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Gantt Insurance Agency

1801 E 3rd St
Farmville, VA 23901

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Gantt Insurance Agency Blog

Adequate Coverage for Your Restaurant Equipment

Preserving the condition of your restaurant equipment is essential. Consider the categories below. Then, consult with one of our Gantt Agency representatives about the coverage you need for your restaurant.

Risks

Operating a restaurant comes with risks. Fires, floods, acts of violence, vandalism, and theft could destroy expensive equipment. If restaurant equipment undergoes minor damage, you will be responsible for paying out-of-pocket costs.

Having access to insurance will reduce your financial responsibility. Inspect the inside and outside of your restaurant. This will help you determine the risk level that you will be facing.

For instance, if you own an older restaurant, failing to maintain the building could make it more likely that your place of business will be broken into. Once you determine your risk level, take measures to make your business setting safe and secure.

Inventory

Take an inventory of all the restaurant equipment that you own. Record information about the appliances, storage units, machinery, and other items that are needed to operate your place of business.

During this process, note any items needing cleaning or repairing. All of your restaurant equipment should be in operable order when you decide to insure it.

If you own any equipment that is especially valuable, make a note of it. You may decide to purchase more insurance coverage for these items. You can use your notes when you are reviewing different types of insurance coverage.

Contact Gantt Agency in Farmville, VA

The steps above will prepare you for a consultation with one of our agents who serve Farmville, VA. The agent whom you contact will advise you on restaurant insurance products that will be useful to you.

Safety Considerations If I Rent My Finished Garage

Here at the Gantt Agency in Farmville, VA, we can make certain that renting out or leasing your finished garage will not cause you any headaches. In addition to helping you obtain the correct coverage for your rental unit, we can troubleshoot potential health and safety problems and reduce risks. We will also happily advise you on the right fire suppression, smoke alarms, CO2 detectors, and possible radon issues so that your premiums stay as low as possible. Call or email us today for a free consultation about your current coverage.

Your Unit Must Meet the Minimum Standards of Health, Safety, and Sanitation in Virginia

If you intend to rent your finished garage to a tenant who will occupy the unit as a residence, the Code of the Commonwealth of Virginia requires that your unit meet certain standards. These include: 

  • No fire hazard or serious threat to the life, health, or safety of tenants or occupants of the unit.
  • No rodent infestation.
  • Working heat, hot/cold running water, electricity.
  • Adequate sewage disposal facilities.

Virginia Fire Code for Residential Rental Properties

For the best rate on your finished rental, it must meet or exceed the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC). Among other things, your garage must have fire-resistance-rated partitions, fire barriers, and firewalls between the finished garage and the main dwelling. There must be sufficient dimensions in windows, doors, and hallways to permit firefighters to access all living spaces.

Our agents here at the Gantt Agency in Farmville, VA will be happy to advise you on how to document the conditions currently existing in your finished garage rental unit as soon as you get in touch. Give us a call today!

Who Workers Comp Really Protects

Even the smallest businesses in Farmville, VA with as few as one employee, may be required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This is a long-established governmental policy that ensures workers can get compensation should they become injured while performing work-related duties. This coverage is paid for by the employer.

On the surface, this may appear only to benefit the employee.

First, you should understand that Gantt Agency can help employers seek out coverage that is compliant with what the law mandates. You should also be aware that workers’ compensation is more of a two-way street that is recognized by many.

Benefits For Employees

When an employee is injured while performing work-related duties and misses time from work due to the injuries, they can apply for workers’ compensation insurance. When injuries are verified, an employee can receive payments to compensate him or her for wages lost due to the injury.

This works as a buffer between the employee and employer and provides income until the employee can return. In some cases, these payments can be lengthy or even permanent.

For Employers

Workers compensation provides provisions that can protect a business owner from losing his business due to an employee injury. Since employees are compensated, they cannot sue a company for liability claims unless the company has been extremely negligent and the injuries are serious. As long as the company performs its due diligence in operating safely and in providing appropriate training, it can benefit from workers’ compensation insurance.

Gantt Agency Is Here To Help

Companies can lower their workers’ compensation rates by providing a safe environment that limits claims. The team at Gantt Agency can not only help with suggestions on maintaining a safe workplace but can also provide a workers’ compensation plan that can be effective and efficient for both you and your staff. Reach out to us and see what we can do for you.

Key Things to Know about Commercial Cyber Insurance

Few businesses operate today without computers to pay bills, interact with customers and suppliers, and monitor competitors down the street or on the other side of the world. While computers and networks are invaluable tools, they expose businesses to potential cybercrimes that could halt their operations and harm their reputation. If you are in the Farmville, VA area and want to protect your company from the financial effects of cybercrime, our Gantt Agency team is ready to serve you.

What is Cyber Insurance, and Who Needs it?

Cyber insurance protects against cybercrime, which involves using a computer to steal information from others or limit the information owner’s use. Cybercrime is a potential problem for companies that store customer information or rely on computers, networks, and cloud-based platforms to run their business. If your business meets those criteria, you should consider the protection of cyber insurance.

Cyber insurance has three primary elements:

First-party: Covers the cost of investigating issues, notifying customers, and your lost revenues and ransomware payments.

Third-party or cyber liability: Despite being a victim, you may be responsible to others for attorney fees, settlements, and fines and losses others suffer due to the cyber incident.

Errors and omissions: Mostly needed by technology businesses, this coverage protects against losses others suffer due to faulty logic, code, or other issues among those using their products and services.

Some insurance companies require that you take specific preventive steps before they issue a cyber insurance policy, while additional preventive measures may lead to discounted premiums.

Have Questions? Consult With Us

The team of experts at Gantt Agency handles the business and personal insurance needs of many in the Farmville, VA area. Drop by or call us today to build an insurance plan that protects your business and personal assets.

Is SR-22/FR-44 Insurance a Requirement?

If you have come across the term SR-22/FR-44 in reference to auto insurance, you might wonder if it’s a requirement in Farmville, VA. Here is an overview of what SR-22/FR-44 insurance is and if you’re required to obtain such a policy before you can legally drive a vehicle in Virginia. 

What is SR-22/FR-44 Insurance?

SR-22/FR-44 insurance is a special document required by the Commonwealth of Virginia for individuals who have either been convicted of a DUI within the past three years or those who have driven on a suspended or revoked license. Florida is the only other state that requires this document in these instances. Obtaining this form enables you to have your driver’s license reinstated before you can legally drive again.

How Do I Obtain an SR-22/FR-44 Insurance Certificate? 

Typically, you will be provided with instructions on how to obtain this certificate if it has been deemed necessary in Virginia. You must find an insurance company like Gantt Agency that provides these certificates, which will serve as proof that your insurance policy meets the state minimum required as a condition of your driver’s license reinstatement. 

Gantt Agency Is Here To Help!

As you can see, not everyone needs SR-22/FR-44 insurance in order to drive in Virginia. However, if you have been told by the Commonwealth of VA that you are required to have this special certificate, then you will notice that your car insurance rates are costlier, as you will be required to carry higher minimums for your liability.

The best thing to do in this situation is to shop around to best meet your insurance needs. We at Gantt Agency provide auto insurance as well as SR-22/FR-44 certificates to individuals living in Farmville, VA, and we will ensure you are our top priority. 

Trucking Insurance for the Loaded and Unloaded Commercial Vehicles

The trucking industry is the backbone of the economy, transporting goods across the nation day and night over millions of miles of highway. Whether it’s a truck loaded with valuable cargo or an empty one returning from a delivery, commercial vehicles face various risk factors on the road and around the Farmville, VA area. 

Loaded Commercial Vehicles: Protecting Valuable Cargo

Cargo Insurance: This insurance covers damage or theft of the cargo being transported. It ensures that the financial burden does not fall solely on the trucking company or owner-operator if the unexpected happens.

Liability Coverage: Liability coverage is crucial to protect against claims or lawsuits in case of accidents or damage caused by the loaded vehicle. It helps cover medical expenses, property damage, and legal fees.

Unloaded Commercial Vehicles: Comprehensive Protection

Bobtail Insurance: Bobtail insurance protects the truck when it’s not hauling a trailer or cargo. It covers incidents that can occur while the truck is on the road for personal use or in transit to pick up a load. This insurance is essential for owner-operators who use their trucks for various purposes.

Physical Damage Coverage: Unloaded trucks are still valuable assets while not carrying cargo. Physical damage coverage protects against damage to the truck, whether caused by accidents, vandalism, or natural disasters. It’s a crucial insurance component for both loaded and unloaded commercial vehicles.

The Importance of Adequate Coverage

Trucking insurance is not one-size-fits-all. Trucking companies and owner-operators must assess their needs and choose the proper coverage. Factors like the type of cargo, routes traveled, and the value of the truck all influence the insurance requirements.

Gantt Agency Can Help You

At Gantt Agency, we can help answer questions concerning trucking insurance. We serve the Farmville, VA area. Contact us today. 

Who needs to get a restaurant insurance plan?

Owning a restaurant in Farmville, VA can be a great career path for those who love food and working with customers. If you want to start a restaurant in the Farmville VA area, you do need to make sure you have the right insurance. You should get a restaurant insurance plan to help manage your business.

There are various situations when this coverage is needed:

Those Looking for Financial Protection

A situation when a restaurant will need a full restaurant insurance plan is when they are looking for financial protection. Restaurants face many financial risks that come with owning and operating the business. This includes the risk that a restaurant could be found liable for an onsite accident or food poisoning. They also have the risk of losing assets due to theft, vandalism, or fire. A full restaurant insurance plan will offer protection to help offset such risks. 

Those with Investors or Lenders

A restaurant can take a lot of money to get off the ground. When you are going to start a restaurant, you may need to raise money from investors or take out a loan. In many cases, these capital providers will require you to carry insurance, which ultimately helps to cover their investment. If you have a proper restaurant insurance plan, you will have the support you need to comply with such requirements. 

Reach Out To Us

Starting a restaurant is a dream for a lot of people in the Farmville, VA area. When you are an owner, manager, or investor of a restaurant, you need to ensure you have the right insurance for the business. As you are looking for a new restaurant insurance plan here, it would be smart to call our team with the Gantt Agency. Our team with the Gantt Agency will help you build a quality plan that can meet all of your needs. 

Protecting Your Garage: The Importance of Garage Insurance for Business Owners

As a business owner in Farmville, VA, with a garage, there are many things you need to worry about. Having the right kind of insurance from Gantt Agency can protect your business in a variety of ways and can provide you with peace of mind knowing that you are covered in an unexpected event.

The Importance of Garage Insurance

First and foremost, garage insurance is important because it protects your business in case of theft, damage, or other unforeseen events. Whether it’s a break-in, a fire, or a natural disaster, having the right kind of coverage can mean the difference between being able to rebuild and recover or being forced to close your doors for good. Insurance covers property damage, theft, and liability claims, so you can rest easy knowing your business is protected.

Another important aspect of garage insurance to consider is the protection it provides for your employees. Accidents can happen in any workplace, and garages are no exception. From falls to chemical exposure, there are many potential hazards that your employees may face daily. Having the right insurance can help cover medical expenses and lost wages for injured employees, so you can take care of them and keep your business running smoothly.

In addition to protecting your business and your employees, garage insurance can also provide coverage for your customers’ vehicles in Farmville, VA. If a customer’s car is damaged or stolen while in your care, you could be held liable for the damages.

We Can Help!

Having the right kind of insurance can protect you from paying out of pocket for these damages and can keep your customers happy and loyal. When selecting garage insurance, it’s important to consider your specific needs and risks, so call Gantt Agency today.

How a strong workers comp policy makes you a more desirable employer

When it comes to running a successful business here in the Farmville, VA area, having a strong workers’ compensation policy from Gantt Agency is essential. Not only does it protect employees in the event of an injury or illness, but it also makes your company more attractive to prospective employees. A good workers comp policy demonstrates to potential recruits that you are a safe employer who takes the necessary steps to ensure their well-being and safety.

In addition to protecting employees from workplace injuries and illnesses, workers’ compensation policies also provide other benefits, such as income replacement for missed wages due to medical treatment. This helps protect employees from financial hardship due to medical bills or lost wages caused by their injury or illness. 

Having a good workers comp policy can help make your business more desirable as an employer. An effective policy is one that covers all types of injuries and provides appropriate benefits for injured employees. It should also be easy to understand and straightforward so that employees can quickly access the information they need in case of an emergency. 

By providing a safe working environment with comprehensive coverage for work-related injuries, you can become more attractive as an employer. A strong workers’ compensation policy shows current and potential employees that you value their safety and well-being and are committed to providing them with the best possible protection.

We Are Here To Help

For more information, give us at Gantt Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the people and businesses of the Farmville, VA area and would be happy to help you find a workers comp policy that suits both your needs and your budget. Not only will you sleep better, but you will also attract better employees as well.

Should all businesses in Virginia need to get commercial insurance?

Being a business owner in the Farmville, VA area could be a great idea. When you are a business owner here, you will enjoy all of the local amenities and a strong economy. When you do start to build and establish a business in this region, getting the proper insurance is very important.

There are various reasons why all businesses in this state need to get a commercial plan:

Protect Business

An important reason for any business in this part of Virginia to get commercial insurance is to protect their business. If you are going to start a company, you will want to know you have support for unexpected situations. When you get a proper commercial insurance plan, it will offer this support. With commercial coverage, you can get support to replace commercial assets if you incur a loss or to cover liability claims in the future. 

Ensure Compliance

It is also helpful to get commercial coverage to ensure you are in compliance. Having insurance is very important, and it is often a requirement for businesses of all sizes. With the right coverage, you can comply with requirements that are often set in loan and lease agreements, investor contracts, and contracts with vendors, suppliers, and customers. This can help to protect your reputation and allow you to avoid penalization. 

Give Us A Call

If you are a business owner in the Farmville, VA area, you will want to be assured that you selected the right type of insurance for your company. When you are ready to start looking for coverage, it would be advantageous to call our team with the Gantt Agency. Our insurance team at the Gantt Agency can help you create a new plan that will protect your business in a variety of situations.