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Real Estate Agent with Re/Max Aerospace Realty

I am a homestager and am due to renew my insurance for liability etc..  Does anyone out there recommend a reputable company.  I have heard some horror stories about how expensive some of the policies are and that not all insurance companies will follow through on pay outs.  Has anyone heard this?  I really want to find a company that wont charge me a fortune.

Janet ( JB Staging Concepts) JBStagingconcepts.com

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Sandy Shores FL Realtor®, Melbourne Real Estate
M & M Realty of Brevard Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Brevard County Real Estate, Florida's Space Coast

Hi Janet, I sure wish I could help you with the answers to these last couple of posts, but I really don't know. I hope that you find the info you are looking for.  Have a great week!

Jan 19, 2009 01:28 PM
Janet Brown
Re/Max Aerospace Realty - Rockledge, FL
"Making A Difference One House At A Time"

Sandy thanks for your help.

Jan 19, 2009 01:36 PM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Janet -- I would very strongly suggest that you seek insurance coverage (for liability and for your staging inventory) from a company that specializes in and understands the home staging industry and what is involved.  Other insurance companies without experience in this very specific industry may not cover all areas that you need.  My policy is with Great American Insurance, through the insurance broker Neace & Associates in Cincinnati OH (800-860-9699).  Excellent coverage for only $500/yr.

Jan 20, 2009 03:54 AM
Karen Otto
Home Star Staging - Plano, TX
Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes

I have the Hartford - and an agent to many of the stagers here is Vitus Lau with www.vitallia.com he is responsive and understands our business, the complexities and needs.

Jan 20, 2009 09:03 AM
Janet Brown
Re/Max Aerospace Realty - Rockledge, FL
"Making A Difference One House At A Time"

Vivian and Maureen thanks for the advice on insurance.  I will check into it right away.  You guys rock!!!!  : )

 

Jan 20, 2009 09:03 AM
Kelly Townsend
Coldwell Banker - Santa Rosa, CA
CDPE, Realtor

Hi Janet -

I also have my insurance through the Hartford. It's about $600/year but I carry all of my own inventory. No claims so far, so not sure how they would work on that end. Hopefully won't need to find out!

Jan 21, 2009 06:06 AM
Ginger Foust
Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA
Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Janet, your blog is very relevant to my current situation.  I too have used Vitallia insurance as a brokerage and my first year was $500 for substantial coverage.  HOWEVER, I just got my annual renewal notice and it includes an increase of over 25%.  I have had NO claims or issues so I'm questioning this with our association (RESA) and with Vitus. 

BUYER BEWARE.  Have others had similar increases?

Jan 21, 2009 09:56 AM
Janet Brown
Re/Max Aerospace Realty - Rockledge, FL
"Making A Difference One House At A Time"

Karen  and kelly thanks for mentioning Hartford.  I will check them out.

 

Jan 21, 2009 11:17 AM
Margaret Oscilia
Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting, Salem Oregon - Salem, OR
Home Stager, Salem Oregon

I have our insurance through State Farm.  We had our other business policies there, and after a discussion with our agent, feel I have very good coverage.  We have our own inventory and also have a fine art binder that covers fine art that we lease.

 

Jan 21, 2009 11:24 PM
Ginger Foust
Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA
Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

I just got a contact from Vitus and he said that the increase on my coverage was happening throughout our industry AND that many carriers are dropping their coverage for stagers.  TIME TO HUNT for a new broker!  I'm following Maureen's lead. 

BTW I initially had liability only coverage with State Farm and my agent said that they didn't have coverage for vacant homes and my storage unit, so that's when I switched to Vitallia.   Isn't this interesting!

Jan 22, 2009 02:21 AM