What is uninsured motorist coverage?

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At the AHI Group in Olathe, KS, we understand the growing concern about uninsured drivers on the roads. That’s why we want to reassure you that uninsured motorist coverage, a part of the minimum state-required coverage for drivers in Kansas, is there to protect you. We’ll explain what it is and how it provides a safety net for you as a driver.

The state of Kansas requires the following coverages for its residents.

  • Liability Coverage: Kansas has made liability coverage mandatory for all drivers in the state. It covers the other car and its passengers if you are found liable for causing an accident. Drivers are responsible for carrying 25/50/25 coverages. That’s $25,000 per person bodily injury liability, $50,000 bodily injury total per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
  • Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage: Often referred to as “No Fault” insurance, PIP pays you and your passenger’s medical expenses no matter who is at fault. The coverage must include $4500 for medical costs per person and $900 for lost wages due to disability after an auto accident. It pays out monthly for up to a year. It also includes coverage for in-home services ($25), funeral services ($2000), rehab services ($4500), and survivor benefits.
  • Uninsured (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverages: Covers you if you are in an accident with a driver without insurance or they have inadequate insurance to cover your injuries in an auto accident. The limits are $25,000 for bodily injury per person and up to $50,000 per accident.

Uninsured motorist (UM) also covers you in case of a hit-and-run incident where you cannot identify who hit your vehicle and injured you. The bodily injury limits on UM coverage cannot exceed the coverage on your liability policy. However, if you carry more than the state minimum liability, you can increase your UM coverage to match.

Questions or Concerns?

Remember, we’re here for you. If you have any other questions or concerns about uninsured motorist coverage, don’t hesitate to call AHI Group in Olathe, KS. We’re always ready to provide the information and support you need. The number is (913) 839-1478.

Choosing The Right Auto Insurance For Your Family

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Crafting a solid auto insurance policy for your family is not just about cost savings – it’s about convenience. Family plans cover all vehicles and drivers in your household under one policy. Furthermore, they simplify the payment process by consolidating multiple payments into a single, manageable monthly payment. Contact the team at AHI Group serving the Olathe, KS area, for the best coverage options for your family’s auto insurance needs.

How Family Plans save Money

Several factors determine your auto insurance premiums, including your demographic profile, credit history, and driving and accident records. The make and model of the vehicles insured also impact your rate. While having teenage drivers on your policy can contribute to higher insurance premiums, investing in a family policy can lead to almost 25% savings compared to individual policies. Family policies also offer the advantage of sharing the deductible if multiple vehicles are damaged in a single incident, such as a tree falling on your driveway.

Here are additional ways your family can save money on auto insurance:

  • Bundle Your Policies: Consolidate home, auto, and other insurance needs under the same insurer can lead to more savings.
  • Assign Vehicles Wisely: List your children as the primary drivers on the least expensive cars in your household.
  • Increase Your Deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your premium.
  • Reward Good Grades: Students with good grades often qualify for auto insurance discounts.
  • Customer Loyalty: Remaining with the same insurer for a long term can result in loyalty discounts.
  • Safe Driving: Drivers with clean driving records cost less to insure.
  • Pay in Full: Making a single annual payment instead of monthly payments can save you money.

Work with AHI Group

Our AHI Group team serves clients in the Olathe, KS area. We’re here to help whether you have insurance-related questions or need a personalized insurance plan. Call us today to see how we can meet your family’s auto insurance needs.

What is Forced-Placed Insurance?

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Homeowners in Olathe, KS, and other parts of the state might be hearing an unfamiliar term lately. At the AHI Group, we’ve been receiving more calls inquiring about "Force Place" insurance. Callers have been learning about it from their lenders following the lapsing of home insurance policies. So, what does this term mean, and what actions should be taken to avoid it? Here’s what you need to grasp about forced-place insurance.

What is Forced-Place Insurance?

If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender will likely require you to carry homeowners insurance. However, the lender will receive a notification if you fail to maintain payments for this homeowners insurance or cancel it. At this point, they will likely force-place home insurance on the property. Essentially, this means the lender will secure insurance while you will remain responsible for paying for it.

The Problem with Forced-Place Insurance

You should take every possible step to avoid having forced-place insurance on your home.

  • It’s incredibly expensive.
  • It benefits the lender, not the homeowner.
  • It only covers the mortgage balance.
  • It doesn’t account for your equity.
  • If you miss payments, it could lead to foreclosure.

The bottom line is that you need to maintain your insurance if you hold a mortgage. You’re much better off maintaining your own insurance policy rather than letting your lender force-place insurance on your home.

Get a Home Insurance Quote Today

If you’re feeling the pinch of rising homeowner’s insurance rates in the Olathe, KS, area, we might be able to assist. Contact the AHI Group for a quote today. You may have options. Allow us to be of aid.

Here’s how to put the brakes on auto theft

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Motor vehicle thefts increased 25% from 2019 to 2022 alone. Auto theft is an issue that causes significant financial losses, property loss, damages, and even injury or fatalities due to the involvement of stolen vehicles in crime. Auto theft rates could also be contributing to a rise in your car insurance rates!

Theft is obviously a huge issue in the U.S., and in some parts more than others. Here’s how you can protect your own car from auto theft and prevent yourself from contributing to the statistic.

Is auto theft contributing to car insurance price increases?

Yes. Auto theft is a significant contributor to the rising car insurance rates in the United States. When vehicles are stolen, insurance companies often have to cover the cost of the stolen vehicle, leading to substantial financial losses and claim payout for companies. These losses don’t just impact the insurance companies; they also affect policyholders. To offset the increased costs associated with auto theft claims, insurers may raise premiums across the board. So, just because your car hasn’t been stolen, you could still see rate increases because other policyholders are filing claims for theft.

Additionally, the rise in organized crime rings targeting high-value vehicles has exacerbated the problem. These groups often dismantle stolen cars to sell the parts on the black market, making it difficult for authorities to recover the vehicles. This trend has led to an increase in claims, further driving up costs.

What’s worse is the costs associated with these thefts are much higher due to the expensive parts and sophisticated systems being implemented in newer vehicles. Insurance rates rise to cover the growing risks and expenses, making auto theft a key factor in the overall increase in car insurance premiums.

Preventing auto theft

No car is immune to theft. There’s really no surefire way to protect a vehicle, but there are measures you can take to lessen the possibility of theft. What’s even better is that your insurance company may reward you for the steps you take to prevent theft. Some aftermarket devices built to deter theft, like car alarms and wheel locks, qualify for insurance discounts with certain insurance companies.

Our advice for preventing auto theft

Not all of our steps will guarantee an insurance discount, but what they will guarantee are slightly reduced odds of auto theft. Consider the following if you’re concerned about theft or simply want to bolster your defense against an ongoing issue:

Secure your vehicle

Always lock your car and ensure that windows are fully closed before leaving the vehicle, even if you’re just stepping away for a short time. Parking in well-lit, busy areas can also deter potential thieves. If possible, park in a garage or secured lot.

Use anti-theft devices

Consider installing anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, car alarms, or immobilizers. These devices can make it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle, acting as both a deterrent and a safeguard.

Invest in a GPS tracking system

A GPS tracking system can help authorities locate your vehicle quickly if it’s stolen. These systems can be especially useful for recovery and can sometimes qualify you for discounts on your insurance premium.

Keep valuables out of sight

Leaving valuables in plain view can attract thieves. Store items like electronics, bags, and other valuables out of sight, either in the trunk or by removing them from the car altogether.

Stay vigilant in high-risk/crime areas

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas known for high rates of auto theft. Avoid leaving your vehicle unattended for extended periods in these locations, and consider additional security measures if you live or work in a high-risk area.

Update your vehicle’s security technology

If you drive an older vehicle, consider upgrading its security features. Modern cars often come with advanced anti-theft technology, but older models can benefit from added security measures like aftermarket alarms or immobilizer.

Certain vehicles may be more at-risk than others

Certain vehicles, particularly those that are higher value or are sometimes simply more common, may be considered “higher risk” for auto theft and as such can cost more to insure. As to what vehicles are considered high-risk, well it depends. Every insurance company has their own list, and they’re not exactly publicly available. You can determine which car model/make is the lowest to insure by shopping around and getting a variety of quotes (or you can ask an agent to do this on your behalf), but sometimes the National Insurance Crime Bureau will share a list of most stolen vehicles that can be handy. Not all insurers will rate cars based on this list exactly, but there is usually plenty of overlap.

The same goes for certain states and regions, too. California currently holds the crown as the state with the most auto thefts per year, with around 99,000 thefts recorded in 2023. Texas comes in second with around 55,000 recorded instances of theft. Living in these states may mean paying more for your car insurance than you would if you lived in a state with a lower recorded rate of vehicle theft.

Is E&O insurance the same as professional liability insurance?

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Suppose you’ve ever shopped for business insurance as a professional before. In that case, you may have come across the term “E&O”. E&O, short for errors and omissions, outlines the kind of mistakes or misinformation that someone in a professional line of business could be accused of. E&O can be a big deal, sometimes resulting in tremendously costly lawsuits that can put you out of work for good.

E&O has always been a risk for professionals, but the new wave of AI has caused a surge of AI-related lawsuits over privacy infringement and copyright. Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, is more important than ever to protect business professionals.

What is E&O insurance?

Errors and omissions insurance and professional liability insurance are the same thing, to summarize the topic shortly. However, businesses and insurers may use different names for similar/the same coverage, so it’s important to recognize that they refer to virtually the same policy. Whatever you call it, this type of insurance protects against claims of negligence, mistakes, or failure to perform duties that result in a financial loss to a client. Although it’s often referred to as E&O insurance, particularly in industries like real estate, insurance, and consulting, the term “professional liability insurance” is also widely used, especially in fields like law, medicine, and engineering.

E&O insurance is designed to cover the legal costs and any settlements or judgments that arise from claims of professional negligence. For example, if a financial advisor gives advice that leads to a client’s financial loss, the client might file a lawsuit claiming that the advisor’s guidance was flawed or incomplete. In such cases, E&O insurance would cover the costs of defending against the claim, as well as any damages awarded, up to the policy limits.

Why is E&O insurance also called professional liability insurance?

Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance and professional liability insurance are terms often used interchangeably, but they essentially refer to the same type of coverage. The reason for the different names lies in the specific industries and professional practices where this insurance is most commonly utilized.

E&O insurance is a term frequently used in industries like real estate, consulting, and insurance. It emphasizes coverage for errors and omissions—essentially, mistakes or failures to perform certain duties—that could lead to a client’s financial loss. For example, if an insurance agent incorrectly processes a policy that results in a client being underinsured, the client could file a claim against the agent. E&O insurance would then cover the defense costs and any resulting financial liabilities.

On the other hand, professional liability insurance is a broader term that is commonly associated with professions such as law, medicine, and engineering. This term highlights the protection provided against claims of professional negligence or malpractice. For instance, a lawyer might be sued for providing poor legal advice that leads to a client’s loss in court. In this scenario, professional liability insurance would cover the associated legal expenses and any damages awarded.

Another name for E&O insurance includes medical malpractice insurance which, while it is technically also professional liability insurance, is more slanted towards medical professionals and the kinds of E&O claims that they may face.

The distinction in terminology often depends on the industry and the specific risks associated with it. However, medical malpractice, E&O and professional liability insurance serve the same fundamental purpose: to protect professionals from the financial consequences of claims alleging that their services or advice caused harm to a client. Whether referred to as E&O insurance, medical malpractice, or professional liability insurance, this coverage is a vital component of risk management for anyone offering professional services.

Who needs E&O insurance?

Any business or individual who offers a professional service or advice in exchange for monetary compensation could technically need or even be required to carry E&O insurance.

Here’s a list of some professionals who may benefit from or be required to carry E&O:

  • Consultants
  • Accountants
  • Lawyers
  • Therapists
  • Social workers
  • Nurses
  • Chiropractors
  • Physiotherapists
  • Acupuncturists
  • Advisors
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Media and marketing professionals
  • IT professionals

Note that this list is really finite, and your profession may fit the bill of a business that could benefit from–or even is required to carry–E&O/professional liability insurance.

Give us a call at AHI Group

Finding affordable coverage and understanding why it’s a need can be tough when you’re busy trying to build your business. That’s why insurance agencies like AutoHome Insurance Group exist!

If you’re a professional who is unsure of their insurance needs, has a policy but wants a better price, or wants to discuss the benefits of E&O insurance (or any of its variations), then you’ve come to the right place. At AHI, we help businesses that need affordable, comprehensive insurance protection. Give us a call to get started on insuring your professional business today.

Returning home after the storm & what to do

Posted on by AHI Group

In 2024 so far, the National Weather Service Kansas City has issued approximately 22 tornado warnings and about 136 severe thunderstorm warnings. Some storms on a smaller scale aren’t doing much beyond minor property damage, like taking down trees and destroying shrubbery. But larger storms, like the ones we saw in March and April featuring 70mph winds and half-dollar-sized hail, have the potential to wreak havoc on properties, cause city-wide power outages, and even oust families from their homes.

If you’ve recently experienced a storm in your area, or even been evacuated due to the looming threat of one, returning home can be a stressful endeavour, especially if your property has been damaged. Here at AHI Group, we can’t stop the damages from occurring, but we can give you some insights into next steps once the storm has passed over.

Safely re-entering your home

The anxiety of not knowing if your home is still standing after a severe storm is a burden many face during such trying times, especially if you were asked to evacuate due to an imminent threat in your area. It’s natural to feel a mixture of hope and fear as you return to assess the aftermath. While you may be eager to see your home and belongings, ensuring your safety and the safety of those with you is the most important thing during this time. Here’s a guide to help you safely re-enter your home following an evacuation due to a severe storm.

Wait for official clearance or permission from authorities

Do not return to your home until local authorities have deemed it safe. Listen to news updates, check local emergency services, and follow their guidance. They will inform you when it is safe to return and if there are any specific hazards to be aware of.

Check the area for hazards

As you approach your home, be alert for potential dangers such as downed power lines, broken gas lines, and unstable structures. Do not enter your property if you observe these hazards. Contact the appropriate utility companies or emergency services if you encounter them.

Assess the exterior of your home

Before entering, walk around the exterior of your home to inspect for visible damage. Look for issues like structural damage, broken windows, or compromised walls. If you notice significant damage, it may not be safe to enter. In such cases, consult a professional before proceeding.

Enter with caution

If the exterior appears stable, enter your home cautiously. Use a flashlight if power is out, and do not use open flames or lighters due to potential gas leaks. Be mindful of debris, slippery floors, and other hazards inside.

Check for structural integrity

Once inside, assess the structural integrity of your home. Look for cracks in the walls or ceilings, sagging floors, or other signs of instability. If you notice any of these issues, leave the premises immediately and contact a structural engineer or your local building department.

Inspect your utilities

Check for any signs of damage to your utilities. Smell for gas leaks, and if you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call the gas company. If you see damaged electrical wiring or water damage near electrical outlets, do not touch them and contact a professional. Turn off your main power and water supply if you know how and can do so safely.

Document all damages

Take photographs or videos of any damage for insurance purposes. Documenting the condition of your home can help with filing insurance claims and provide a record of the extent of the damage.

Initiate the clean-up process

If it is safe to do so, start the clean-up process. Wear protective gear such as gloves, masks, and sturdy shoes. Be cautious of mold, contaminated water, and other potential health hazards. Dispose of spoiled food and clean all surfaces that may have been contaminated by floodwaters or debris.

Notify your insurance company

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. Provide them with the documentation of the damage and any necessary information. They can guide you through the next steps and help arrange for professional assessments and repairs.

Hire a professional

For significant damage or safety concerns, seek the help of professionals. Contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other specialists can safely assess and repair your home. Do not attempt to make major repairs yourself unless you are qualified to do so.

Look into state resources

Tornadoes can occur in any state, and in the states where they tend to be most common many governments have stepped up to provide resources or safety guides to their citizens. For example:

These are just a few samples of the resources that may be available. Check out these guides to see if they offer any specific information based on your state, or if they contain any information pertaining to any relief programs you may be eligible for in addition to your existing insurance policy.

Filing a claim with your insurance company

Home insurance covers homeowners for damages due to unexpected or inclement weather, like tornadoes and storms. Unless these events are specifically excluded from coverage, you can expect to have some protection under your home insurance policy to help rebuild your home. Even named perils policies will generally include storms.

However, coverage limits may vary. While you won’t be able to update anything after a loss, it’s a good idea to review your policy regularly to ensure you have sufficient protection for these kinds of events.

Filing a claim is relatively straightforward. Our advice? Do it as soon as possible. Once you’ve ensured everyone is safe, call your insurance company. Events like these will mean a lot of people will be calling in for claims, so get in as soon as you can to get your claim started and settled. Once your claim process has started, an adjuster will be assigned to your case who can help you through and answer any questions you might have during this time.

Will my insurance cover me if my belongings are stolen on vacation?

Posted on by AHI Group

Summer is prime time to go on vacation. The kids are out of school, and the adults have unused vacation hours lying around just waiting to be used. The only question that remains is this: where are you going to go? The world is your oyster.

On vacation, there’s so much to keep track of. Things can go missing if you’re not being careful, and that new Macbook Pro could end up being stolen from where you left it on your poolside chair when you went to the bathroom. Will your insurance cover you for instances like these, even if you’re thousands of miles away from home? The short answer: most of the time, yes! Here’s what you need to know.

Are items stolen on vacation covered?

Your home and renter’s insurance can both cover your belongings, from your appliances and clothing all the way to that Macbook Pro we mentioned earlier. Home and renter’s insurance both cover theft, which includes items stolen from your home as well as outside of it (like when you’re on vacation!)

However, as is the case with any policy, we recommend reviewing your policy’s specific terms and conditions to better understand the kind of protection you’re being offered. The majority of home and renter’s insurance policies cover contents on a “named perils” basis, which means that only the specific perils (so things like fire, flooding, theft, etc.) are covered on the policy. Theft is a common peril that’s usually included, but it may contain a deductible or maximum coverage limit. Be sure that you’re aware of these before making a claim.

If a deductible applies, you’ll need to pay your deductible before your insurance company covers the remaining amount. This may mean that if an item that was stolen was a value of $500, and your deductible was $500, it wouldn’t be worth making a claim. Make sure to read your policy and be aware of what’s covered, what isn’t, and what terms apply.

Does travel insurance cover stolen belongings?

Travel insurance isn’t exactly designed to cover belongings stolen on vacation. Rather, it’s intended for trip cancellations and interruptions – more for the overall cost of the trip than the items you brought with you. If your belongings were in suitcases and your baggage was lost or delayed, your trip insurance provider may cover you for the cost of buying replacement items.

But once those items are out and with you in the hotel or out-and-about on vacation, they technically fall under your tenant or home insurance. While travel insurance is a good option to secure your peace-of-mind on vacation, it won’t really cover your belongings if they’re stolen.

What to do if you’ve been robbed on vacation

Vacations are for relaxing and enjoying yourself, not for suddenly realizing you’ve lost that $300 investment you just made on a new headset. All is not lost; you do have insurance to help you out, but there’s also a few things you should do initially if you discover you’ve been robbed on vacation:

  • Ensure your safety and assess the situation. If someone broke into your hotel room or Airbnb to steal your belongings, then it’s important that you put your safety first and get out of that space in case you suspect the thief may still be around. Seek help if you suspect that you may be in danger or that the person who robbed you is still nearby.
  • Report the incident to the local authorities. If you’re in a hotel, you may want to ask to see if they have any security cameras if the theft occurred in a common area, as this could help to identify who stole your property. Obtain a copy of the police report to give to your insurer later.
  • Let your hotel or accommodation know about the incident. They may be able to support you.
  • If any of your cards were stolen, contact your bank and relevant companies to cancel these and prevent any unauthorized transactions before they can occur. If your passport or driver’s licenses were stolen, make sure to report these to the relevant authorities as well.
  • Make a list of what was stolen, including descriptions, values and receipts. Take photographs of any damage or evidence related to the robbery, such as broken locks or damaged luggage.
  • Notify your home or renter insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with the police report, documentation of the stolen items, and any other required information.
  • This process can be traumatic! If need be, reach out to family and friends for emotional support.
  • Take steps to prevent future incidents, such as reviewing your current security measures, safeguarding valuables, using hotel safes, and being cautious in unfamiliar areas.
  • Your insurance provider may assign someone to your case. This will be your point of contact. You can also refer back to your insurance agent for any additional, pressing questions you may have during this time.

    By following these steps, you can navigate the aftermath of a robbery on vacation, ensuring your safety, securing your financial interests, and taking steps to prevent future incidents.

    RV Insurance: Protecting Your Home on the Road

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    There are numerous ways to travel. Some people prefer traveling by plane, train, or automobile, but for a unique experience, nothing compares to journeying in an RV. In addition to offering an exceptional way to vacation, recreational vehicles come with numerous benefits, beginning with the convenience of home-like amenities. This is why a vast number of people and families love their RVs and why so many people in the Olathe, KS area entrust their RV insurance needs to the professional and friendly agents at the AHI Group.

    Protect Your On-the-Road Home

    Just as we strive to protect our homes, we should aim to safeguard our on-the-road homes. RV insurance can make a significant difference in the event of mishaps, storm damage, theft, and more.

    Whether your on-the-road home is parked in your driveway or you’re prepping for your next big adventure, ensure that your RV is adequately insured. That’s why having a reliable insurance partnership is crucial for dealing with all your RV insurance needs.

    AHI Group RV Insurance

    For RV owners in or around the Olathe, KS, area who have questions about or need RV insurance solutions, look no further than the trusted and professional agents at the AHI Group. Whatever your needs, we’ve got you covered. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment to secure your on-the-road home today.

    How much does commercial landlord insurance cost?

    Posted on by AHI Group

    Getting into the commercial real estate game isn’t for the faint of heart. In the United States, there are around 5.9 million commercial buildings; landlords of these businesses, the owners, may be required to obtain real estate business insurance to protect their assets and ensure the smooth operation of the tenants within your business.

    But how much does it cost? One of the most vital aspects to running any business is ensuring you have adequate protection, including commercial landlord insurance for those whose business is in renting out business property. Here’s the rundown.

    What is commercial landlord insurance?

    Commercial landlord insurance is a specialized type of business insurance that is designed to protect property owners who rent out commercial spaces, such as office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, and industrial properties. This insurance typically covers a range of risks and losses that are commonly associated with owning and leasing commercial real estate, including:

    1. Property Damage: Covers the cost of repairs or replacement if the building or its contents are damaged by perils such as fire, vandalism, or natural disasters.
    2. Liability Coverage: Protects the landlord against legal claims if someone is injured on the property or if the landlord is found liable for damage to a tenant’s property.
    3. Loss of Rental Income: Compensates the landlord for lost income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, such as a fire or flood, preventing tenants from occupying the space.
    4. Legal Expenses: Covers legal costs associated with disputes, such as evictions or contract issues with tenants.

    Commercial landlord insurance policies may be customized, in the same way any commercial insurance policy can be. Working with an agent can help you determine exactly the kind of coverage your business may need, while cutting away the fat (the coverage you don’t need) and saving you money.

    How much is commercial landlord insurance?

    The cost of commercial landlord insurance can vary widely depending on several factors, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars annually. The specific cost will depend on the value of the property, the types of coverage included, and the risk profile of the business. Every insurance company is different, keep in mind. Some insurance companies will charge more or less for specific types, sizes, or locations of properties, all depending on how they weigh certain factors.

    Generally, premiums are influenced by the location of the property, the type of building, its age and condition, the business activities conducted on the premises, and the level of coverage desired. However, it’s a lot more in-depth than that. Here’s a list of the factors that may influence the cost of your insurance:

    Location

    Where a building is located in a city, and what city it’s in, can have a significant influence on insurance premiums. Some cities see more crime, worse weather, and similar disastrous events, which could result in a building being more at-risk of a loss. The likelier the loss, the more expensive the insurance.

    Property Value

    The higher the value of a property, the more the insurance will cost. This is because, ultimately, that building will cost more to replace due to an accidental loss.

    Type of Building & Age

    Older constructions and unique constructions may be more vulnerable to potential losses than newer, structurally sound builds. Special features will also cost more to insure.

    Business Activities

    The type of businesses that are leasing your commercial space can impact risk, affecting insurance costs. For example, retail businesses operating in your commercial space may not cost as much to insure as if you leased to, say, an indoor arcade or axe-throwing facility.

    Coverage Limits

    The more coverage you buy, the more it will cost. The same goes for increasing limits, and also having a lower deductible–meaning the insurance company pays out more in the event of a loss–can increase your insurance rates as well.

    Claims History

    Having had previous claims can be an indicator of making claims again in the future. If you’ve had a lot of claims, or severe ones, your insurance rates could be higher.

    Security and Safety Features

    Properties with robust security systems, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems may benefit from lower costs.

    Connect with AHI Insurance for lower commercial property insurance costs

    At AHI Insurance, we understand the unique challenges and risks associated with owning commercial properties. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you find affordable and comprehensive commercial landlord insurance tailored to your specific needs. We work with a variety of top-rated insurance providers to offer competitive rates and customizable coverage options. Whether you own a small office building or a large retail complex, AHI Insurance is here to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection. Let us help you secure the best coverage at the best price, so you can focus on managing your property with confidence.

    4 biggest mistakes your e-commerce store is making

    Posted on by AHI Group

    Owning any store, whether physical or virtual, can be challenging! There are plenty of factors abound and a wrong turn could have a lasting impact on your business, its reputation, or on your final product.

    The USA ranks king as having the most e-commerce stores of any country with over 13.98 million. That’s a lot of stores, and not all of them live past a few years. Want to be successful online? At AHI Group, we insure tons of different business types, helping them find the right commercial insurance package for their risk requirements. We know e-commerce risk.

    Failure no. 1: Not looking at what others are doing

    You ever hear that saying, “focus on yourself, not others?” Well, that’s a great motto for personal development but it doesn’t really have a place in running an e-commerce website. What makes an e-commerce store successful is your ability to stand out when compared with other online stores and you can’t do that unless you at least know what they’re doing.

    So, do your studying! Research even before you start your business so you have an idea of what works, what doesn’t, and what you’re capable of. If you have an idea of the market even before you begin, you’re already one step closer to success.

    Consider conducting what’s called a competitive analysis. This is an in-depth evaluation of comparisons between you and other brands to determine what makes you stand out. This can allow you to know where your unique qualities stand out and allows you to craft your marketing strategy more accurately.

    Failure no. 2: Failing to optimize for mobile users

    In 2023, the USA had over 187 million online mobile shoppers. Failing to optimize for mobile devices is failing to optimize for half or more of your potential customers. Many people shop on-the-go when they don’t have access to a laptop or computer, so it makes sense that having a site that’s mobile-friendly can expand your customer base that much more. Plus, search algorithms like it more when sites are mobile-friendly! In fact, it’s been noted in a study from Think with Google that customers who have had negative experiences with your site on mobile devices are 62% less likely to purchase in the future.

    Mobile optimization is just another feature that can help make the shopping process for your e-commerce website all the smoother.

    Failure no. 3: Not investing in fast-loading pages

    Page speed is crucial for e-commerce stores because it directly affects user experience, conversion rates, and search engine rankings. In today’s fast-paced digital world, customers expect websites to load quickly. A slow-loading site can frustrate visitors, leading them to abandon their shopping carts and seek out competitors. Nowadays, everything is fast–ordering food, doing self-check-out at grocery stores, etc.

    Having fast-paced tech is very convenient, but it has also created thousands, if not millions of impatient customers. If your site is just a tad too slow, expect your success rate to be that much lower.

    Page speed is also a critical factor in search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines like Google prioritize fast-loading websites in their rankings, as they aim to provide the best possible experience for users. A faster site is more likely to appear higher in search results, driving more organic traffic to the store. This increased visibility can lead to more potential customers discovering the e-commerce store, ultimately boosting sales.

    Failure no. 4: Poor user experience

    This one is probably a no-brainer, but poor user experience (UX for short) is one of the biggest detriments to e-commerce websites. When users encounter a website that is difficult to navigate, slow to load, or not optimized for mobile devices, they are likely to become frustrated and leave. This abandonment not only results in lost sales but also diminishes the likelihood of those users returning in the future. A seamless and intuitive UX is essential to keeping customers engaged and encouraging them to complete their purchases.

    UX can also impact your business’s reputation! In today’s digital age, a bad review, whether posted on Google, TikTok, or even Instagram can get around, and your site could be known as the “slow to load” or “bad customer service” store. Consistent negative feedback like this will deter potential future customers from visiting the site and could put a wedge in your traffic and sales.

    Once again, search engines, like Google, also take user experience into account. Factors such as page load speed, mobile responsiveness, and overall site usability are part of the algorithms that determine search rankings. A poor UX can result in lower search engine rankings, reducing the visibility of the e-commerce store. Lower visibility means fewer organic visitors, which in turn can negatively impact sales and growth.

    Bonus failure no. 5: Not having insurance

    A last note? While not really an “operational mistake,” we also find too few e-commerce stores have the insurance they need to protect their products, liability, and more. E-commerce stores may not have a physical storefront, but they still have assets, workers, reputation, and interactions–which means potential room for claims that could impact your finances and reputation. Get insured with AHI Group and learn what kind of coverage your business can benefit from.

    Give AHI Group a call

    AHI Group’s specialty is helping businesses get the coverage they need. We have confidence in our insurance knowledge, which can help prepare your e-commerce store to fortify itself against future risks. With years of business behind us, we have pride in our reputation and priority of our customers’ interests.

    Insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We get to know you and your business so we can craft coverage in accordance with your risk-related needs. Give us a call.

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