Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Accidents happen in the workplace, no matter what precautions you have in place. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to help cover the costs associated with a work-related injury or illness. We’re here to help you sort through business insurance, including workers’ compensation insurance benefits. Contact us today to get started.

What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Workers’ compensation insurance is a type of business insurance policy that provides benefits to employees if they suffer work-related illnesses or injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits typically include coverage for paying for medical care and lost wages from time missed from work.

Employers also benefit from workers’ compensation insurance, as it can help protect your business from lawsuits and keep it compliant with state regulations.

What Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Workers’ compensation may provide various benefits to employees who experience an injury or illness, including:

• Medical benefits—Employees may receive compensation to cover doctor appointments, hospital visits and medications.
• Wage-loss benefits—If an employee cannot return to work at total capacity, wage-loss benefits may help them supplement their lost income. This benefit may last until the employee has recovered or until the wage-loss benefit limit has been reached.
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits—Employees may receive access to vocational rehab services to help them learn new skills and reenter the workforce after an injury.
• Death/dependent benefits—If an employee loses their life because of a work-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation may help cover funeral costs and lost income. These benefits are typically provided to the spouse or dependents of the deceased.

Worker’s compensation laws vary by state, which may impact the limits and duration of benefits and the type of employers required to have it. Reach out to an agent to discuss specific requirements for your business.

How to Get Workers’ Compensation

We’re ready to help you secure workers’ compensation coverage for your business. Contact MSB Insurance Group today for more information or a quote.

Recreational Vehicle Insurance

If you have any type of recreational vehicle, including a motorcycle, RV, boat, or off-road vehicle (e.g., all-terrain vehicle (ATC) or snowmobile), you’ll need to secure additional insurance to properly protect your investment. Determining what and how much coverage you need can be tricky, but that’s why we’re here to help. Contact us today to get started.

What Is Recreational Vehicle Insurance?

Recreational vehicle insurance is a general term that refers to a variety of policies used to insure vehicles such as boats, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs and travel trailers. Each policy provides unique coverage. Talk to your agent today to discuss specific coverage you may need for your recreational vehicle.

What Does Recreational Vehicle Insurance Cover?

Recreational vehicle insurance helps provide a layer of protection against liability and property damages. Recreational vehicle insurance varies based on the type of vehicle you have. Talk to your agent to learn more about targeted coverage for:

• Boat and watercraft
• Off-road vehicles (e.g., ATVs, golf carts, and snowmobiles)
• Campers
• Coaches
• Motor homes
• Travel trailers

Is Recreational Vehicle Insurance Required?

Depending on the type of recreational vehicle you own and where you live, you may be legally required to obtain insurance for your vehicle. For example, most RV and motorcycle owners must secure at least the minimum auto insurance required of all drivers in their state of residence.

How to Get Recreational Vehicle Insurance

If you’re in need of a recreational vehicle insurance policy, we’re here to help. Contact MSB Insurance Group today to learn more or receive a free quote.

Renters Insurance

Renters insurance can provide you with needed financial protection against adverse circumstances, whether it’s covering your personal belongings in case of damage or ensuring you’re protected if someone is injured in your residence. If you need renters insurance, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about your renters insurance options or to get a quote.

What Is Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance provides protection against property loss and liability if you cause injury or property damage. To learn more about what that means, we’ve covered some basics about each.

• Property protection—Renters insurance covers your possessions against damage for things such as fire, smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft and water damage—but not flooding—to name a few. It also extends beyond on-premise theft and hazards, covering property that is stolen from your car or lost or damaged anywhere you happen to be. Talk to your agent today to learn more additional property protection options, such as flood and earthquake insurance and scheduled items riders.
• Liability protection— The liability portion of a renters insurance policy helps protect against claims of third-party bodily injury or property damage caused by you or another person listed as insured on your policy. It may also help pay for medical bills if someone has an injury in your rental. Liability also provides coverage for legal defense costs and judgments in a lawsuit, whether the incident occurred within your rented residence, or elsewhere.

Some renters insurance policies pay a tenant’s temporary living costs if they need to live elsewhere because of a fire, severe storm or other covered disaster. This coverage may include hotel bills, temporary rentals, restaurant meals and other living expenses. Talk with your insurer about whether your renters insurance has this inclusion.

How to Get Renters Insurance

Whether you call a rented house, condo or apartment your home, you can benefit from renters insurance. Call us today to learn more about renters insurance or to get a no-obligation quote.

Navigating Commercial Trucking Insurance in Houston, TX

Commercial trucking insurance provides tailored coverage to meet the unique needs of the industry, helping ensure protection against various risks and liabilities.

When it comes to commercial trucking insurance, there are several types of coverage available to suit different business needs:

• Liability protection can cover bodily injury and property damage caused by your trucks.

• Physical damage coverage includes collision and comprehensive coverage to protect your trucks from damage due to accidents, theft, vandalism or natural disasters after a covered incident or accident.

• Cargo insurance can cover goods being transported, protecting against loss or damage during transit.

• Non-trucking liability can provide coverage when the truck is being used for non-business purposes.

• Uninsured motorist coverage can help provide protection if you’re involved in an accident with an at-fault uninsured or underinsured driver.

Factors Influencing Premiums

Several factors can affect the cost of your commercial trucking insurance premiums. The make, model and age of your trucks can impact your rates. Newer, more expensive trucks typically cost more to insure. The type of goods being transported plays a role, with hazardous materials or high-value cargo often resulting in higher rates. The driving records of your drivers are significant as well. Clean records can help lower premiums, while a history of accidents or violations can increase costs. Additionally, the location of your business can influence your rates, with areas that have higher traffic density or crime rates potentially leading to higher premiums.

The chosen coverage limits and deductibles will affect your premiums, as higher coverage limits and lower deductibles generally result in higher costs but provide greater protection.

Choosing the Right Policy

Selecting the right commercial trucking insurance policy involves evaluating your business needs and comparing different options:

• Assess your needs. Consider the number of trucks, their usage and the level of coverage required to adequately protect your business.

• Compare quotes. Obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage at a competitive price.

• Review policy details. Carefully read the terms and conditions of each policy to understand what is covered and any exclusions or limitations.

Contact Us

Contact MSB Insurance Group today for a personalized commercial trucking insurance quote.

Watercraft & Boat Insurance

Having the right boat insurance policy for your watercraft can be an excellent way to protect yourself from costs related to property damage and medical expenses if an injury occurs. Our agency can assist you in learning more about your coverage options so you can be financially protected.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Boat insurance policies generally depend on the type of coverage you select. Regardless, common boat insurance coverages include:

• Liability coverage helps cover expenses if your boat causes damage to another person’s property.
• Medical payments coverage helps cover medical expenses if you or a passenger gets injured on your boat.
• Boat insurance property coverage helps protect your boat from various risks and potential incidents by covering costs related to incidents such as theft or vandalism.
• Uninsured watercraft coverage helps cover expenses if an uninsured boater collides with you and causes injury to you or your passengers.

Other coverage options may be available. Our agency can help you learn about potential coverages to include in your boat insurance policy.

How to Get Boat Insurance

MSB Insurance Group is ready to help you learn more about boat insurance. Contact us today to request a quote or to learn more.

Surety Bonds in Houston, Texas

Surety bonds can help build trust with clients as they provide assurances that your business will adhere to a contract or meet applicable regulations. In some situations, surety bonds may be required before work on a project can begin.

Our knowledgeable team can help you secure the surety bonds that meet your business’s needs. Contact us today to get started.

What Is a Surety Bond?

A surety bond is a form of consumer protection and is a contract among three parties:

The principal (e.g., your company) purchases and carries the surety bond.

The obligee (e.g., your client) requires the principal to secure a bond. The obligee may be a private party or a governmental entity.

The surety (e.g., an insurance company) underwrites and maintains the bond.

If the bonded principal fails to meet their contractual obligations, the obligee may file a claim against the bond. The surety then investigates the situation, and the principal may have a chance to fix the issue. However, if it isn’t remedied, the surety may provide financial compensation to the obligee up to the bond amount. The principal is subsequently obligated to reimburse the surety for that payment.

Surety Bond Examples

There are several types of surety bonds, including:

• Bid bonds—These guarantee a business submitted a bid in good faith and will start a project if they win the contract.
• Performance bonds—These guarantee a business will complete a project in accordance with the contract’s terms.
• Payment bonds—These assure that contractors will pay suppliers and subcontractors for their materials and labor.
• Maintenance bonds—These guarantee that defects in workmanship or materials will be remedied if the problem arises within a set term (e.g., one year) after a project is finished. They are also known as warranty bonds.
• License and permit bonds—These guarantee a business will comply with applicable laws and regulations. They may be required before receiving a license or permit from a governmental entity.

Other types of surety bonds may be available. Contact your agent for more information.

Contact Us

Our knowledgeable professionals can help you get the surety bonds your business needs. Contact MSB Insurance Group today for more information.

Contractors Insurance

As a contractor, you face many risks as part of your job, no matter your trade. Securing comprehensive business insurance for your operations can help mitigate the financial losses from these hazards. If you’re a contractor and need insurance solutions, we are ready to help. Contact MSB Insurance Group today for more information.

What Types of Insurance Coverages Are Available for Contractors?

Whether you are a general contractor or an artisan contractor, business insurance can provide coverage for several exposures, which can help reduce your out-of-pocket burden. The coverages contractors select vary. Several types of insurance are typically available, including, but not limited to:

• Commercial property insurance—Commercial property insurance protects your business’s physical assets (e.g., your building and its furnishings) if they are damaged by covered perils, such as fires or storms. It may provide repair or replacement costs.
• Builder’s risk insurance—Builder’s risk insurance can provide coverage during a construction project. It may provide coverage if the building under construction, materials or supplies are damaged by a covered cause of loss (e.g., fire). Coverage may apply to property at the job site or temporarily stored off-site.
• Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance—This may pay repair or replacement costs if your portable tools or equipment are damaged, lost or stolen.
• Commercial auto insurance—If your business owns vehicles, commercial auto insurance may provide coverage if they’re damaged or in an accident. Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) may also be available to cover vehicles your business rents or leases.
• Liability insurance—If your business is held legally responsible for property damage or injuries to third parties, liability insurance may compensate them for their losses. It may also cover the associated legal fees. Several types of liability insurance may be available, including:
  • Commercial general liability insurance
  • Products liability insurance
  • Pollution liability insurance
  • Cyber liability insurance
  • Completed operations liability insurance
  • Professional liability insurance
• Umbrella insurance—If a significant liability claim exceeds the limits of your other liability policies, umbrella insurance may fill in the gap.
• Workers’ compensation—If an employee suffers a work-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation may provide wage replacement or payments for medical expenses.

Additional policies and endorsements may be available. Speak with our team to discuss options, limits and exclusions.

How to Get Contractors Insurance

MSB Insurance Group is well versed in the unique risks a contractor may face, and we’re here to help you get adequate protection against your exposures. Contact us today to discuss your insurance needs and to get a quote for coverage.

Construction Insurance

Professionals in the construction industry encounter numerous hazards through their operations. Securing a comprehensive insurance portfolio can help mitigate these risks.

Our agency is ready to help you obtain the commercial insurance your business needs. Contact MSB Insurance Group today to get started.

What Types of Construction Insurance Are Available?

If you are a carpenter, homebuilding, remodeler, plumber, electrician or another contractor in the construction industry, commercial insurance can provide coverage for several exposures and offer financial assistance if covered causes of loss occur. This can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. The coverages construction businesses choose vary, and several types are typically available, including, but not limited to:

• Commercial property insurance—This may provide repair or replacement costs if your business’s property is damaged or destroyed by covered perils, such as fires or storms, or if it is stolen.
• Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance—This may provide coverage if your movable tools or equipment are damaged or lost due to a covered event.
• Business interruption insurance—This may help pay for lost income if a covered peril forces you to shut down your operations temporarily.
• Liability insurance—If your business is held legally responsible for the injuries or property damage to others, liability insurance may compensate them for their losses. It may also cover the associated legal costs (e.g., court fees, settlements and judgments). Several types of liability insurance may be available, including:
  • Commercial general liability insurance
  • Products liability insurance
  • Pollution liability insurance
  • Cyber liability insurance
  • Completed operations liability insurance
  • Professional liability insurance
• Builder’s risk insurance—This may provide coverage during a construction project. It may apply to the building under construction and property at the job site or temporarily stored off-site.
• Commercial auto insurance—This may provide coverage if your business-owned vehicles are damaged or in an accident. Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) may also provide liability coverage for vehicles your business does not own but utilizes for work purposes.
• Umbrella insurance—This may provide an additional layer of coverage if a liability claim exceeds the limits of your other liability policies.
• Workers’ compensation—This may provide wage replacement or payments for medical expenses if an employee suffers a work-related injury or illness.

Other policies and endorsements may be available. Speak with our agents to discuss options, limits and exclusions.

Contact Us

Our team is ready to help you secure a comprehensive insurance portfolio that meets your business’s unique needs. Contact us today for more information or a quote.

Motorcycle Insurance

If you own or drive a motorcycle, purchasing motorcycle insurance may be required, depending on where you live. Additionally, having the right motorcycle insurance policy can help protect you financially if you’re involved in an accident or your bike is stolen or damaged. Contact us today to learn more about motorcycle insurance or get a quote.

What Is Covered Under Motorcycle Insurance?

The coverage provided by your motorcycle insurance may vary based on what’s included in your specific policy. Some aspects that may be covered under a policy can include:

• Liability protections (e.g., bodily injury and property damage liability) for injuries or damages you may cause to someone else while riding your motorcycle
• Additional protections to you if you’re injured or your motorcycle is damaged in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist
• Property damage to your motorcycle caused by a collision with another object
• Property damage to your motorcycle caused by vandalism, fire, theft or other covered losses
• Roadside assistance
• Towing
• Trip interruption expenses
• Additional or specialized equipment

Contact our agency today to learn more about the protections that may be available to you.

Why Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance?

Depending on where you live, motorcycle insurance may be required by state law. What’s more, if you’ve financed your motorcycle, your lender may require you to carry minimum coverage amounts. Beyond these requirements, having adequate motorcycle insurance can help protect you financially if you’re in an accident or your bike is damaged or stolen. Without insurance, you may have to pay for all incurred expenses out-of-pocket.

How To Get Motorcycle Insurance

If you need a motorcycle insurance policy, we’re here to help. Call MSB Insurance Group to discuss your motorcycle insurance needs and get a quote for a policy that’s right for you.

Homeowners Insurance in Houston, Texas

A standard homeowners insurance policy insures the home itself and the things you keep inside. By having homeowners insurance, you can financially protect yourself if there’s an accident. Contact our agency today to learn more about homeowners insurance or to get a no-obligation quote.

What Is Homeowners Insurance?

Home insurance is a package policy, which means that it covers damage to your property after a covered loss and your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or members of your family cause to other people. There are usually additional coverages or endorsements, also called riders, that you can add to the standard coverages provided by home insurance to ensure adequate protection.

Do I Need Homeowners Insurance?

While purchasing a home insurance policy may not be mandated by the federal, state or local government, your lender may require proof of home insurance if you have a mortgage. Carrying appropriate homeowners insurance is always a good idea as the policy can help financially protect you if you experience a covered accident or other loss. Without home insurance, you may be left to cover the replacement or repair costs on your own following an incident.

How to Get Homeowners Insurance

If you need a homeowners insurance policy or want to evaluate whether the coverage you have is adequate, we’re here to help. Give MSB Insurance Group a call today to get started or request your free quote now.