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A Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

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Spring and early summer are the ideal times to give your home the well-deserved care it needs after enduring the harsh winter. At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, we understand that a well-maintained home can result in fewer insurance claims. Here’s a useful spring home maintenance checklist to keep your home in top condition.

Inspect Your Roof

Winter can cause significant wear and tear on your roof. Look for missing or damaged shingles and check for leaks. Prompt repairs can prevent additional damage and save on costly repairs. We recommend hiring a professional for a roof inspection at least once a year.

Check Your HVAC System

Before the summer heat arrives, ensure your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. Replace filters and clean vents, and consider hiring a professional for a tune-up to keep it running smoothly. We recommend this task for both the spring and the fall seasons.

Examine Windows and Doors

Inspect your windows and doors for cracks or gaps. If you encounter damaged weatherstripping and caulking, consider replacing them. These small changes can improve energy efficiency and prevent pests from entering. If your windows aren’t energy-efficient, you may consider replacing them.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Safety is paramount. Test all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed. These devices provide early hazard detection and are vital for your safety.

Inspect the Exterior

Walk around your home and look for signs of damage to the siding, foundation, and driveway. Pay attention to cracks, chips, mildew, and signs of water damage. Addressing these minor issues promptly can prevent more significant, costly problems in the future.

At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your home. Regular maintenance ensures your home stays in excellent condition and your home insurance remains effective. If you need help with a home insurance policy in Omaha, NE, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Three Optional Auto Policy Coverage Types Available in Nebraska

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At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, we serve Omaha, NE residents with customizable auto insurance that protects their financial security while they drive on city streets and country roads. Nebraska lets its drivers include options in their auto insurance policies that some states don’t offer, and today’s blog introduces our readers to those options.

Nebraska Auto Insurance Options 

Nebraska ranks among the states that allow policyholders to add coverage beyond liability, comprehensive, and collision. These coverage types can help you build a strong full-coverage auto policy. Still, the government allows three optional insurance coverage types to help policyholders round out their auto coverage in our fine state. Consider these options: 

  • Medical Payments/Medical Benefits: This coverage pays for your medical bills regardless of who caused an accident, including single-vehicle accidents.
  • Loan/Lease Payoff, or gap coverage: This pays for your loan or leases if you total your vehicle before paying it off.
  • Rental Car Reimbursement: This reimburses you when you need to rent a vehicle because yours got damaged in an accident. 

Whether you carry the state minimum or full coverage, you qualify to add these three optional coverage types to your policy.

Contact Our Insurance Agency Today 

Call or email Ed Thompson Insurance Agency to create a custom auto insurance policy that protects your financial security and adds convenience to your policy. Don’t leave your Omaha, NE driveway without proper insurance coverage. Let us help you create an auto insurance policy that provides for all your automotive needs. If you moved here from a state that didn’t offer medical payment coverage, grab your chance to enjoy this helpful backup to health insurance.

The Sharing Economy Challenge: Addressing Commercial Insurance Gaps for Peer-to-Peer Platforms

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Commercial Insurance for Sharing Economy: The Crucial Role it Plays

The burgeoning sharing economy, fueled by the rise in peer-to-peer platforms, has raised unique challenges for commercial insurance providers, especially in regions like Omaha, NE, and across the nation. Activities such as ride-sharing, home-sharing, and equipment rental necessitate deep consideration, as traditional insurance policies often fail to encompass the diverse risks associated with these services.

Limitations of Traditional Coverage

Typically, traditional commercial insurance policies have limitations that might not address the risks inherent in peer-to-peer transactions. For example, auto insurance policies often exclude coverage for vehicles used for commercial purposes, posing potential coverage gaps for ride-sharing drivers while transporting passengers.

Tailor-Made Solutions to Address Gaps

Insurers are now focusing on developing tailor-made insurance solutions to bridge these gaps. Specialized coverage options are being designed for service providers across sectors such as ride-sharing drivers, home-sharing hosts, and equipment rental businesses. Adapting insurance to meet the unique risks associated with sharing services ensures that service providers and consumers are protected against potential losses.

Significance of Collaborative Partnerships

Collaborative partnerships within their platforms can facilitate the integration of insurance offerings into their services, allowing users to access relevant coverage options at the point of transaction. Platforms are taking measures towards risk management and imposing safety protocols to abate potential liabilities and reduce insurance risks for all parties involved.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance is another significant aspect of addressing commercial insurance gaps in the sharing economy. As regulatory frameworks are evolving to adapt to new business models and emerging technologies, insurers need to ensure that their insurance products comply with these regulations and provide adequate coverage for sharing service participants.

Contact Ed Thompson Insurance Agency

Ed Thompson Insurance Agency extends its expertise to answer your commercial insurance queries and caters to the Omaha, NE, region. Contact us today to learn more about the rise of sharing economy insurance.

Are You Required to Maintain Home Insurance After Your Home is Paid For?

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Residents of Omaha, NE can count on Ed Thompson’s Agency when it comes to securing their household cost-effectively. To us, trustworthiness, honesty, and fairness mean everything in a business. Consequently, we strive to make our clients feel we give them the most reliable and trusted services customized to meet all insurance-related problems.

We provide individual insurance packages for different types of businesses and for local market requirements, based on years of experience specific to the industry and on our extensive market knowledge, which is the guarantee for the protection of your home. Put your burdens aside and sleep easily, knowing that your valued property is in the hands of the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, which specializes in customized service and quality coverage.

Home Insurance Protection 

According to the practices of most mortgage lenders and, usually, good financial sense, it is wise to maintain home insurance even after you have completely paid off your home. Even though the law does not require you to have insurance coverage when you are done paying off your mortgage, it certainly does make sense to protect such a valuable asset with a good insurance policy.

By partnering with top insurance providers like Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, homeowners can create a safety net that will cover their investment in unwanted events like natural disasters, property damage, and liability claims. Home insurance also offers other features, including safety, security, and financial protection when theft, accidents, or lawsuits happen. 

Therefore, when you become a homeowner, having quality home insurance coverage by a company like Ed Thompson Insurance Agency is a means of actively protecting your property and well-being.

Get Quality Insurance Coverage Today

With the assistance of Ed Thompson Insurance Agency’s team right here in Omaha, NE, you will rest assured that you have the best home insurance coverage. We possess a highly trained and competent workforce, and we understand the importance of keeping your house and property safe from theft or damage. We are committed to meeting your individual specifications with our tailored security solutions. We strive for total security and the ability to defend and safeguard all of our valuable assets. Please take advantage of our Ed Thompson Insurance Agency personnel for first-rate house insurance coverage that you can rely on to protect your property.

Auto insurance add-ons to consider

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At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, we take our responsibilities to our customers very seriously. We are independent insurance agents and work for our customers, not for the insurance carriers. This allows us to provide more choices and more opportunities to get the best possible insurance at a great price. 

A basic auto insurance policy is liability coverage that protects other people from you. Most add-ons are about you and your vehicle. 

Collision

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle if you are in an accident and are deemed the responsible party. If you lease a vehicle or have a car loan, you will need this coverage. 

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage covers your vehicle for a wide variety of hazards. One of the main ones is theft. It also covers you for vandalism, collision with a large animal, and other events that are out of your control. It covers glass, but there is a deductible. 

Full glass coverage

Full glass coverage replaces cracked or damaged glass without having to pay a deductible. 

Gap Coverage

Gap coverage is an important add-on if you have a relatively new vehicle and an auto loan. It pays the difference between what you still owe on your vehicle and the amount the insurance company pays you. 

Roadside service

Roadside service provides care if you have mechanical problems with your vehicle. It can provide a jump start, replace a flat tire, or tow you to a service station. 

Rental car

Rental car coverage is not for a car you rent for vacation but rather a rental car that you need when your vehicle has been damaged or totaled. It will allow you to have something to drive for a few days or weeks. 

Give our office a call at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, to make an appointment to discuss your auto insurance needs. 

Types of Commercial Insurance

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If you own your own business, you may need commercial insurance. At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, we offer commercial insurance to meet your needs. 

Commercial Property Insurance 

Commercial property insurance will cover your building and its contents. This includes business equipment and inventory. You may be eligible for this policy even if you work from home. 

This covers damage due to fire, vandalism, theft, storms, and more. If your business is damaged, the policy will cover the repair or replacement of the building or items. 

Business Liability Insurance 

Business liability insurance offers liability protection. If your business is responsible for damaging someone’s body or property, this policy will cover the costs, including judgments against you and defense costs. 

It’s important to note that it doesn’t cover intentional acts, employees, or accidents while driving. 

Commercial Auto Insurance 

 Commercial auto insurance is similar to a regular auto policy. However, your regular auto policy won’t cover you if you are using your vehicle for business activities. Commercial policies will typically cover any licensed driver who is driving in the course of the job rather than being tied to you as the driver. 

Business Interruption Insurance 

Business interruption insurance is a great idea, particularly if you are a small business. If your business is temporarily closed, this insurance will cover your lost income until your business is open again. 

Business Owner’s Policy 

Business owner’s policies are a bundle of commercial coverages and are typically customized to meet your needs. Commercial property insurance, business liability insurance, and business interruption insurance are often included in this type of policy. 

Reach Out To Us

At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, we offer commercial insurance options for all businesses. Contact us today and one of our friendly agents will help you choose the best policy for your needs. 

Common Home Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

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When buying a new home, it’s vitally important to find an insurance policy that keeps you protected. At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, we can make this process easier for Omaha, NE homeowners and ensure things go smoothly for you.

Here are a few mistakes that you need to avoid:

Not Getting Flood Insurance

Do you think that your home insurance policy automatically covers every disaster that could impact your home? It’s a common misconception and a potentially costly one. If a flood hits your home and you don’t have an insurance policy for it, you won’t be covered and will lose a lot of cash. 

Avoiding Sewer Backup Coverage

It’s a situation that has suddenly and tragically impacted many people: a sewer backup problem. If your home experiences one without proper insurance, get ready to pay for all the damage that it causes to your house. Just pay the extra bit to get this protection for your home.

Forgetting to Notify Your Agent

Did something big happen in your life, such as a new child, getting married, or even building a new addition to your house? You need to let your agent know! Failing to do so could result in a serious legal and financial problem and is something you definitely don’t deserve to experience.

Keeping Minimum Liability 

We understand that it’s tempting to keep a minimum liability to reduce your insurance costs. It’s a common mistake that many people make because they don’t think anything will ever happen to them. But when it finally does, you’ll be in a serious situation if your policy protection runs out.

Get Help Today

Contact us at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency to get the help that you need to buy homeowner’s insurance that suits you. When you call us for your Omaha, NE home, you’ll talk with an agent who understands your coverage needs and who can provide the help needed to overcome any potential issues.

When Comprehensive Auto Insurance Makes A Lot of Sense

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One of the types of coverage you can acquire for your automobile is called “comprehensive” insurance. This type of coverage offers reimbursement for damage that results from incidents that don’t involve a collision. At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, we provide auto insurance coverage to protect against expensive losses.

What Is Comprehensive Auto Coverage?

Comprehensive auto coverage involves damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision. It covers theft, fire, acts of nature, vandalism, impacts with animals, and falling objects. It is generally required for vehicles that are financed. Older vehicles may not benefit from comprehensive coverage because it only covers up to the cash value of the car minus the deductible amount.

Why Comprehensive Coverage May Be Important For Your Needs

If you live in an area that experiences frequent hailstorms, having comprehensive coverage to help pay for damage can be cost-effective. Similarly, if you live in a rural area where encounters with deer on the road occur on a regular basis, comprehensive insurance can be valuable coverage. You may live in an area where auto theft is a frequent problem, where this coverage can limit your loss. If you live in an area with periodic wildfires, comprehensive coverage can cover losses from fire.

Contact Us Today for Your Auto Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage is a complex subject, and you may have many questions about your coverage. Our agents can answer your questions, so can be assured you have the coverage you need. We offer a broad range of insurance products for individuals and businesses. Contact Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE today for a no-obligation quote on auto insurance coverage that’s right for you.

Is Workers’ Comp Insurance Necessary for All Businesses?

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If you own or operate a business in Omaha, NE, you may wonder if you need workers’ comp insurance. Workers’ comp insurance is a type of insurance that covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees who become injured or ill while on the job. It also protects employers from lawsuits by injured workers or their families.

When you consider the scope of all that workers’ comp covers, it would make sense that every business in Nebraska should consider it. At the Ed Thompson Insurance Agency, we want you to understand if this type of commercial insurance is a necessity so that you can make an informed business insurance decision.

What Does the Law Say about Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Nebraska?

The state of Nebraska does require businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance. This law applies no matter the size of your business, its location, or the nature of the work facilitated by your business.

Some independent contractors may not need this type of insurance, and there are some other caveats for very specific types of industries, however, you should assume that if you have employees, then you need also to have workers’ compensation insurance.

What If You Don’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

A failure to provide workers’ comp insurance can come with noncompliance fines. More importantly, not having this type of insurance can lead to much larger issues for a business, especially if an employee decides to sue the company because of work-related injuries or illnesses. You could lose your ability to operate as a business or even face criminal charges.

Schedule A Consultation Today

If you’re unsure if you need workers’ compensation insurance, you should speak with a professional commercial insurance agency about it. Our team at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency can help you figure out if your Omaha, NE business requires this or any other type of commercial coverage. 

Preparing your home for an emergency

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Emergencies happen, and they can be very disruptive. Being prepared is the best thing you can do to make sure that if an emergency happens, you are not caught off guard. At Ed Thompson Insurance Agency in Omaha, NE, we know that having the right home insurance is one of the important ways you can be prepared for an emergency.

Nebraska has on average 50–60 tornados every year. Preparing for a tornado means that having a storm cellar or a designated safe place is important. If a storm cellar isn’t possible, then find a place in your home where the family can hunker down in the event of a tornado. This should be a room with no windows if possible on the lowest level of your home. 

Make sure that trees in your yard are well trimmed and that any outdoor furniture is secured or placed in a garage or shed. You want to avoid leaving things out that can turn into debris. 

Make a home inventory so that if your home is hit by a covered hazard, you will be able to submit a claim quickly and easily. Place important documents, medication, and anything that needs to be safe into a to-go bag that can be grabbed and taken with you if you must leave or go into your safe place. Make sure you have copies on the cloud of prescriptions and important documents.

Having a generator can help in the aftermath by providing you with the electricity that you require to run your refrigerator, keep cool or warm, and charge your electronics. 

We Are Here To Help

Call us at Ed Thompson Insurance Agency if you live in or near Omaha, NE. We are here to give you the advice and the right home insurance to offer all the protection you need.