Author: AgentInsure

How Does Auto Insurance Protect Maryland Drivers?

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In the state of Maryland, there is minimum liability insurance that every driver must purchase in order to drive a vehicle on any public road. Getting caught or pulled over without proper insurance will likely end in a citation or fine. Liability coverage is a great place to start when it comes to auto insurance, but it’s merely that — a start. 

In order to properly protect all Maryland drivers, there are many other insurance and coverage options that any Laurel, MD resident can purchase. Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial recommends working with an agency that has experience and knowledge of the best coverage plans for your lifestyle. 

Full coverage of your vehicle and liability insurance is the best way to ensure you are safe in the event of an accident. You’ll have the peace of mind that your financial situation will not be impacted should you get in an accident, damage your vehicle, or require medical attention. 

Liability insurance typically covers the medical expenses and vehicle damage of the other people involved, if the accident was your fault. 

Driving around Laurel, MD, it’s easy to understand why so many people love to drive here. The weather, for one, makes driving essential. 

Our public roads and scenic routes are something to remember; you can enjoy them all on a lovely road trip with peace of mind that you are safe and taken care of. If you’re in the market for a new insurance policy and need some assistance, contact the team at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial. We’re happy to work alongside you to find the most suitable coverage for your lifestyle. 

Does everyone in Laurel need home insurance?

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The choice and process of purchasing a home is one of the most significant decisions that people in the Laurel, MD area will ever make. There are a lot of advantages that can come with property ownership over the long run, but there are risks to be considered as well. A great way that you can mitigate risks is by getting home insurance. There are various reasons why everyone in this area of Maryland should get home insurance.

Protect Assets

A top reason to always have insurance for your home is that it is an ideal way to protect your assets. A home insurance plan gives the coverage you need to repair your home if it does incur significant damage during a fire, bad weather, vandalism, or other covered risks. Your plan can also offer a provision for your personal assets up to limits set in your policy. 

Reduce Liability Risk

You also should consider getting home insurance here a necessity as it is a great way to reduce your personal liability risk. As a property owner, you are always going to take on some personal liability risk. If there is an accident in your home that causes injury or damage to another person’s property, you could be liable for damages. With liability insurance in your home coverage plan, you can offset this concern. 

People in the Laurel, MD area should always consider home insurance a top necessity and priority. If you are looking for a plan, it would be wise to call Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial. With the amount of options and choices to make, support from Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial will be helpful as they can give the guidance you need to build a quality plan that will cover your home and meet your requirements. 

Types of Commercial Insurance Coverages

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If you are a business owner in Laurel, MD, commercial insurance is a worthy investment that you should consider. That is because running a business comes with various risks. And while it can be impossible to avoid some of them, you can caution yourself financially by protecting yourself with insurance. Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial wants to ensure that business owners have adequate coverage. To help you out, here are several types of commercial insurance.

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance is a necessity if you have employees helping you run the business. This form of commercial insurance helps compensate your workers if they become ill or injured in the workplace. The benefits can also help cover medical bills, provide disability benefits and replace lost wages. In an unfortunate situation where the employee loses their life, the policy can provide death benefits and cover the burial expenses.

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance helps protect the company’s assets like inventory, furniture, equipment, tools, and the building from various risks like fire, theft, and natural disaster. Even if you are running your business from home, you should still consider this type of insurance, even when you have homeowners’ insurance. That is because it offers more protection to business property.

Commercial Auto Insurance

This type of commercial insurance helps cover expenses resulting from the business car getting into an accident. The policy helps cover medical expenses and property damage. The different coverage you can get for your company car include comprehensive, collision, bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured/ underinsured coverage.

General Liability Insurance Cover

General liability helps protect the company from bodily injury and property damage claims. For instance, if a customer gets injured at your premises, the policy helps pay for the medical expenses. Without this coverage, you would end up paying for these expenses from your pocket.

To learn more about commercial insurance in Laurel, MD, reach out to Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial. We can analyze the needs of your business and help determine the type of commercial insurance you need. Give us a call today.

Is Commercial Insurance Required in Maryland?

Posted on by AgentInsure

As a business owner in Laurel, MD, it’s your responsibility to research and educate yourself on the various types of insurance coverage that may be beneficial for your business, your assets, and your investments. Fortunately, the team at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial is well versed in commercial insurance and capable of making well-informed recommendations on what coverage best suits your business model. 

By state law, Maryland requires business entities with one or more employees to maintain workers’ comp insurance. This policy is designed to cater to employees’ medical bills for work-related injuries and general ailments that would otherwise fall back on you, the owner. This is one of the biggest risks as a business owner; if you provide a workplace for your employees, you have to protect them while they’re at work. 

Commercial auto insurance usually comes highly recommended as well, because it protects against bodily injury and property damage. 

You will want to invest in property insurance if you have a commercial building you operate out of. If you have inventory, machinery, and other equipment that your staff uses, property insurance will cover any theft or damage done to your business’s property, should an event occur. 

Running a business is a huge commitment, and the work never stops. If you have a few trusted people around you, there’s no doubt that you will see major success in the Laurel, MD area. Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial is here to support and serve small businesses in Maryland as best we can. If you’re unsure about what coverage your business needs, contact us today. 

We’re here to help you build a commercial insurance plan that will make your job easier, and allow you to focus on what really matters – building a successful business. 

Is Life Insurance Required in Maryland?

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Life insurance is not an essential form of insurance by any means, but the safeguards it puts in place for your surviving family members are invaluable. Shopping around for life insurance in Laurel, MD? Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial is here for you! 

If you have family members or dependents that rely on you for financial, emotional, and mental support, a life insurance policy is a great way to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of if you pass away suddenly or unexpectedly. 

It may seem strange to talk about the end of your life like it’s a monetary transaction, but the reality is simple – no one knows how much time we really have left.  The best thing you can do is work hard while you’re here, take care of the people who need you, and set them up for a great life in case you aren’t able to be there to take care of them yourself. 

Life insurance can also cover the cost of funeral expenses, end-of-life costs, a memorial, or a celebration of life. It’s a compassionate way to allow your loved ones to grieve their loss without the financial hardship and stress of coming up with the money to cover all those costs. 

If you’re thinking about investing in a life insurance policy for your family and loved ones, Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial is here to help. Residents of Laurel, MD and the surrounding areas will benefit from working with our team of experienced agents who can help you customize a plan that is suitable for your lifestyle and the needs of your loved ones.

Contact us today; we’re here to help! 

Basic Terms About Auto Insurance

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Every car owner in Laurel, MD understands that insurance is important. However, insurance jargon can be confusing, which leads to some people making mistakes when buying. To make sure you understand a policy before buying, Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial helps you understand important insurance terms in the list below.

  • At-fault accident: This is an accident where you are either partially or fully liable.
  • Auto insurance quotes: This is an estimate of what the insurance company will charge you for buying insurance.
  • Claim: A request to your insurance company to cover the expenses resulting from an auto accident.
  • Premium: This is either the monthly or yearly cost of your auto insurance.
  • Underwriting: A process by the insurance company to evaluate how risky you are. It is based on factors like age, location, type of vehicle accident history, etc.
  • Bodily injury liability coverage: A type of auto coverage that covers the medical expenses of a third party after they have been injured in an accident where you are at fault.
  • Collision coverage: It helps cover repairs to your vehicle from a collision accident such as hitting a tree or another vehicle.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Pays for any damage to your vehicle as long as damage is not collision-related. This includes losses like natural disasters, theft, and vandalism.
  • Limit: It is the maximum amount that your insurance policy will pay after an accident.
  • Deductible: The amount that the insurance company requires you to pay before they can start paying.
  • Policy: This is a contract stating the insurance coverage, terms, premiums, and deductibles.
  • Uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage: If you get hit by a driver who does not have insurance or their coverage is not enough to cover the resulting expenses, uninsured and underinsured coverage help cover those expenses.

These are some of the basic insurance terms that you need to know about. Now that you understand, buying insurance should not be so difficult. You can also contact us at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial of Laurel, MD, for assistance. We will break down the process for you, ensuring that you are aware of the policy you are buying.

How High Winds Can Damage Your Laurel, MD Home

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Homeowners in Laurel, MD are no strangers to high winds and the damage they can cause. However, you don’t want to sit around and wait for damage to occur. Instead, you should take preventative measures to ensure your home is ready to withstand high winds, which includes having the proper insurance coverage from a home insurance company like Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial.

Wind Speeds and Their Potential Damage

Many people assume that only hurricane-force winds can cause severe damage to a home, but even minor winds can cause serious problems for homeowners.

  • 20-25 mph Winds – There is a low risk of damage with these winds, but this doesn’t mean that no damage can occur.
  • 25-30 mph Winds – These winds will cause most trees to move, and branches may start to break and potentially cause damage. There is a good chance that shingles could be blown off the roof.
  • 30-40 mph Winds – Anything outside that is not secured will start blowing around and could potentially cause damage to your property.
  • 40+ mph Winds – There is a high chance that structural damage to your home will occur. The higher the wind, the greater the risk of damage to your home.

Protecting Your Laurel MD Home from High Winds

You can start by covering your windows and doors to prevent them from being broken by strong gusts of wind and/or debris. You should also secure any loose items outdoors, including gazebos, storage sheds, and the like. There are also ways to secure siding and shingles, so speak to a local contractor about how to do this.

Of course, regardless of how many preventative measures you take, it is still possible for your home to suffer damage from serious winds. This is where both home insurance and windstorm insurance come into play. For more information, contact Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, serving the Laurel, MD area.

Maryland Home Insurance: Don’t Hire a Contractor Without Checking Your Liability Coverage

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When you are performing home renovations, one of the biggest stresses on your mind will be the safety risks, and liability risks. That is what liability insurance is for.

At Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, we help Laurel, MD homeowners get the coverage they need for every liability when they are renovating.

Learn more about how to do that right here.

Check Your Home Insurance Liability Policy

One thing you want to do before you hire a contractor or begin any renovations is check your liability coverage. This will protect you in the event of financial loss if an accident or problem occurs for which you are at fault.

When the layout of your home is altered, or you have many people coming and going from your property, you are increasing your liability risks. With contractors comes the risk of broken structures, exposed nails, or danger with construction.

You will want to check your home insurance for your liability coverage limits, to make sure that you have enough to cover you for every risk. Your insurance company can help you to increase your limits.

Liabilities for Home Renovation

When you are undergoing a home renovation, you could incur liabilities. There could be an accident or injury, or a problem could happen for which you are at fault. 

Your home insurance company will want to know what changes you are making to your home, and that you are covered for every potential risk.

Get a Quote

When you are launching home renovations, be prepared before you start. Before you even hire a contractor, check the liability coverage on your home insurance policy. At Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, we want Laurel, MD homeowners to have enough liability coverage when they are renovating. Call us for a quote today.

10 Simple Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Upcoming Winter Weather

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While there are many times of the year that are deemed dangerous to drive, winter tends to be near the top of the list. The reason for this is due to the brutal weather conditions. The conditions can change at the flip of the coin throughout the season. When this happens, will you be ready? The team at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial wants to share a few simple tips with Laurel, MD residents to ensure that they and their vehicles are ready for the upcoming winter weather.

  1. Service your vehicle. You want to ensure that your vehicle has had an oil change, had all fluids checked, etc.
  2. Test your battery. You want to ensure that your battery is able to hold a solid charge. Winter can be hard on batteries, so you need a good one to start off the season. When your battery is tested, the technician can remove any corrosion that is present.
  3. Check the antifreeze. Whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it, the antifreeze needs to be checked and/or replaced. Without sufficient antifreeze, irreparable damage to your vehicle could occur.
  4. Check the hoses, belts, and spark plugs. This should be part of a vehicle’s overall inspection, but it can be helpful in preventing a car breakdown.
  5. Replace the wiper blades, and consider keeping a spare in your vehicle. Don’t forget to check the levels of your wiper fluid.
  6. Check the tire pressure. Always keep a tire gauge in your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will have a recommended tire pressure for different driving conditions. Just keep in mind that colder weather will result in tire deflation.
  7. Purchase snow tires. This is important, especially if you live in a rural area where roads aren’t as likely to be regularly cleared.
  8. Test the 4WD. You probably haven’t used the four-wheel-drive since last winter, so you want to ensure it’s working before you need it.
  9. Keep your tank full (or as close to it as possible). This helps to prevent frozen gas lines. Plus, if you find yourself stranded, you’ll be able to keep the vehicle running for heat until help arrives.
  10. Pack an emergency kit with all the necessary essentials, such as protein bars, water, flashlight, batteries, blankets, etc. You never know what will happen or when.

The most important thing for you to remember is to ensure that you have proper auto insurance in the event of an unexpected accident. Serving the Laurel, MD area, Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial can ensure you’re properly covered. Contact our team today.

Is Life Insurance Necessary?

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Laurel, MD residents seeking information on life insurance should be aware of their options when shopping around. Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial highly recommends life insurance for anyone who has dependents or family members who rely on them. 

Maintaining a life insurance policy means your dependents and family members will be financially taken care of if you should pass away unexpectedly. It also provides you with the peace of mind that once you are gone, your family members will be comfortable and secure with what you’ve left behind. 

While you can try to plan your entire life, everything you want to accomplish, and the money you want to earn, at the end of the day you can’t really plan for what may happen to you. All we can do is celebrate every moment and do our best to plan and be prepared for when that day inevitably comes. 

The best way to do this is to ensure that your family is supported and financially secure. There are so many life insurance policy options that can offer your family the relief they deserve in a time of mourning. Life insurance policies can also cover end-of-life costs and expenses, including a funeral or a celebration of life. 

Rather than having to worry about getting money together for those expenses, a life insurance plan will allow your loved ones to mourn and grieve together, rather than stress about the financial burden a funeral is putting on them. 

If you’re shopping around for life insurance in Laurel, MD, be sure to contact Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial. An agent with experience can guide you through the process of selecting a suitable life insurance policy and give you peace of mind along the way.