Commercial Insurance

Commercial Auto Insurance In New York

You're a professional in your business, so why leave anything to chance when it comes to insurance coverage? Acquiring business insurance is a complicated process, which is why the majority of businesses rely on independent agencies. Business owners want a real person to navigate them through the buying process and be there when they need someone to assist them in the middle of a claim.

General Liability — Businessman Signed a Contract Agreement in Albany, NY

A small business is often a gamble in uncertain economic times, but a comprehensive insurance policy gives you the financial protection you need against unforeseen events, including property damage, natural disasters, theft, guest accidents, lawsuits, and so much more. Hamlin, Robert & Ridgeway, Ltd. understand your industry may also have to meet certain legal requirements through your insurance. As experts in our field, the agents at Hamlin, Robert & Ridgeway, Ltd. in Albany, NY will guide you through all the legalities and still get you the best coverage options for your company. No matter the needs of your company; we tailor all business packages to the client. Call us at 518-458-7777 for more information.

PROVIDING NEW YORK & THE TRI-STATE AREA WITH COMPREHENSIVE COMMERCIAL INSURANCE:

Commercial Auto Insurance

Not every business will require commercial auto insurance, but many companies rely on commercial fleets to get business done. Commercial vehicles are far more likely to get in accidents with other drivers on the road, so there are plenty of insurance requirements your fleet has to meet and maintain before being able to operate. Vehicles that must meet requirements range from single commercial vehicles that keep to a local area to big rigs that travel across the country.

General Liability
When it comes to business, you try your hardest to stick to a plan, but unexpected problems and changes can arise at any time. In the business world, there are plenty of day-to-day uncertainties that come with the territory, which is why liability insurance is something you can't do business without.

General Liability Insurance Takes the Guesswork out of Small Business Management

No matter what industry you're in, every business owner needs liability insurance to avoid financial setbacks. These include being deemed liable for customer or employee injuries, property damages, discrimination, negligence, and claims that could lead to lawsuits. Liability coverage protects your business from the moment you interview a prospective employee.

Located in Albany, New York, Hamlin, Robert & Ridgeway, Ltd. is proud to serve not only Schenectady County, but all of New York State. We've been meeting the commercial insurance needs of a variety of clients for over 20 years; chances are we know your business inside and out. While different businesses will have different insurance requirements, we highly encourage business owners to include the following in their business insurance policies:
- General Liability
- Excess Liability
- Umbrella Insurance
- Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
Excess Liability and Umbrella Insurance Boost Coverage

Excess liability increases liability limits while umbrella policies go above and beyond to cover extreme losses. Other types of liability coverage options may depend on your industry. When buying business insurance and liability coverage, it's important to notice the claim limits before agreeing to the policy. These limits put caps on your protection amounts; potentially costing you money if an event ever arises that surpasses the limits of your existing coverage. Give your business a cushion with excess liability and umbrella insurance options. They're surprisingly affordable and will prove well worth the money when you need to file a claim. Contact the professional, independent agents of Hamlin, Robert & Ridgeway, Ltd. at 518-458-7777to learn more.

Workers Compensation
Some industries are more likely to cause injuries than others, such as construction and other physically demanding positions, but even office work can leave an employee with lasting injuries, making the employer responsible. Hamlin, Robert & Ridgeway, Ltd. wants to protect both your business and employees by providing you with a worker's compensation package that covers all your bases. By law, workers comp insurance in New York covers all types of employees, including part-time workers, creating safer working environments for everyone.

Work Injuries Don't Have to be Serious to Justify a Workers Comp Claim

The most common types of on-the-job injuries include:
- Carpal Tunnel
- Fractures
- Hernias
- Torn Rotator Cuff
- Head Injuries
- Back & Neck Injuries
Benefits are Paid for Life if an Injury Leaves an Employee Unable to Return to Work

Workers compensation allows an injured employee to recover lost wages, spouse and dependent benefits, medical and prescription bills, and the cost of rehabilitation and retraining. In some cases, things like a lump sum settlement, third-party settlement, or survivor benefit wills kick in. How long these benefits can be received depends on each individual case. Temporary total disability covers an employee for up to three years, partial disability covers up to five, and permanent total disability provides benefits for a lifetime.

Workers Compensation Protects Both the Employee and Employer

It's clear how worker’s compensation protects the employee, but this type of coverage also protects the employer against employee lawsuits related to on-the-job injuries or damages. Keep in mind that even a comprehensive business insurance package doesn't include workman's comp, as this is a policy that needs to be purchased separately. A friendly, professional agent will sit down with you to determine the business insurance and worker’s compensation package that suits your needs.

Bonds
There are countless contractors working in New York and the Tri-State area, and Hamlin, Robert & Ridgeway, Ltd. has experience working with all types. Whether you're a general contractor, artisan, janitorial contractor, or landscaper, we've had more than 20 years of experience in ensuring these contractors have the bonds they need to conduct business.

Bid or Performance Bonds are Known as Contract Surety Bonds

When you're in the market for business insurance, figuring out which type of bond you need is confusing, but Hamlin, Robert & Ridgeway, Ltd. simplifies the process. One of our agents will sit down with you to discuss your business and determine your legal requirements. We'll discuss all aspects of your bond, including your premium cost and yield, and the income returns on your investment. Other types of surety bonds include:
- License & Permit Bond
- Public Official Bond
- Probate and/or Court Bond
- Contract Performance Bond
- Miscellaneous Surety Bond
Some of these are simple, such as a license and permit bond — which electricians, plumbers, and other general contractors must have before meeting the requirements to obtain a license. Others aren't as straightforward. For example, a miscellaneous bond exists because not all bonds fit every category. Miscellaneous bonds deal with things like utility payment guarantees, union wages, and lost securities.

New York Requires Bonds for Projects Costing Over $100,000

When a project in New York costs over $100,000 and is being federally funded, the contractors involved are legally required to be bonded. Even on a smaller scale, most homeowners won't hire general contractors who don't advertise that they're bonded and insured. Being bonded can also boost your business rating to AAA, making your name more reputable in the community. Navigating surety bonds is a daunting task, especially if you're just getting a new business off the ground. Let Hamlin, Robert & Ridgeway, Ltd. help you. Call 518-458-7777to speak with one of our agents.

New York State Disability

Accidents and injuries are just as likely outside of work as on the job, but they shouldn't mean that your employees have to struggle to get by. The state of New York gives business owners a reasonably-priced way to protect their employees if they become sick or hurt outside of the workplace. The New York Disability Benefits Law (DBL) is a state-sponsored insurance program that can provide some level of replacement income in the case of an off-the-job injury. Hamlin, Robert & Ridgeway, Ltd. can provide your business with the security of disability insurance. Located in Albany, New York we insure a multitude of businesses in the Tri-state area, and we have the resources to insure yours too.

Experience the Advantages of Independence

The big insurance companies may dominate advertising, but smaller agencies have some things they'll never be able to match. As an independent agency, Hamlin, Robert & Ridgeway, Ltd. has real people to help you through the coverage process. If you ever need to file a claim, you'll have someone there to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

New York state law requires employers to provide some kind of non-occupational protection, but you should still choose a provider with the proper experience to protect you. Hamlin, Robert & Ridgeway, Ltd. has talented agents that will examine your situation and help you manage your policy.

It Pays to Protect Your Employees

The disability benefits offered by the state can improve your business more than you may think; your employees won't be as worried about proper coverage, and will, therefore, be more productive. Hamlin, Robert & Ridgeway, Ltd. will make sure you have all the commercial protection you need. To speak to a member of our staff, call 518-458-7777or stop by our office and see why people have been coming to us for over 20 years.