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Residential Property Modifications That May Require More Insurance Coverage

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Tailoring Home Insurance to Your Needs After Residential Upgrades

Carrying out upgrades to your house may require you to increase your insurance coverage. Review the sections below, and if you have carried out any such modifications, contact one of our agents in Houston, TX, to adjust your home insurance policy accordingly.

Structural Changes

All structural modifications that change your home’s design or size should be accurately recorded. These changes may increase your home’s value. Maintaining a list of all materials used will help determine the amount of insurance coverage required.

Water Features

If you’ve added a pool, a fountain, or any other major water feature to your property, it needs to be reported to your insurance company. The new addition could necessitate updating your home insurance policy, ensuring coverage against accidents, damage, and theft.

Security Devices

If you have installed new security devices either inside or on your property, keep a record of them. Enhanced security can protect your home from intruders. Smart technology could also shield you from unexpected weather events. So, when you’re ready to update your home insurance policy, include these upgrades.

New Systems

Installing a new HVAC, plumbing, or any other professionally fitted system on your property will add value. Including those systems in your insurance policy will cover the loss or damage if these systems ever get stolen, vandalized, or damaged.

Contact Outdoor Insurance Service

When you’re ready to adjust your insurance coverage, one of our Outdoor Insurance Services agents will be happy to serve you. The agent will arrange an appointment, during which you can update your home insurance policy.

Craft Brewery Insurance Criteria

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Craft brewers rely upon the ingredients and equipment they use to manufacture each beverage type that they sell. If you own a craft brewery, review the insurance criteria below. Then, contact an Outdoor Insurance Services agent to learn more about the insurance products that will protect your Houston, TX, business.

Product Recalls

Product recalls can disrupt normal business operations. Besides being unable to sell products as usual, a business owner often incurs product waste.

A craft brewery insurance policy will cover the cost of the ingredients that cannot be used to produce beverages. A craft brewery insurance policy will cover the cost of contaminated ingredients and expired ingredients.

Equipment Protection

A craft brewery insurance policy can cover damaged equipment that cannot be used to mass-produce beverages in a brewery. Repairing or replacing the equipment will be reimbursed after an insurance claim is filed.

Liability Coverage

Many craft brewers offer tours of their facilities. An insurance policy that provides liability coverage will protect against injuries or illnesses that occur during a tour. This type of insurance will cover legal costs that a craft brewer incurs due to a lawsuit.

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation coverage protects employees who work at a craft brewery. If a worker becomes injured or sick, they can file a workers’ compensation claim.

Once the claim is approved, the worker will receive compensation for the wages they lost while unable to perform their job duties. The medical costs that a worker is responsible for will also be covered.

Reach out to Outdoor Insurance Services

Make an appointment to meet with an Outdoor Insurance Services agent who serves Houston, TX. An agent will prepare your craft brewery insurance policy.

How Restaurant and Bar Insurance Can Minimize Your Risk of Financial Loss

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Owning a restaurant and bar has its own set of unique challenges. While customer and employee issues can be common in any business, adding the elements of hot-cooked food, alcohol, and increased interactions between staff and clients can add challenges.

At Outdoor Insurance Services, we serve the Houston, TX, area with commercial insurance for various businesses, including restaurants and bars. Here are ways we can help protect your food and beverage enterprise.

Theft Protection

Theft is frequently an issue with bars and restaurants. Business insurance can provide financial protection from both outside and inside theft.

Liability Coverage

Food and beverage spills can create walking hazards quickly. A slip-and-fall injury claim can be expensive. Business insurance can cover any legal fees involved in a lawsuit and the costs of any settlement or judgment.

Loss of Income

A kitchen fire, natural disaster, or other issue can quickly shut down a restaurant or bar. Business income replacement coverage can keep you afloat while you recover from a covered incident.

The restaurant and bar industry is full of unique challenges. Customers can be over-served when it comes to alcohol. In such a cash- and credit-card-dependent business, theft can always be a problem. Improperly prepared food can create a danger for clients and customers. Ensure you are covered with restaurant and bar business insurance from Outdoor Insurance Services of Houston, TX.

Having appropriate and sufficient business insurance can help provide peace of mind while protecting your business and efforts. Contact us to review your present coverage and to get an updated quote. We look forward to assisting you.

What a Farm and Ranch Insurance Policy Package Includes

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Covering a farm or ranch with insurance requires more than insuring the home or business. A farm and ranch insurance policy from Outdoor Insurance Services protects your financial investment in the farm or ranch you purchased in the greater Houston, TX area.

In this blog, we explain the various types of coverage that go into a farm and ranch policy package, a custom insurance bundle designed for the agricultural industry. Some types of farm and ranch insurance packages consist of core coverages to which the agricultural producer can add optional coverages. These include:

  • Farm dwelling
  • Other farm Structures
  • Other private (dwelling-related) structures
  • Household personal property
  • Scheduled farm personal property
  • Liability coverage
  • Additional living expenses
  • Blanket coverage, also called unscheduled coverage.

These coverage types insure the home, its related buildings, and the buildings related to farm operations, such as barns, chicken coops, corrals, etc. They also provide protection for the property inside the home and the farm-related structures, plus liability coverage.

Add-ons and Riders Commonly Used in Farm and Ranch Insurance

Agricultural operations include a vast array of special insurance requirements to protect them from unexpected costs due to perils, such as drought or environmental pollution. The latter can occur if the ag producer improperly uses, stores, or disposes of chemical fertilizer, motor oil, or pesticides. Consider the following add-ons for your farm and ranch policy when relevant:

  • Disruption of farm operations
  • Equipment breakdown – farm equipment and outbuildings
  • Ag-Plus II
  • Enhanced pollutant clean-up
  • Equine property
  • Dwelling equipment breakdown
  • Farm business computer
  • High-value dwelling
  • Orchard and vineyard growers
  • Winery property endorsement.

Contact Outdoor Insurance Services

Protect your crops with crop storage coverage and your overall operation with chemical drift coverage. Contact Outdoor Insurance Services today to create a comprehensive insurance package that covers your Houston, TX area farm, ranch, or winery. Let us help you protect your financial investment.

Do You Need Flood Insurance for Your Texas Home?

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Nothing is worse than seeing everything you’ve worked for floating and floodwater in your home or basement. Many people mistakenly think that flood insurance is automatically included with their homeowner’s insurance policy, but that is not the case. Our agents at Outdoor Insurance Services, serving the Houston, TX area, want you to know that most home insurance policies do not include flood or earthquake insurance, so you have to get an amendment added to your main policy to have these types of coverage.

Do You Need Flood Insurance for Your Texas Home?

Flood insurance is a critical consideration for homeowners in Texas due to the state’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and even flash flooding. Texas is known for its unpredictable weather, and severe storms can lead to devastating floods that can cause extensive damage to your home and property. While flood insurance is not required for all homeowners in Texas, it is still a great investment to provide you with the financial protection you deserve.

While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which offers flood insurance policies to homeowners, renters, and business owners, you can have your insurance agent create a policy that works for you and your situation.

Flood insurance will not only cover the structure of your home or building, but it will also help you replace any items that are lost in a flood, such as clothing, furniture, and appliances.

Get Your Flood Insurance Policy Today

You never know when bad weather will be upon you, bringing floodwaters that can invade your home and property. Get ahead of the next storm by securing a flood insurance policy by calling our agents at Outdoor Insurance Services serving the Houston, TX area today!

Essential Tips for Buying RV Park Insurance

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At Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX, we love helping new and seasoned RV park owners purchase insurance to protect their businesses so they can grow and thrive for years to come. While all RV park insurance policies may have their own terms and limits that can benefit policyholders in unique ways, we can offer some general tips for those shopping for RV park insurance. Owning an RV park should be rewarding, so we try to take the hassle out of protecting your RV park against liability and more. If you follow our suggestions below, you’ll be well on your way to finding the right RV park insurance policy for your needs.

Look into Local Laws

Before you decide to go with an RV park insurance policy, investigate the local laws surrounding RV park insurance. The last thing we want our clients to do is fail to have the minimum required RV park insurance because of a lack of upfront research. If you’re unsure where to start, looking into local insurance laws can be as easy as scrolling through related government websites or calling regional governmental offices to see if they can direct you to the appropriate department for learning about this subject.

Review Your Options

Once you know your minimum insurance requirements, it’s time to consider the extra coverage you may want. Looking into options can mean reviewing potential providers. It can also involve reviewing different policies from the same provider.

Work with Qualified Insurance Agents

Most importantly, you’ll want to speak with qualified insurance agents to guide you through this process. For assistance in securing RV park insurance, call our office at Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX. 

 

Ways to Hurricane Proof Your Home

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No homeowner relishes the thought of facing a hurricane. If you live in Houston TX, however, you’ve got to be prepared. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to minimize the damage that hurricane winds and rains can cause. Here are some ideas from Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX on how to “hurricane proof” your home.

Ways to Hurricane Proof Your Home

When it comes to hurricane protection, the priority is safeguarding your family. If you plan to shelter in place, this can be done by shoring up your home. Here are some ways to accomplish these goals:

Windows

Windows are at risk of damage from winds, debris and rain. Investing in hurricane windows would be a long-term solution to avoiding damage to your windows and home. You can also install storm shutters to protect your windows from harm.

Exterior Doors

Exterior doors can sustain a lot of damage by high winds and flooding. If your doors are old and worn, upgrade them to fiberglass or steel doors to protect your home.

Garage Door

Damage to your garage door paves the way for stormwater to enter your garage and damage all that’s within. If replacing this door is too costly, try reinforcing it with braces or hurricane clips for extra support. This will help protect the contents of your garage and home.

Roof

If your roof needs repairs, get this done before a hurricane strikes to avoid water damage in your home. At the same time, make sure your gutters and downspouts are in good shape and free of clutter to channel rainwater away from your home.

Home Insurance

Don’t forget to review your home insurance before hurricane season to ensure your coverage is relevant and up to date. For help updating your home coverage, contact Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX.

Why Contractors Need Builders Risk Insurance Coverage

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Builder’s Risk insurance covers any losses or damage incurred during building or renovations. In most instances, the general contractor will purchase a builder’s risk policy to help protect both their interests and the homeowners. Anyone interested in purchasing Builders Risk insurance can count on the professionals at Outdoor Insurance Services to provide the residents of Houston, TX, with quality insurance policies and exceptional customer service.

Builder’s Risk insurance

These policies protect anyone interested in a construction or renovation project. However, the general contractor may or may not make the policy purchase. It is standard protocol for the contractor to secure the policy. Still, they may state in their contract that the homeowner is responsible for acquiring the policy before the project begins.

Let Us Assist You 

If you’re currently in the market for a builder’s risk policy or any other type of high-quality insurance policy, we can help. Our expert insurance agents are highly knowledgeable and ready to work with you to help you get protection coverage. We can assist you with determining which policy options work best for your situation. Once a policy is selected, we can also provide support with the submission of documentation and paperwork. If, at any point during the life of the policy, you need to update your information or change the policy, we are here to help. Are agents can also assist you with claims submissions.

Contact Outdoor Insurance Services Today 

Outdoor Insurance Services offers specialty insurance policies to help prevent financial risks associated with various instances. We are here to help the residents of Houston, TX get the peace of mind they need to pursue projects and other endeavors. Please call or stop by our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our insurance agents.

Four Auto Insurance Add-Ons to Make Your Life Easier!

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As a leading insurance provider, we understand that life can be unpredictable. We are here to assist you in understanding the complicated aspects of auto insurance and simplifying your life in Houston, TX.

1. Roadside Assistance

Being stranded on the side of the road, particularly in Texas’ erratic weather, is an unpleasant experience. With roadside help as an add-on to your auto insurance policy, you’ll have access to professional help whenever you need it. This service typically includes towing, battery jump-start, flat tire repair, and fuel delivery. It’s a small investment for a big dose of reassurance.

2. Rental Car Reimbursement

Sometimes accidents occur, and in such unfortunate circumstances, your car may need to be repaired for an extended period, leaving you without it. Rental car reimbursement is an auto insurance add-on that covers the cost of a rental vehicle during this time. This coverage lets you maintain your daily routine without worrying about transportation costs. Outdoor Insurance Services can help you find the rental coverage that fits your needs.

3. Accident Forgiveness

Even if you’re a careful driver, accidents can occur and cause a significant increase in insurance premiums. Accident forgiveness is an auto insurance add-on that protects your premium from increasing after your first at-fault accident. This coverage ensures that one mistake won’t result in skyrocketing insurance costs, providing you with peace of mind and financial stability.

4. Custom Equipment Coverage

For many of us, our cars extend our personalities. If you’ve invested in custom parts or equipment for your vehicle, you’ll want to protect these valuable additions. Custom equipment coverage is an auto insurance add-on that protects aftermarket parts and accessories, such as custom wheels, stereo systems, and performance upgrades.

Contact Outdoor Insurance Services today to learn more about our comprehensive auto insurance solutions in Houston, TX, and how we can make your life easier.

Exploring Your Hunting Insurance Options in Houston, TX

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Texas has a vast and diverse terrain with an attractive climate, making it one of the go-to destinations for local hunters. Many hunters in Texas make the mistake of going hunting without insurance. 

Hunting insurance can protect covered hunters from the common risks associated with hunting. 

Examples of common hunting risks in Texas are as follows. 

  • Accidental Shootings
  • Property Damage
  • Bodily Injury

Liability Insurance for Texas Hunters

If you’ve ever heard of auto liability insurance, you are already familiar with how general liability insurance works. Hunting liability insurance works in the same way with a few different provisions.

Most hunting liability policies cover hunting accidents and financial damages when accidents occur. Some hunting policies can also help cover legal fees related to hunting lawsuits and similar personal injury claims. 

Personal Injury Insurance

Many Texas hunters and their families aren’t aware that they can get personal injury insurance for hunting. This specialty insurance can protect Texas hunters from financial devastation in the event of a hunting accident for ambulance services, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and other related medical services. 

Property Damage Insurance 

In the rare event that a hunter damages someone’s property while hunting, property damage insurance can help offset the costs of financial damages, lawsuits, and related damages to fences, structures on private land, and crops.

Get Hunting Insurance in Texas

Protect your family finances from financial loss caused by hunting accidents in Texas.

Talk to a licensed insurance agent at Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX who can offer advice, answer your hunting insurance-related questions, and even offer you a free quote to help you get started!