One of the first questions any business owner is asked when researching commercial insurance options is where the business is located. While there are a number of factors that impact a business's risk, location is one of the most influential when it comes to premium rates, coverage options, endorsements, and exclusions. There is no such thing as the perfect location for a business, but understanding and thoroughly researching a location before establishing a business can significantly reduce potential risk.

Houston is home to thousands of businesses of all sizes, representing hundreds of different industries and professions, including retail shops, attorneys, farms, contractors, restaurants, oil and gas, and health professions. As these businesses vary, so do their commercial insurance needs.

A growing number of American employees, managers and company owners travel for work, but as business travel increases so does the risk of business property loss and damages. In the rush to meet travel and work deadlines, business travelers can often overlook basic safety practices and put themselves and their business assets in jeopardy. In today's blog post, we'll discuss three essential safety tips for any business traveler.

Houston business owners face a myriad of important logistical and financial decisions on a regular basis, especially when a business is first starting out, or when it begins to grow and expand. One of the major decisions a business owner can make is in regards to Commercial Insurance coverage and policies. Commercial Insurance needs can vary greatly depending on the industry, size of the business, location, and state or local requirements.

When major storms or disasters strike, Houston businesses can be impacted in a number of ways, including major power outages, utility interruptions, structural damage, flooding, and the loss of customers and revenue. For many business owners, early disaster preparation can be the difference between reopening in a few days or weeks, and having to permanently close the business.

The Internet offers business owners, individuals, and families a wide variety of options when it comes to researching and purchasing insurance. However, no amount of Internet browsing or online searches can yield the same benefits of having a dedicated insurance agent for commercial or personal coverage. In today's blog post, we'll look at the three primary reasons why consumers need a dedicated insurance agent for insurance questions and purchases.

Business owners rely on a variety of Commercial Insurance policies to protect their business, assets, and employees. Unfortunately, a large number of businesses throughout our region forgo Commercial Flood Insurance, which is a major risk in a flood-prone city like Houston. Heavy rainfall from storms, tropical disturbances and hurricanes can easily lead to flash flooding of offices, restaurants, retail shops, and other commercial businesses.

A growing number of industries within the Houston area depend on corporate fleet vehicles to meet customer demands, deliver products, or perform service calls and repairs. However, companies can still find themselves vulnerable to losses and damages if employees and company drivers are not properly trained on how to safely operate a fleet vehicle.

Businesses rely on company assets to provide valuable services to customers, create their products, and generate revenue. Business assets might include computer systems, smartphones, inventory, raw materials, company fleet vehicles, tools, specialized machinery, and sensitive customer data. Protecting these assets is crucial for businesses, but unfortunately, many business owners do not take security seriously until it is too late and they've become victim to thieves, vandals, or trespassers.

Houston business owners know that a successful company is more than just a product or service. It's a combination of important components such as an office or warehouse, employees, outdoor signs, beautiful landscaping and trees, equipment, company vehicles, inventory, and furniture. Businesses often utilize all these assets in order to achieve maximum productivity and value. When these assets are threatened or damaged, it can put business owners in a dire financial situation as the replacement and repair costs can be astronomical.