Toms Blog

CDL Licenses and Categorizations

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a type of driving license required to operate commercial motor vehicles including passenger buses, tractor trailers, and semi-trucks, to name a few.  If you are preparing for a career in the transport business on the road, you are most likely required to obtain your CDL before you can begin.  There are varying types of CDL licenses and categorizations regarding the types of vehicles you are permitted to operate, and they are Class A, Class B, and Class C.  Furthermore, the classifications are determined by the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) along with other features. As you can imagine, operating commercial motor vehicles requires specialized skills and comes with [...]

CDL Licenses and Categorizations2020-03-14T08:58:11-05:00

The Correlation Between SAFER and FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the chief federal government agency that focuses on and regulates transportation in the United States.  Their mission emphasizes safety on the roadways involving commercial trucking companies, commercial motor vehicles, buses and those driving with a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License).  Part of the FMCSA’s job includes overseeing, handling, and providing the information in Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER). Hence, the basic correlation between SAFER and FMCSA. The material available in SAFER’s links comes from data that is founded and provided by the FMCSA and typically include the following areas for review when providing insurance: Licensing and Insurance- The Licensing and Insurance links have information from the OP1 [...]

The Correlation Between SAFER and FMCSA2020-01-06T20:04:59-05:00

Insuring Flatbed Trailers

While there are many perks of using flatbed trucks and trailers (no special constrictions, easy access, easy to secure cargo as opposed to securing cargo in a four-walled truck) there are just as many inherent risks involved that need to be addressed when considering the insurance protection you need.  Find out what you should know about insuring flatbed trucks and trailers. Driving a flatbed truck means driving and hauling cargo in an opened area which poses a higher risk for liability compared to other trucks on the road.  Whether you hit potholes, have to stop suddenly in congested traffic, or you fail to properly tie down the cargo, accidents can happen; hence the need for [...]

Insuring Flatbed Trailers2020-03-04T11:15:13-05:00

What College Students Should Know If Involved in an Auto Accident

Preparing for your son or daughter to go to college comes with many concerns so parents must formulate a plan of action to address certain responsibilities.  Being a college student means your child will now be living independently.  One of your biggest concerns for him/her may involve driving safely and how to handle the consequences of being involved in a car accident.  Before your son/daughter leaves for college, find out what college students should know if involved in an auto accident. Your college student has been enrolled in college for several months now and so far, has not been involved in any type of auto accidents, but THEN you get the phone call.  Your child [...]

What College Students Should Know If Involved in an Auto Accident2020-01-06T20:01:31-05:00

Is Your Home-Based Business Protected?

You have been working at a local business for over 10 years when suddenly the business goes under, so you decide to start up your own business.  There are many perks on the horizon, such as being your own boss, working independently out of your own home perhaps in your pajamas, and creating your own successful business reputation.  However, before you begin your business, you need to ask yourself some very important questions that if not addressed, could lead to financial devastation.  The most important question you need to start with is “Is your home-based business protected?”  Without proper business protection, you could be faced with lawsuits. Having your N.C. business insured properly should be [...]

Is Your Home-Based Business Protected?2020-01-06T19:57:14-05:00

Does Your Optometry Office Have the Right Business Insurance?

If you own an optometry office you understand how essential it is to protect your livelihood. Whether it is the building structure, patients’ medical records, office equipment, or employees, you understand that unfortunate situations/accidents can occur in the blink of an eye and without proper insurance protection, your business could be faced with financial ruin. Does your optometry office have the right business insurance? Your business success depends on many factors and providing the optimum care for each and every patient is your priority. However, what happens when you have a patient who comes in for a routine eye exam and slips on the floor causing a serious head injury?  Your disgruntled patient has now [...]

Does Your Optometry Office Have the Right Business Insurance?2020-01-06T19:54:09-05:00

Occurrence Versus Claims-Made Insurance

As a small business owner, you understand the importance of insurance protection, but there are many facets to understanding what type of insurance policy best suits your specific business needs. It’s critical that before you actually purchase business insurance protection you understand the difference between occurrence versus claims-made insurance. Assess Your Business Needs to Decide Which Policy is Best Deciding which policy is best entirely depends on your specific business needs. Some of the biggest differences include the following, but not limited to: With an occurrence-based policy, you are protected as long as you were insured when that loss happened. This type of policy takes into consideration situations/losses that may not present themselves until a [...]

Occurrence Versus Claims-Made Insurance2020-01-06T19:51:54-05:00

Loaning Your Car to a Friend

At one time or another you have probably handed your car keys over to someone to drive your car. Whether your friend needed to run an errand while his car was in the shop or a relative had an emergency situation and asked to take your car for the day, you freely handed over the keys, but is that always a good idea? Loaning your car to a friend or relative is a kind gesture, but what happens when that person has an auto accident? Understand Your Coverage Before Loaning Your Car   Your friend asks if she can use your car for a few days until her car is repaired and you gladly agree. [...]

Loaning Your Car to a Friend2020-01-06T19:45:37-05:00

Get Certificates of Insurance on Demand 24/7!

One of the biggest headaches contractors, trucking companies and other companies face are job delays due to waiting on certificates of insurance. We get calls all of the time from these business owners who are looking for a new agent complaining that their current agent takes too long to generate COI’s. One trucking owner operator told me last week that his agent takes more than 48 hours to send the COI. And if one is needed on a weekend or holiday, it takes even longer. No More! Here at Paramount Insurance, you can get instant certificates of insurance on demand 24/7! That’s right. We are committed to making your life easier. As a business owner, [...]

Get Certificates of Insurance on Demand 24/7!2020-01-06T19:43:20-05:00

Home-Based Business Insurance

Imagine losing your job as a caterer with a local event catering company after being employed for 15 years. When the job search for other relatable jobs goes stale, you suddenly have a brilliant idea to become your own boss and set up shop at your home. Setting your own schedule and working at your pace in your own kitchen seem like great ideas until you begin your at-home catering business. Before you begin any business based out of your home, ask yourself whether your home-based business insurance is adequate. What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You Working from home may sound great initially; however, you need to consider some essential aspects regarding the insurance [...]

Home-Based Business Insurance2020-01-06T19:39:59-05:00
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