Insurance recommendations

[Tamelon]

Hi all,
Who has a great insurance company?
Thanks,
Tamara

 

[Anon Inn]

Location?
We use Country Financial, serving Oregon and Washington, perhaps others. We finally had a claim after fierce windstorm and roof damage earlier this year. Fast and fair claim service.

 

[Lee2014]

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

 

[gillumhouse]

Dropped Wolfe (actually the best but at a price) when premium was out of my realm of checkbook. Have Eire now - in West Virginia.

 

[Mary at Bridgewater Inn and Cottage]

Always try small local insurance. Had Wolfe for years then heard about a small local comp. that insured about 30 BnB's in my state.
They came out inspected my BnB and a rental house .Well long story short ,great price, good coverage,been with them 6 yrs.

 

[Lee2014]

We have an eleven foot deep pool and a big place so the little guys won't take us…. Wolfe is great! They cover your private areas and stuff as well along with staff, cars, boats, etc.

 

[GoodScout]

I always recommend newcomers to the industry start with Wolfe, and then after a few years and they have their sea legs, they can start shopping around. They're not cheap, but the service is excellent and they can hold newbie's hands as they learn about insuring the investment they're about to make.

 

[OnTheShore]

FWIW, my advice is to talk to a couple of local independent insurance agents/brokers -- firms who handle commercial policies -- each will have access to a range of different companies, which may or may not underwrite the kind of policy that you need (thus the reason to talking to more than one). Our cottage business is covered under a commercial "motel" policy by MMG (Maine Mutual Group), arranged by a local broker; however this broker did not have access to any companies that would cover our separate boat rental business, but another broker in town did.

 

[Copperhead]

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything..

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

 

[Tom]

I always recommend newcomers to the industry start with Wolfe, and then after a few years and they have their sea legs, they can start shopping around. They're not cheap, but the service is excellent and they can hold newbie's hands as they learn about insuring the investment they're about to make..

Same advice. Wolfe treated us well for first two years then started raising prices (a lot). Took bids, went with Farmers; warned them that random changes in cost/coverage were fatal to their business and not to try it on us.

 

[Lee2014]

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything..

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?

 

[Tamelon]

Thanks all. Since it appears I'll be shopping around, what are the essentials for coverage? What is not obvious but I should have?

 

[Copperhead]

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything..

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?

Started here asking for contacts. Unfortunately where I am located many companies have pulled out so then went calling local ins cos. Went with one who after the first year pulled the same stunt. So now we are with another. The funny thing... the carrier is the same one - Lloyds! So why the other agencies say that they could not get wind/hail is beyond me.

From all that I have dealt with over the last few years, the thing I have found is that it all depends on the agent and their willingness to find you the best coverage for the best rate. Some find you coverage but not necessarily at the best rate. You need to shop.

 

[Lee2014]

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything..

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?

Started here asking for contacts. Unfortunately where I am located many companies have pulled out so then went calling local ins cos. Went with one who after the first year pulled the same stunt. So now we are with another. The funny thing... the carrier is the same one - Lloyds! So why the other agencies say that they could not get wind/hail is beyond me.

From all that I have dealt with over the last few years, the thing I have found is that it all depends on the agent and their willingness to find you the best coverage for the best rate. Some find you coverage but not necessarily at the best rate. You need to shop.
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?

Started here asking for contacts. Unfortunately where I am located many companies have pulled out so then went calling local ins cos. Went with one who after the first year pulled the same stunt. So now we are with another. The funny thing... the carrier is the same one - Lloyds! So why the other agencies say that they could not get wind/hail is beyond me.

From all that I have dealt with over the last few years, the thing I have found is that it all depends on the agent and their willingness to find you the best coverage for the best rate. Some find you coverage but not necessarily at the best rate. You need to shop.

We did but as soon as they heard pool that was the end…. A good thing to think about before getting a place with a pool or putting a pool in. They are terrible expensive to upkeep and insure after having it put in.

 

[MtnKeeper]

Co-Operative Insurance of VT/NH. They've been awesome and from other quotes i got their price are too. I recommend checking out a local cooperative insurance company to see if they do business policies like ours.

 

[Copperhead]

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything..

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?

Started here asking for contacts. Unfortunately where I am located many companies have pulled out so then went calling local ins cos. Went with one who after the first year pulled the same stunt. So now we are with another. The funny thing... the carrier is the same one - Lloyds! So why the other agencies say that they could not get wind/hail is beyond me.

From all that I have dealt with over the last few years, the thing I have found is that it all depends on the agent and their willingness to find you the best coverage for the best rate. Some find you coverage but not necessarily at the best rate. You need to shop.
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?

Started here asking for contacts. Unfortunately where I am located many companies have pulled out so then went calling local ins cos. Went with one who after the first year pulled the same stunt. So now we are with another. The funny thing... the carrier is the same one - Lloyds! So why the other agencies say that they could not get wind/hail is beyond me.

From all that I have dealt with over the last few years, the thing I have found is that it all depends on the agent and their willingness to find you the best coverage for the best rate. Some find you coverage but not necessarily at the best rate. You need to shop.

We did but as soon as they heard pool that was the end…. A good thing to think about before getting a place with a pool or putting a pool in. They are terrible expensive to upkeep and insure after having it put in.
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?

Started here asking for contacts. Unfortunately where I am located many companies have pulled out so then went calling local ins cos. Went with one who after the first year pulled the same stunt. So now we are with another. The funny thing... the carrier is the same one - Lloyds! So why the other agencies say that they could not get wind/hail is beyond me.

From all that I have dealt with over the last few years, the thing I have found is that it all depends on the agent and their willingness to find you the best coverage for the best rate. Some find you coverage but not necessarily at the best rate. You need to shop.

We did but as soon as they heard pool that was the end…. A good thing to think about before getting a place with a pool or putting a pool in. They are terrible expensive to upkeep and insure after having it put in.

We have a pool too.
What was interesting is that back when we were deciding about putting in the pool we called Wolfe (who was our agent at the time) to check out the costs, etc. They said not an issue. And in fact once we put the pool in, our policy did not change.
As we searched for ins in the last few years, as mentioned in this tread, we were never told that the pool was a major factor at all but it could have been. We are limited due to the limited insurance companies writing polices in our area and even fewer that write B&B policies.

 

[Copperhead]

Thanks all. Since it appears I'll be shopping around, what are the essentials for coverage? What is not obvious but I should have?.

Thanks all. Since it appears I'll be shopping around, what are the essentials for coverage? What is not obvious but I should have?

Basics would be property and liability. Not knowing what all you plan to do with your business or amenities you have, you may need more liability coverage. My thought is that you first contact a insurer like Wolfe or another one that specializes in B&B's and get a quote. They do understand our industry and will ask the right questions to get you a policy that meets your needs. Once you have that quote, it will be easier to then shop around to other companies.

 

[Morticia]

Thanks all. Since it appears I'll be shopping around, what are the essentials for coverage? What is not obvious but I should have?.

Thanks all. Since it appears I'll be shopping around, what are the essentials for coverage? What is not obvious but I should have?

Tough question as we're not sure what is obvious to some as it's not obvious to all!

• Loss of income.
• Maximum liability both for inside the inn and for your car so your business is protected if you run someone down while grocery shopping.
• Coverage for extras like bikes or kayaks, which many insurers don't allow.
• Theft (from you by guests and guest to guest theft and employee theft)
• Damage (by guests to property, to guests thru negligence on property)
• Injury (accidental to guests)
• Food poisoning
• Tenant's insurance for your stuff if you're a corporation and you rent your owners space from your business entity
• Replacement cost coverage in case of fire, etc
• Temporary housing for you in event of loss of building

 

[Tamelon]

Thanks so much, all. This is tremendously helpful.

 

[Lee2014]

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything..

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?

Started here asking for contacts. Unfortunately where I am located many companies have pulled out so then went calling local ins cos. Went with one who after the first year pulled the same stunt. So now we are with another. The funny thing... the carrier is the same one - Lloyds! So why the other agencies say that they could not get wind/hail is beyond me.

From all that I have dealt with over the last few years, the thing I have found is that it all depends on the agent and their willingness to find you the best coverage for the best rate. Some find you coverage but not necessarily at the best rate. You need to shop.
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?

Started here asking for contacts. Unfortunately where I am located many companies have pulled out so then went calling local ins cos. Went with one who after the first year pulled the same stunt. So now we are with another. The funny thing... the carrier is the same one - Lloyds! So why the other agencies say that they could not get wind/hail is beyond me.

From all that I have dealt with over the last few years, the thing I have found is that it all depends on the agent and their willingness to find you the best coverage for the best rate. Some find you coverage but not necessarily at the best rate. You need to shop.

We did but as soon as they heard pool that was the end…. A good thing to think about before getting a place with a pool or putting a pool in. They are terrible expensive to upkeep and insure after having it put in.
.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?

Started here asking for contacts. Unfortunately where I am located many companies have pulled out so then went calling local ins cos. Went with one who after the first year pulled the same stunt. So now we are with another. The funny thing... the carrier is the same one - Lloyds! So why the other agencies say that they could not get wind/hail is beyond me.

From all that I have dealt with over the last few years, the thing I have found is that it all depends on the agent and their willingness to find you the best coverage for the best rate. Some find you coverage but not necessarily at the best rate. You need to shop.

We did but as soon as they heard pool that was the end…. A good thing to think about before getting a place with a pool or putting a pool in. They are terrible expensive to upkeep and insure after having it put in.

We have a pool too.
What was interesting is that back when we were deciding about putting in the pool we called Wolfe (who was our agent at the time) to check out the costs, etc. They said not an issue. And in fact once we put the pool in, our policy did not change.
As we searched for ins in the last few years, as mentioned in this tread, we were never told that the pool was a major factor at all but it could have been. We are limited due to the limited insurance companies writing polices in our area and even fewer that write B&B policies.

.

Wolfe Innkeepers Insurance… covers everything.

Ah no, no they don't, at least not in some areas like mine.

They sent me a renewal about 2 weeks before my policy ended, the renewal was almost the same as the year before but they had dropped coverage for wind/hail. No notice I guess hoping I would not see the reduction in coverage. When I called my rep. she just said Oh, you will have to get that elsewhere like it was nothing important! Well here, it kinda is MAJOR important.

What did you do?

Started here asking for contacts. Unfortunately where I am located many companies have pulled out so then went calling local ins cos. Went with one who after the first year pulled the same stunt. So now we are with another. The funny thing... the carrier is the same one - Lloyds! So why the other agencies say that they could not get wind/hail is beyond me.

From all that I have dealt with over the last few years, the thing I have found is that it all depends on the agent and their willingness to find you the best coverage for the best rate. Some find you coverage but not necessarily at the best rate. You need to shop.

We did but as soon as they heard pool that was the end…. A good thing to think about before getting a place with a pool or putting a pool in. They are terrible expensive to upkeep and insure after having it put in.

We have a pool too.
What was interesting is that back when we were deciding about putting in the pool we called Wolfe (who was our agent at the time) to check out the costs, etc. They said not an issue. And in fact once we put the pool in, our policy did not change.
As we searched for ins in the last few years, as mentioned in this tread, we were never told that the pool was a major factor at all but it could have been. We are limited due to the limited insurance companies writing polices in our area and even fewer that write B&B policies.

Here it is flood insurance. It's to the point that the real estate ads let you know whether you need it or not. We are on the higher ground so not an issue for us… unless a ts….. (those 20+ foot waves) comes. Our pool was our issue. Been there since the 1970s and doesn't look like its going away any time soon. The folks in the house right now are using it a lot so it makes us feel better when we pay for it. Just bought some more shock. Do you use the powdered stuff or liquid? We use the mega liquid shock since we found the powder stuff to cloud the water. But a warning, it eats fabrics so if it splashes on you when you are putting it in… say goodbye to those clothes. I have a set of clothes I call my pool clothes. I wear them when shocking the pool for that reason.