If you have Business Insurance, you might get asked for a Certificate. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document issued by an insurance company that provides evidence of insurance coverage. It summarizes key details about an insurance policy and is often requested by third parties as proof that a person or business has insurance coverage. The COI typically includes information such as the type of insurance, coverage limits, policyholder's name, effective dates of coverage, and any special conditions or endorsements. 

For example, a contractor might be required to provide a Certificate of Insurance to a client before starting a project to demonstrate that they have liability insurance in case of accidents or damages. Similarly, tenants may be asked to provide a COI to landlords to show that they have liability insurance and property insurance. If you want to sell products on a third party website, they may also ask for COI. 

When requesting a COI from your agent or broker, it is very important to provide them with the following information:

• Name they wanted listed as a certificate holder
• Address of the certificate holder
• Special wording or endorsements needed

It may be helpful to provide your agent or broker a sample COI from the person or business requesting it. Generating a COI can take anywhere from 5 min to days (if special wording and/or endorsements are required). It's important to note that a Certificate of Insurance is not the actual insurance policy but rather a summary of key information from the policy.

If you have any questions about Certificates of Insurance or anything else pertaining to Business Insurance, please feel free to contact me.

Jason Matison
Commercial Insurance Agent
Austin, Texas

​Being a landlord can be a rewarding venture, providing a steady income and potential long-term financial growth. However, like any business, it comes with its own set of challenges and risks. In this blog post, we'll explore some smart strategies that landlords can adopt to protect themselves, their properties, and their investments.

Thorough Tenant Screening
One of the most effective ways to protect your property is to start with a rigorous tenant screening process. Check prospective tenants' rental history, employment status, and credit reports. This can help ensure that you're renting to reliable individuals who are more likely to take care of your property and pay rent on time.

Clear and Comprehensive Lease Agreements
Drafting a clear and comprehensive lease agreement is crucial. Clearly outline the terms and conditions of the lease, including rent payment details, responsibilities of both parties, and any specific rules or policies. Having a legally sound lease can provide a solid foundation for resolving disputes and protect your interests in case of any legal issues.

Regular Property Inspections
Regular property inspections allow you to identify potential issues early on. Conducting routine inspections enables you to address maintenance concerns promptly, ensuring that your property remains in good condition. It also provides an opportunity to check for any unauthorized activities or violations of the lease agreement.

Collect a Security Deposit
Collecting a security deposit before tenants move in can act as a financial buffer in case of damages or unpaid rent. Clearly communicate the terms under which the deposit will be returned, and document the property's condition with a move-in checklist to avoid disputes over deductions.

Business Insurance Coverage
Investing in the right business insurance coverage is crucial for protecting your property. Landlord insurance typically covers damages to the building, liability protection, and loss of rental income due to covered events. Make sure you understand the extent of coverage and consider additional policies if necessary. Sit down with your agent and review your policies and coverage limits. 

Legal Compliance
Staying informed about local, state, and federal landlord-tenant laws is essential. Non-compliance can lead to legal troubles and financial losses. Keep yourself updated on any changes in legislation, and ensure that your lease agreements and property management practices align with current regulations.

Responsive Communication
Establishing open and transparent communication with your tenants can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. Respond to their concerns promptly, and document all communication. This can be beneficial in case disputes arise, and you need to provide evidence of your efforts to resolve issues.

Emergency Preparedness
Have a plan in place for handling emergencies. Make sure tenants know how to contact you in case of urgent repairs or issues. Establish relationships with reliable maintenance professionals and contractors to ensure quick response times.

While being a landlord comes with its share of challenges, implementing these smart strategies can significantly reduce risks and protect your investment. Thorough tenant screening, clear lease agreements, regular inspections, business insurance coverage, legal compliance, responsive communication, and emergency preparedness are key components of a comprehensive approach to safeguarding your property and interests. IF you have any questions, or would like a Business Insurance quote for your investment, please feel free to contact me.

Jason Matison
Commercial Insurance Agent
Austin, Texas

Business Insurance can be very complex, so it may take some patience when it comes to getting an insurance quote. Typically when companies contact me for a quote, one of my first responses is, tell me about your business. If it's a common, low risk, small business that fits into a pretty little insurance classification box (and there are no claims/losses), you might be in luck and turnaround time will be quick. When I say quick, I mean within 24 hours for a BOP or General Liability quote. I would say 70% of the businesses I work with in the Austin area are very unique and/or are requesting multiple insurance policies, so it may take more time. Below are some factors that can impact turnaround time:

- Incomplete Applications 
Underwriters can be quite picky when it comes to incomplete paperwork and unanswered questions. I had an underwriter tell me incomplete apps go to the bottom of the pile. They made it sound like they were an elementary school teacher and treated it like incomplete homework.  Your agent should guide you through this and make sure they don't send them off incomplete apps.

- Expiring/Renewal Date
Some underwriters work off your x-date (expiring date), so if your renewal is 2 months out and you need a quote next week, you might not hit that deadline. 

- Claims and Losses
When it comes to claims, sometimes management and senior underwriters need to get involved and review Loss Runs. This can take some time, which will delay the quote. 

- Multiple Policies
 Need a BOP, Umbrella, and Commercial Quote? It may take a few days to quote, especially if you are working with an independent agent. A captive agent can probably get this turned around much quicker. Quoting with one market versus multiple makes a difference. I like to tell people the more time we have, the more markets we can reach. 

People get frustrated when underwriters come back with questions, which is a normal response. To them their business makes sense, but getting an underwriter to wrap their heads around it can be a challenge. Going back to what I said initially, try to have patience. Understand that questions are good. Think about it this way, the more questions they ask, the more they will understand the risk and can properly classify your business. If you would like a Business Insurance quote, or are in the Austin area and want to meet with an agent, feel free to contact me. 

Jason Matison
Commercial Insurance Agent
Austin, Texas