Livestock And Farm Machinery – Insurance Coverage Basics

Understanding Farm Insurance Essentials

Farm insurance provides risk management solutions against theft, fire, vandalism, and weather-related incidents, including liability protection. To ensure comprehensive coverage, you must consider the insurance basics pertinent to your livestock and machinery. At Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc., our agents in Little Falls, MN, are on hand to assist you with farm insurance policy selection.

Key Factors to Consider When Purchasing Farm Insurance

Here’s what you should evaluate before settling on coverage:

Living Quarters for Livestock

Assess the quality of lodging you provide your livestock. The state and value of barns and other residing structures impact your insurance requirements.

Storage for Assets

Appropriate storage safeguards your seeds, machinery, and other valuables from theft and damage. Regularly examine your storage infrastructure. If you plan to insure numerous high-value items, considering a storage system upgrade may be wise.

Valuation of Items

Determine the accurate value of all you plan to insure, including land, livestock, machinery, and buildings. Keep updated records of each possession’s current worth.

Security Measures

Implementing security measures can protect your livestock and machinery. Adequate lights, surveillance tech, and other security components can reduce the risk of theft or damage to your assets.

Getting the Right Insurance for Your Farm

Your farm deserves adequate protection throughout your ownership period. If you have employees, you may also need liability coverage. To personalize a farm insurance policy that answers all your needs, reach out to our agents at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc.

When Can You Buy Health Insurance in New Jersey?

Understanding Health Insurance in New Jersey

According to the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), in 2022, 72.1 percent of New Jersey residents have secured private health insurance – a consistent statistic for several years. However, a staggering 30 percent navigate life uninsured.

The complexity of acquiring coverage and the associated cost remain formidable obstructions for those seeking health insurance. These hurdles make understanding when to purchase health insurance a crucial question for them.

Health Insurance Enrollment Periods in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the Open Enrollment Period through Get Covered NJ – the state’s health insurance marketplace – commences on November 1st and concludes on January 31st.

Outside the Open Enrollment Period, Get Covered NJ offers a Special Enrollment Period. This "grace period" caters to extenuating circumstances, generally labeled "life-changing events." Missing the Open Enrollment Period doesn’t preclude you from getting health insurance; you can alter an existing plan or sign up for new coverage within an additional 60-day period.

Qualifying Life-Changing Events By NJ Government Standards

The New Jersey government deems the following circumstances as life-changing, hence qualifying for special enrollment:

  • Medical complication or enrollment issue that impeded you from getting health insurance
  • Completion of a jail sentence
  • Becoming a US citizen
  • Income fluctuations impacting your insurance eligibility
  • Transition from shelter to transitional housing
  • Moving to an educational institution as a student
  • Relocation from a US territory or foreign country to New Jersey
  • Change of area within the state
  • Legal separation or divorce creates changes in your health insurance
  • Marriage
  • Pregnancy
  • Adding a child to your family through birth, foster care, or adoption
  • Turning 26 and losing parent’s health insurance coverage
  • Losing insurance coverage from a student, individual, or workplace plan

Furthermore, if your annual income equates to 200 percent of the US Federal Poverty Level, you are eligible for the Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

Contact Us For Your Insurance Needs

Contact Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. for further clarifications on health insurance and the enrollment process. We are here to simplify insurance for you.

Types of Commercial Insurance Every Business Needs

Commercial insurance is vital for businesses as a viable way to protect against inherent risks and liabilities. According to the Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. in Little Falls, MN, the commercial insurance required for a business will vary and depend on the company’s type, size, and location, among other relevant business aspects.

Commercial Insurance Options for Businesses

These types of insurance offer business risk protection:

  • General Liability Insurance –covers personal injury, bodily injury, and property damage claims, including medical expenses and lawsuits.
  • Property Insurance –reimburses for losses (caused by fire, vandalism, natural disasters, theft) related to physical assets like furniture, inventory, equipment, or buildings.
  • Commercial Auto Insurance –covers company vehicles against theft, accidents, or damage.
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance –offers coverage (for lost wages/medical fees) for business employees who are injured in the workplace. It also protects a business against workplace injury lawsuits.
  • Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance – a.k.a. professional liability insurance protects professionals against negligence or inadequate performance claims, including legal fees and related settlements.
  • Commercial Umbrella Insurance – adds coverage beyond the upper limits of existing policies.
  • Cyber Liability –covers potential losses (including reputation management, legal fees, etc.) caused by cyber events – i.e., hacking or data breaches.
  • Business Interruption –covers lost revenue and extra expenses due to a covered event that may disrupt routine business operations.
  • Employment Practices Liability – protects against employment practices, such as discrimination, wrongful termination, or harassment.
  • Environmental Liability – protects against environmental damage caused by business operations.
  • Product Liability – protects manufacturers or sellers of faulty products that cause harm.

Contact a Leading Little Falls, MN Insurance Agency 

For more information and help assessing your business risks and needs, contact the Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. at 320-532-6592  or online.

Common myths about life insurance

Life insurance is the type of insurance that many people prefer to skip. Some people believe they do not need it, while others do not purchase it because of misconceptions about it. Keep on reading this post, where we will debunk the most common myths floating around life insurance:

Life Insurance: Myths About It

Myth 1: Purchasing life insurance when you are young is a waste of money

One of the most common misconceptions about life insurance among young people is that they do not need it until they get older. Here is the surprising truth; it is more beneficial to buy life insurance when you are still young. Young people pay less for their policies! The older you get, the more you will have to pay for your life insurance policy. 

Myth 2: You will have to pay a lot for a life insurance policy

The price of life insurance is another misconception. Like any other type of insurance, life insurance costs depend on multiple personal factors, including age, occupation, gender, and more. However, for most people, life insurance is quite affordable. 

Myth 3: If you are a stay-at-home mom or dad, do not waste money on life insurance

Life insurance is actually beneficial for homemakers. You will still benefit from this insurance type even if you do not earn income. This is because most stay-at-home parents offer expensive services that a surviving spouse or partner will have to pay for. These services typically include home maintenance, cooking, childcare, and more. 

Are you thinking of purchasing life insurance soon? Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. is ready to assist you if you live in Little Falls, MN, or any other surrounding area. At Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc., we work with clients in Little Falls, MN, and other nearby towns. Feel free to reach out to us to learn more about insurance options. 

Drones in Agriculture: Assessing Insurance Needs for Farming UAVs

Drones, also known as uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), are revolutionizing farming in and around Little Falls, MN. These high-tech tools offer precision agriculture, crop monitoring, and data collection capabilities, enhancing farming efficiency. While drones bring numerous benefits to agriculture, they also introduce unique risks and insurance considerations for farmers.

Drones in Agriculture: A Game Changer

Drones have found their place on the farm as valuable tools. They are used for:

  • Crop Monitoring: Drones equipped with cameras and sensors provide farmers with real-time data on crop health, helping them detect issues like pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies early.
  • Mapping and Surveying: Drones create accurate 3D maps of the farmland, assisting in land management, irrigation planning, and boundary assessments.
  • Precision Application: Drones can precisely distribute fertilizers, pesticides, or beneficial insects, reducing waste and ensuring more efficient use of resources.
  • Livestock Management: Farmers can use drones to monitor livestock, check animal health, and locate lost animals.

Insurance Considerations for Agricultural Drones

Farmers using drones should carefully assess their insurance needs to mitigate these risks:

  1. General Liability Insurance: This insurance helps protect against third-party claims for bodily injury or property damage that may occur due to drone accidents.
  2. Data Privacy and Cyber Insurance: Given the data collection aspect of drone use, data privacy and cyber insurance can be vital to protect against data breaches and cyberattacks.
  3. Aviation Insurance: For commercial drone use, aviation insurance, similar to aircraft insurance, may be necessary to cover the drone’s operation.
  4. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with local aviation regulations is crucial to avoid legal issues. 

Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. Can Help You

At Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc., we can help answer questions concerning farm insurance. We serve the Little Falls, MN area. Contact us today. 

Things You Probably Did Not Know About Health Insurance

Health insurance is complex, but it is a crucial type of insurance we need. You may think that you know and understand health insurance well, but there are still some aspects that you are probably not aware of. Keep on reading this blog post to explore some things you most likely did not know about health insurance:

  • Out-of-network coverage: Every health insurance plan has a network of preferred providers. However, many health insurance policies also offer out-of-network coverage. This means you are still eligible for medical care from out-of-network providers, even though your out-of-pocket costs might be higher than usual. 
  • Pre-existing conditions: Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher rates based on a policyholder’s pre-existing conditions. This protection guarantees that you can have health insurance regardless of your pre-existing health conditions. 
  • Lifetime and annual maximum: Often, health insurance plans have lifetime and annual maximums on specific types of coverage. It is crucial to understand these limits, especially if you have chronic conditions that require expensive medical care. 
  • Coverage of preventive services: Most health insurance plans offer coverage for preventive services with no additional costs. These services usually include vaccinations, annual check-ups, and screenings. You can always ask an insurance agent about them before buying health insurance. 

Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. Serving Clients in Little Falls, MN – Reliable And Trustworthy Insurance Company

Health insurance is something that you should not skip because it is the protection of your health and well-being. If you live in Little Falls, MN, or any other town in Minnesota and are shopping for health insurance, Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. is here to assist you. Our reliable insurance company, with a team of insurance experts, will help you find a perfect policy based on your personal insurance needs. All you need to do is visit our website for more information or call us. 

How Whole Life Insurance Works

When you need to choose a life insurance policy, two types represent these policies. One of these is called term life. The other one is known as whole life. There are a lot of benefits that come with choosing a whole-life policy. These policies can be very advantageous to have, and they will also give you peace of mind. When you know that your loved ones are better taken care of when you’re gone, it may be easier to sleep at night. If you need a life insurance policy or more than one, call us today at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. in Little Falls, MN.

Long-Lasting Coverage

If you were to choose a term life policy, it would expire after a set number of active years. However, whole life insurance policies never expire. They stay active for as long as you live. Many people get a whole life policy because of this feature alone. They don’t want to have their life insurance policy expire at any point and have to seek out a brand new policy. With whole life, you never have to do that. 

The Cash Value

Another great way to get more peace of mind is to have the policy’s cash value in place. As you own the policy, a cash value will build up over the years. The company will allow a small portion of its profits from your premium payments to build up and become available to you to borrow. Whatever the cash value, you can borrow that amount in case you need to. 

Get Your Whole Life Policy

When you know you need a life insurance policy, call us to get started. You can contact us at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. in Little Falls, MN.  

Why a Business Owners’ Policy (BOP) Should Form Your Company’s Insurance Foundation

At Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc., we want the business owners of Little Falls, MN, to benefit from the insurance they need to protect their investment in their company. That’s why we offer business owners’ policies (BOPs) to small and medium-sized businesses in Minnesota.

Better Protection Through BOPs

The term BOP refers to a policy package that provides four commonly purchased types of commercial insurance at a reduced premium than the policy owner would incur if purchasing them separately. These four policies include:

  • Business interruption insurance
  • General liability insurance
  • Property insurance
  • Business income insurance.

These forms of coverage protect the physical and financial assets of the company.

Who Can Purchase a BOP?

Only small and mid-sized businesses qualify for this policy package. The business can’t employ over 100 people, and most operate in a low-risk industry.

Businesses that want the protection of the BOP’s four insurance coverage types must apply for the coverage. It differs in that way from buying another type of insurance policy.

Filing a Claim on a BOP

Filing a claim on a BOP works the same as with any other type of policy. You contact the insurance company or your Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. agent to file a claim. We process BOP claims just as we would if the business purchased standalone policies.

Contact Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. Today

Call or email our office, serving Little Falls, MN. Let us take your application for a BOP and answer any questions you have about this type of policy package. Only the premiums are lower with a BOP; we still provide high-quality insurance coverage.

Small Business Health Insurance: Understanding Health Insurance Categories

Small business health insurance is vital for the well-being of you and your employees. Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. can help you navigate this process and make the right choice for your Little Falls, MN team.

Categories of Healthcare Plans

Choosing the right plan can be daunting, but understanding the basic categories can simplify the process. Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) offer great flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, while Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) can be more cost-effective but limit choice. Other options like Point of Service (POS) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans sit in between.

  • Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs): These plans offer significant flexibility when choosing healthcare providers. They do not require referrals from primary care physicians to see specialists; they provide coverage both in and out of their network. However, the coverage is usually greater when using in-network providers.
  • Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): These are typically more cost-effective than PPOs but limit the choice of healthcare providers to those within the HMO network. They require referrals from a primary care doctor to see a specialist. Out-of-network care is usually not covered, except in emergencies.
  • Point of Service (POS): These plans are a hybrid of HMO and PPO plans. They require you to choose a primary care provider within the network but also provide some coverage for out-of-network care. Referrals are typically needed to see specialists.
  • Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): These plans provide a network of providers to choose from, like PPOs. However, they do not cover out-of-network care (unless in an emergency), similar to HMOs. They also do not require referrals to see specialists.

Navigating the complexities of small business health insurance in Little Falls, MN can be challenging. Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. is here to help.

 

Four key steps when you buy farm insurance

Farm owners in Little Falls, MN should understand the importance of insuring their property. Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. offers farm insurance coverage and can meet your insurance needs. 

There are a few steps that consumers should go through before purchasing a farm insurance policy. Here are four key steps when you buy farm insurance. 

Identify the risks of your farm operation.

Before buying farm insurance, you need to identify all the significant financial risks you should be insured against. In addition to considering risks, you should also identify any types of insurance coverage that your farm operation is required by law to carry.

Determine which types of coverage you need.

Farm insurance differs from other types of insurance because of its various coverage types. For example, farm insurance can include coverage for livestock and crop damage. Farm insurance can also include machinery coverage and outbuilding coverage.

Explore your options so that you know about all the different types of coverage that you can have included on your policy.   

Figure out how much coverage you need.

If you want to purchase adequate coverage for your farm, you may want to insure your property for its full value. You also need to determine how much liability coverage to buy. Farm owners should carry enough liability coverage to protect their assets if they face a lawsuit. 

Get quotes on farm insurance policies.

Find farm insurance providers in your area and get several policy quotes that you can compare. 

We’re here to help you with all your farm insurance needs in Little Falls, MN. Call us at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. if you’d like to get a quote on an insurance policy for your farm property.