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September, 2025 | Boizelle Insurance Partnership

How Your Commercial Insurance Covers Fires

If you own a restaurant and there’s a fire, your insurance can help cover a variety of losses, but it depends on the types of coverage included in your policy. Here’s how it typically works:

 

  1. Property Insurance (Commercial Property Coverage)

This is the core coverage for fire damage.

Covers:

  • Damage to the building (if you own it).
  • Damage to contents: furniture, kitchen equipment, inventory, décor, etc.
  • Cleanup and debris removal.
  • Smoke and water damage from firefighting efforts.

Does NOT cover:

  • Damage due to neglect or arson you commit.
  • Upgrades required by new building codes (unless you have ordinance or law coverage).

 

  1. Business Interruption Insurance (Business Income Coverage)

Covers:

  • Lost income while your restaurant is closed for repairs.
  • Ongoing expenses like rent, utilities, and employee wages.
  • Temporary relocation costs if you set up elsewhere.

This is not always included — it may be an optional add-on (endorsement), so check your policy.

 

  1. Equipment Breakdown Insurance (Optional)

Covers:

  • Sudden and accidental breakdown of equipment like ovens, refrigerators, or HVAC systems — but only if caused by mechanical or electrical issues, not fire.
  • This doesn’t cover fire damage, but could be relevant if your equipment fails during recovery.

 

  1. Extra Expense Coverage (Optional/Included with Business Interruption)

Covers:

  • Costs above and beyond normal operations to minimize downtime — e.g., renting kitchen space, expedited shipping of equipment, etc.

 

  1. General Liability Insurance

Typically does NOT cover your own property damage, but:

Covers:

  • Injuries to third parties (customers, vendors) during or after the fire.
  • Legal costs if someone sues you because the fire harmed them (e.g., neighboring tenants or customers).

 

 Steps to Take After a Fire

  1. Contact your insurer immediately.
  2. Document all damage (photos, video, receipts).
  3. Protect undamaged property from further loss (tarping, boarding up).
  4. Work with an adjuster to evaluate the damage and start the claims process.
  5. Keep records of all expenses during the recovery period.

 

 Important Tips

  • Review your policy annually to ensure adequate coverage.
  • Ensure your business interruption limits are realistic for a shutdown of 3-6 months or more.
  • Consider adding ordinance & law coverage if your building is older.

 

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September 29, 2025
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Commercial Insurance

Insurance Tips for College Students

Here are some practical insurance tips for college students to help protect their health, property, and finances while staying on budget:

 

  1. Health Insurance

What to Do:

  • Stay on Parents’ Plan: You can stay on your parents’ health insurance until age 26 (thanks to the ACA).
  • University Plans: Many colleges offer student health insurance plans — compare coverage and costs.
  • Marketplace Plans: If you’re independent, explore healthcare.gov or your state’s marketplace.

Tips:

  • Use your school’s health clinic for routine care — it’s often free or low-cost.
  • Always check if a provider is “in-network” before treatment.

 

  1. Renters Insurance

Why You Need It:

  • Covers your stuff (laptop, clothes, etc.) in case of theft, fire, or water damage.
  • Often required if you’re renting an off-campus apartment.

Tips:

  • If you live in a dorm, you may be covered under your parents’ homeowners insurance — check with their provider.
  • Policies can be as cheap as $10–$20/month.

 

  1. Car Insurance

If You Have a Car:

  • Stay on your parents’ plan if possible — usually cheaper.
  • Notify your insurer if you’re attending school out-of-state.

Tips:

  • Ask about a “good student discount” (typically for a GPA of 3.0+).
  • If you’re not bringing your car to campus, ask for a “student away at school” discount.

 

  1. Electronics Protection

Options:

  • Renters insurance usually covers electronics, but check coverage limits.
  • Consider device insurance for expensive items like laptops and phones.

Tips:

  • Keep receipts and serial numbers in case you need to file a claim.

 

  1. Life Insurance (Optional)
  • Usually not necessary unless you have dependents or large student loans with a co-signer.
  • If you do need it, term life insurance is cheap and adequate.

 

  1. Identity Theft Protection
  • College students are prime targets for identity theft.
  • Some renters or bank accounts include this protection — or get a separate service if you’re concerned.

 

  1. Understand Your School’s Coverage
  • Some colleges automatically enroll you in their health plan and charge you unless you opt out.
  • Always review any tuition insurance or required fees tied to insurance.

 

Quick Tips Summary:

Type Tip
Health Stay on parents’ plan or use school clinic
Renters Covers your stuff in dorms/apts
Car Use discounts and notify insurer if car isn’t on campus
Electronics Ensure laptops/phones are covered
Life Usually not needed unless you have dependents
ID Theft Monitor credit and use protection services

 

Navigating college life comes with new responsibilities, and insurance is one of them. This blog offers essential tips to help students understand the importance of various types of insurance—health, renters, auto, and even tuition insurance. From staying on a parent’s plan to finding budget-friendly student options, we break down what coverage is necessary, how to shop smart, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether living on or off campus, these practical tips ensure students are protected without breaking the bank.

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September 26, 2025
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Uncategorized

What You Should Do If Your Car Catches Fire

If your car overheats and catches fire, your safety is the top priority. Here’s what to do, step by step:

 

  1. Pull Over Safely
  • Signal and move to the shoulder or a safe area off the road.
  • Stop the engine immediately to halt fuel flow and stop overheating.

 

  1. Evacuate the Vehicle
  • Get yourself and all passengers out immediately.
  • Do NOT open the hood – fire needs oxygen, and opening the hood could make it worse.
  • Move at least 100 feet away from the vehicle, ideally upwind in case of smoke or toxic fumes.

 

  1. Call Emergency Services
  • Dial 911 and clearly explain the location and the situation.
  • If you’re on a highway, mention your mile marker or nearby exit.

 

  1. Do NOT Attempt to Extinguish a Large Fire
  • A car fire can escalate quickly and may involve explosions from the fuel tank, tires, airbags, etc.
  • If it’s a small fire under the hood and you have a fire extinguisher (Class B or C) and it’s safe to do so, you can try to use it without opening the hood fully.
    • Aim through the grille or small opening.
  • If you’re unsure — don’t try. Leave it to the professionals.

 

  1. Do Not Re-Enter the Vehicle
  • Even if you left valuables inside, do not go back — smoke and flames can be fatal.
  • Wait for firefighters or emergency personnel to give the all-clear.

 

  1. Document the Incident (If Safe and Appropriate)
  • If you’re at a safe distance and it’s safe to do so, take pictures or video for insurance purposes.

 

  1. Notify Your Insurance Company
  • Call them once you’re safe. They’ll guide you through the claims process.

 

BONUS: Prevent Future Fires

After this incident is resolved, consider:

  • Routine maintenance to prevent overheating (coolant system, hoses, etc.)
  • Carrying a fire extinguisher rated for automotive use
  • Watching for signs of electrical or fuel issues in the future

 

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September 22, 2025
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Auto Insurance

What To Do If Your Windshield Cracks

What To Do If Your Windshield Cracks

 

Why do windshields crack?

 

Windshields crack for several reasons, most of which relate to stress being placed on the glass or flaws in its structure. Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes:

  1. Impact Damage
  • Cause: Rocks, gravel, or other debris hitting the windshield, usually when driving.
  • Effect: This often results in small chips that can later grow into cracks if not repaired.

 

  1. Temperature Changes (Thermal Stress)
  • Cause: Sudden or extreme shifts in temperature—like pouring hot water on an icy windshield or blasting the defroster on high heat.
  • Effect: Glass expands and contracts with temperature; uneven expansion creates stress, leading to cracks.

 

  1. Structural Stress
  • Cause: Body flexing or twisting of the car due to driving over rough terrain, potholes, or poor chassis alignment.
  • Effect: Puts pressure on the windshield, especially if it was already weakened.

 

  1. Poor Installation
  • Cause: Incorrectly fitted or improperly supported windshields.
  • Effect: Can cause uneven stress distribution and make the glass more prone to cracking over time.

 

  1. Manufacturing Defects
  • Cause: Internal flaws or impurities in the glass during production.
  • Effect: These create weak points that are more likely to crack under pressure or stress.

 

  1. Ignored Chips or Dings
  • Cause: Small damage left unrepaired.
  • Effect: Vibration, weather, or stress can turn a tiny chip into a long crack.

 

  1. Pressure Stress (Uneven Frame Support)
  • Cause: Vehicle body damage or uneven windshield mounting.
  • Effect: Puts uneven pressure on the glass, which can eventually lead to cracks, especially around the edges.

 

Cracks in windshields are usually caused by impact, thermal stress, poor installation, or structural flaws. Even tiny chips can grow over time, so early repair is crucial.

If your windshield becomes cracked, here are a number of steps that you can take to get it repaired:

If your windshield is cracked, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting it repaired or replaced, depending on the severity:

 

  1. Assess the Damage

Ask yourself:

  • Is it a small chip or a long crack?
  • Does it obstruct your line of sight?
  • Is it near the edge of the windshield?

General rule:

  • Chips smaller than a quarter or cracks shorter than 6 inches may be repairable.
  • Larger cracks or damage in the driver’s view usually require replacement.

 

  1. Take Photos

Take clear pictures of the damage from different angles. This can help with:

  • Insurance claims
  • Getting accurate repair quotes

 

  1. Check Your Insurance

Call your auto insurance provider or log in to your account to check:

  • Is glass coverage included?
    (Many comprehensive policies cover repairs at no cost to you.)
  • Is there a deductible?
  • Do they partner with any glass repair companies?

Some insurers even offer zero-deductible glass coverage in certain states.

 

  1. Find a Reputable Auto Glass Repair Shop

You can:

  • Search for local auto glass specialists
  • Use national services like:
    • Safelite
    • Glass Doctor
    • Gerber Collision & Glass
  • Or ask your dealership or mechanic for recommendations

Many shops offer mobile repair (they come to you), which is convenient if the crack is spreading or driving is unsafe.

 

  1. Get a Quote

Even if insurance is involved, get a quote first. You’ll need:

  • Vehicle make, model, and year
  • Description of the damage
  • Photos (optional, but helpful)

 

  1. Repair or Replace
  • Repair: Usually takes 30 minutes, costs around $50–$100, and can often be done same-day.
  • Replacement: Takes 1–2 hours, costs $200–$500+
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September 9, 2025
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Auto Insurance
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