on your condition. 

Fuhriman Insurance Agency

Life insurance policies can be confusing and frustrating if you have a pre-existing medical condition.  You don’t need to go it alone because there is expert help for you.  If you’re looking for an agent in the Boise, ID area, contact an experienced and trusted Fuhriman agent today.

Commercial Insurance for Self-Employed and Home Offices

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Starting a business as a self-employed person is a common way for people to transition from being an employee of others to becoming their own boss. The Small Business Association (SBA) reports that there are over 30 million small businesses in the United States and they employ almost 60 million people. The first employee for a small business may be the self-employed person who starts the business and wants to save money by having a home office.

The advantages of using part of your home for a home office include not having to pay rent for separate office space and the ability to deduct from your taxes a part of the home expenses for the portion of the home used as office space.

Home Office Insurance

If you are starting a business as a self-employed person and using a home office, it is important to consult with your agent at the Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving Boise ID and the surrounding area, to get commercial insurance. Any use of part of a home for business means you need the protection of commercial insurance. Do not make the mistake of assuming your home insurance coverage will provide protection because most home insurance policies have exclusions if part of the home is used for business purposes. Talk with your agent to be sure your insurance coverage is adequate.

Professional Insurance

Another type of commercial insurance you may need depends on the type of work you will be doing. Some professions require a state license and need to have professional insurance coverage, which may also be called malpractice insurance or errors and omissions insurance. Examples are personal care professions, such as hair care, skin care, and nail salons. Other professions that need this insurance include general contractors, health care practitioners, attorneys, and those offering financial services such as accountants, real estate agents, stock brokers, and financial advisors.

Commercial Insurance for Vehicles

Also, be aware that you need to have commercial insurance for a vehicle if it is used part or full time for business purposes.

To be sure your insurance coverage is adequate contact your agent at the Fuhriman Insurance Agency in Boise, ID to get a free insurance review.

Will my home insurance cover my small work from home business?

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If you have a home business in Boise, ID, you might not have thought about whether or not you will need to have an additional insurance policy to protect the business assets. Whether you rent or own, you may have assumed that your renters or homeowners policy provided the protection you need for your business.

At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, we help small business owners find the coverage they need depending on what kinds of services and products they sell, and what kinds of assets the business owns. Everyone has a different situation, and what works well for you might be a very poor fit for someone else.

Minimal coverage from a homeowners policy

While a homeowners policy may provide a small amount of coverage, it will be very limited. If you don’t need to purchase a full regular business insurance policy, you may be able to get optional business coverage for up to $10,000 to protect your home business.

That may not be enough, especially if the value of your home business assets is much higher. if there is a fire or large theft, you will have to pay the deductible first, before your coverage even kicks in.

Other possible exclusions

One of the biggest problems is that the liability coverage will probably not extend to business activities that occur within your home. If someone has an accident while conducting business with you, or is damaged by one of your products, you would then be responsible for any damages.

There may be other exclusions in your policy about what kind of property might be covered, and there may even be limitations that make you keep the assets within the building. If you think your Boise, ID small business may not be fully protected, call Fuhriman Insurance Agency today to discuss your options.

Benefits of Regular Tire Maintenance

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In Boise, ID, regular tire maintenance is essential especially during the winter months. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, the agents can offer sound tips on how to keep your tires in good shape and reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Just like your car’s engine, its tires must also be properly maintained on a regular basis.

Better Gas Mileage

Making sure your tires have the right air pressure at all times. During the different seasons, your tires’ air pressure will fluctuate with the temperature. By maintaining the right air pressure, you will get better gas mileage and your tires will last much longer.

Longer Tire Life

Along with monitoring the air pressure, it’s also important that the tires be rotated regularly as well. This keeps the tires from wearing in an uneven fashion. Most manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 6 to 9 months, depending on how much you drive your vehicle.

Better Traction

As your tires get older, you must also pay attention to the tread. If you can stick a penny (Lincoln’s head down) within the treads of a tire and see any space between the rubber and the top of the head is visible, you should consider replacing your tires. This will give you the traction you need during the snowy winter and wet summer months.

At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, residents in Boise, ID can talk to agents who can provide you with the recommendations on what you can do to keep your tires in good shape and your risk of an accident low. Schedule an appointment today and get a review of your auto insurance policy!

 

Is Pest Control Insurance Worth the Investment?

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Pest control businesses have a special set of challenges they must face when performing their job. Pest control insurance is a great way to protect your business and your employees. Keep reading to learn more about why this is a great investment.

What is Pest Control Insurance?

Pest control insurance is a special type of commercial insurance specifically designed for pest control businesses. Pest control insurance is a comprehensive plan which covers both your employees, equipment and any liability your company may be held to in the event that something goes wrong on a job. 

Employees

Employees of pest control services are exposed to special risks when they are performing their jobs. When dealing with pest infestations employees may be exposed to bites, stings or even sickness due to exposure to the pests. Pest control insurance helps to provide the additional insurance coverage that your employees need in order to stay safe and healthy while employed with you. 

Equipment

Any pest control service will have equipment which is vital to the functionality of your business. During the course of doing regular business, this equipment will be exposed to normal wear and tear as well as the risk of damage. Pest control insurance also covers your equipment. You have a lot of money invested in your equipment, and your insurance will ensure that you do not put that investment at risk. 

Liability

The very nature of pest control places you and your employees inside of people’s homes. While working in people’s homes there is a special risk of damage or other problems that could put you at risk of liability. Pest control insurance covers your company in the event that something goes wrong that would make you liable. 

If you would like to speak to an insurance agent about pest control insurance please call our friendly staff at Fuhriman Insurance Agency in Boise, ID. 

Do I need auto insurance when my car is broken down?

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Sometimes, for one reason or another, you may find that you have a vehicle which is not being driven and which in fact will not be for an extended period of time. It seems like a waste to pay for all the expenses that go along with owning a car, like registration and insurance. 

However, there are a few reasons you may find it better to maintain coverage, and at least speak to your agent about the fact that the vehicle is currently not mobile.

Do you have a lien on the vehicle?

If you still owe money on your car in Boise, ID, you are required to carry insurance on it no matter what the circumstances. Basically, you are sharing the risk with the bank or entity which holds your lien, and there is doubtless a clause in your contract where you agreed to keep the vehicle protected.

Failure to maintain insurance will allow the lien holder to impose their own insurance on your vehicle or impose other sanctions. It will be more economical for you to take care of matters yourself. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, we regularly help our clients with these kinds of problems.

What if something happens to your vehicle?

If there is a theft, a fire or another natural disaster, you could face a total loss on your vehicle. Continuous coverage will protect you. When you want to get back on the road, you can head to the license branch with your proof of insurance and expired registration to get started again.

If you are in Boise, ID and have any questions or want to explore your options, please feel free to call the Fuhriman Insurance Agency today. We can give you a free estimate and discuss a policy that fits your special circumstances.

3 Coverage Options To Add To Your Toy Policy

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It’s important to have a toy insurance policy that you can rely on. The state of Idaho requires you to have liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury on ATVs, RVs, and various other toys. However, there are some optional coverages that you should consider adding to your policy. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, we can guide you through the ones that will provide you with the best protection in Boise, ID.

Comprehensive Coverage

By adding comprehensive coverage, you protect yourself from things that you cannot control. For example, if your RV gets vandalized when it’s at a campground or your ATV is stolen at a park, you can have the coverage in place to make repairs or replacements as needed.

Collision Coverage

If you collide into anything, you can have the necessary protection. This includes hitting a dock with your sailboat, a railing on your ATV, or even rolling your RV. With this coverage, you can ensure that your vehicle is getting repaired, which is not covered by traditional liability coverage.

Loss of Use Coverage

Adding the loss of use coverage to your policy will make it easier when you get into an accident. If you need to send your toy to a body shop for a few days, you don’t want to be without it, especially if it is your home, such as an RV or a houseboat. Loss of use coverage will reimburse for a rental or for the inconvenience of not having your toy for as long as it is needed. It can end up saving you a significant amount of money when you need to have your toy repaired.

You never know what can happen to your toys, so it’s better to have a policy that you can turn to when there is a problem.

At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, we look forward to helping you build a strong toy insurance policy. Contact us so that you can rely on your policy in Boise, ID throughout the year.

 

Workers Comp Insurance Keeps Your Employees Healthier and on the Job

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Your Boise, ID area business is required to carry workers compensation insurance. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, we like to remind our clients that it isn’t just an expense. It can save you money in the long run by improving the overall health of your employees, no matter what their job might be.

Share How Workers Compensation Insurance Functions

The first step to having your workers comp insurance work for you is to make sure every employee understands that reporting injuries and illnesses can help them cover medical and living expenses. Reporting an injury is not time-consuming or complicated. They just need to provide the employer information at the doctor’s office or emergency room to get started.

Encourages Employees to Get Help for Repetitive Injuries

Your worker’s comp insurance can provide physical therapy for a chronic condition such as a bad back, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other repetitive injuries that are a direct result of their job. Getting treatment keeps them working longer and earning a good wage instead of filing for disability. You save money when you don’t need to hire a replacement and train them.

Work with the Doctors and Employee to Return them to the Job

Should an employee get injured at work and is out to recover, your worker’s compensation insurance will work with the medical professionals and the employee to create a transitional job placement that won’t set them back. Studies show that even part-time work helps to speed overall recovery and supports good mental health.  Your insurance not only takes care of their medical expenses but helps you create a positive and supportive working environment.

Should you have any other questions regarding workers compensation insurance for your Boise, ID area business, give us a call at Fuhriman Insurance Agency. We are here to help you succeed.

How Much Renters Coverage Do I Need?

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When it comes to understanding renters insurance, knowing what your insuring is easy. Your stuff. The hard part comes when trying to figure out how much protection you need. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency in Boise, ID we want to make sure you have you have the right amount of renters insurance. 

So here’s the thing, you may think to yourself, why do I need an exact dollar amount or I’ll just pick a high amount get newer, better stuff. Sure that sounds good. But, insurance companies aren’t going to pay a claim without proof that you had the items you are claiming to be damaged or stolen. 

Whatever the case may be.   They also don’t really care about sentimental value, sure Grandma Rose may have knitted you that sweet afghan, but it’s only worth what you could buy a new blanket for. 

When it comes to contents insurance, you want to pick an amount that truly represents your belongings. If you choose too much insurance, you will be overpaying in your monthly premiums, but not enough coverage and you will be out when it comes to claiming time.

Okay, so now you may be asking, how do I value all of my personal belongings? How much is my stuff worth?

Now, this may take a bit of time but, is totally worth it.  Maybe invite a friend over to help, and make it fun. There are several ways you can figure out how much your the contents of your home is worth. You can make a list of the items in each room, then go back and value those items.  Basically shop for that item online, once you find the cost of replacement, put the value next to the item. Now, this is probably the most time-consuming method, and then you have to find a safe place to keep the inventory.  Or you can try a home inventory app. These apps keep the list of your belongings in one place, and you can even add photos. Making it super easy to communicate with the insurance company if you ever have a claim. 

Fuhriman insurance agency in Boise, ID makes it easier to protect the things that are important to you. 

How Does an Umbrella Policy Work?

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Understanding how an umbrella insurance policy works in Boise ID helps demonstrate the importance of this type of policy.

An umbrella policy will kick in after either your homeowners or auto insurance policy coverage is maxed out. If you have boat liability insurance, your umbrella policy will also kick in after that. Umbrella insurance will also cover some other liability claims that other policies won’t cover, including slander, false imprisonment, and libel. Umbrella insurance is useful for rental properties, since it can provide coverage beyond your homeowners policy. An agent at Fuhriman Insurance Agency can help determine how much coverage to have for your situation.

To understand this policy, think of this example. You have a party at your home and a guest slips on the steps. The guest has very high medical expenses and then also sues you. The jury sides with the guest and gives her a settlement of $1 million. However, your homeowner’s personal liability only covers $300,000, which means that you owe $700,000.

You would have to come up with this money somewhere, which usually comes out of retirement savings. Without retirement savings, you may have to work for an additional time or reduce expenses to build up your savings. If you have an umbrella policy, then your policy will cover what your homeowners insurance doesn’t. This means that you don’t have to dip into any savings.

This policy also covers the attorney fees and the other expenses that are related to the lawsuit, which aren’t going to be covered under your homeowners policy. You won’t have to pay a separate deductible for the umbrella policy to kick in, so you are only out the money for the deductible on your homeowners insurance. If you were found liable in a claim where your homeowners or auto insurance didn’t have coverage, then you would have a deductible for umbrella insurance, but not in this case.

Contact Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving Boise, ID, to get a quote on umbrella insurance.