We Sell Maryland Farm Insurance

February 6, 2020February 6, 2020 / Nadja Maril / Leave a comment

Whether your farm is large or small, you’ll want to protect your investment with the right kind of farm insurance.

Standard coverages available under a farm policy include property damage coverage and liability coverage.

Property damage coverage protects your farmhouse, outbuildings or household belongings if they are damaged or destroyed by the unexpected consequences of a fire, hail storm or tornado .
Liability coverage pays for damages if you unintentionally cause injury to another person, or if you unintentionally cause another person’s property to be damaged or destroyed .

Farm machinery, crops, livestock– can all be insured in a number of different ways.

IF you have employees working on your farm, you may need to purchase workers’ compensation coverage . To be certain you obtain proper coverage and an accurate quote, you should have a list of all your employees, their titles and a description of the work they perform, as well as the number of hours they work and the wages they earn, with a summary reflecting the total number of employees and the total payroll .

More and more farmers are turning to agri-tourism. If your business includes these types of operations, make certain you have the appropriate type of insurance and the appropriate amount of liability coverage to protect you in the event someone becomes sick or injured while on your property .

If you operate businesses at your farm, including a farm stand, hayrides, pumpkin patches or corn mazes or you host events such as parties or weddings– you may need a business policy as opposed to a farmowners policy . If you sell particular products, such as jams, pies, fruits or vegetables, consider purchasing a policy to provide you with product liability coverage . The best way to be certain you have the proper insurance in place and to protect yourself against losses before they happen is to have your insurance agent walk around with you to inspect it and discuss in detail your farm operations .

Remember it is important to conduct periodic self-assessments to evaluate any safety risks. Your insurance agent can help provide the professional resources to help you assess risk.

Today’s farmers and agri-business owners need a suite of insurance products designed to protect their hard-earned investments. At Crilly Insurance, we can provide the coverages you need.

We can provide you with affordable Farm Insurance solutions. Call us at 410-571-1771 for a full evaluation of your Farm Insurance needs.

Meet Sharon “Shellie” Souders at our Catonsville Office

January 25, 2020January 25, 2020 / Nadja Maril / Leave a comment

The Crilly Agency is happy to have Sharon “Shellie” Souders as part of our sales and service team.Working primarily out of our Catonsville office at 922 Frederick Road (Also known as the David A. Smith Nationwide Agency), she is happy to assist clients with questions concerning billing and coverage. “Making sure that their policy meets their needs,” is Shellie’s chief concern when working with customers.

Shellie prides herself in providing excellent customer service. And with 22 years of professional insurance experience, specializing in personal lines; she can easily answer most questions that come her way. Her area of expertise includes all kinds of property insurance including home, auto, tenant, motorcycle, boat insurance. A Baltimore county resident, she is the mother of three sons and recently became a grandmother. In her spare time, Shelly enjoys crafting, camping, fishing, baking and socializing with her friends.

Contact Shellie at –Souders1@Nationwide.com or call 410-788-0112

What’s NOT Included in Your Homeowner’s Policy

June 3, 2019June 4, 2019 / Nadja Maril / Leave a comment

Photo by Milly Eaton on Pexels.com

Homeowner’s insurance protects your property, your investment, and your future, but not all coverage is automatically included in a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. At Peter B. Crilly & Associates, we take the time to explain to our clients what is covered in a standard homeowner’s policy. Some types of risks, such as liability or flood, can be protected, by purchasing additional coverage or an additional policy. Damages that arise from maintenance issues, due to poorly maintained property are not covered by homeowner’s insurance.

It’s important to fully understand what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers and what it doesn’t cover. Taking the time to review your policy now, can save you a substantial amount of money later.

1) True Value of the Structure: The dollar amount of value of a homeowner’s policy should reflect the entire value of the buildings on the property. In the event of a complete loss, a fire for example, you will still have the land; but what will it cost to replace the house, garage and any other structures on the property? In the case of a partial loss, if your building is underinsured by more than 80%, your claim will be reduced by that amount. Thus, if you have a kitchen fire and your house was only insured for 70% of its true replacement value and it costs $20,000 to make your kitchen repairs, your will only receive a check for $14,000 because 30% will be deducted.

2) Replacement Value: Make certain both building and contents are fully insured for replacement value. Otherwise, in the case of a loss, items will be depreciated based on age. Furniture that is ten years old will be valued at a lower amount than new furniture, unless your policy specifically states you are covered for the cost of replacement.

3)Maintenance of Your Home:Many things that aren’t covered under your standard policy typically result from neglect and a failure to properly maintain the property. If your roof has worn out, it is your responsibility to replace it. General wear and tear on a building are not covered. Rotting sills, cleaning and repairing gutters, replacing damaged stonework and wood is all the responsibility of the homeowners. Termites and insect damage, bird or rodent damage, rust, rot, mold, and general wear and tear are not covered. Taking proper care of your home can keep you from having to pay for costly repairs your homeowners insurance won’t cover. Damage caused by smog or smoke from industrial or agricultural operations is also not covered.

4) Liability Protection: Make certain you have enough liability coverage in your policy to protect you if someone gets hurt, coverage that will protect your from excessive legal bills or medical claims. You’ll want to have at least $300,000 worth of protection and preferably $500,000 of protection. An umbrella policy that covers liability related to both your home and your auto provides an added level of protection. Ask your insurance agent about Umbrella Insurance.

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

5) Water Damage and Earthquakes: Earthquakes, sinkholes and other earth movements are not covered by your standard policy. Water back-upis an additional protection that can be added to your homeowner’s policy, and this coverage is a good idea. If you have overflows or backups from your sump pump, sewer system or drains, your standard policy will not cover the damage. Coverage is available, however, by adding a separate endorsement. Flood insurance, which also includes mudflow, must be purchased as a separate policy and is available only through the government-run National Flood Insurance Program. At Peter B. Crilly Insurance we can sell you Flood Insurance.

6) Valuable property – firearms, furs, musical instruments, watches, silverware, and gold.A standard policy provides $1,000 for theft of jewelry but you can purchase additional insurance if you take the time to list your items and get appraisals for cost of replacement. If you have valuable equipment, antiques, musical instruments, silver, watches, coins or other special items; the amount of coverage in a standard homeowner’s policy will be limited. Discuss with your insurance agent, the option of purchasing additional coverage for listed items.

If you have a mortgage on your home, your lending institution will require that you have enough insurance to protect their investment. Protect your own investment. Understand what you are buying when you purchase a homeowner’s policy and review what is actually covered. It’s complicated. Take the time now to review what you need and what you’re getting and you’ll save money in the event you have an insurance claim. Save by bundling auto, property and liability insurance together to receive substantial discounts and save money. At Peter B. Crilly we’ll take the time to make certain you are fully protected and if you are currently with another carrier, help you compare the differences between policies and your various options. Call us at 410-571-1771 or email Gasconk@nationwide.com.

Insurance for Recent Graduates

May 22, 2019May 22, 2019 / Nadja Maril / Leave a comment

It’s that time of year—graduation. At Peter B. Crilly & Associates, we’d like to congratulate the high school and college classes of 2019! Whether you or someone in your family is either going off to college or entering the job market, graduation often means changes are needed to existing insurance policies. Now is the time to review what is needed and what may need to be changed.

Here is a quick insurance checklist you’ll want to think about.

Don’t forget to buy renter’s insurance.

Signing a lease for an apartment is the start to independence. However, don’t forget to purchase tenant insurance. Most property owner’s insurance covers only the building.

Renter’s Insurance:

Replaces your possessions. A renters insurance policy covers your belongings and will replace or repair them in the event of burglary, fire, or other damage. Personal property coverage provides protection against loss to your items such as clothes, shoes, furniture, electronics, small appliances, sporting equipment, etc.

Provides liability protection. Many Millennials are choosing to delay having kids until later in life and are opting for pets instead. If your dog bites a guest, or someone hurts themselves in your apartment, renters insurance covers your liability.Personal liability comes into play if your actions lead to someone else’s injury. Minimum liability limits start at $100,000 and provide coverage for medical tests, surgeries, prescriptions, and their time off work.

Covers medical payments.A renters insurance policy offers medical coverage if a guest is injured in an accident at your place.

Provides additional living expenses. Coverage is provided for temporary living expenses if your apartment or condo is damaged and you need a place to stay while it is being repaired.

Review your auto insurance coverage.

Perhaps you’ve been covered under your family’s insurance policy, but now it’s time to buy your own. Check with your parent’s current insurance company first to get a baseline on what coverage you’ve had in the past and what you’ll need. Ask the company that has insured you in the past for a quote because they are already familiar with your driving record. Compare prices with other carriers, but make certain you are comparing equal coverage.

Your finance company will make certain you’ve insured your car fully in the event it is damaged or stolen, but what about damage to you or to others. Liability insurance on your auto is important. Don’t skimp on liability coverage.

Need to save money on premiums. Raising your deductible is the number one way to save money on any type of insurance. Bundle policies together to take advantage of discounts. If you can purchase tenant insurance and auto insurance from the same carrier, a discount should be available. Putting several cars together with one company, should also earn you discounts.

Photo by Sleepi Alleyne on Pexels.com

Take advantage of retirement plans early and consider purchasing Life insurance

If you just received your diploma, you may not think it makes sense to invest your hard-earned money in a retirement plan; but the earlier you start, the better off you’ll be.

The earlier you take out a life insurance plan, the less you’ll spend on it over the course of your lifetime. Now, is when you need to invest in a policy because your future self is counting on you. The bottom line is that life insurance will protect and improve the lives of those you care about after your passing – and may very well save yours.

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Pexels.com

Understand health insurance options.

Many employers provide health insurance plans. Talk to your employer about the plans they offer. If they don’t provide a good plan, current law allows children to stay on their parent’s plan until age 26. It may make sense to purchase your own policy. Visit http://www.healthcare.gov to learn more about your options.

Have insurance questions? Contact Peter B. Crilly & Associates. Email Lewispm@nationwide.comor give us a call at 410-571-1771 and we’ll try to be of assistance.

DOES YOUR SMALL BUSINESS NEED LIABILITY INSURANCE?

May 13, 2019 / Nadja Maril / Leave a comment

Owning your own business is an exciting responsibility. You have the freedom to take your business in whatever direction you’d like to take; but in order to get there it’s important to protect your hard work.

There’s a lot to keep track of—making payroll, employee retention, building your brand, and expanding client base. But one thing you don’t want to forget about, is purchasing the liability insurance you need when you need it.

What should you look for? Here are some important points to consider when purchasing small business liability insurance.

Do You Have Employees?

If your small business has employees, you could be responsible for the actions they take. Even if you do everything right, your business could be sued if one of your workers injures a client or causes an accident.

Having the correct liability insurance policy can protect you from the actions of your employees. As the employer, the ultimate responsibility falls on you, and without the right insurance, you could find yourself on the wrong side of a costly judgment.

Who is Doing the Driving?

If your business requires travel, you will need to make sure you are protected from liability. Keep in mind that your personal automobile insurance policy may not cover you for business travel. If you have an accident you could face enormous costs.

A commercial auto insurance policy provides protection for business driving. In some cases, you may be able to add this coverage to your existing automobile insurance policy. In other cases, it may make more sense to purchase coverage elsewhere. No matter what the case, it is important to protect yourself during your business travels.

Running a small business is hard, and it is important to protect yourself. Simply owning a small business could put you in the crosshairs for nuisance lawsuits and costly litigation, but taking proactive measures and having the right insurance coverage in place means you can spend less time worrying and more time building your business.

How Vulnerable is Your Business to Lawsuits?

Not every small business faces the same threat of lawsuits, so it is important to assess your own situation. If you run your business out of your home and serve your clients remotely, the risk of injury-related lawsuits is probably pretty low. If, on the other hand, you see a steady stream of visitors and customers, your liability risk goes up exponentially.

Some kinds of businesses, like sports training and healthcare, are also more likely to be sued. If you run a particularly risky type of business, a quality liability policy is an absolute must.

Do You Own or Rent Property?

In many cases, business insurance will be required when signing a commercial lease. If you plan to lease space for your business either now or in the future, having a general liability and property insurance policy in place will make the process easier.

Many commercial landlords require this type of insurance, and not having a policy on place could scuttle your plans and hold back your growth. Even if you do not currently lease office space, you never know when you might need it.

At Peter B. Crilly & Associates, protecting your business is our priority. Call us at 410-571-1771 or Contact us at GasconK@nationwide.com

Cyber Insurance

May 6, 2019May 6, 2019 / Nadja Maril / Leave a comment

Understanding the importance of business insurance is a business lesson, far too many entrepreneurs learn too late. At Peter B. Crilly & Associates we’ve seen it too many times– only when unforeseen events happen and something is stolen or damaged, do new business owners realize they should have invested in insurance for their companies.

One important coverage you may not be aware of is Cyber Insurance. Cyber- crime is a growing threat to both large and small companies. You may think your business won’t be targeted, but criminals won’t care if you are an entrepreneur building a small business or launching a startup company. The funds you spend to invest in cyber security measures and damage/vandalism insurance is an expenditure you won’t regret.

At the Peter B. Crilly Associates we offer commercial insurance packages that include cyber coverage to protect:

Data Breaches

Notification Costs

Credit Monitoring

Website Media Content

Costs to defend claims by state regulators

Cyber coverage plans for businesses come in all shapes and sizes. Our friendly agents can help put together a policy just for you. We’ll find one that is both affordable and reliable. Call us at 410-571-1771 or email Kgascon@crillyinsurance.com

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

October 16, 2017July 19, 2018 / Nadja Maril / Leave a comment

Stop Cyber Criminals From Stealing Your Personal Information

Identity theft and protecting our computer data are growing problems in the United States. Aggressive hacking operations backed by countries hostile to the United States are encouraging theft of our information for monetary gain . What can we do to protect ourselves? At Peter B. Crilly & Associates, we care about helping our customers. A few simple precautions, can reduce the chance of your accounts being hacked and personal information stolen.

First and foremost, NEVER click on a link that arrives in your email unless it comes from a trusted source, A common trick, is for a virus to invade someone’s email list unbeknowst to them and send out emails claiming to have a personal message or important information. Just click on the link, the email says. Wait and use caution. The email is from one of your friends, supposedly, but did they actually send it? If you think they might have, send your friend an email and ask if they recently sent you a link to something. Nine times out of ten they did not . Your precautions will help halt the spread of the virus, by informing them to notify their email list thus protecting hundreds of other potential victims.
Set up a seperate email for transactions and purchases. Reduce junk mail and keep you personal information segregated to add another layer of protection.
Do not store your credit card information on websites. Yes it is fast and easy, but if their website is hacked your personal infomration is available.
Only use secure internet connections. Require a password for your home wifi and do not access your bank or shop onlne in public places.
Do not post your personal information on social media sites. Your phone number, address, full birth date and year, names of your children and even your birth place are useful material for identity thieves. Consider using a nickname for your Facebook page, if you have one, to make it more difficult for Identity thieves and stalkers.
And finally, create unique passwords that are strong— meaning they are at least nine characters long and include one number, one capital letter, and one symbol. Have several passwords and keep track of them by writing them down in a small notebook for safekeeping, in case you forget. A nonsense sentence from a favorite book or movie, such as “1Scarecrowhas nobrains?” can make the password easier to remember. Change your passwords every six months.

At Peter B. Crilly & Associates, we care about protecting our customers. For other helpful tips on insurance protection, read some of our other blog posts. To comparison shop on insurance rates, call 410-571-1771

Why You Need Renter’s Insurance

October 18, 2016October 18, 2016 / Nadja Maril / Leave a comment

Your camera is one of the personal items that can be covered by a rental insurance policy.

Moving into your own apartment or rental house for the first time? There’s a lot to keep straight: utility bills, mail delivery, internet access. The process can be overwhelming, but don’t forget you’ll need property insurance. As you unpack your possessions and set up your new home take an inventory of what you’ve moved into your new residence. Items such as an expensive camera. laptop computer, jewelry, ski equipment, clothing, furniture are items of value that should be insured.

Renter’s Insurance covers your belongings (clothing, books, CDs, furniture – everything) not only in your apartment but in your locked car and anywhere else you take them. It protects your things against fire and other occurrences beyond your control—including vandalism and theft.

If you thought about it at all, you may have thought insurance was the responsibility of the landlord. It’s not. The landlord’s policy covers the building only. It’s a renter’s policy that will help pay for the replacement of all your personal items.

It will also pay for an attorney and protect you in case someone gets injured while in your apartment and/or you get sued if damage caused by you impacts neighboring apartments.

Peter B. Crilly & Associates, Nationwide Insurance can help you determine the amount of coverage you need and provide you with a free renter’s insurance quote. Renter’s insurance will protect both your belongings and your liability exposure.. We’ll help you sort it all out. As with auto insurance, we’re big on discounts. We’ll make sure you take advantage of any discounts that are available.