Keep Your Inventory Safe: Proven Tips for Protecting Your Small Business Stock

Stock damage and theft are serious threats to small businesses in Nashville, NC. To protect your stock, you must implement a comprehensive inventory management system that reduces the risk of theft and damage.

Here are three tips from Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. to help keep your inventory safe and secure.

1. Utilize a secure storage solution

Secure storage solutions for small business inventory include physical security measures, such as lockable cabinets, shelves, and storage units. Some businesses may choose to invest in cloud-based inventory management software to ensure that data is securely stored and accessible only by authorized personnel. Additionally, regular inventory audits can help identify discrepancies or potential theft.

2. Monitor and document inventory movements

Monitoring and documenting inventory movements are essential for small business owners to ensure accurate inventory records. To do so, they should keep track of all incoming and outgoing shipments and receipts, update their inventory levels in the accounting software or other tracking system, and conduct regular physical inventory counts to compare with their records.

3. Invest in security systems and protocols

Security systems and protocols help to ensure that confidential information is kept secure and not vulnerable to malicious actors. They also provide a layer of protection against cyber threats such as malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks. A solid commercial insurance policy can also help protect the business financially in case the security measures break.

Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. is a commercial insurance provider based in Nashville, NC. We are proud to offer insurance services to businesses throughout the region. We understand that every business is unique, so we customize each policy to fit the individual needs of each customer. Reach out today to learn more!

Prepare for Stormy Weather with Commercial Insurance in Nashville

The weather in the Nashville area can be unpredictable, especially during the storm season. The right insurance is essential to protect your business from potential damage and losses due to storms. Commercial insurance can help provide coverage and peace of mind that your business is covered should a storm occur.

What Does Commercial Insurance Cover?

Commercial insurance covers a variety of damages associated with natural disasters such as floods, thunderstorms, hail, and wind damage. This coverage includes property damage, loss of income, and liability protection for any bodily injury or damage caused by the storm. It’s essential to understand what type of coverage you need and what is included in your policy before signing up for commercial insurance so that you are adequately protected when the unexpected occurs. Your Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. representative in Nashville, TN can help you find the right policy to fit your business’s needs.

Why Do I Need Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance protects businesses from unexpected losses due to storms or other natural disasters. If your business suffers from storm-related damages, having commercial insurance can help you recover quickly by providing financial assistance to cover repairs or replacement costs.

Additionally, it provides liability protection if someone is injured on your property due to the storm or if one of your employees causes an accident while driving on the job related to the storm. Without commercial insurance coverage, businesses could be left vulnerable and financially exposed should they face significant losses due to a natural disaster.

Storm season comes around every year, and it’s always best to be prepared with adequate commercial insurance coverage that fits your specific needs. Contact Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. today to learn more about our services and start creating the perfect policy for your business!

Hanging Holiday Lights? Avoid These Mishaps That Can Damage Your Home

At Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc, serving the greater Nashville, NC area, we want to help all of our customers have a very merry holiday season. Unfortunately, homeowners make common mistakes when they are hanging holiday lights that can negatively impact your home or be damaging to it. Here are two common mishaps homeowners make when hanging holiday lights that can damage your home.

Avoid Overloading Your Electrical System

Hanging a ton of lights on your home may seem like a good idea in theory, but most homes do not have the electrical system to support all of those lights. As such, if you are hanging holiday lights and putting up decorations, you should keep it simple to avoid overloading your electrical system. If you want to do something extravagant, hire an electrician before the holiday season to help ensure your electrical system can support your big ideas. 

Never Use Nails on Your Roof or Gutter

Secondly, you should avoid using nails or staples to hang holiday lights on your roof or gutters. Nails and staples can leave tiny holes behind, which can cause water issues once the lights have been removed. Always use light hooks to ensure you do not damage your roof or gutter when hanging lights. 

Damaging your home can lead to costly repairs and may cause other issues to your home. Unfortunately, if you cause the damage, home insurance will not likely pick up the tab for the repairs. As such, you want to learn what you should avoid doing so your bright decorating ideas do not wind up costing you money. At Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc., serving the greater Nashville, NC region, we are here to help you year-round with your insurance needs, including homeowners insurance. Reach out to us today if you are looking to obtain a new homeowners insurance policy. 

Three misconceptions about classic car insurance

At Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc., we offer classic car insurance policies. If you own an antique or classic car in Nashville, NC, we can provide you with the coverage you want.

Reach out to our office for additional information about classic car insurance. Unfortunately, there are some misconceptions about classic car insurance that we think consumers should be aware of before buying. 

The following are three common misconceptions about classic car insurance. 

Classic car insurance policies have high premiums.

It’s not true that classic car insurance policies have high premiums. The premiums on classic car insurance policies are typically lower than the premiums on standard automobile insurance policies. 

You don’t need to worry about having to pay a lot to protect your classic car with an insurance policy that is uniquely designed for your valuable vehicle. 

Classic car insurance is basically the same as standard auto insurance.

Although classic car insurance policies may be similar to standard auto insurance policies in some ways, policyholders should understand some key differences.

One of the biggest differences is that classic car insurance policies typically cover an agreed value rather than the market value of the insured vehicle. 

Classic car insurance doesn’t need to be updated.

Those who have a classic car insurance policy should update their policy periodically. Classic car insurance policies should be updated as the value of the insured vehicle changes over time. 

Get a classic car insurance policy quote from Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. We are a great option when you’re on the market for classic car insurance coverage in Nashville, NC. Get in touch with us to learn more!

Why all renters should have renters insurance

Only about 40% of renters carry renters insurance. That means that 60% are counting on the fact that nothing bad will ever happen to them. They like to live on the wild side, or they may think their landlord has insurance covering them. At Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. in Nashville, NC, we understand how vital renters insurance is and how important it is to your financial security. As independent insurance agents, we put the needs of our customers first and can offer the most choices and best rates. 

Content coverage

Your landlord doesn’t have insurance that protects all the things you own that you have in your rental. If that isn’t a good enough reason to get renters’ insurance, nothing will ever be. Imagine losing all your furniture, your clothing, your electronics, and your personal things. This would be a horrible incident and expensive too. 

Renters’ insurance will cover all your contents while in your rental and when they travel away from home with you in your vehicle, train, or plane. 

Liability coverage

Liability coverage protects your assets today and your future assets and earnings from being lost to a legal judgment against you. You may think that as a renter, you won’t be sued or have someone get injured at your rental or by a family member, but you can’t count on that. Anyone is vulnerable to being sued. 

Loss of use coverage

When your rental gets damaged, you might need to find another place to stay for a time. If you have renters insurance, your policy will pay for a hotel, some meals for you in the short term, and a temporary rental if it is a little longer. 

Contact Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. in Nashville, NC to discuss what renters insurance can do for you. 

What Is Full-Time RV Insurance?

RVing is an adventure that many people enjoy. It allows you to travel and see different parts of the country while still having all the comforts of home. However, it’s important to remember that RVs are also large vehicles that need to be insured. 

If you live in Nashville, NC, you can insure your RV from Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc., which provides different types of RV insurance, including full-time RV insurance. But before that, take your time to understand this type of insurance policy.

What Is Full-Time RV Insurance?

Full-time RV insurance is designed for people who live in their RVs full-time or spend more than 150 days per year in them. This policy provides coverage for your RV, personal belongings, and liability. It’s important to have full-time RV insurance because it will protect you financially if something happens to your RV or if you are involved in an accident.

What’s Included in Full-Time RV Insurance?

Full-time RV insurance is typically a mix between homeowners insurance and auto insurance. It will cover your RV and any attached structures, such as awnings or satellite dishes. It will also cover your personal belongings inside the RV up to a specific limit. 

In addition, full-time RV insurance provides liability coverage in case you are involved in an accident, and someone is injured, or your property is damaged. If your RV is totaled, most policies will also provide coverage for a replacement RV.

Where Can You Get Full-Time RV Insurance?

Getting full-time RV insurance in Nashville, NC is easy as long as you know where to look. Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. offers full-time RV insurance for all types of RVs. Talk to our agent to understand the different liability coverage available and your best options depending on your situation.

How Do I Choose The Right Motorcycle Insurance Coverage For Me?

Motorcycle insurance is a critical piece of the safety puzzle regarding riding. But with the different coverage options available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. This blog post will break down each type of motorcycle insurance coverage and help you figure out which is best for you. Let’s get started!

Consider Your State’s Minimum Coverage Requirements

The first step in choosing the right motorcycle insurance coverage is considering your state’s minimum coverage requirements. Each state has different laws governing the minimum amount of insurance required to operate a motorcycle, so it’s important to know what your state requires before you start shopping around. In general, most states require some combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance.

Liability insurance is the most basic type of motorcycle insurance, and it covers damage you cause to other people or property while operating your motorcycle. Collision insurance covers damage to your bike caused by an accident with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your motorcycle caused by factors other than collision, such as theft, fire, or weather damage.

Some states also require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages they caused. Get these policies from a reputable insurer such as Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc in Nashville, NC.

Decide How Much Coverage You Need

Once you know your state’s minimum coverage requirements, you can decide how much coverage you need. This will depend on several factors, including the value of your motorcycle, your riding habits, and your personal financial situation.

If you have a newer or more expensive motorcycle, you’ll likely want to get more coverage than the minimum requirements. If you ride frequently or in areas with a lot of traffic, you may also want to consider getting more coverage than the minimum.

Conclusion

Choosing the right motorcycle insurance coverage can be a difficult task, but it’s an important one. If you’re still unsure, talk to us at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc in Nashville, NC. We’re happy to help you find the right coverage for you. Give us a call today.

Do I Need To Insure My Boat Trailer?

You probably don’t need to insure your trailer if you keep your boat in a marina. However, if you keep it at a private dock or moored in the water, you will need to get it covered. Trailers are covered under the same policy as your boat and must be insured at the same level as your boat. 

In most cases, the minimum necessary level of coverage will be a significant amount lower than the value of your trailer. If you keep your trailer in a public or private parking lot with no supervision, you must get it insured. Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. in Nashville, NC can answer any questions. 

How to Go About Boat Trailer Insurance 

Boat trailer insurance is required in most states. In an accident, it can shield you from unanticipated costs and protect you financially. Trailer insurance usually comes as a percentage of the trailer’s value, often between 2 and 5 percent. 

This can be significantly less expensive than insuring a brand new boat. The value of your boat trailer will depend on the trailer’s condition and the condition of the boat that it hauls. You can also add a guaranteed replacement value option to your policy, which will pay out the value of the boat trailer if it is totaled in an accident. 

Most boat owners have their boats covered with a liability policy, but many don’t realize they also need coverage for their trailers, which are often left out. If someone is injured on your boat, they can sue you, and the court will consider the trailer’s value to determine how much they can receive in damages. Though you may not use the trailer often, it is still a necessary piece of equipment for your boat and must be adequately insured. 

The price of this policy will be determined by the business you decide to collaborate with. If the boat is hauled with a trailer, either a flatbed or a car hauler, or keep it on a trailer in case of a flood, it must have adequate insurance coverage. Boat trailers are valuable pieces of equipment, and you don’t want to be left without a way to transport your boat if something happens to the trailer. 

Bottomline 

Most homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies will not cover your boat if it is damaged beyond repair or stolen. You may need to buy another insurance policy for your boat to protect it in an accident. But for advice in Nashville, NC, call Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc.

How Umbrella Insurance Works

Making sure that you have all the insurance you need may require having more than just home and auto insurance policies. It may also require having an umbrella policy. If you have questions about this type of policy or want to get started with it, call us at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. in Nashville, NC.

Insurance for Accidents

If there is an accident with your vehicle, you have auto insurance. If there is an accident in your home, you have home insurance that includes liability coverage. The problem is that many people don’t have enough liability coverage in their home or auto policies. Without enough coverage, you could be on the hook for a lot of money after your insurance maxes out and won’t pay all of the bills for medical expenses or property damage. When you get an umbrella policy, it will add to the liability coverage you have in both your home and auto policies. 

Using Your Umbrella Policy

When an accident happens, the liability coverage you have through your home and auto policies is there to protect you. However, it will only do that up to the policy’s maximum payout. And with liability insurance, this can be quite low when considering how much medical bills and other related expenses can cost. When you have umbrella insurance, it comes in after that policy has maxed out to pay for what is leftover. Umbrella policies come with extremely high maximums to have better peace of mind. With this policy in place, you are far better protected if someone has an accident in your home or an accident is caused by your vehicle. 

Get Insured With Umbrella Insurance

When you want to know that you have better protection, think about the coverage you would get from an umbrella policy. Contact us at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. in Nashville, NC, when you want to know more.

Do I Live in a Flood Zone?

Determining if you live in a flood zone has never been easier than with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Map Service Center. This free-to-access and use website shows information like food zones and floodways and lets you search by address to determine if your home or one you are considering purchasing is in a high-risk flood area. Your home is designated by a zone, with the most common ones being:

  • Zone A: High risk or most commonly occurring flood zone. If you live in this zone, flood insurance is likely required.
  • Zone B: Homes in this area have a moderate flood hazard risk.
  • Zone C: Minimal flood hazard risk
  • Zone D: Possible risk of flooding, but the hazard level is undetermined.
  • Zone V: Special flood hazard area for coastal areas with a high risk of floods.

In addition to purchasing flood insurance to protect your home, you can take a few other steps to prevent or mitigate flooding. Start by purchasing a flood sensor that notifies you of water leaks before they become major problems. You can purchase standalone flood sensor devices or bundle the technology with your home security system. Lastly, investing in a sump pump for your home is a relatively cost-effective and proven way to quickly remove unwanted water from your home before severe damage occurs.

At Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. in Nashville, NC, our talented and committed team of insurance professionals are ready to help you with all your flood insurance questions. Whether you are looking to learn what flood zone you are in or have questions about what a flood insurance policy covers, we are here to help. Give us a call today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our team.