How Can Businesses Get Insurance Discounts?

In addition to combining policies together in either a business owners policy or commercial package policy, there are several other ways for businesses to lower their insurance premiums. Insurance companies sometimes offer discounts for:

     ● Paying policy premiums in full

     ● Installing security systems on property and buildings

     ● Requiring drivers to have commercial driver’s licenses

     ● Implementing employees safety programs

     ● Being in business for a minimum amount of time

     ● Remaining claims-free for a certain period

Obviously, the exact discounts that a business can take advantage of depend on what coverages the business is purchasing.

Finding policies through an independent insurance agent can also help businesses save money on the coverages they need. Independent agents are free to compare policies from multiple insurers, finding the policies that offer the best coverage at an affordable price.

Give us a call and see what a family owned business can do for you. Barrows Insurance Agency helps businesses find coverage option that protects you, your family, and personal property along with your business.

From new policies, renewals or claims, we are here every step of the way. See the difference a local agent can provide.

We have two locations to choose from:

Mansfield Office: Ph. (508) 339-7260

Foxboro Office : Ph. (508) 543-1101

How Independent Agents Are Different from Captive Agents

When it comes to buying insurance, you have two primary options available to you: independent agents like us, and captive agents. While both can provide insurance services, these two types of insurance agents are not the same and it's important to understand the differences.

1.Captive Insurance Agents

A captive agent works for a single insurance company, either as an employee of that company or as an independent contractor. This means that a captive insurance agent will be limited to the specific insurance products offered by that particular company, so they won't be able to help you if you need a type of insurance they don't offer, or shop around to find the best deals on the market.

Keep in minds that the insurance company may also try and sell certain products, so there is no guarantee that you are truly getting what is best for you and not just what is best for the company.

2.Independent Insurance Agents

An independent agent is not controlled by any one insurance company and instead works with multiple insurers. What does this mean to you? This means independent agents have access to all of the insurance products and services offered by the companies they represent. They are not handcuffed to only one company.

As a result, it's often the case that an independent agent will be able to help you with all of the products you need, even if those products come from multiple insurance companies.

One of the perks is if you need to file a claim. We understand that sometimes it’s not always cut and dry, we’ll walk with you and work on your behalf throughout the process. We are always available to answer questions and we can regularly review your policy to ensure it is still the best possible fit for you.

Give us a call and see why Barrows Insurance Agency is your trusted advisor for all of your insurance needs.

Commercial Umbrella Insurance, Added Coverage When It Matters!

Most of us are familiar with Residential Umbrella Insurance.  Commercial Umbrella Insurance provides businesses with added liability coverage when claims exceed the limits of certain primary insurance policies, such as general liability or commercial auto.

Think of umbrella insurance as a backup for business liability policies that you already have. When a claim exceeds your primary policy's limit, you can apply your umbrella coverage to the amount still owed on the claim.

Usually, umbrella coverage can be applied to claims made on these types of liability insurance policies:

·     General liability insurance

·     Commercial auto / Hired and non-owned auto insurance

·     Employer's liability insurance

This is what sets umbrella insurance apart from most policies.  It is only useful when your liability policies have reached their limits. It is like a reserve policy that fills in any gaps if a claim exceeds your other policy limits.

Be sure to discuss with our agents the best type of umbrella insurance you need.  Also, depending on your policy, you may have to make a separate claim on your umbrella policy, depending on whether its coverage responds automatically. If it isn’t automatic, you may have to file two claims: one on the initial underlying policy and one on the umbrella policy.

Keep in mind that many different types of businesses can benefit from the additional coverage and protection that umbrella insurance provides. Businesses that should consider purchasing this coverage include:

·     Consulting

·     Food and beverage

·     Healthcare professionals

·     Home-based businesses

·     Insurance professionals

·     Nonprofits

·     Personal care

·     Photo and video

·     Retail

·     Technology / IT

Our specialized business agents will guide you on the different types of umbrella coverage that your business may need so you know what to expect from your policy.