3 Reasons to Review Your Commercial Insurance When Your Business Starts to Grow

Posted on April 30, 2025April 29, 2025 by admin

Commercial insurance helps protect businesses from financial difficulties following covered events. The Mitchell Agency LLC, serving Alabama, helps businesses choose the right type of commercial insurance for their needs.

Below, we’ve listed reasons to review your commercial insurance when your business begins to grow. Staying on top of your insurance needs is just as important as getting insurance when you start a business. Here’s what you need to know.

1. There Are Several Types of Commercial Insurance

Commercial insurance is a type of insurance that can protect your business against a variety of events. Commercial insurance includes insurance types like:

Workers comp insurance
Commercial auto insurance
Business income coverage
Professional liability insurance
General liability insurance

2. As Businesses Grow, Their Insurance Needs Change

When your business is new, it may not need all of the types of insurance listed above. For example, your business may not have employees or vehicles. However, when your business hires its first employees, it will need to add workers’ comp insurance. When your business buys its first vehicles, it will need commercial auto insurance.

3. You May Need to Add Multiple Insurance Types

Reviewing your insurance coverage annually will prompt you to think about the types of insurance that you should add as your business grows. To review your commercial insurance policy, ask your insurance agent for a copy of your commercial insurance. Your insurance agent can review your policy with you, which can help you decide if you need to add more coverage.

The Mitchell Agency, LLC, which services Alabama, can help. We work with multiple carriers to provide our customers with multiple quotes. Want to know more? Call today to get started with a quote for your business.

Factors Influencing Home Insurance Policy Cost

Posted on March 28, 2025March 26, 2025 by admin

If you’re a first-time home buyer in Alabama, you might be surprised to learn that several different factors can influence the price you pay for your homeowner’s insurance policy. While many people know that credit score and location affect your price, many lesser-known factors influence a policy’s cost. The Mitchell Agency LLC can explain these factors and help you find an affordable policy that fits your budget.

The Condition of Your Home

Older homes are generally more expensive to insure than newer ones. Their mechanical systems deteriorate with age, potentially leading to mishaps. However, most issues involve your home’s exterior. An older roof is one of the most significant issues in areas with frequent windstorms. If you buy a house and the inspection reveals substantial issues, you may face higher premiums or a request to resolve those issues within a specific timeframe. Premiums are generally 75% higher for homes over 30 years old compared to newer construction.

Crime Rate and Proximity to Fire Services

Expect higher rates if you are in an area with frequent burglaries or vandalism. That’s because your insurance will have to pay out more for claims. The same applies to your proximity to local fire services. Being closer to a local fire department will result in lower rates, as you’ll have a reduced chance of destruction from smoke and fire.

Security Systems and Claims History

These two factors are interconnected. Your home is less likely to be burglarized if you have a security system. If you are less likely to be burglarized, you’ll have fewer claims, resulting in fewer payouts.

Ask the Mitchell Agency LLC, serving customers throughout Alabama, how you can save money on your home insurance policy. Contact our agents today to get started.

Commercial Insurance Requirements for Alabama-based Businesses

Posted on January 31, 2025January 28, 2025 by admin

Thanks to its low tax burden, top-tier infrastructure, and excellent training programs, Alabama is an ideal state to start a business. However, before opening a business in the Yellowhammer state, you must familiarize yourself with state insurance requirements.

Commercial Insurance Requirements in Alabama

Alabama requires two commercial insurance policies: worker’s compensation insurance and commercial auto insurance.

You’ll need worker’s compensation insurance if your business employs five or more people. However, this requirement is waived if you employ domestic workers, farm laborers, or casual employees. Workers’ compensation insurance covers an employee’s expenses if they become sick or get injured while on the job, typically covering loss of income and medical bills.

Commercial auto insurance is a must if you use a vehicle for commercial purposes. Such purposes include transporting business products to and from markets, making deliveries to customers, traveling to and from job sites, and traveling to meet customers and business partners. Required commercial auto insurance policies include liability and property damage coverage.

How Much Insurance Do You Need?

The amount of insurance you need to run an Alabama-based business successfully will depend on your industry, number of employees, products/services, exact location, and other factors. It’s a good idea to get professional help when assessing commercial insurance coverage options, and the Mitchell Agency LLC is a great source of information for business owners from all walks of life.

At the Mitchell Agency LLC, we have many years of experience helping local business owners find and purchase commercial insurance policies and policy bundles. We offer a host of policy options and friendly, professional assistance to make it easy for you to find and buy the best coverage for your business. Contact us to find out more or get policy quotes.

What could occur if I don’t get proper home insurance in Alabama?

Posted on December 30, 2024December 23, 2024 by admin

Owning real estate in Alabama is a great investment. Whether you’re looking to purchase a property or protect your existing home, it’s crucial to consider your home insurance needs. Without home insurance, you could face various consequences.

Potential for Significant Financial Hardship

One of the most significant impacts of not having home insurance is the potential for serious financial hardship. A home insurance plan is designed to provide financial protection in various situations, including support for major home repairs or liability for certain accidents. Without this insurance, you won’t receive this valuable support, which could create a severe financial strain.

Non-Compliance and Potential Penalization

Having insurance also ensures you’re not violating any rules or regulations, helping you avoid potential penalties. Most homeowners have some form of insurance requirement. Those with a mortgage or living within a homeowners association likely have specific insurance requirements. Failure to carry this insurance could result in penalties.

You should consider your home insurance needs if you own property in Alabama. If you’re in the market for a new plan, contact us at The Mitchell Agency LLC. Our dedicated team will provide the guidance necessary to ensure you understand your options.

The Importance of Liability Coverage in Home Insurance

Posted on October 28, 2024October 25, 2024 by admin

When you own a home, it’s easy to focus on protecting it from damage or theft. However, an equally important aspect of home insurance is liability coverage. At The Mitchell Agency LLC in Alabama, we want to ensure you understand why this protection is crucial.

Understanding Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is designed to protect you financially if someone gets injured on your property or if you unintentionally damage property that belongs to someone else. Imagine a scenario where a guest slips on your driveway, or your child accidentally breaks a neighbor’s window. This coverage can help cover medical expenses or repair costs, preventing unexpected out-of-pocket spending.

The Importance of Liability Coverage

Accidents can happen to anyone; even the most careful homeowners can face unforeseen incidents. Without liability coverage, you might be responsible for paying legal fees, medical bills, or repair costs on your own. These expenses can quickly add up, creating financial stress. Liability coverage provides peace of mind, knowing you’re protected against these unexpected events.

Determining Your Coverage Needs

The amount of liability coverage you need can depend on several factors, such as the size of your property and the risks involved. Most policies start at $100,000, but higher limits are available. It’s wise to assess your circumstances and consult an expert to find the right balance for your needs.

Comprehensive Protection for Your Home

At The Mitchell Agency LLC, we appreciate the unique needs of Alabama homeowners, which is why we provide home insurance throughout the state. Our team is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of liability coverage and ensuring your home is fully protected. Contact us today to discuss your options and secure your future.

Wind Damage Coverage Vs. Hurricane Coverage

Posted on September 30, 2024September 30, 2024 by admin

In a region like Alabama that frequently experiences windstorms, protecting your property with wind coverage insurance is crucial. At The Mitchell Agency LLC, our team has the required expertise to answer your insurance queries and has been serving Alabama clients since 2005.

Windstorms are one of the weather issues that frequently challenge Alabamians. WSFA reports confirm that Alabama is the nation’s leading state regarding severe weather incidents, encompassing over 250 wind-related storms. Therefore, considering wind insurance to protect your property becomes essential.

Wind insurance is often referred to as hurricane insurance since the typical homeowners’ insurance usually does not cover damage from severe windstorms. Here are three common types of deductibles you may find in your insurance:

Windstorm Deductible – This applies to damages caused by wind, hail, and storms with powerful winds, such as tornadoes.
Named Storm Deductible – This comes into effect if a storm acknowledged and named by the National Weather Service causes damage to your property.
Hurricane Deductible – Only applicable when a storm’s winds are intense enough to be categorized as a hurricane instead of a tropical storm.

Speak with one of our team members at The Mitchell Agency LLC to understand these options and decide which deductible best suits you.

Schedule Your Insurance Appointment with Mitchell Agency Today

Whether you are seeking wind protection or need auto or life insurance, our team has options to match every client’s potential requirements. We look forward to explaining all your options to you. If you’re based in the Alabama area, you’ll find our team at The Mitchell Agency LLC knowledgeable and polite. To discuss your insurance needs, call us for an appointment today.

Homeowner Insurance Tip: The Importance of Regular Roof Inspections

Posted on July 30, 2024July 30, 2024 by admin

The thought of obtaining homeowner’s insurance can be overwhelming and stressful. However, at The Mitchell Agency LLC in Alabama, we aim to give you peace of mind that you are making the best decision concerning your home and your family’s well-being. Our professional guidance can provide a sense of relief in this complex process. So, here is a helpful tip to save you money and headaches when looking to protect your home.

Before procuring a homeowner’s policy, you may want to consider having a roof inspection on your home. An inspector will check for things that insurance companies look for when deciding your home’s insurability and insurance premiums.

During an inspection, the roof inspector will examine the roofing material used on your home, the gutters, flashing, vent pipes, and caulking to see the condition of your roof. A badly damaged roof can cause you a lot of headaches, cost thousands in repairs, and could also be a reason that an insurance company denies your insurance application.

If this happens, mortgage companies could force you to have insurance on your home throughout the duration of your loan, costing you thousands in unwanted costs.

Are you required to get a roof inspection for insurance?

Suppose you live in an area with frequent storms and your home is older. In that case, an insurance company may require a roof inspection. Your roof is the first line of defense against Mother Nature’s elements entering your home, and it must be well sufficient to resist anything that comes its way, from wind to rain, hail, and other elements.

If you have an older roof that leaks to the interior, it could cause greater damage, costing thousands in repairs, raising safety concerns, and escalating your stress levels. However, by investing in a roof inspection every few years, you can save thousands, providing a sense of financial security.

Contact us today!

If you have more questions about roof inspections and home insurance, your friendly agents at The Mitchell Agency LLC in Alabama are here to help. Contact us today at (334) 279-6667. Our experienced staff will discuss your goals and needs and empower you to make the best decisions about insuring your home.

Common Commercial Insurance for Lawyers

Posted on June 28, 2024July 2, 2024 by admin

At The Mitchell Agency LLC, we serve Alabama businesses with the commercial insurance they need to protect their liability and finances. Lawyers require additional insurance coverage that other types of businesses would not.

Insurance that Attorneys Need

Attorneys require unique coverage, such as business equipment, cyber, and malpractice coverage. If their office has employees, workers’ compensation coverage is also necessary. Many lawyers purchase life and disability insurance to cover themselves and their employees. Let’s examine each of these options.

Business Equipment Coverage

Business coverage safeguards a business’s day-to-day operations. Attorneys operate offices with business equipment, workers, office furniture, and other assets. Their business equipment insurance covers replacing or repairing business equipment damaged or destroyed in a peril named in the policy.

Cyber Coverage

Attorneys maintain client information databases, including names, addresses, financial data, medical information, and more. Cyber coverage protects them from liability if their database or virtual office gets hacked.

Malpractice Insurance

Although some people associate this coverage with doctors, lawyers also need malpractice coverage. It pays for the settlement if a court or the bar association finds them negligent in processing a case or client representation.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage

An attorney with employees needs workers’ compensation coverage, also known as workers’ comp insurance. This coverage pays for an employee’s medical care if they incur an injury on the job or develop an illness due to workplace exposure. It covers everything from slip and fall accidents to asbestos in the workplace.

Contact Our Insurance Company Today

If you are an attorney in Alabama, contact The Mitchell Agency LLC today for an insurance review. We can help you ensure that your business carries the proper insurance to protect its financial assets.

Strange Things Covered By Homeowner’s Insurance

Posted on May 31, 2024June 5, 2024 by admin

You are probably aware that your homeowner’s policy covers the structure of your home and your belongings. However, you may find some of the things that are covered quite surprising. At The Mitchell Agency LLC in Alabama, we offer homeowner’s insurance.

Falling Objects

Have you ever imagined a meteor falling from the sky and into your home? This probably isn’t a concern that keeps you up at night. However, your homeowner’s insurance will cover the damage if it does happen. This coverage applies to any object falling from the sky, including satellite debris, meteors, and airplanes.

Burglary

Unfortunately, burglaries do occur. If your home is broken into, your homeowner’s policy can cover any stolen or damaged items. It can also cover the cost of replacing your doors and door locks if they have sustained damage.

Identity Theft

In 2021, 9% of Americans fell victim to identity theft. Most homeowner’s insurance policies offer identity theft protection. Your policy may cover any unauthorized charges to your account and legal expenses.

Injuries on Your Property

Accidents happen. Should a guest sustain an injury on your property, you may be responsible for the medical expenses. You may also have to cover lost wages and other associated costs.

Your homeowner’s policy typically covers these costs. This includes medical expenses due to slips and falls, dog bites, and other forms of injury.

Spoiled Food

Should the food in your fridge spoil due to a power outage, your homeowner’s policy can cover the cost of restocking your fridge. The cost of replacing all these food items at once can be quite high, and you may not realize how expensive these items are until you have to restock everything.

Homeowner’s Insurance at The Mitchell Agency LLC

If you need homeowner’s insurance in Alabama, contact us at The Mitchell Agency LLC. Our experienced agents will discuss your needs and goals and help you select the right policy.

What is Wind Insurance?

Posted on April 30, 2024May 2, 2024 by admin

Homeowners are shocked about the level of property damage caused by a windstorm. The type of insurance coverage you possess is based on the policy’s wording. The Mitchell Agency LLC of Alabama can assist in determining if you have the right amount of wind insurance.

How Wind Insurance Works

Wind insurance is a specialty coverage for homeowners in the coastal and valley regions. It protects policyholders from property damage caused by high winds, hailstorms, and gales. Astute homeowners add wind insurance to their existing home insurance policy. Often, the coverage pays for all damage to the property, home, and personal possessions. However, wind insurance does have a time limit for when a policyholder files a claim. Thus, inspect all detached structures away from the home, including roof damage and blown-out windows following a storm.

What Does Wind Insurance Cover?

Wind insurance comes in many varieties, as the policy’s wording differs according to your region. Typically, a homeowner is protected from most high-wind storms. The policy covers all damage to the home, other property structures (garage and sheds), and swimming pools. However, if you live in a coastal region deemed a high risk for hurricanes, you may be excluded from purchasing wind insurance. Also, wind insurance does not cover vehicle damage.

How to File a Wind Insurance Claim

To file a wind insurance claim, you must act quickly or risk losing financial relief. Read your policy agreement to confirm the time frame for filing a claim. It is best to take photos or a video of all the property damage. Also, insurance providers will request a contractor to inspect the property and provide a written estimation of the damage caused by the windstorm. You may hear from a claims adjuster about scheduling an appointment to inspect the property.

Protecting your property should be your top priority. The Mitchell Agency LLC of Alabama can help you create a wind insurance policy that meets your needs. Our knowledge and experience will help protect your investment. Call and schedule an appointment today!

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