Important Facts Regarding Renters Insurance Milwaukee Residents May Not Be Aware Of

For over 20 years, Dern & Company has helped Milwaukee, WI residents find insurance coverage. We offer our clients a wide variety of policies so that they can find the right one for their individual situation. We have successful partnerships with multiple carriers throughout Wisconsin.

Important Renters Insurance Facts

If you are staying in a rental property in Milwaukee, WI, you have to deal with the potential of an unexpected situation. Perhaps you are a victim of theft or maybe your rental property is damaged due to a natural disaster. Renters insurance will protect you regardless of the situation. While you are researching different policies, remember these important renters’ insurance facts.

The policy covers any damage to your personal items. However, if you have rare and luxurious items at your property, you’ll have to amend your policy in order to cover those items if something happens to them.

If your rental property suffers severe damage, you’ll be covered while your unit is repaired. Renters insurance will assist you as you seek temporary housing until your property is repaired. This should give you peace of mind while you deal with unique living conditions for a few months.

If you have any alterations done to your rental property, you’ll be covered if damages occur. Once you finish the project, consider having your property appraised to reflect the new value of your property.

Also, if you are sharing your rental property with a roommate, make sure that you have your own policy. Having a split policy with your roommate is not ideal, especially if a potential liability dispute occurs.

Dern & Company Will Help You Protect Your Investment

Visit our website today to learn more information about renters insurance.

Tip for getting your home ready for winter

Winters in Wisconsin can be brutal. Since winter cold weather can start quite early, getting your home ready for winter should begin a little sooner in this part of the country. Start with a walk around to see if anything jumps out at you, crumbling masonry, loose or missing shingles, and obvious gaps around windows or doors. In Milwaukee, WI, Dern & Company our 25 years of experience means we have the knowledge to help our clients find the policy they need at a price they can afford. 

Begin at the top of your home. Snuggling in front of a fire on a chilly night is part of winter but before you have your first fire of the season, you should get your chimney cleaned and checked to make sure there are not places where fire can escape and cause damage. Home fires cause great damage and chimney fires can smolder for hours and even days. 

When the leaves are falling from the trees, they also fall into your gutters. They clog the gutters and downspouts and cause water damage. They send water under the roof and rot wood and facia. It can also cause damage to your foundation. They need to be cleaned and if possible hire someone to climb the ladder. 

Caulk and weather striping are a homeowner’s best friend. Check your doors and windows for any leaks and plug them with one or the other. It makes your home airtight and saves on heating costs. 

Twice a year you should change the batteries on the carbon monoxide detector and your smoke detectors. These devices are lifesavers and especially in the winter when the house is closed up tight, carbon monoxide is a scent-free killer. 

Contact Dern & Company in Milwaukee, WI to get a free no-obligation home insurance quote. 

Types of Commercial Insurance Your Business May Need

Your Small Business

Your small business runs the risk of a number of disasters, accidents, and calamities occurring. This is what makes it so vital to have multiple types of commercial insurance in place. If your business isn’t insured as well as it could be, give us a call at Dern & Company in Milwaukee, WI to talk to an insurance agent. 

Commercial Property Insurance

This insurance type covers the building that your company works out of against a number of catastrophes. Generally, they also cover important pieces of company property inside the building. Even if the area that your business works from is a home office or a garage, it’s still a good idea to have commercial property insurance in that area. 

Commercial Auto Insurance

Any vehicles that the business owns should have its own commercial auto policy. These policies can also cover vehicles that you privately own but that are used for business reasons. Most of the time, a regular auto policy won’t cover vehicles that are mostly used for business. 

Liability Insurance

Every business needs liability insurance. This covers your company should it face a lawsuit for negligence. In the event of a suit, this insurance type can cover damages if you lose as well as legal expenses and the medical expenses of people who are hurt by something your business has done. There are many different types of liability insurance, and your specific business should have the types that cover the way it does business. 

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

This kind of insurance covers the company in case of an accident, injury, or illness that occurs to employees while at work. It also covers the lost wages of the injured party should they have to miss work due to an accident or illness at work. 

Tak to an Agent

If your business doesn’t have its commercial insurance in place yet, contact us at Dern & Company in Milwaukee, WI.

Why Renters Insurance is a Must

When you have just put a deposit on an apartment, the thought of shelling out additional money for renters insurance may seem foolish; however, the extra peace of mind and security in knowing that your belongings are safe should disaster strike is well worth the nominal cost. While it may be tempting to assume that your landlord’s property or homeowner’s insurance policy will protect your belongings, the reality is that this is false as these policies only protect the home, apartment, or structure. Should your valuable belongings like clothes, appliances, electronics, computers, jewelry, and more be damaged in any number of incidents from fire to theft to natural disasters your renter’s insurance policy will help foot the bill for replacements. 

Additionally, renters insurance offers a number of additional benefits that most people don’t even think of. For instance, the majority of renters insurance policies will include a clause for additional living expenses which helps pay for the cost of staying at a hotel or Airbnb should your residence become uninhabitable due to a covered disaster. Other benefits include paying for medical benefits – up to your policy limits – for any visitors that are injured while at your place, legal fees if you are sued due to a liability incident, and any damage to your belongings that occurs while you are away from your home. 

When it comes to shopping for renters insurance, not every policy is created equal. As a result, it is always a good idea to work with a trusted source for insurance policies. At Dern & Company in Milwaukee, WI our dedicated team of insurance professionals will work by your side through the entire process of purchasing a renters insurance policy and are happy to answer all your questions. Give us a call today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. 

The Basics of Boat Insurance

You have gotten a boat and can not wait to explore the lake, ocean, and sea. And while it is exciting to fantasize taking in the sun, breeze, and other natural forms while on the water, you, as a responsible person, know that you, your family and friends, and your boat and its contents, need coverage just in case. This is why it is important to know the basics of boat insurance. 

There are variations when it comes to boat insurance in what it covers. For one, the type of boat is considered. Other considerations when it comes to boat insurance includes where you will traffic and the number of months you will travel on the boat. There are even more considerations when it comes to boat insurance. However, the following includes the basics when it comes to boat insurance: 

  • Liability Coverage

If you are at-fault by your boat and/or by your boat’s contents causing damage to other boats, property, and/or individuals, this coverage will cover the other party’s loss and injury caused by you. 

  • Physical Damage

This is coverage for your boat and its components, including anchors, motors, onboard safety equipment, extra batteries, extra fuel tanks, etc. If you have a boat trailer, it may or may not be covered.  

  • Other Types of Coverage

There may be medical coverage and other types of coverage available. 

  • Discounts

You can earn discounts by being a safe boater or if you successfully complete a safe boating course, for instance. 

To truly enjoy your boating experience, you must be at peace, and you can have that by ensuring you are properly covered with boat insurance. For more information for the state of Wisconsin, contact Dern & Company today. Located in Milwaukee, WI, they have been serving this and surrounding areas for more than 25 years now. Dern & Company are partnered with a broad range of carriers. Thus, with their experience and partnerships, they will lead you in the right direction concerning boat insurance. So, if you live in Milwaukee, WI, or a surrounding area, they are more than willing to assist you. Contact them today!

What are the benefits of a Wisconsin home insurance policy?

When you live in the Milwaukee, WI area, there are many different housing options available. Those that live in this area of the state should consider purchasing their home as it will offer a variety of long-term benefits and give you a stable and consistent place to live. If you are going to purchase a home in this area of Wisconsin, you should also make sure that you properly insure it. There are several benefits that come when you get home insurance.

Covers Assets

One of the main benefits that come when you get a quality home insurance policy is that it can cover your assets. Anyone that purchases a home in Milwaukee will want to make sure that their investment in the property is protected. A full home insurance policy can offer you protection for the dwelling as well as any of your personal belongings. 

Gives Liability Protection

You should also offer a home insurance policy because it will give you valuable liability protection. Anyone that wants to own property will take on risk if they have a guest in their home. Since you could be found liable for a guest’s injuries, you will want to ensure that you are properly covered by insurance. A home insurance policy will give you the coverage you need. 

There are a lot of advantages that come when you get proper insurance for your Milwaukee, WI area property. When you are shopping for insurance here, you should call the team at Dern & Company. The insurance professionals at Dern & Company can help you to pick a policy that will properly protect your home and offer liability protection. This will ensure you continue to receive the coverage and protection that you need. 

Importance of Disaster Prep for Your Small Business

Disaster prep is just as important to a small business as it is for large corporations. If you own a small business in Milwaukee, WI, it’s your responsibility to develop a plan for handling emergency situations that may arise. Purchasing commercial insurance from Dern & Company is a good start to protect your business assets against catastrophes. Here are a few other reasons why disaster prep is so important to your company.

Protects Your Employees

A disaster preparedness plan can protect your employees in the event of a disaster. Your plan should include a means of warning your employees of impending dangers and secure routes of evacuation to enable them to escape quickly and safely. An effective emergency plan can help prevent injuries or even death of your employees.   

Supports Business Continuity

Preparing your business for disasters can help prevent shutdowns and delays in business operations. Your supervisors and employees will know what to do to keep the business going after a disaster. This may include working from home or opening a new business site in Milwaukee WI where you can communicate with your clients and business partners and carry on.

Facilitates Recovery

Disaster prep can help facilitate your recovery from a disaster. Your commercial property insurance will help cover disaster repairs to your business location or replacement of business equipment and inventory that are essential to business operations. Having business interruption coverage is a plus as you’ll be compensated for lost revenue and other business expenses if your company has to close for disaster repairs. The right commercial insurance coverage will expedite your recovery by providing valuable financial resources to get your business up and running again after a disaster.

To purchase commercial insurance protection for your small business in Milwaukee, WI, contact Dern & Company today.

Some Unique Benefits Of Purchasing Renters Insurance That Wisconsin Renters May Be Unaware Of

Dern & Company serves the Milwaukee, WI community and the surrounding areas through ensuring that people receive the coverage and policies that they are looking for. We help our clients find unique policies that suit their individual needs.

Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is important because it covers you in the event that your property is damaged due to vandalism, natural disasters, or other circumstances. While you are researching different policies, here are some unique benefits of renters insurance that you may not be aware of.

You Are Covered If The Property Needs To Be Repaired

The coverage in your policy will make sure that you’ll be able to stay somewhere else until your rental property is fully repaired. That takes a heavy burden off of your shoulders because you do not have to worry about finding a place to stay.

Liability Coverage

If someone gets injured while visiting your property, the liability coverage in your rental insurance policy covers you. If you have a pet, in the event that your pet bites someone, you’ll also be covered.

Your Belongings Are Protected

While you are away from your rental property staying somewhere else, you are still covered if someone steals your belongings. Likewise, if you are borrowing an item and it gets stolen, you are protected.

Children Are Covered

If you are a parent, you can breathe easier knowing that you are covered if your child accidentally damages the property.

Consult With Dern & Company

Providing excellent customer service is one of our top priorities. We will sit down with you and figure out which renters insurance policy is best for you. Contact us and find out how we have been able to assist people in the Milwaukee, WI community for over 20 years.

When Does Boat Insurance Protect You?

When you own a boat it is always highly recommended to take out boat insurance. Unlike auto insurance, boat insurance is not something you specifically are mandated to have, nor is there set minimums you need to meet in order to operate a boat. However, you shouldn’t leave your boat up to chance. You never know when an accident might happen. And while even if you are protective of your boat while out on the water, some elements are completely out of your hands. If you live around greater Milwaukee, WI, and own a boat, let our staff at Dern & Company help you find boat insurance that properly protects your watercraft. 

While on the Water

Naturally, boat insurance will protect you while on the water. This includes not only damage sustained from striking other watercraft, but from objects that might be submerged, or from hitting the dock too hard. 

Out of the Water

Your boat is more likely to be damaged while in transit than while in the water, so you’ll want to protect the boat while you’re traveling. Boat insurance does this. Additionally, it is available for when you’re boat is in storage during the off-season. You never know when an accident might happen. 

Help Finding The Right Watercraft Insurance

There is no shortage of boat insurance options. You just need to identify the insurance that best protects your boat, both while it is on land and while it is in the water. Our staff here at Dern & Company thrives on connecting boat owners with watercraft insurance. So, if you want to make sure your boat is properly protected and you live around metro Milwaukee, WI, our staff here is ready and waiting to help you out. Give us a call today. 

Why Is The Roof So Important To Home Insurance?

We don’t need to tell someone from Milwaukee, WI how important the roof is, do we? That’s your first line of defense against harsh weather, it’s what’s going to keep the heat in and the snow out during the winter. To an insurance company like Dern & Company, it may be the very most important part of your home.

All other things being equal, a home with a roof that’s past its prime is going to cost more to insure than a home with a new roof, if it can be insured at all. Many insurers won’t touch home with a roof more than twenty years old. 

Building material is important too. Cedar roofs, for instance, are more likely to catch fire than many other types of roofs. Natural materials, in general, can have a harsh effect on the life expectancy of a roof, being more likely to rot and mold should moisture be trapped underneath after a rainy summer.

A well-maintained, quality roof can also be indicative of how well a homeowner takes care of their house. A roof that is missing some shingles and has a few unpatched leaks may be seen to signify a homeowner who has a "When I get around to it" attitude about other things, like leaky pipes and cracked windows. A quality roof suggests a homeowner who treasures and cares for their domicile.

If you’re looking for a home insurance company to protect you and your home in Milwaukee, WI, get in touch with Dern & Company by phone or online. They’ll help you to get set up with a home insurance policy that you can count on.