Feature Friday 8.12.22

Posted on by OIS Admin

Outdoor Insurance Services is creating a new segment, Feature Friday. This will be a short write up for a selected company, topic, or just anything of interest! For our first week’s Featured Friday, Texas Camp Company will be our spotlight. They are a startup organization located at the Galveston State Park. OIS worked with Nathan Stevens on his insurance program to launch his business. Nathan is a great client of OIS and his operation will be an asset to Galveston, Texas.

Featured Company:
Texas Camp Company
Nathan Stevens, CTA, CIH
www.texascampcompany.com

Texas Camp Company is a new beach service and equipment rental company offering beach chair and umbrella rentals, kayaks, paddleboards, ebikes, and more! We also offer a range of adaptive paddling equipment, sell bait and fishing tackle, and offer additional retail products to best serve visitors of Galveston Island State Park – one of 89 state parks operated under Texas Parks and Wildlife State Parks Division.

After working for over a decade in the recreation, leisure, and tourism industry, I knew that I wanted to start my own business in the industry and Galveston Island was an ideal location to do so with the proximity to the Houston market, temperate climate, and variety of activities that cater to tourists. However, the opportunities to start a business in this industry, in Galveston, are somewhat limited as you either have (A) major financial resources to build an attraction, (B) an available concessionaire opportunity becomes available on the island, or (C) you work as a boat captain/fishing guide. The concession opportunities are highly competitive and once contracts are awarded, they generally do not become available until the vendor opts to not renew for whatever reason. Many of the current vendors on the island have had their respective spots for over 20 years. As I was working in the public sector for Galveston’s tourism arm, the Galveston Park Board of Trustees, I realized that Galveston Island State Park was planning to fully reopen in summer of 2022 after being partially closed for almost three years while the park underwent major renovations. I decided to look into it further, and it was immediately evident there was a desire to have additional services at the park provided by an outside vendor….so I jumped at the opportunity to start Texas Camp Company.

I immediately got to work, formulating business plans, establishing the company, and compiling documents to turn in to Texas Parks and Wildlife – State Park Division as the contract was part of a governmental bid process. After many months of preparation and submitted plans, the immediate fate of the company hinged on an hour-long interview with the agency. Thankfully, we were fortunate to be awarded the contract and opened on July 29th.

One of the most exciting factors of this business is that, unlike the majority of vendors in Galveston, there is opportunity for year-round revenue at Galveston Island State Park as the park caters to RV campers, as well as day users. Even in the winter, RVs fill the park with folks looking to escape colder climates. The other exciting aspect is that we are the only vendor on the island that has access beach to bay – meaning we are offering services on both sides of the island. All other vendors, besides the ones who specialize in deliveries, are primarily limited to the beachfront and only offer a few products or services. I knew that we wanted to offer a wide range of services and looked to Outdoor Insurance Services to help us get adequate coverage for all activities – something that is immensely important in this industry. Without the help of Outdoor Insurance Services, we wouldn’t be able to operate in the capacity we originally planned, or we’d be operating in a vulnerable state. OIS ensured we had sufficient coverage for all services and I can operate the business on a daily basis with peace of mind as it pertains to risk.

We are surely still figuring things out, but very excited for the future of Texas Camp Company at Galveston Island State Park.

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How Can I Help My Community Recover After A Hurricane?

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Natural disasters can have a devastating effect on communities. When a hurricane or other major storms hit, the damage can be extensive, and it can take months or even years for the community to recover. If you want to help your community recover after a natural disaster, there are several things you can do. In this blog post, we’ll discuss ways you can help your community rebuild after a hurricane or storm.

1. Donate Money to Relief Efforts

One of the best ways you can help your community recover from a natural disaster is donating money to relief efforts. Many organizations assist communities after a major storm; your donation can help them provide much-needed resources.

2. Volunteer Your Time

Another great way to help your community recover after a natural disaster is by volunteering your time. Many organizations need volunteers to help clean up and rebuild; your time can make a big difference.

3. Donate Supplies

If you have any supplies that could be used to help with the recovery effort, such as food, water, or clothing, consider donating them to a local organization. Many organizations need supplies after a major storm; your donation can help them get the necessary resources.

4. Spread the Word

If you know of any resources that could be helpful to those affected by a natural disaster, share them with your friends and family. Many people need assistance after a major storm, and spreading the word about available resources can help them get the help they need.

Conclusion

If you want to help your community recover after a natural disaster, there are several things you can do. You can make a big difference in the recovery effort by donating money, volunteering your time, or donating supplies.

You can help those who need them most by spreading the word about available resources. So if you’re looking for ways to help your community recover, consider one of these options. Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX is here to help you.

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How Can I Help My Community Recover After A Hurricane?

Posted on by admin

Natural disasters can have a devastating effect on communities. When a hurricane or other major storms hit, the damage can be extensive, and it can take months or even years for the community to recover. If you want to help your community recover after a natural disaster, there are several things you can do. In this blog post, we’ll discuss ways you can help your community rebuild after a hurricane or storm.

1. Donate Money to Relief Efforts

One of the best ways you can help your community recover from a natural disaster is donating money to relief efforts. Many organizations assist communities after a major storm; your donation can help them provide much-needed resources.

2. Volunteer Your Time

Another great way to help your community recover after a natural disaster is by volunteering your time. Many organizations need volunteers to help clean up and rebuild; your time can make a big difference.

3. Donate Supplies

If you have any supplies that could be used to help with the recovery effort, such as food, water, or clothing, consider donating them to a local organization. Many organizations need supplies after a major storm; your donation can help them get the necessary resources.

4. Spread the Word

If you know of any resources that could be helpful to those affected by a natural disaster, share them with your friends and family. Many people need assistance after a major storm, and spreading the word about available resources can help them get the help they need.

Conclusion

If you want to help your community recover after a natural disaster, there are several things you can do. You can make a big difference in the recovery effort by donating money, volunteering your time, or donating supplies.

You can help those who need them most by spreading the word about available resources. So if you’re looking for ways to help your community recover, consider one of these options. Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX is here to help you.

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Introduction to Builder’s Risk Insurance

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When you decide to renovate or remodel your home, you may find that you need added insurance even though the construction crew you hire carries its own insurance. Outdoor Insurance Services serving the Houston, TX metropolitan area offers the insurance you need to protect yourself and your home while it remains under construction or renovation.

Builder’s Risk Insurance Protects You

Your builder carries their liability policy and a workers’ compensation policy, which only protects their business. If a worker or the construction company owner becomes injured on your work site – in your home – they could also sue you. Builder’s risk insurance protects your financial security by covering the liability of having construction workers in your home.

Here’s why you both need insurance to protect the added liability created during construction projects. Your home insurance policy only provides a tiny bit of liability coverage – typically 10 to 25 percent of the home’s value. Suppose a construction worker incurred an injury while working on your home. In that case, they could double-dip on liability by filing a claim with both your insurance company and the construction company’s company. That would cost you if their injuries’ treatment exceeded the payout of your liability coverage. Without the builder’s risk insurance, the rest would come out of your pocket.

Builders Buy Builder’s Risk, Too

You might think that sounds redundant, but when a builder undertakes a project to construct a home on speculation, meaning they’re building it to see who will buy it, they assume all of the risks. In this case, the builder’s risk policy protects their investment and comprises part of their commercial insurance package. The builder also carries workers’ comp and general liability. The construction company adds a builder’s risk policy to its package for added protection.

Contact Us

Don’t get caught without the right insurance coverage. Contact Outdoor Insurance Services serving Houston, TX to obtain a builder’s risk insurance policy that protects your home while under construction or renovation.

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What to do After an Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

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If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know that it’s a traumatic experience. Not only is there the potential for physical injury, but the emotional aftermath can be just as bad, if not worse. What do you do after an accident? Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

1. Check for Injuries

The first thing you should do after an accident is to check for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. If the injuries are not life-threatening, you can still seek medical attention as soon as possible. It’s important to get checked out by a doctor, even if you don’t think you’re hurt. Sometimes, injuries don’t manifest themselves immediately but can show up days or weeks later.

2. Preserve Evidence

Once you’ve ensured that everyone is okay, the next step is to preserve evidence. If you have a camera handy, take photos of the damage to both vehicles. Be sure to get pictures of the license plates as well. It’s also good to exchange insurance information with the other driver. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

After you’ve gathered evidence and exchanged information with the other driver, the next step is to call your insurance company. They will likely want to take a statement from you about what happened. Be sure to give them all the relevant information, but don’t speculate about who was at fault. That will be up to them to determine. Remember, they will likely have a claims adjuster who will come out to assess the damage and make a determination.

Get Auto Insurance in Houston, TX

After an accident, it’s important to take some time to process what happened and gather evidence. You should also call your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX is here to help you through this difficult time. We offer various insurance services to meet your needs, so give us a call today.

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Yes, hunters can get insurance protection

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Outdoor Insurance Services is here to protect the sportsmen in our area with insurance designed for their unique needs and requirements. If you are a hunter or landowner in the greater Houston, TX metro area, give us a call today. We can help you protect yourself from liability during hunting season.

Why hunting insurance is such a good idea

Hunting is a pastime that does carry some risks. Because participants are armed, there is always a chance that someone could be injured due to a mistake or mishap. The same is also true when it comes to property damage. There is a lot that could go wrong, so it only makes sense to protect yourself and your family’s financial interests. 

And, if you lease your land out to hunters, having them sign waivers may not be sufficient. In some cases, having a waiver may not protect you and your assets from liability if someone is injured or killed on your property. With the availability of hunting insurance, it makes sense to have this protection in place before hunting season!

Hunters and landowners can significantly benefit from having hunting insurance in place. If you want to find out more about the available options in our area, now is a great time to reach out. Our team is here to help you enjoy hunting while minimizing your risk of personal liability.

Want to find out more? Give us a call today.

Hunting enthusiasts in the greater Houston, TX area can rely on Outdoor Insurance Services for their insurance protection needs. Please find out more about how to protect your assets from liability by giving us a call today. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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Is Term Life Insurance Best for Me?

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As the name implies, term life insurance is a policy that provides coverage for a specific period – usually between 10 and 30 years. If, during that time, the policyholder passes away, then any beneficiaries are entitled to receive the totality of the policy’s payout. 

Outside of term life insurance, the other most popular type of coverage is whole life which lasts your entire life – assuming that the policy premiums continue to be paid. Unlike term life insurance, a whole life policy also includes a cash value where a portion of your premium cost is invested with the sum growing on a tax-deferred basis and available to withdrawal in a hardship. 

Since term life insurance only covers the policyholder for a specific period and does not contain a cash benefit, it is less expensive than whole life insurance. Benefits offered with a term life insurance policy include the following:

  • Lower premium costs
  • Flexible coverage timelines
  • Guaranteed death benefit
  • Accelerated death benefit

When determining how much coverage to purchase, you’ll want to consider your current and future expenditures. For example, you’ll want to purchase a term life insurance policy with a high enough death benefit to pay off your debt obligations such as a mortgage or student loans. In addition, if you are funding college savings accounts for your kids or other large purchases, then opt for a premium that will provide enough coverage to pay for that. 

At Outdoor Insurance Services in Houston, TX, our dedicated team of insurance professionals can answer all your questions and help you decide if a term life insurance policy is right for you. Give us a call today to schedule a no-obligation appointment to learn more. 

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Insurance Tips for RV Park Owners And Operators

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The majority of RV park owners and operators in Houston, TX probably do not wake up in the middle of the night with insurance on their minds. However, as any business owner will tell you, proper insurance coverage is essential for all businesses, regardless of size.

If something goes wrong at a campground that you own or operate, you will want to know that you have professionals on your side who understand the varied and unique needs of your business. Outdoor Insurance Services is here to help you find the protection that you need to keep your investment safe.

Types of Insurance Available for RV Park Owners and Operators

There is so much that can go wrong at any given time at an RV park. There are just so many risks involved. You really need to make sure you are properly covered. However, there are several options available and if you do not understand them all, it can be difficult to know which is right for you.

Common options for RV Park owners and operators in Houston, TX include:

  • Workers’ compensation insurance
  • Employment practices liability insurance
  • Loss of income insurance
  • Non-owned and hired auto liability
  • Umbrella insurance
  • Flood insurance
  • Discrimination
  • Transmissible pathogens
  • Sexual abuse/molestation
  • Crisis management
  • Emergency evacuation

In addition, there are other types of coverage options to consider. The list is somewhat massive. For this reason, it is a good idea to have an insurance agent on your side that can help guide you in the right direction to ensure that you have the right amount of coverage to protect your business when the worth happens.

If you are interested in learning even more tips for RV park owners and operators, we encourage you to contact Outdoor Insurance Services for more information. Give us a call today.

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Should I Purchase Home Insurance in Houston, TX?

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Owning a home is a beautiful thing. However, many expenses come with homeownership. One and the most important one is purchasing home insurance. Locking your home and installing security cameras doesn’t guarantee safety because some risks are beyond your control. That’s why home insurance comes in handy for all homeowners.

While it is natural to ask whether purchasing home insurance in Houston, TX is necessary. There are several reasons why it’s a crucial protection tool for your home. Outdoor Insurance Services understands your questions and has prepared for you reasons why you should purchase home insurance. Let’s explore. 

It protects your assets

If you are like many, your home is the most valuable asset. Unfortunately, one unthinkable event can occur and leave you vulnerable without home insurance. Home insurance covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home in the event of a covered hazard.

Protects you against liability

Accidents do happen, and if a third-party member gets injured in the confines of your property, your home insurance steps in to pay for the resulting damage. Home insurance covers hospital bills or lawsuits if you get sued.

Protects your personal belongings

Besides covering the structure, home insurance protects your personal belongings. Your belongings like ornaments, furniture, clothing, and electronic appliances are what makes a house a home. You want to have your belongings safeguarded in case of an unfortunate event, and that’s what home insurance will do for you.

Compensates for temporary living expenses

If a covered peril damages your home, making it unlivable, home insurance will put you in a temporary place as the repairs or rebuilding is ongoing. 

Home insurance in Houston TX

There you have it. Purchasing home insurance is a no-brainer if you value your assets. To get the right coverage that protects you fully, talk to your insurer. For those in Houston, TX and its environs, be sure to contact Outdoor Insurance Services for an affordable quote.

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What is the Benefit of Having RV Park Owners / Operators Insurance in Texas?

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Those that are in the Houston, TX area likely know that there are many active people in the area that enjoy outdoor activities. This can include camping and exploring the area in an RV. Due to this, there is a continued demand for RV parks in the area. This can make owning and operating an RV a good idea. Along with this, you should get RV owners and operations insurance as it offers several benefits.

Liability Protection

One of the advantages of having RV owners and operations insurance is that it will give you liability support. Whenever you own any type of business, including an RV park, there is always a chance that you could be held liable for an accident. If you get the right insurance for it, you can offset this risk with proper liability coverage.

Cover Park Assets

You also should get RV owners and operations insurance to cover your park assets. There are various assets that you will need to invest in like an RV park owner or operator. Losing these could be detrimental to your business moving forward. If you have the right insurance in place, you are going to have coverage if these assets are stolen or damaged and need replacement. 

If you are an owner or manager of an RV park in the Houston, TX area, you will need to make sure that you get the right insurance for it. When you are looking for this type of coverage, it would be helpful for you to call Outdoor Insurance Services. There are many choices to make when looking for this unique coverage and Outdoor Insurance Services can help you build a plan that will protect you and your RV park. 

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