Jacques Wong

Jacques grew up around the insurance industry and began actively participating in 2013. Since then, he has gotten a Level 2 license, won an Insurance Council of BC award in 2015 for academic excellence in the insurance licensing courses and educates insurance professionals through PNC Learning.

In his day job as an insurance broker, he helps businesses with creative risk management solutions and strategic advice when it comes to insurance.

Accolades:

  • The Renate M Mueller Consultants Recognition Award for the highest annual mark in CAIB 3 in 2015.

Certifications:

  • BC Insurance Council Level 2 license.
  • 97% in CAIB 3.
  • 96% in CAIB 4.

Articles by Jacques Wong

Retirement: Here's How Your Insurance Needs Will Change Retirement: Here's How Your Insurance Needs Will Change Retirement: Here's How Your Insurance Needs Will Change Retirement: Here's How Your Insurance Needs Will Change


As your life changes into retirement, so do your insurance needs. It pays to regularly review your insurance coverages as you enter...

P2P insurance relies on decentralized networks of policyholders P2P insurance relies on decentralized networks of policyholders P2P insurance relies on decentralized networks of policyholders P2P insurance relies on decentralized networks of policyholders


P2P insurance uses decentralized networks to offer a more efficient products at better rates. Sounds complicated? It's simpler than you...

Cargo ships Cargo ships Cargo ships Cargo ships


Marine coverage is one of the oldest and most complex types of insurance. Read this article to learn the basics.

Insuring a restaurant Insuring a restaurant Insuring a restaurant Insuring a restaurant


Running a restaurant comes with a lot of different risks. Find out what insurance you'll need to make sure your business can thrive.

Inside Jobs: How to Prevent Employee Theft Inside Jobs: How to Prevent Employee Theft Inside Jobs: How to Prevent Employee Theft Inside Jobs: How to Prevent Employee Theft


Employee theft is a common problem, and many companies do too little to prevent it. Find out how you can protect against it.

Employee Benefits: What's in it for the Employer? Employee Benefits: What's in it for the Employer? Employee Benefits: What's in it for the Employer? Employee Benefits: What's in it for the Employer?


Employers have a lot to gain from offering benefits to their employees. Find out why in this article.

Insurance Industry Careers: What They Are and How to Get Them Insurance Industry Careers: What They Are and How to Get Them Insurance Industry Careers: What They Are and How to Get Them Insurance Industry Careers: What They Are and How to Get Them


Considering a career in insurance? Find out what jobs are available and what it takes to get them.

How to Lower Your Health Insurance Rates How to Lower Your Health Insurance Rates How to Lower Your Health Insurance Rates How to Lower Your Health Insurance Rates


Healthcare costs seem to always be climbing, but your premium doesn't have to. Find out how you can lower your health insurance rate.

Who Needs Umbrella Insurance? Who Needs Umbrella Insurance? Who Needs Umbrella Insurance? Who Needs Umbrella Insurance?


Lots of factors go into deciding whether you should buy an umbrella policy. Find out whether you're a good candidate for this coverage.

What Self-Driving Cars Will Mean for Your Auto Insurance What Self-Driving Cars Will Mean for Your Auto Insurance What Self-Driving Cars Will Mean for Your Auto Insurance What Self-Driving Cars Will Mean for Your Auto Insurance


The insurance industry will have to adapt to self-driving cars. Find out what questions they need to answer and what it will mean for your...

Q&A by Jacques Wong

Life insurance medical exams Life insurance medical exams Life insurance medical exams Life insurance medical exams


A lot of people looking into life insurance for the first time have heard that they'll need to undergo a medical exam as part of their...

How much does an insurance agent make? How much does an insurance agent make? How much does an insurance agent make? How much does an insurance agent make?


People working in the insurance industry get compensated in a variety of ways: salaries, commissions, bonuses, special incentive payments,...

Who receives my life insurance benefit? Who receives my life insurance benefit? Who receives my life insurance benefit? Who receives my life insurance benefit?


Life insurance is a way to provide peace of mind and protect and provide for the insured's family when they pass away. The policy can...

Non-admitted insurance company Non-admitted insurance company Non-admitted insurance company Non-admitted insurance company


Insurance is a heavily regulated industry with strict financial requirements and codes of conduct. In many areas, insurance companies are...

Should I buy drone insurance? Should I buy drone insurance? Should I buy drone insurance? Should I buy drone insurance?


Not too long ago, drones were an obscure toy only for the real enthusiasts. But they've since come into their own and are becoming...

Can you be held liable for serving liquor at home? Can you be held liable for serving liquor at home? Can you be held liable for serving liquor at home? Can you be held liable for serving liquor at home?


Most people understand that it is not a good idea to continue serving alcohol to a guest who is obviously drunk. For the safety of that...

Do hotels insure their guests' property? Do hotels insure their guests' property? Do hotels insure their guests' property? Do hotels insure their guests' property?


In the insurance industry, there is a general principle which states that one can only buy insurance on things they have an insurable...

Do you need liquor liability insurance? Do you need liquor liability insurance? Do you need liquor liability insurance? Do you need liquor liability insurance?


Alcohol is a great social lubricant and can be an important part of a fun night with family and friends. Unfortunately, it can also be...

Can using a fitness tracker lower your health insurance premiums? Can using a fitness tracker lower your health insurance premiums? Can using a fitness tracker lower your health insurance premiums? Can using a fitness tracker lower your health insurance premiums?


Talk about wearable technology changing the health insurance industry has been buzing for a long time. The discussion has really taken off...

Unoccupied home Unoccupied home Unoccupied home Unoccupied home


In the eyes of an insurer, a vacant home is simply a higher risk. For example, cold weather could cause water pipes in a vacant home to...

Be on the lookout for insurance scams Be on the lookout for insurance scams Be on the lookout for insurance scams Be on the lookout for insurance scams


In most parts of the world, the insurance industry is highly regulated. Strict laws apply to both insurance companies and independent...

What is excluded from product liability insurance? What is excluded from product liability insurance? What is excluded from product liability insurance? What is excluded from product liability insurance?


The quick answer is yes and no. (I know. Useful, right?)Let's flesh this out a bit.Businesses are held accountable for their products....

Reinsurers and retrocessionaires help insurance companies manage their risks Reinsurers and retrocessionaires help insurance companies manage their risks Reinsurers and retrocessionaires help insurance companies manage their risks Reinsurers and retrocessionaires help insurance companies manage their risks


Insurance is it's own beast, so it's easy to forget that it's really a financial product (one of the oldest on the planet, in...

Does home insurance cover mold damage? Does home insurance cover mold damage? Does home insurance cover mold damage? Does home insurance cover mold damage?


Mold is something every insurance company fears. That's because mold can be toxic, hard to detect, and expensive to repair. All of this...

Is using insurance chatbots a good idea? Is using insurance chatbots a good idea? Is using insurance chatbots a good idea? Is using insurance chatbots a good idea?


Insurance is an industry with hundreds of years behind it and tons and tons of financial and strict regulatory restrictions. Because of...

Is cryptocurrency going to mean anything for my insurance? Is cryptocurrency going to mean anything for my insurance? Is cryptocurrency going to mean anything for my insurance? Is cryptocurrency going to mean anything for my insurance?


The buzz about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has been dominating news cycles at the end of 2017. There have been a lot of...

What are the best ways to save on car insurance? What are the best ways to save on car insurance? What are the best ways to save on car insurance? What are the best ways to save on car insurance?


To understand how to save money on your car insurance, first we need to know something about how your premiums are calculated.In general,...

Does my company need cyber insurance? Does my company need cyber insurance? Does my company need cyber insurance? Does my company need cyber insurance?


This is a particularly relevant topic given the recent cyber attacks and threats discussed heavily in the media (like the one involving...

Does my business need key person insurance? Does my business need key person insurance? Does my business need key person insurance? Does my business need key person insurance?


I was recently working with a long-time client of mine on this exact problem. He runs a medium-sized nutritional supplement manufacturing...

A backyard ice rink brings liability risks - do you need a special policy? A backyard ice rink brings liability risks - do you need a special policy? A backyard ice rink brings liability risks - do you need a special policy? A backyard ice rink brings liability risks - do you need a special policy?


Backyard ice rinks are a winter tradition here in Canada. They are tremendously fun, but there are also quite a few risks involved in...

Is your car coveraged for hail damage? Is your car coveraged for hail damage? Is your car coveraged for hail damage? Is your car coveraged for hail damage?


Great question. The answer depends on what type of insurance you bought. In most jurisdictions, auto insurance is typically broken down...

What is the top paying insurance industry job? What is the top paying insurance industry job? What is the top paying insurance industry job? What is the top paying insurance industry job?


I think getting into the insurance industry is a great choice; it's an understated but very stable industry. Insurance is a financial...

Does where you live affect health insurance premiums? Does where you live affect health insurance premiums? Does where you live affect health insurance premiums? Does where you live affect health insurance premiums?


To understand how insurance premiums are set, for health insurance or otherwise, it helps to understand the concept of risk and reward....

Is your roof covered? Is your roof covered? Is your roof covered? Is your roof covered?


Nothing does more work protecting your home than your roof. It's a critical part of a house's overall structure and it's...

What should I include in a household inventory? What should I include in a household inventory? What should I include in a household inventory? What should I include in a household inventory?


First of all, let me congratulate you on taking this important risk management step. Any serious loss is sure to be stressful, even when...

Claims adjusters and public adjusters do the same job - only for different people. Claims adjusters and public adjusters do the same job - only for different people. Claims adjusters and public adjusters do the same job - only for different people. Claims adjusters and public adjusters do the same job - only for different people.


There are three main players in the insurance industry. You're familiar, of course, with the insurance broker or agent you meet with...

When do you need a public adjuster? When do you need a public adjuster? When do you need a public adjuster? When do you need a public adjuster?


Great question. Let's start this off with an overview of what an adjuster is and does.No offense to adjusters, but they're the...

How do I prepare a proof of loss for an insurance claim? How do I prepare a proof of loss for an insurance claim? How do I prepare a proof of loss for an insurance claim? How do I prepare a proof of loss for an insurance claim?


Let's start by talking going over what insurers mean by a proof of loss. The proof of loss form is a very important legal document that is...

Will employee dishonesty insurance cover theft by an unidentified employee? Will employee dishonesty insurance cover theft by an unidentified employee? Will employee dishonesty insurance cover theft by an unidentified employee? Will employee dishonesty insurance cover theft by an unidentified employee?


If you're a business owner, your company faces threats from vandals, burglars, hackers, and even your own employees. If you experience...

What's a corridor deductible? What's a corridor deductible? What's a corridor deductible? What's a corridor deductible?


Most people who have health or auto insurance are familiar with the idea of a deductible. But not everyone realizes there are different...

Does my liability insurance cover me for injuries that happen on the sidewalk in front of my house? Does my liability insurance cover me for injuries that happen on the sidewalk in front of my house? Does my liability insurance cover me for injuries that happen on the sidewalk in front of my house? Does my liability insurance cover me for injuries that happen on the sidewalk in front of my house?


Personal liability insurance provides the insured with financial protection when they are found legally responsible for causing bodily...

What should I do if I think my insurance company denied my claim unfairly? What should I do if I think my insurance company denied my claim unfairly? What should I do if I think my insurance company denied my claim unfairly? What should I do if I think my insurance company denied my claim unfairly?


We buy insurance so that we can be covered when life takes an unexpected turn. We buy it and hope we never have to use it. But when we do,...

Is it more expensive to insure an older home? Is it more expensive to insure an older home? Is it more expensive to insure an older home? Is it more expensive to insure an older home?


The quick answer to this question is yes. In most cases, it is more expensive to insure an older home than a newer one. To explain why, we...

Is it a good idea to get an insurance policy with no deductible? Is it a good idea to get an insurance policy with no deductible? Is it a good idea to get an insurance policy with no deductible? Is it a good idea to get an insurance policy with no deductible?


An insurance policy without a deductible can be quite appealing. But like everything else in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it...

Is my driveway covered by my home insurance policy? Is my driveway covered by my home insurance policy? Is my driveway covered by my home insurance policy? Is my driveway covered by my home insurance policy?


Home insurance, as the name implies, covers policyholders in the event that their home is damaged by an insured peril. But it's really a...

Who gets the death benefit if my beneficiaries die? Who gets the death benefit if my beneficiaries die? Who gets the death benefit if my beneficiaries die? Who gets the death benefit if my beneficiaries die?


Life insurance is usually a pretty straightforward product: you pay for the policy and when you die, a sum of money (the death benefit)...

How bad does the damage have to be for my home insurance to cover vandalism? How bad does the damage have to be for my home insurance to cover vandalism? How bad does the damage have to be for my home insurance to cover vandalism? How bad does the damage have to be for my home insurance to cover vandalism?


Coverage for vandalism and malicious acts is automatically included in most homeowners insurance policies. And to answer your question...

Is it ever okay not to involve the insurance company after a car accident? Is it ever okay not to involve the insurance company after a car accident? Is it ever okay not to involve the insurance company after a car accident? Is it ever okay not to involve the insurance company after a car accident?


I hear this question a lot as a broker. Clients call me after being involved in a car accident and wonder whether they should go through...

If I receive a quote, does the insurance company have to honor it? If I receive a quote, does the insurance company have to honor it? If I receive a quote, does the insurance company have to honor it? If I receive a quote, does the insurance company have to honor it?


Great question. As an insurance agent, I deal with different variations of this issue a lot. Here's the typical scenario. A client comes to...

How do insurance companies have the funds to cover so many claims after a natural disaster? How do insurance companies have the funds to cover so many claims after a natural disaster? How do insurance companies have the funds to cover so many claims after a natural disaster? How do insurance companies have the funds to cover so many claims after a natural disaster?


As I'm writing this answer, the news is filled with hurricane devastation, with the media reporting higher and higher costs for the damages...

Do I need special coverage for my record collection? Do I need special coverage for my record collection? Do I need special coverage for my record collection? Do I need special coverage for my record collection?


When I first saw this question, I thought it would be a straightforward one to answer. But after doing a bit of research, I realized that...

Do professional writers need business insurance? Do professional writers need business insurance? Do professional writers need business insurance? Do professional writers need business insurance?


Good question. The answer here depends on several factors, including where you work and what type of writing you do.Let's start with...

Ridesharing increases your premiums - but having the wrong coverage is far worse Ridesharing increases your premiums - but having the wrong coverage is far worse Ridesharing increases your premiums - but having the wrong coverage is far worse Ridesharing increases your premiums - but having the wrong coverage is far worse


The short answer is yes. If you're driving passengers for payment – even if only part-time and through a ridesharing service...

Do I need special insurance if I make money through ridesharing? Do I need special insurance if I make money through ridesharing? Do I need special insurance if I make money through ridesharing? Do I need special insurance if I make money through ridesharing?


This is a question I'm starting to get more frequently, so it's good to be able to write about it.With the advent of ridesharing services...

Collision with animals Collision with animals Collision with animals Collision with animals


With automobile insurance, there are generally four categories of coverage you can buy:Third party liability – Typically mandatory....

Will liability insurance cover me for accusations of libel? Will liability insurance cover me for accusations of libel? Will liability insurance cover me for accusations of libel? Will liability insurance cover me for accusations of libel?


Liability insurance for "Personal and Advertising injury" is a component built into your home insurance and featured prominently...

Can I file a business insurance claim for a power outage? Can I file a business insurance claim for a power outage? Can I file a business insurance claim for a power outage? Can I file a business insurance claim for a power outage?


This is a tricky one, since commercial insurance policies vary widely from insurer to insurer with wildly differing terms. Moreover, the...

Is my bike insured under my home insurance policy? Is my bike insured under my home insurance policy? Is my bike insured under my home insurance policy? Is my bike insured under my home insurance policy?


A typical homeowners insurance contains two sections:Property coveragePersonal liability coverageThe property coverage portion is further...

Can you remove a named insured from an insurance policy? Can you remove a named insured from an insurance policy? Can you remove a named insured from an insurance policy? Can you remove a named insured from an insurance policy?


The quick answer is yes, it is possible to remove the named insured from an insurance policy. But first, let's talk about what a named...

Why can't some businesses purchase errors and omissions insurance? Why can't some businesses purchase errors and omissions insurance? Why can't some businesses purchase errors and omissions insurance? Why can't some businesses purchase errors and omissions insurance?


There are many reasons why an insured might be denied coverage or be ineligible for a particular type of insurance. An insured might have a...


First, lets have a quick refresher on the difference between the two types of cancellations: pro rata and short rate (we'll ignore flat...


Let's first take a look at what an insuring clause is. An insuring clause is one of the most important—if not the most important—elements...


First, lets start off by talking briefly about the differences between an insurance agent and an insurance broker. The key difference is...


You can think of your insurance agent as your insurance salesperson. In general, their job is to work with you to help you understand your...


The date of inception and the effective date of the policy are terms that generally refer to the same thing. They refer to the date at...


There are a few common scenarios in which an insurance company might reevaluate a piece of business and make adjustments.Have you ever had...


First, lets start by talking about what "guaranteed insurability" is. Having a guaranteed insurability option on your insurance contract...


Let's start this off by first talking about what it means to flat cancel an insurance contract. To flat cancel an insurance contract means...


The easiest ways to reduce your premium despite being deemed a substandard risk is to either increase your deductible or reduce your...


Clients who are concerned about this problem generally fall into one of two categories: building owners and tenants. The likely concern...


To put it simply, tenant improvements and betterments are all renovations that are paid for by an insured who does not own the building or...


First, let's talk a little bit about how aviation exclusions work in a life insurance context. It works in different ways depending on your...


Like the name implies, vandalism and malicious mischief (VMM) policies cover losses caused by vandalism. They are a default feature of most...


The short answer is "yes." But it depends on a few factors, like how often you use it for work, distances traveled, and the type of work...


Different insurance companies will have their own ways of calculating risk exposures and it will vary for different types of insurance....


To put it simply: no. You only need to show proof of ownership to have a valid claim. For example, if you received a gift from a friend and...


A partial loss refers to property that has been damaged but is still functional. Despite the differences between them, insurance claims on...


Let's start by going over what "vacant" means. A vacant building is one that is without regular occupants and whose former occupants have...


In some sense, yes it does. There is no difference in premiums paid for choosing different payment methods (cash, check, credit card)....


Under normal circumstances, changing insurance companies will not affect your credit score. People and businesses change insurance...


In general, the answer is no. However, there are situations where premiums may be higher due to factors incidentally related to a...


Insurance companies audit the businesses they insure for a variety of reasons, most of which are entirely benign so there's no need to...

Does my credit rating have any effect on my auto insurance premiums? Does my credit rating have any effect on my auto insurance premiums? Does my credit rating have any effect on my auto insurance premiums? Does my credit rating have any effect on my auto insurance premiums?


There are many things that play a role in determining your car insurance premiums and some factors vary by company and jurisdiction....


To put it simply, an independent insurance agent is someone who works for you. Your independent agent will help you determine what kind of...


First, let's talk about the main difference between the two: actual cash value factors in depreciation, whereas replacement cost does not....


First, let's define subrogation: subrogation is one of the fundamental concepts in insurance and it means to "place oneself into the shoes...

Do my commercial property premiums have anything to do with my building's ISO rating? Do my commercial property premiums have anything to do with my building's ISO rating? Do my commercial property premiums have anything to do with my building's ISO rating? Do my commercial property premiums have anything to do with my building's ISO rating?


Your building's ISO rating most commonly describes the type of construction used in making it. There are six ISO types for construction...


In general, your credit score has no direct effect on your insurance premiums. However, depending on your insurer, there are two...

When do I need to add an additional interest to my insurance policy? When do I need to add an additional interest to my insurance policy? When do I need to add an additional interest to my insurance policy? When do I need to add an additional interest to my insurance policy?


An additional insured is a person or organization that has an insurable interest in the property being insured. In light of this, you will...


Actual Cash Value (ACV) is one of the ways insurers determine the insurance value of something (find out How Auto Insurance Companies Value...


Replacement Cost is one of the 3 methods of calculating something's value. The other two are Actual Cash Value and Book Value. Book Value...

Should I get my home and auto insurance from the same insurance company? Should I get my home and auto insurance from the same insurance company? Should I get my home and auto insurance from the same insurance company? Should I get my home and auto insurance from the same insurance company?


The quick and dirty answer to this question is yes. If it is at all possible, you should explore the option of bundling all your insurance...

How do I go about offering health insurance to my employees? How do I go about offering health insurance to my employees? How do I go about offering health insurance to my employees? How do I go about offering health insurance to my employees?


First off, congratulations on wanting to offer group benefits to your employees. It's a great thing to do for them and it also makes a lot...

What do insurance companies consider a pre-existing condition? What do insurance companies consider a pre-existing condition? What do insurance companies consider a pre-existing condition? What do insurance companies consider a pre-existing condition?


To give you a dictionary definition, a pre-existing condition is a health condition that existed before a person's health insurance policy...

What is a high deductible health insurance policy? What is a high deductible health insurance policy? What is a high deductible health insurance policy? What is a high deductible health insurance policy?


A high deductible health plan (commonly referred to as an HDHP) is a health insurance plan in which a high minimum deductible must be met...

What is co-insurance and what effect does it have on my health insurance? What is co-insurance and what effect does it have on my health insurance? What is co-insurance and what effect does it have on my health insurance? What is co-insurance and what effect does it have on my health insurance?


Co-insurance in the health insurance context is a little different from, say, your regular commercial property insurance.The co-insurance...


To put it simply, flood damage, by itself, is usually not covered by your typical homeowners insurance policy. Flood, as a standalone peril...


To put it simply, living in a flood zone affects your flood insurance premiums by influencing your level of exposure to a flood-related...

Should I buy flood insurance? Should I buy flood insurance? Should I buy flood insurance? Should I buy flood insurance?


Whether you need flood insurance or not depends on a few factors. It mostly has to do with the level of risk you're comfortable with taking...

Should I get long-term care insurance? Should I get long-term care insurance? Should I get long-term care insurance? Should I get long-term care insurance?


This is a question I hear a lot in my professional life and I think the answer depends on your level of personal wealth and the specific...

Am I safe if I only have group life insurance through my employer? Am I safe if I only have group life insurance through my employer? Am I safe if I only have group life insurance through my employer? Am I safe if I only have group life insurance through my employer?


Great question. It's a hard one to answer but one that I get on a regular basis. Many people get life insurance from a group benefit plan...


The get a sense of how whole life and term life insurance policies differ, let's look at a few key features commonly seen in each kind of...

Should I buy key person insurance for any of my employees? Should I buy key person insurance for any of my employees? Should I buy key person insurance for any of my employees? Should I buy key person insurance for any of my employees?


First, let's define what key person life insurance is. Key person life insurance is a policy that businesses can buy to cover a person the...

Is long term disability insurance worth it? Is long term disability insurance worth it? Is long term disability insurance worth it? Is long term disability insurance worth it?


Good question. I frequently talk to my own clients about the need for disability income insurance. Everyone knows about life insurance and...

Will long-term care insurance cover the cost of staying in a nursing home? Will long-term care insurance cover the cost of staying in a nursing home? Will long-term care insurance cover the cost of staying in a nursing home? Will long-term care insurance cover the cost of staying in a nursing home?


This is a question insurance professionals hear a lot because many people are unclear about their long-term care coverage. The short answer...

Does my employer-sponsored life insurance provide enough coverage? Does my employer-sponsored life insurance provide enough coverage? Does my employer-sponsored life insurance provide enough coverage? Does my employer-sponsored life insurance provide enough coverage?


This is a hard question to answer, but it's one that I get on a regular basis. Many people receive life insurance through their employer's...

Why do some insurance companies offer life insurance for children? Why do some insurance companies offer life insurance for children? Why do some insurance companies offer life insurance for children? Why do some insurance companies offer life insurance for children?


This is a very good question, and one that everyone asks as soon as they learn that there is such a thing as life insurance for children....

What is the difference between universal and whole life insurance? What is the difference between universal and whole life insurance? What is the difference between universal and whole life insurance? What is the difference between universal and whole life insurance?


Many people find this distinction confusing when they are first learning about life insurance. And we can hardly blame them when many...

How much life insurance should I buy? How much life insurance should I buy? How much life insurance should I buy? How much life insurance should I buy?


This is a very tough question that gets asked all the time. The answer depends largely upon two factors: whether you a primary provider for...

What is universal life insurance? What is universal life insurance? What is universal life insurance? What is universal life insurance?


Universal life insurance is a great product that is sort of a hybrid between whole life insurance and term life insurance. Essentially, the...

What is employer's liability on a worker's comp policy? What is employer's liability on a worker's comp policy? What is employer's liability on a worker's comp policy? What is employer's liability on a worker's comp policy?


An employer's liability for injuries to employees is typically defined by the Workers' Compensation Act of your jurisdiction. This act...

Do I need to get workers comp coverage for independent contractors? Do I need to get workers comp coverage for independent contractors? Do I need to get workers comp coverage for independent contractors? Do I need to get workers comp coverage for independent contractors?


This is a very common question that I get asked all the time by builders and general contractors. In general, the answer to the question is...


In short, yes, they still can. Workers Compensation is offered on a no-fault basis, meaning that the employee doesn't need to prove that...

How do insurance companies calculate workers compensation premiums? How do insurance companies calculate workers compensation premiums? How do insurance companies calculate workers compensation premiums? How do insurance companies calculate workers compensation premiums?


That's a great question. Whenever you reach out to a broker or agent about getting an insurance quote and they send a number your way, we...


Umbrella insurance is an additional liability policy on top of existing insurance. It cannot be purchased as the primary policy. The...

What is personal liability insurance? What is personal liability insurance? What is personal liability insurance? What is personal liability insurance?


First, let's go over what liability insurance does. Liability insurance provides financial protection when someone is found legally...

What is an umbrella policy and should I get one? What is an umbrella policy and should I get one? What is an umbrella policy and should I get one? What is an umbrella policy and should I get one?


It is a rare occasion when the name of an insurance product accurately describes what the policy does. An umbrella policy does exactly what...

How does an umbrella insurance policy work? How does an umbrella insurance policy work? How does an umbrella insurance policy work? How does an umbrella insurance policy work?


First of all, umbrella insurance is a type of liability insurance, which means it provides protection if you are sued or found liable for...

Should my business get employee benefit liability insurance? Should my business get employee benefit liability insurance? Should my business get employee benefit liability insurance? Should my business get employee benefit liability insurance?


This is a sort of obscure line of insurance that is hardly ever discussed. So, let’s start by talking about what employee benefits are. An...


Yes, debris removal is typically automatically covered under a homeowner insurance policy (learn more about your coverage in Breaking Down...

Are there any differences between condo insurance and homeowners insurance? Are there any differences between condo insurance and homeowners insurance? Are there any differences between condo insurance and homeowners insurance? Are there any differences between condo insurance and homeowners insurance?


I get this kind of question a lot in practice because many insurance buyers are confused about this – and rightly so. Homeowners insurance...

What is not covered by my homeowner's insurance? What is not covered by my homeowner's insurance? What is not covered by my homeowner's insurance? What is not covered by my homeowner's insurance?


What is not covered by your homeowner insurance policy depends on the details of your specific policy. Always refer to your policy wordings...


The simple answer is: no, a homeowners insurance policy will not cover nuclear explosion because it is explicitly excluded by the wording...


In my work as an insurance salesman, I hear this question a lot. The short and easy answer to this question is a resounding yes! You will...

How much homeowners insurance should I purchase? How much homeowners insurance should I purchase? How much homeowners insurance should I purchase? How much homeowners insurance should I purchase?


While the simple answer is that you should purchase a big enough limit to cover all of your property in the case of a total loss, this...


A standard home insurance policy will typically provide coverage for your jewelry, watches, gems, and furs (learn more in Breaking Down...


A coinsurance clause is a common clause in many policy forms that requires an insured to purchase a minimum amount of insurance based on a...

Does my homeowners insurance policy cover damage from hail? Does my homeowners insurance policy cover damage from hail? Does my homeowners insurance policy cover damage from hail? Does my homeowners insurance policy cover damage from hail?


The short answer to this question is yes, a homeowner policy will have windstorm and hail damage coverage. However, there are some...

Can my insurance company cancel my homeowners policy after I file three claims? Can my insurance company cancel my homeowners policy after I file three claims? Can my insurance company cancel my homeowners policy after I file three claims? Can my insurance company cancel my homeowners policy after I file three claims?


Unfortunately, the answer is yes.Technically, your insurance carrier can cancel your homeowner's policy at any time and for any reason....

How is rental home insurance different than homeowners insurance? How is rental home insurance different than homeowners insurance? How is rental home insurance different than homeowners insurance? How is rental home insurance different than homeowners insurance?


As the name implies, rental home insurance is bought by customers who want to insurance a home they own and intend to rent out to a tenant....

What is the physical damage coverage on my auto insurance policy? What is the physical damage coverage on my auto insurance policy? What is the physical damage coverage on my auto insurance policy? What is the physical damage coverage on my auto insurance policy?


Physical damage coverage on your auto insurance policy is also typically referred to as "own damage." As that name implies, it protects...

Are my comprehensive and collision premiums affected when my car loses value? Are my comprehensive and collision premiums affected when my car loses value? Are my comprehensive and collision premiums affected when my car loses value? Are my comprehensive and collision premiums affected when my car loses value?


Collision and comprehensive automobile insurance coverage are part of a coverage category called "own damage coverage." As the name implies...

Can I cancel my auto insurance at any time? Can I cancel my auto insurance at any time? Can I cancel my auto insurance at any time? Can I cancel my auto insurance at any time?


Good question. All the rhetoric you're probably getting from your broker or from the insurance company might make it seem like it would be...

Will the insurance company pay my claim if someone else was driving my car? Will the insurance company pay my claim if someone else was driving my car? Will the insurance company pay my claim if someone else was driving my car? Will the insurance company pay my claim if someone else was driving my car?


To give you a short answer: yes, your auto insurance policy will pay even if someone else if driving your car. This, however, is subject to...

Does my car insurance cover bodily injury and property damage? Does my car insurance cover bodily injury and property damage? Does my car insurance cover bodily injury and property damage? Does my car insurance cover bodily injury and property damage?


Great question. A lot of people get confused by this because there are really two or more parts to your automobile insurance policy. The...

When should I file an auto insurance claim? When should I file an auto insurance claim? When should I file an auto insurance claim? When should I file an auto insurance claim?


While there is no standard time, you should file an auto insurance claim as soon as possible if you are involved in a car accident or were...

What is the other than collision coverage on my car insurance? What is the other than collision coverage on my car insurance? What is the other than collision coverage on my car insurance? What is the other than collision coverage on my car insurance?


Great question. Other than collision coverage is the part of your automobile insurance policy that covers you for losses that occur as the...

Is there a difference between personal no fault and personal injury protection? Is there a difference between personal no fault and personal injury protection? Is there a difference between personal no fault and personal injury protection? Is there a difference between personal no fault and personal injury protection?


The simple answer is no. They're the same coverage. But let's dive into the topic in a little bit more and talk about what no fault...

Will my auto insurance cover a rental car? Will my auto insurance cover a rental car? Will my auto insurance cover a rental car? Will my auto insurance cover a rental car?


The short answer to this question is yes, your car insurance does cover you when you rent a car. However, like with most things in the...

Does my automobile insurance cover me against hit-and-run accidents? Does my automobile insurance cover me against hit-and-run accidents? Does my automobile insurance cover me against hit-and-run accidents? Does my automobile insurance cover me against hit-and-run accidents?


Yes, your auto insurance policy will definitely cover a hit-and-run accident. Provided, of course, that you're not the one...

Will my homeowners insurance cover my car if my garage burns down? Will my homeowners insurance cover my car if my garage burns down? Will my homeowners insurance cover my car if my garage burns down? Will my homeowners insurance cover my car if my garage burns down?


This is a great question, and it's one I get a lot in my day job as an insurance broker. The question is logical: if my homeowners...

Will my auto insurance pay for a rental car if my car breaks down? Will my auto insurance pay for a rental car if my car breaks down? Will my auto insurance pay for a rental car if my car breaks down? Will my auto insurance pay for a rental car if my car breaks down?


Well, the quick and simple answer to this question is "not usually." The full answer really depends on the circumstances. Why your vehicle...

How are collision and comprehensive coverage different? How are collision and comprehensive coverage different? How are collision and comprehensive coverage different? How are collision and comprehensive coverage different?


This is a good question, and I often get it while working my day job as an insurance broker (see What Is an Insurance Broker to learn more...

What is uninsured motorist coverage? What is uninsured motorist coverage? What is uninsured motorist coverage? What is uninsured motorist coverage?


The term "uninsured motorist coverage" is one of those rare cases in the insurance industry where the name really does say it all. This...

Why does it take longer to get an insurance quote for a business policy than for an auto policy? Why does it take longer to get an insurance quote for a business policy than for an auto policy? Why does it take longer to get an insurance quote for a business policy than for an auto policy? Why does it take longer to get an insurance quote for a business policy than for an auto policy?


This has a lot to do with the nuances and complexities involved in underwriting these two types of insurance policies. Auto Insurance...

What is a fiduciary liability insurance policy and what does it cover? What is a fiduciary liability insurance policy and what does it cover? What is a fiduciary liability insurance policy and what does it cover? What is a fiduciary liability insurance policy and what does it cover?


If your business has some sort of employee benefits plan (pensions, savings, profit-sharing, or health plans), someone is in charge of...

What is covered by a commercial general liability policy? What is covered by a commercial general liability policy? What is covered by a commercial general liability policy? What is covered by a commercial general liability policy?


Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance, as the name implies, covers you for some common sources of liability that you might incur...

Does my loss ratio have any effect on my commercial insurance premiums? Does my loss ratio have any effect on my commercial insurance premiums? Does my loss ratio have any effect on my commercial insurance premiums? Does my loss ratio have any effect on my commercial insurance premiums?


Let's start with some basics. This is an oversimplification, but when you pay your insurance premiums, it goes into a large pool that the...

What is hired and non-owned auto liability insurance? What is hired and non-owned auto liability insurance? What is hired and non-owned auto liability insurance? What is hired and non-owned auto liability insurance?


There seems to be a lot of confusion around this, since some form of it appears in personal automobile insurance and commercial auto...

What is excluded in a general liability policy? What is excluded in a general liability policy? What is excluded in a general liability policy? What is excluded in a general liability policy?


To answer this question, let's go a little bit deeper into what makes up a general liability policy. A general liability policy pays...

Should my small business have business income insurance? Should my small business have business income insurance? Should my small business have business income insurance? Should my small business have business income insurance?


Business income insurance (or business interruption insurance) is something a lot of people have heard of. But unlike property or liability...