Why Every Business Needs Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If you own a business, chances are that you have employees. You may have any number of them, even just one. No matter how many employees you have, it’s never a good idea to be without a workers’ compensation policy. This insurance is crucial for you as a business owner; it’s important for your business and its employees. Contact us at Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL today.

It Protects Your Business

When you consider your business, you may think about how much money it costs to run it. Often, a business can’t continue if it has enormous, unexpected expenses. However, that’s what can happen if an employee gets injured while on the job. When this happens, the business is generally responsible for all of the costs associated with the accident. This can include medical bills and lost wages. When you don’t have workers’ compensation insurance, your business would have to pay all these bills, which can be quite high. A costly, serious injury could cost your business a lot. It can also protect you from being sued, as the injured party would deal with the insurance company. 

It Protects Your Employees

When employees work for you, it’s helpful to know that they’re protected in case of an accident at work. They shouldn’t worry about funds being there if they are injured at work. When you have workers’ comp insurance in place, there’s no reason for them to worry about it. They won’t even have to negotiate with the company about a settlement after an accident happens. This is also true if they ever develop a work-related sickness. 

Get Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Your Business

Don’t leave your company in danger of massive medical bills and lawsuits. Call us at Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL.  

Need Coverage for Your Fleet? Get the Right Commercial Auto Policy

When you have a fleet of vehicles, protecting them is very important. Not only do you want to ensure they’re covered against damage and theft, but you also want to ensure your company is protected if a claim is made. The Martin Insurance Team can help if you’re in the Evergreen Park, IL, area and in need of a commercial auto policy to give you the security and peace of mind you’re looking for.

Our dedicated agents can work with you to get the right coverage you need for a single business vehicle or an entire fleet of them. No matter what kinds of vehicles you have for your company and how they’re being used, the right commercial coverage increases your peace of mind and helps you focus on other aspects of your business.

There’s no reason to settle for less than you deserve when you work with us to help ensure your vehicles’ safety and protect your employees and the others around them. Even if you already have a policy, reviewing it can help you move forward and focus on any changes that need to be made. It’s vital to make sure the policy on your company’s vehicles stays up-to-date so you always know you’re covered.

Contact us at Martin Insurance Team today if you’re in the Evergreen Park, IL, area and need a commercial auto policy. Whether you’re just starting up a new business, taking on more vehicles, or want to review or modify an established policy, having an agent to help is the right way to get everything done easily and conveniently. We can provide you with quotes from several insurers so you can choose what works for you.

All You Need To Know About Tax-Free Retirement

A tax-free retirement account is a type of insurance policy that offers individuals tax benefits and risk protection. It is also known as a TFRA account. Do not confuse it with a 401(K) plan because it is not a qualified plan. Tax-free retirement accounts are covered under Section 7702, and their purpose is to provide tax-free income for retirement. 

How does a tax-free retirement account work?

This account is funded with after-tax dollars. This makes it similar to a Roth IRA. Policy owners deposit their money into the account and pay taxes on all contributions they make. They also do not get any tax deductions. You may wonder how much money you can put into a TFRA account. It depends on the type of your account. However, there is a yearly commitment limit. 

What are the benefits of a TFRA account?

First, it offers excellent liquidity because you can access cash value without triggering any tax penalty. Another benefit you should know about is that it helps generate additional income. The amount of income will depend on the individual investment plan. Finally, another great benefit that a TFRA account has is that it is life insurance. That means beneficiaries can collect death benefits when a policyholder passes away. 

Do you want to know more about TFRA accounts? Do not hesitate to contact Martin Insurance Team, an insurance company in Illinois serving clients in Evergreen Park, IL, and other nearby areas. Our Martin Insurance Team team will answer all your questions and provide the information you need to help you make the right decision.

Could I be in trouble if I do not carry auto insurance?

Being a car owner is common for those in the Evergreen Park, IL area. If you are going to buy a car here, you will have a convenient way to get around the community. Those who own a car will also need to ensure they are adequately insured. If you do not have proper insurance, you could face various repercussions and find yourself in trouble in various ways. 

Financial Challenges

One type of trouble you can find yourself in is a financial challenge. An auto insurance plan offers significant financial protection. This includes both for your vehicle, if you have comprehensive insurance, and for liability coverage. If you are not insured, you will still be held responsible for replacing your car and compensate other parties if you are at fault in an accident. This could create a significant financial strain. 

Legal Challenges

Beyond financial strain and stress, a lack of auto insurance can lead to legal challenges. No matter where you drive a car, you are required to carry liability insurance. If you are caught driving without it, you will be issued a ticket and can face other repercussions in the future. This can even include losing your license for a period of time if you are a repeat offender. 

When trying to get insurance for a car in the Evergreen Park, IL area, you always need to ensure you speak with someone you can trust and who can help you choose the right policy. Our professionals with the Martin Insurance Team are always available to help with this. Our Martin Insurance Team professionals will give you the support you need to create a plan that appropriately protects your vehicle. 

Environmental Liability Insurance for Trucking: Handling Hazardous Materials Safely

Trucking companies in the Evergreen Park, IL area play a vital role in transporting goods across the country, but when handling hazardous materials, the stakes are higher. Accidents involving hazardous materials can result in significant environmental damage and pose severe risks to public health. Many trucking companies opt for environmental liability insurance to mitigate these risks, a crucial safeguard against unexpected ecological liabilities.

Understanding Environmental Liability Insurance

Environmental liability insurance is a specialized coverage designed to protect businesses, including trucking companies, from the financial consequences of environmental accidents. It covers costs related to pollution, contamination, and cleanup, making it an essential asset when transporting hazardous materials.

The Hazards of Hauling Hazardous Materials 

Trucking companies transporting hazardous materials face a range of potential risks. Chemical spills, leaks, and accidents can lead to soil and water contamination, air pollution, health hazards, legal liabilities, regulatory fines, and cleanup expenses. Environmental liability insurance provides financial protection in these situations.

Compliance with Regulatory Standards

Transporting hazardous materials is subject to strict regulatory standards, and non-compliance can lead to severe penalties. Environmental liability insurance often includes coverage for fines and penalties related to environmental violations. This safeguards your financial well-being and encourages adherence to safety and environmental regulations.

Investing in Safety

While environmental liability insurance provides essential protection, it should not be considered a substitute for safety measures. Trucking companies must prioritize safety training, handling procedures, and equipment maintenance. Environmental liability insurance is a vital safety net, but proactive risk management is equally crucial.

Martin Insurance Team Can Help You

At Martin Insurance Team, we can help answer questions concerning trucking insurance. We serve the following areas: Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Naples, and Evergreen Park, IL. Contact us today.

Why does someone need to have transportation insurance in Evergreen Park?

The shipping and transportation industry in the Evergreen Park, IL area is critical. This industry is responsible for shipping and transporting products worldwide to ensure everyone receives their needs. Those in this industry will find there is always continued demand but also risks. Many of these risks can be covered and reduced with insurance. For various reasons, someone here must get a full transportation insurance plan. 

Freight and Cargo Coverage

One reason to have transportation insurance is to receive freight and cargo insurance. When you ship products, the underlying value can be significant. You could be held responsible if these items are damaged or stolen in transit. A proper transportation insurance plan will offer freight and cargo insurance, which will help protect the items you are transporting.

Excess Liability Insurance

It is also a good idea to have transportation insurance to ensure you are covered for other forms of liability. As you move products across the country, you will recognize that accidents can happen. You can be held liable if this damages other property or causes employee injuries. You will mitigate these risks when adequately covered with a transportation insurance plan.  

Transportation insurance is critical for many in the Evergreen Park, IL area. When you are ready to start shopping for a new plan here, you should call our professionals with the Martin Insurance Team. When working with the Martin Insurance Team, you will get any help you need to build a proper policy that will meet your needs and ensure you are appropriately covered. 

How does disability insurance determine if someone has become disabled?

Nobody plans on becoming disabled. If this happens to you or a loved one, you need a backup plan to get the help you need to meet your financial needs. Martin Insurance Team can help you learn how to protect your income if you live in or around Evergreen Park, IL. 

Who Can Take Advantage Of Disability Insurance?

It is essential to know if you are eligible to take advantage of disability insurance. Anyone between 18 and 61 who works at least 30 hours per week should have disability protection. If you qualify for the insurance and become disabled, your coverage should replace between 50 and 70% of your wages.

How Is Disability Determined?

Here are the questions that will help determine if someone is, in fact, disabled:

  1. Are you working? If you are working, how much are you earning? The normal standard is "substantial gainful activity," or SGA. If you make more than the current limit, you will not be considered disabled.
  2. Is your condition severe, and has it lasted at least 12 months? To qualify under this step, your condition severely limits your activities. The activities may include lifting, standing, or remembering, depending on your position.
  3. Is your condition in an accepted list of disabling conditions
  4. Can you do the job you did before you developed your current condition? 
  5. Are you able to do another kind of acceptable work? You may still be able to earn a living doing something else.

Don’t leave yourself unprotected. Dealing with a disability is hard on you and your family, even without considering your loss of income. If you live in Evergreen Park, IL, call Martin Insurance Team and find a plan that meets your needs. 

Four of the best features that a health insurance policy can offer

With the right health insurance policy, you can stay healthy without experiencing financial problems. Consumers in Evergreen Park, IL can get their health insurance coverage from Martin Insurance Team.

When you buy health insurance, it’s important for you to know about all the most important health insurance policy features. Here are four of the best features that a health insurance policy can offer. 

Prescription drug coverage

Some prescription drugs are expensive and could strain your budget if you have to pay for them out of pocket. It’s best to purchase a health insurance policy that will cover the costs of any prescription drugs your doctor prescribes. 

Preventive care coverage

It’s essential that you get all recommended preventive care so that you can avoid illness. Fortunately, preventative care is one of the most basic types of care for which health insurance policies usually provide coverage. 

Out-of-pocket maximum

The out-of-pocket maximum is the most that you will have to pay for medical care costs within a given policy term. A low out-of-pocket maximum can help ensure that the health care you need will be affordable if you end up with a severe medical condition requiring expensive treatment. 

Provider options

Make sure that you check your health insurance policy details and find out if you can use coverage for treatment from your preferred healthcare provider. Health insurance policies typically specify where you can go for coverage, so you need to look into health insurance provider options on the policies you consider. 

Getting quotes from health insurance providers to find the right coverage options would be best. At Martin Insurance Team, we’re here to provide policy quotes and health insurance information to consumers in Evergreen Park, IL. Get in touch with us now for a quote on a policy!

How to Insure Custom Motorcycles

Custom motorcycles are a labor of love, reflecting your unique style and personality. Protecting these one-of-a-kind machines requires specialized insurance coverage. Here at Martin Insurance Team, providing motorcycle insurance to customers in the Evergreen Park, IL region, we want to teach you how to insure your custom motorcycle to ensure it stays safe on the road.

Assess Your Bike’s Value

Before securing insurance, determine the value of your custom motorcycle. Consider factors like custom parts, upgrades, and any sentimental value. This assessment will help you choose the proper coverage.

Choose the Right Coverage

Standard motorcycle insurance may not adequately cover your custom bike. Look for policies that offer "agreed value" or "stated value" coverage. These policies allow you to set a value for your motorcycle, ensuring you’re compensated appropriately in case of a total loss.

Document Customizations

Thoroughly document all customizations, modifications, and upgrades made to your motorcycle. Keep records of receipts, invoices, and photographs. This documentation will serve as crucial evidence when filing a claim.

Shop Around for Quotes

Insurance premiums for custom motorcycles can vary widely. Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Shop around and compare rates from different insurers. Be sure to inquire about discounts for safety features and anti-theft devices.

Custom motorcycles deserve custom insurance. Assess your bike’s value, choose the right coverage, and document customizations meticulously. If you’re in the market for new motorcycle insurance in the greater Evergreen Park, IL area, regardless of whether it’s for a custom or standard motorcycle, the insurance agents at Martin Insurance Team would love to help you find the policy that is best suited for your needs. Call or email us to start the process of finding you a new motorcycle insurance policy. 

What Is Transportation Insurance And When Should You Think About Buying a Policy?

When shipping goods, risks like accidents, theft, and natural disasters can jeopardize your cargo. Transportation insurance, or cargo or freight insurance, acts as a safety net for your business investments. Here’s some information about this product from Martin Insurance Team, which provides transportation insurance in the greater Evergreen Park, IL region. 

Understanding Transportation Insurance

Transportation insurance protects your goods during transit via land, sea, air, or rail. Its primary purpose is to offer financial protection if your cargo is lost or damaged.

When to Consider Transportation Insurance

  1. High-Value Cargo: Transportation insurance is vital to avoid significant financial losses if your shipments contain costly items like electronics or luxury goods.

  2. Long-Distance Shipping: The risk of accidents and unforeseen events increases for international or lengthy journeys, making insurance crucial.

  3. Fragile or Perishable Goods: Delicate or perishable products are more prone to damage or spoilage during transit, making insurance a wise choice.

  4. Unpredictable Routes: If your shipments pass through regions with uncertain conditions, like extreme weather or political instability, insurance helps mitigate risks.

  5. Legal Requirements: Some shipments, such as hazardous materials, may require transportation insurance due to legal mandates.

  6. Customer Expectations: Many customers expect suppliers to have transportation insurance in place, which can enhance their reputation and competitiveness.

Transportation insurance is an essential tool for safeguarding your business interests. While it may raise shipping costs, the peace of mind it provides and protection against unexpected events make it a worthwhile investment for logistics and shipping businesses. Don’t wait until disaster strikes; consider transportation insurance today to secure your shipments and business. Contact the Martin Insurance Team today if you want to learn more about transportation insurance in the greater Evergreen Park, IL area.