DLBrothers
Well-Known Member
I am an insurance professional. I can tell you one thing for certain - most agents do not know what they are selling you. Like it or now, it is up to you to read the policy before signing on the dotted line. Second, the job of underwriting departments is to limit exposure to risk- i.e. avoid claims if possible by not insuring situations that are prone to having claims. Most homeowners policies are just that-for homeowners. They are not designed or fit for a commercial user. The insurance companies know that there is a lot more risk involved (more financial liability) to a commercial entity. Now the dig comes when and who decides that there is a "business" involved. It is usually not that they wont insure you, but what type of policy and how much premium. We have a saying - "Stupidity is a covered peril." It may be "stupid" to accidentally set you house on fire when HT a blade if it is just a hobby, but if it were to be determined that you were operating a business, then you need a business policy. Most policies will plainly (sorta) spell this out as to what is excluded.
When you finally find a company that you think is right - do two things- absolutely neccesary: 1. get and read a policy -if you have trouble understanding it, get someone to help until you do. Even a lawyer if you can stand to be around one that long. It would be best if you could talk to an adjuster- they typically know what the policy says, agents usually dont. 2. find out how their claims are handled - do they have their own adjusters, use contract adjusters or have on-site adjusters period or do they do it over the phone/internet etc. You want company employee adjusters in my opinion. 3. ask for some references from claimants in the past - trust me, even if they give you the "best of the best" they will still tell you the truth about the claims process. If they refuse to give you that, then I would go somewhere else.
Definetely dont try to mislead anyone concerning your home policy - "application mis-representation" equals certain claim denial. Remember- it all comes out in a court of law....
When you finally find a company that you think is right - do two things- absolutely neccesary: 1. get and read a policy -if you have trouble understanding it, get someone to help until you do. Even a lawyer if you can stand to be around one that long. It would be best if you could talk to an adjuster- they typically know what the policy says, agents usually dont. 2. find out how their claims are handled - do they have their own adjusters, use contract adjusters or have on-site adjusters period or do they do it over the phone/internet etc. You want company employee adjusters in my opinion. 3. ask for some references from claimants in the past - trust me, even if they give you the "best of the best" they will still tell you the truth about the claims process. If they refuse to give you that, then I would go somewhere else.
Definetely dont try to mislead anyone concerning your home policy - "application mis-representation" equals certain claim denial. Remember- it all comes out in a court of law....
