Workers Compensation Codes & Why They Matter

As a business with employees in Woodstock, GA you know you have to provide workers compensation coverage. This is not unique to just your company; it’s a general legal requirement in most states on businesses with part-time or full-time employees. However, the cost of a workers compensation plan is dependent on how many and the type of employees you have, and that can change dramatically over time. If one just compares what the employee roster looked like when the business was a startup, so when it turned into a small or medium-sized business, the difference can be dramatic both in numbers as well as the type of work people are performing.

Workers compensation premiums for Woodstock, GA businesses are originally set up as estimates for the year based on payroll, but instead of just a simple formula the figure is calculated by looking at the current employee body, what work they perform, and how many people fit into a given workers compensation code. A code represents the industry calculated risk for a given work function. So, obviously, the code for a construction worker or security guard is going to be a different risk valuation than for an accountant due to the nature of the job. How these codes add up for your business then influences the cost of your worker’s compensation plan premium paid for the year. A subsequent insurance provider audit then follows up and confirms the codes are correct because providers are also aware of employee rosters change over time as well.

As a business, you can ensure your codes are applied accurately from the start versus just a guess, which is common in the startup phase. And that could impact your premium significantly. The expert staff at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. can walk your business through the code assessment process to fully understand how it works as well as to secure a plan that reflects your business properly. Give Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. a call today!

Home owners transition basics

In today’s life transitions, people no longer stay in one family home for generations. Often people will live and own several houses of different sizes, in different areas of the country during their lives. Transitioning you should know a few basics so a new place to live doesn’t dazzle you and then surprise you with costs you don’t anticipate.

Be aware of your paper trail

  • Know your credit rating: This can make a difference in your insurance premium.
  • Check your any home insurance claims that you might have filed.  Your agent can look at various sites for you and determine how it will affect future insurance.
  • Renters insurance It can be important to have a history of insurance when you are buying.

Things to look for

  • Construction of the house:  Look at the location of where you want to move, it may come with hidden problems like flooding hurricanes or weather.
  • Age of the house: Older homes sometimes have features that are costly to deal with repairs. These replacements may raise the cost of insurance.  
  • Current codes: The age of the house and updates may indicate whether or not it’s up to code. This may affect insurance rates.
  • Mechanical systems and safety devices:  Plumbing, electric, HVAC, as well as smoke, fire and burglar alarms all wear out in time. Recent upgrades make for a safer home and minimize insurance.
  • Pool, wood burning stove: Wonderful to have, but you will need higher property and liability.
  • Fire department: Little known is that if a home is located near a fire station and a hydrant close by have reduced insurance. Also, there’s a bonus for a professional rather fire department.
Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. serving Woodstock, GA can help you find the insurance you need.

 

: Is you RV fully covered? Why you need more than regular auto insurance to protect your RV

Nothing is quite as exciting as taking your RV on a cross-country trip or extended tour. Before you go, make sure that your RV is fully covered. Auto insurance doesn’t provide adequate coverage for this valuable asset. Ask an agent at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. in Woodstock, GA what RV insurance options might work for you and your family. In the meantime, here is some information to get you started.

Tips on Purchasing RV Insurance

Recreational vehicles are extremely valuable. Don’t take a huge financial hit due to a lack of planning. Get insurance now so that you can drive anywhere in the country and rest assured that your on-the-go home is covered. Buy the best protection you can get within your budget.

Coverages

Just like auto insurance, RV insurance has different coverage options for various risks. Fortunately, most of them are an option so that you can pick and choose the ones that you need. Work with your The Sanford Group agent to customize your RV policy.

Here is an overview of the types of RV insurance available: 

  • Liability insurance protects you from the cost associated with bodily injury and property damages resulting from an accident that was your fault. It’s required by most states.
  • Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to the RV caused by non-collision incidents. This includes theft and fire damage.
  • Collision insurance pays for collision damage when you have to replace or repair your RV.
  • Vacation liability is similar to RV liability insurance. It only covers you if someone gets hurt on your property or has their property damaged. 
  • Roadside assistance helps you cover the costs of expenses if your RV breaks down.

Contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. agent in Woodstock, GA for more information on how to purchase RV insurance. Call today to set up an appointment for a free quote.

 

 

Is Boat Insurance Required In Woodstock, Georgia?

Boating is a very popular sport in the United States. Some boaters simply love the peacefulness of sailing. Others love boats that are built for speed. Boats are powerful, and the use of a boat brings with it certain responsibilities.

Are there boating laws in Georgia?

Georgia, like most states, has rules and regulations regarding the responsible operation of boats. For example, in Georgia, you must be at least 12 years old to operate a boat of any kind. This includes a small fishing boat. Further, if you are between the age of 12 and 16 years of age, you are required by law to obtain a Boating Safety Certification.

It does not matter if you are a citizen of Georgia or a different state entirely. If you are between 12 and 16 years old, you but be certified to operate a boat in the state of Georgia.

Moral responsibilities

People who use the waters in Georgia for boating and water sports are expected to behave responsibly. Drinking alcohol while operating a boat is not only irresponsible, it is foolish. If you are in doubt of how foolish it is, contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. for insurance coverage in Woodstock, GA.

People often drive too fast and beyond their experience level. They get too close to other boaters or fail to see swimmers or skiers. The simple fact is, people are seriously injured and/or killed every day in boating accidents.

Is boating insurance required in Georgia?

The law does not require a boat-owner to carry boat insurance. There are times when homeowners insurance may cover the theft of a boat on your property but even that is not an “always case.”

However, if you are responsible for causing someone to be injured or killed due to your negligence or deliberate indifference, you can bet that they will sue you for damages and it can get very costly, very quickly.

A boat accident can happen so fast that it is often hard to determine what happened. Georgia has specific laws that tell you when and where you must report a boating accident.

Before you get behind the wheel of a boat and set off for an exciting day, be smart. In Woodstock, GA, contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. and educate yourself on what you should do to protect yourself and those you love.

 

Motorcycle insurance coverage options

Motorcycle insurance pays to repair or replace your motorcycle after an accident, damage or theft. The policy also meets your medical costs after an accident and handles your litigation fee if you are sued after an accident. At Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. we write motorcycle insurance in Woodstock, GA. 

Here are our motorcycle insurance coverage options;
Comprehensive coverage
This coverage option meets your motorcycle repair expenses after an accident. Also, it meets the replacement cost of your motorcycle if it is stolen or damaged by covered perils. 

Liability Insurance
Liability insurance pays your litigation fee if you are sued for damages by a complainant.  If the court finds you liable for damages, the coverage option steps in to pay your due damages. 

Personal Injury coverage
Medical expenses after an accident can be overwhelming to most people. This coverage option eases this financial burden by paying your medical expenses. Regardless of who is at fault, the coverage option will settle your bills. 

Collision Coverage
A collision could damage a third party’s motorcycle or vehicle. The coverage option pays to repair the other party’s vehicle or motorcycle regardless of who was at fault during the incident. 

Get Motorcycle Insurance in Woodstock, GA.
If you own a motorcycle, it is advisable that you take up a motorcycle insurance coverage for it. At Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. we offer reliable motorcycle coverage solutions to our clients. Our limits are set based on the local insurance needs; as such, you can be sure that our coverage will be ideal for you. Let us cover your motorcycle today; contact us and speak to one of our agents about your potential motorcycle cover. Visit our website for a free estimate of your policy; also, feel free to browse the site for other insurance policies. 

Insuring the business inside your home

A lot of people are running commercial operations, or businesses out of their homes. Many business owners are renters of the places where there businesses are, but when you operate one out of your home, that changes the rules somewhat. Professional staff at Peter Laczko Insurance in Woodstock, GA can advise you of your insurance needs when you operate a business in your home.

To some extent, your homeowners insurance is all you need. If you are a freelance writer, for instance, and customers ever enter your business, there may not be any need for anything extra. However, if you are a massage therapist or hairdresser, and people come to your home for service, you will have much different needs.

Your exposure to liability is a major concern when it comes to operating a business, and this is an area where you need to make sure  you are covered. Agents at Peter Laczko Insurance in Woodstock, GA. can explain the intricacies of how this insurance works, and can help you make sure you have the coverage you need.

But even if your business does not involve having the public in your home, you should also be concerned about your equipment or tools, that can get very expensive. You may be able to include it under your homeowners policy, but in some cases you will need an additional policy or rider to get the coverage you need.

Even if you are buying and selling items over the Internet, you will still want to make sure the property you are selling is covered against things like theft, fire or various storm damage. If you are an existing customer, come visit us and let us update your policy to reflect your current situation. New customers are always welcome too, and we can help you find the best policy to fit your situation.

What Is The Difference Between Homeowners And Renters Insurance

Renters insurance protects your personal property which is not protected by a condo association or your landlord, while renters and homeowners face similar risks.  Reports establish that only 37 percent of renters have renters insurance.  Renters insurance premiums are different depending on where you live.

Renters should be aware that that owner’s insurance policy is typically not written to cover any losses to the renter’s property if it is damaged or destroyed.  There are rental policies that required renters to insure their property.  

The landlord and the homeowner have similar risks. There is a definite advantage to the landowner if renters protect their property such as: 

*  To protect the landlord from renter’s  who sue the landlord for any property damage claiming the landlord has responsibility.
*  If the tenant claims it cannot afford insurance the landlord has the opportunity to not to rent to a tenant that presents a risk.
*   The Landlord shifts the risk to the tenant to reduce its responsibility.
*   Tenant damages to the apartment will cover the landlord’s deductible on its policy.
*   If the tenant is a business renter the tenant’s business is protected by its commercial business policy and not by the landlord’s policy.

The major difference between a landlord/homeowner and renters policy is cost.  Renter’s insurance cost less than homeowners unless the renter is a business covered by its commercial policy.

The landlord/homeowner’s policy covers structure while renter’s policy mainly covers personal property.  However, both policies are similar in determining loss either based upon actual cash value or replacement value.  There exclusions that may not cover unusual personal property or environmental threats.  It is clear that as a renter you lose autonomy.  Some insurers will exclude certain types of animals or breed of dogs.

Do You Really Need Golf Car Insurance?

If you use your golf cart extensively on the green or within your Woodstock, GA community, you may want to consider golf cart insurance. Golf cart insurance offers you liability, theft and property damage protection in the event of an accident. By consulting with an agent from Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. you can get a better idea if golf cart insurance would be beneficial for you.

Basic Coverage

If you do decide on golf cart insurance, basic coverage could include liability coverage for property damage and injuries, comprehensive coverage and collision insurance.

Liability insurance will pay for injuries and damages to others in an accident you cause. If you accidentally run into a pedestrian or bike rider while driving your cart in the community, your liability coverage will cover medical and property damage costs.

Collision coverage will help pay for damages to your golf cart if you collide into a car, tree, house, etc., so you don’t have to cover the whole expense out of pocket. If your cart’s stolen or suffers damage from inclement weather, your comprehensive coverage will help pay for the cost of replacement or repairs. 

Are Golf Carts Covered Under Home or Auto Insurance?

For the most part, home and car insurance policies aren’t designed to cover golf cart usage. By reviewing your home and auto policies with your agent, you can see what these policies have to offer in regards to protecting your cart. If these policies offer little or no protection, you have several options. You can obtain an endorsement on your home or auto policy to cover your golf cart or you can purchase a separate insurance policy to protect this item.  

To learn more about the benefits of golf cart insurance, coverage options and cost, contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. in Woodstock, GA. 

Reasons Why Workers Comp is Important

Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. serves Woodstock, GA and the surrounding area with various types of insurance including worker’s compensation insurance. We’re asked frequently if the insurance is necessary and how it can benefit a business. You should always think "what if" rather than "it won’t" in terms of serious events, especially ones involving your employees. 

1. It Protects Your Employees. 

Worker’s compensation insurance protects your employees. If one of them should happen to get hurt, it takes care of their medical bills and will even cover the expense of their lost wages while they’re off work. Ultimately, the insurance helps your employees get back to work sooner. 

2. It’s the Law.

In many states, you must have worker’s compensation insurance as long as you have one employee. Always talk to your insurance representative to determine your business’ legal worker’s compensation obligations. If your employees travel across state lines, you have to be particularly careful of your policy, so make sure you stress this fact when you speak to a representative. 

3. Protect Your Business and Assets 

This particular insurance protects your business from a lawsuit if an employee should happen to get hurt on the job. If any employee would get hurt on the job and you didn’t have any worker’s compensation insurance, you’re putting your business and assets at risk since you’ll owe the expense. 

4. Cheaper Than a Lawsuit

A lawsuit can get quite expensive quickly, especially when medical bills are involved. For a small premium, you’re able to save yourself money in the long run if an employee would happen to get hurt. 

Contact us at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc., serving Woodstock, GA and the surrounding area, by calling 888-883-1650 or 678-833-2860 to get a quote for worker’s compensation insurance to protect what you value–your employees and business. 

How to purchase a motorcycle insurance policy

Your motorcycle insurance can vary based on coverage and price with each state having a minimum coverage limit that a bike owner needs to satisfy. You should be aware of the motorcycle insurance policy requirement before buying a bike to avoid unwarranted repercussions. Notably, the most popular way of obtaining motorcycle insurance is to get a separate insurance policy which covers your bike. Just like car insurance, Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. in Woodstock, GA will look at several factors to determine your premium. Some of the factors considered are as follows:

  • The type of Bike: There are certain bikes which are considered safe to drive since they are less likely to cause accidents. Notably, the safer your bike is, the lower the insurance rate.
  • Riding record: Just like the car insurance, your driving record is a significant factor when determining your insurance rate. If you drive safe, you will pay less.
  • How much do you ride the bike: Your insurance policy varies depending on whether you ride to work every day or only during special occasions. 
  • Your age: Age comes with responsibility. For this reason, people who are below 25 years will pay more.
  • Type of garage: If the motorcycle is garaged in a secure location, you will pay less since there is a low risk of theft and burglary.
  • Training: The more training and experience you have will reduce your insurance rates. In most states, there are training tests which can save you insurance money if you complete them successfully.

Just like a car insurance, you can get cheap motorcycle insurance by getting various insurance quotes, and also by proving that you are not a risk. By demonstrating to Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. in Woodstock, GA that you are a safe driver, which includes having the necessary safety features on the motorcycle, the company will be convinced that they are not likely to pay an insurance claim in future which will qualify you for a discounted insurance rate.