Do I Need Flood Insurance in Houston, TX

Before Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, TX on August 25, 2017, no hurricane had damaged the city since 1961. Although conventional wisdom attributes hurricane damage to the high, sustained winds, flooding often causes longer-lasting, costlier damage due to the length of time required for the waters to recede so that debris cleanup and mold mitigation may begin. Nevertheless, home and business owners roll the dice without flood insurance, mistakenly thinking that their homeowner’s, renters’, or commercial insurance policies cover those contingencies.

Your Policy Coverage and Flood Damage

Homeowners’, renters’, and commercial insurance policies typically exclude flood damage, including losses from home business disruptions, mold formation, other issues. A single inch of floodwater could cost $25,000 in damages. Therefore, while saving a few dollars a month by not carrying flood insurance might seem tempting, the financial bite from a single heavy rain could haunt you later. A wiser decision? Speak with an agent at Heydari Financial Group to determine the correct coverage for your home, auto, and business.

The National Flood Insurance Program

Created after the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, the National Flood Insurance Program protects property owners — including business owners, homeowners, and renters — from flood damages. The program defines a flood as an area partially or completely underwater that normally remains dry, or two or more properties affected by mudflow, shoreline erosion, or an unusual amount of surface water runoff.

I Live Outside the Flood Zones

Floods happen everywhere. Additionally, flooding affects homes and businesses outside declared disaster areas. NFIP policies pay damages with or without a federal disaster declaration. Better yet, the NFIP provides $5000 advance payments before the insurance adjuster examines your property.

At Heydari Financial Group, we will happily assist you with determining the coverage needed for your peace of mind.

Who Needs Life Insurance in Houston, TX?

While the conversation about life insurance isn’t something you want to hear, the sooner you have it, the easier it becomes for those who depend on your income when you are alive and kicking. Many people assume that life insurance only makes sense as one gets older. This preconceived notion can’t be further from the truth. Life insurance isn’t about age. It’s about your financial interests and situation. In light of this, Heydari Financial Group of Houston, TX, shares insights into who needs life insurance. You need life insurance if you:

Have dependents

Do you have children, a spouse, or aging parents? If you have dear ones depending on your income, you must have life insurance to take care of their financial obligations when you die. Life insurance replaces your income and comes in handy in meeting obligations like child care, school fees, everyday living expenses, and so forth in your absence.

Have debts

While some debts can be discharged when you die, others will have to be passed to your cosigners and loved ones. Do you have a mortgage or car loan? Have you ever wondered how these debts would be paid if you die? If you don’t want to burden your cosigners with your debts, you must consider life insurance.

Want to pay off your funeral expenses

Your family is already going through a tough time dealing with your death. An extra layer of financial obligation in the name of funeral expenses would torment your family even further. Given that funerals can be an expensive affair, take life insurance to relieve your loved ones of this burden.

Want peace of mind

Like taxes and rain, death is certain. The problem is that we don’t know the day and hour. Given that death can occur unexpectedly, life insurance can help safeguard against uncertainties of life. With life insurance, you and your family members don’t need to worry much about how your loved ones will survive financially after your death.

Buy life insurance today

Whether old or young, it’s never too late to invest in life insurance. If you are shopping for life insurance in Houston, TX, and its environs, please contact Heydari Financial Group for a personalized quote. 

Top 4 Things To Look Out For in Commercial Insurance

When you own a business, insurance protection should be high up on your priority list. Unfortunately, most business owners make the mistake of purchasing mandatory or minimum commercial insurance. While ignoring insurance for your business might seem like saving, you are in for a rude awakening when the unexpected strikes. Your prized business can come down tumbling when ravaged with perils like storms, theft, vandalism, and lawsuits. Would you want that for your business?

Are you a Houston, TX business owner looking for business insurance? You are on the right track. When buying commercial insurance from Heydari Financial Group, keep your eyes peeled for the below factors.

Compliance with the law

You wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of the law. As such, make sure your commercial insurance complies with the state’s law. For Texas, businesses must carry commercial auto insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.

Liability protection

Whether it’s bodily injury, property damage, or advertising injury, your commercial insurance should have adequate liability coverage to safeguard your business. Financial liabilities can run your business into a financial mess. And if significant enough, liabilities can force your business to wind up. 

Property protection

Your business owns plenty of assets — talk of the building itself, inventory, furniture, and vehicles. Can you imagine the loss you would suffer if theft, fire, storms, or vandalism strikes your business? It must be enormous. With this in mind, ensure that the commercial insurance you buy provides all-around protection to your assets. 

Employee protection

Your employees are one of your most prized assets. To that end, you wouldn’t want injuries to affect their productivity. And if they do, you want to make sure that medical expenses are well covered. When sourcing for commercial insurance, see to it that it covers your employees against work-related injuries.

Need more information on commercial insurance? Contact Heydari Financial Group located in Houston, TX. Our team will be happy to answer questions you might have.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

With more flash floods and hurricanes popping up across the world than ever before, have a flood insurance policy in place may not be a bad idea. While Texas homeowners are not required to have flood insurance, it is a good idea to protect your home which is one of the largest and most expensive investments you will make in your lifetime.

 Many people are under the impression that flood coverage is included in their homeowner’s insurance policy but then find out it is not a part of their policy. You need to talk to an agent who has experience and knowledge of flood insurance, such as the insurance agents at the Heydari Financial Group in Houston, TX who can help you create a policy that works for you and your property.

Flood Insurance Policy Coverages

Your flood insurance policy can be obtained through your insurance agent and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and you have two options to choose from. One option will provide coverage for your home up to $250,000 while the other will cover your personal property up to $100,000. For example, if your home is destroyed by a flood, you will be issued enough money to purchase a new home or rebuild at the site of the house you lost to flooding. Your personal property will also be covered, which includes your furniture, clothing, appliances, and other personal items you worked hard to purchase. Some of the items not covered under a flood insurance policy include cash, stocks, and bonds so those things should be kept at a location other than your home, such as a safety deposit box.

To get a quote or make an appointment with a trusted and experienced agent, contact the Heydari Financial Group in Houston, TX, by calling our office today!

Is it a good idea to get life insurance?

People that live in the Houston, TX area will have many different personal insurance needs that need to be met. One very important form of insurance coverage that all need to consider getting is life insurance. This is a unique form of personal insurance coverage that will provide financial protection for those that rely on you. There are several reasons why getting life insurance is a good option for anyone here. 

Insurance Offers Financial Protection for Dependents

The primary reason that someone will get life insurance is that it can offer financial protection for your dependents. When you get a full life insurance policy, you can build and curtail it to meet your needs. This will include getting a policy coverage level that can cover all future costs that your dependents may have. You can then pick a term length that is a good option based on your needs and situation.

Insurance Can Offer Investment Benefits

Another reason life insurance can be a good idea is that it can offer you investment benefits. If you invest in a whole life policy, some of your monthly payments will be deposited into an account that will grow with interest. In the future, you will be able to liquidate this account and use the funds for whatever you wish. 

Picking the right life insurance policy in the Houston, TX area is a big decision. If you are looking for a new policy in this area, it would be a good idea to call the team at Heydari Financial Group. If you do call the Heydari Financial Group you will get to learn more about how life insurance works and how it can protect you. This will then help you choose a policy that is right for your situation. 

What Does Commercial Insurance Cover?

You have invested time, effort, and money into your business which is the reason you will want to take every measure you can to protect it. Commercial insurance is one way to protect your business while giving you the peace of mind you deserve. We understand the importance of commercial insurance at the Heydari Financial Group in Houston, TX.

In the state of Texas, commercial insurance is not required for your business but it is a great idea to have a policy. If you have vehicles owned by your business or personal ones that you drive for your business, you must have at least the minimum amount of auto liability insurance that is required under Texas laws. Also, if you rent the space in which your business is located, the property owner may require you to obtain a commercial insurance policy.

Types of Coverage Options for Commercial Insurance

Liability and Medical Payments

There are several other types of commercial insurance coverage you can choose from for your business. This includes liability and medical payment insurance policies that will help cover any injuries sustained by a customer or visitor to your business. For example, if someone slips and falls while visiting your business and is injured, this part of your policy will help cover the medical bills and lost wages if they cannot work due to the injury. Liability insurance will also help cover the medical bills of someone who is injured as a result of your business. For instance, if you own a tree-trimming business and a limb accidentally falls on someone as they are walking by the worksite, this part of your policy will cover their medical bills.

Comprehensive Insurance

This part of your policy is very important in keeping your business operating and continuing your income during some type of disaster. This coverage will help you recover from a natural disaster, fire, or vandalism. It will also help cover the costs of items lost due to theft or a break-in at your business.

To create the best commercial insurance policy for you and your business, you should enlist the help of an agent experienced in commercial insurance. Our agents at the Heydari Financial Group in Houston, TX are ready to assist you with all of your commercial business needs so please call for an appointment today!

How much commercial insurance do you need?

Commercial insurance is definitely a commodity that you cannot go without in the business world. It only takes one customer to fall inside of your store or experience an allergic reaction after using your product for your dreams of entrepreneurship to be on the line.

You know that you need to have an indemnity plan that covers your business. How much do you need, though? Contact an agent at Heydari Financial Group to get the details regarding your situation. Read on to get an overview of commercial insurance in Houston, TX!

What is commercial insurance?

A commercial assurance plan covers your expenses in the instance of an accident, natural disaster, or theft of your business. You, of course, must choose a policy that covers all three of these instances of tragedy. The purpose of commercial insurance, however, remains the same regardless of the type of plan you select. A commercial indemnity plan is designed to provide financial backing when your business experiences the unexpected and you lack the means to pay for damages.

How much coverage do you need?

The average small business owner may be able to get away with buying assurance that totals up to $1 million in coverage. Such is especially the case if you are an entrepreneur with a home business in Houston, TX. You definitely need to invest in an assurance policy. The premium amount that you choose, however, can sometimes be the bare minimum.

Those business owners with medium to large companies may need to pay more in premiums. Such is especially the case if a portion of your company is reliant on vehicles to transport services.

Contact a professional!

You should not think of navigating the world of commercial insurance on your own. Contact a professional at Heydari Financial Group instead!

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Weather Damage?

Residents of Houston, TX are no strangers to extreme weather. And, since hurricane season is kicking into high gear, business owners, in particular, are looking to make sure their assets are adequately covered. Something most people never think about is the risk to company-owned vehicles. High winds and flooding can wreak havoc on a fleet of vehicles. If the worst happens, are you covered? The experts of Heydari Financial Group have put their heads together to help answer this question.

How Comprehensive Is “Comprehensive” Coverage?

The first answer to any question about insurance is always the same: the details will vary by policy. That means you want to read the fine print and make sure you do have the coverage you want. That said, comprehensive vehicle coverage is typically a lot better about weather damage than homeowners insurance and similar notorious policies. On average, a comprehensive plan will protect your vehicle from water damage, falling debris, and other common threats of serious hurricanes. That extends to commercial insurance as well provided you are insured beyond minimum liability requirements.

It’s also important to remember that increasing total coverage usually comes with higher premiums. If you want to try to find the sweet spot between perfect coverage and low business costs, you should consider having a conversation with your Heydari Financial Group representative. They understand the weather risks and other peculiarities of life in Houston, TX, and they’re ready to help you look through all of your options to find the right fit. That’s always the first step to managing business costs and getting the most mileage out of each of your vehicles.

Is Commercial Insurance Beneficial to Small Businesses?

Commercial insurance is something that any business can benefit from. Smaller businesses can benefit from commercial policies but larger businesses are going to get more out of a policy. For those that live in the Houston, TX area, the agents with Heydari Financial Group can help you find the perfect policy for you.

For the most part, commercial policies are going to benefit larger businesses the most. This is because commercial policies tend to cover things like employees, inventory, and the building that the business is housed in. Larger businesses usually have more invested in their company as well.

For those smaller businesses that are run out of a home or smaller space, a commercial policy may not be as beneficial. Though it may not be as beneficial for a smaller business, this type of policy can still protect business owners should something happen to themselves, an employee, inventory, or even a customer.

If you own a business and are thinking about taking out a commercial policy, it is always helpful to consider a few different factors. The first things to acknowledge is, do you have employees, how much inventory do you keep at the primary location of the business, and what type of building do you have your business in. If you are working from home, your home insurance is going to cover any inventory that you have. If you have no employees, you may not need a commercial policy due to workers comp laws.

If you have a business of any size you can benefit from a commercial policy but you are certainly going to benefit more if you have a larger business that has much more to insure. If you live in the Houston, TX area, the agents with Heydari Financial Group can help you get started on a commercial insurance policy. Reach out to our offices for more information.

Running a Home-Based Small Business, Is Your Home Insurance Enough?

With the advent of the internet, e-commerce, and the ability for anyone to set up an e-business about anywhere, home-based businesses and home office operations are becoming commonplace. Whether they provide a second income or a primary personal revenue source, the ability for a person to create a new company with a computer, desk, and an internet connection gets easier and easier. However, that doesn’t automatically mean that one’s homeowners insurance is the automatic coverage for a new small or micro-business based out of a person’s house. According to the experts at Heydari Financial Group, that kind of thinking can set up a budding new business for a fatal mistake.

Houston, TX homes, and related homeowner insurance are intended for residential risks and living, not for running a business. By simply reading a few policies, and it becomes pretty clear the terms and coverage assume normal residential living in a private family home, not an office. So assuming that a basic homeowner’s policy is going to be more than enough for property, casualty, and operational risks can be a big mistake that will bite later on when coverage is needed. The number one way a small business can get nuked quickly is with an unfortunate litigation turn. It’s practically the number one business killer, driving most small businesses into bankruptcy almost immediately after the first filings have been made in court.

Because setting up an internet business can be so easy, most folks, even in Houston, TX, don’t think about the insurance ramifications of a home office. However, the insurance professionals at Heydari Financial Group are well aware of what are normal homeowner insurance coverage options and what is not. We can guide a Houston homeowner down the right path and to the right kind of policy, both for residential living and starting a new home office venture. Give us a call today to find out more!