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4820 University Dr., Ste. 7
Huntsville, AL 35816

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Do You Need Extra Auto Insurance When You Rent a Car?

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If you’re an Alabama driver, you’re required to carry auto insurance. Our team at Larry Burkman Agency can help you find a policy that meets your needs. If you’re near Huntsville, AL, we encourage you to visit our office to review your auto insurance options. We’ve been serving Alabama drivers like you since 1990.

Do You Need Extra Insurance When Renting a Car?

It’s a good idea to fully understand your auto insurance policy, including how it applies in less common situations, like renting a car. Many drivers wonder whether they really need the additional coverage typically offered at rental car counters, often assuming their personal policy already provides enough protection.

That assumption isn’t always accurate. Standard auto insurance policies often include limitations when it comes to rental vehicles, and without separate rental car coverage, you may find your policy doesn’t fully cover the cost of repairs. Some policies exclude rental car damage altogether. If you’re planning to rent a vehicle, it’s worth checking with your insurance agent beforehand to understand exactly how far your personal coverage extends in the event of an accident.

Contact Us Today for Your Appointment

No one plans to be in an accident, but if it happens, having the right auto insurance policy can help cover repair costs and personal injury expenses. Our team at Larry Burkman Agency will take the time to help you find quality auto insurance at a price you can afford. Drivers near Huntsville, AL, have found that we provide excellent customer service. Call us today for your appointment.

How Commercial Insurance Applies to Leased Business Properties

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Leasing a Space Doesn’t Mean Skipping Coverage

Many business owners assume that leasing a commercial space means the property owner is responsible for all insurance. That’s not quite how it works. At Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL, we help business owners understand exactly what coverage they need before signing a lease.

What Tenants Are Actually Responsible For

When you lease a business space, you typically don’t own the building, but you’re still on the hook for quite a bit. Most commercial leases require tenants to carry general liability insurance. This protects you if a customer gets injured on the property or if you accidentally damage part of the building. Your landlord’s policy covers the structure itself, but it does not cover your equipment, inventory, or improvements you made inside the space.

Where Commercial Property Coverage Comes In

Commercial property insurance fills in the rest. It covers your business’s personal property within the leased space, including computers, tools, product inventory, and any fixtures or upgrades you installed. Some policies also include business interruption coverage, which can help replace lost income if a covered event forces you to temporarily close your doors.

Lease Requirements Worth Knowing

Many landlords require proof of insurance before handing over the keys. Knowing what your lease demands and having the right policy already in place before you move in makes the whole process easier.

Get Covered the Right Way

Getting commercial coverage right from the very start protects more than just your stuff. Contact Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL, today and get a policy that actually fits how your business operates.

My Basement Flooded. Will My Homeowners Cover the Damage?

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Discovering water in your basement can be overwhelming, whether it is a small amount or a complete flood. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether their homeowners’ insurance will cover the damage. The team at Larry Burkman Agency, serving the Huntsville, AL area, helps homeowners understand how coverage may apply in these situations.

Determining the Source of the Water

The first step after discovering a flooded basement is identifying the source of the water. Water originating from inside the home may be covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy, depending on the cause and policy terms. Issues such as burst pipes, water heaters, or appliance malfunctions are often covered, but coverage varies by policy.

If basement flooding is caused by heavy rainfall, rising groundwater, or external flooding, standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not provide coverage. Flood damage generally requires a separate flood insurance policy. Sewer backups and sump pump failures are also usually excluded from standard coverage but may be added through specific endorsements.

What to Do After Your Basement Floods

If it is safe to do so, take immediate steps to stop the water source to prevent further damage. Document the situation by taking photos or videos of where the water entered and the resulting damage. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process and receive guidance on next steps.

Review Your Coverage Before a Loss Occurs

The best time to understand your homeowners’ insurance coverage is before an unexpected event happens. The team at Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL, can review your current policy, identify potential gaps, and help you determine whether flood insurance or water backup coverage may be appropriate for your home.

Contact Larry Burkman Agency Today

Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help ensure your home and belongings are properly protected. Contact Larry Burkman Agency today to discuss your homeowners insurance coverage and explore options that fit your needs.

What to Understand About Policy Limits and Liability Exposure

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Auto insurance is not just about meeting state minimum requirements. Understanding your policy limits and potential liability exposure can make the difference between financial security and serious financial hardship after a major accident. Many drivers underestimate how quickly expenses can add up when they are at fault for injuries or property damage. Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL, helps drivers evaluate their coverage to ensure they are properly protected against today’s increased liability risks.

How Auto Insurance Policy Limits Affect Your Financial Protection

Liability coverage is typically divided into three components: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage limits. These limits represent the maximum amount your insurance company will pay on your behalf for a covered claim. If you cause an accident that results in $100,000 in medical expenses but your policy only provides $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, you may be personally responsible for the remaining balance.

When damages exceed your policy limits, court judgments can put your wages, savings, and personal assets at risk. Carrying higher liability limits helps reduce the chance that an accident could lead to long-term financial consequences.

Why Liability Risks Are Higher Than Ever

Medical costs continue to rise, making even moderate injuries expensive to treat. Emergency care, diagnostic testing, surgery, rehabilitation, and lost income can quickly push claim costs well beyond minimum coverage levels. In addition, modern vehicles are equipped with advanced technologies such as sensors, cameras, and computerized systems, which are costly to repair or replace.

As a result, even a minor collision involving a newer or luxury vehicle can exceed basic property damage limits, leaving drivers exposed to out-of-pocket expenses if their coverage is insufficient.

How Umbrella Insurance Adds an Extra Layer of Protection

Personal umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your auto policy, often starting at $1 million. These policies are generally affordable and offer valuable protection for individuals with assets to protect or higher liability exposure. Umbrella coverage can also extend to other areas of risk, such as homeowner’s liability.

Do not leave your financial future to chance by carrying inadequate coverage limits. Reviewing your assets and potential liability exposure can help determine the right level of protection. Contact Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL, to review your auto insurance limits and learn more about umbrella coverage options.

What Commercial Insurance You Need for a Bakery

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Choosing insurance may not be at the top of your to-do list as you prepare to open a new bakery, but it is an essential step. Commercial insurance helps keep your business operating when claims are made against you or when you face financial losses caused by events such as storms, accidents, or unexpected disruptions.

At Larry Burkman Agency, our team can help you build a comprehensive insurance plan that addresses the unique risks bakeries face. If you need commercial insurance in Huntsville, AL, contact us to review the coverage options available to you.

Commercial Insurance Coverage a Bakery May Need

Bakeries often operate out of leased or owned spaces, rely on specialized equipment, carry inventory, and interact with customers daily. These factors create a range of risks that should be addressed with appropriate insurance coverage. Common options that may be important for a bakery include:

  • Business owners policy: A business owners policy, or BOP, combines several essential coverages into one policy. It often includes general liability insurance and commercial property insurance, helping protect against customer injury claims, property damage, and losses involving equipment, inventory, and the building.
  • Product liability insurance: Because bakeries produce food products, product liability coverage may help protect against claims related to foodborne illness or allergic reactions.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance: If you hire employees, workers’ compensation coverage is typically required and helps protect your business if an employee is injured on the job.

Additional coverage may also be necessary depending on your operations. Commercial auto insurance may be needed if you use a vehicle for deliveries, and equipment breakdown coverage can help protect essential baking equipment from mechanical or electrical failure.

Finding the Right Insurance Combination

There are many factors to consider when choosing commercial insurance in Huntsville, AL. Speaking with an experienced agent can help you identify the right mix of coverage for your bakery. Contact Larry Burkman Agency to discuss your needs and learn which options may best protect your business.

Guest Liability: What to Know When You Have People Over

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Having guests in your home can be a meaningful and enjoyable experience, and the last thing you want to worry about is whether someone might file a claim against you. However, accidents can happen, and liability issues are not always as simple as they seem. Understanding how liability works in Huntsville, AL, and how home insurance provides protection can help you prepare for unexpected situations.

Creating a Safe Environment for Guests

Ideally, your home should be a safe space for anyone who visits. Whether you are hosting a neighbor or a close friend, guests should be able to move around without danger. However, hazards such as uneven walkways, loose steps, or clutter can lead to injury or property damage.

Even if you assume a friend or family member would never consider legal action, medical expenses from an injury can change the situation. Health insurance does not always cover injuries caused by hazardous conditions, and in some cases, a liability claim may be the only way for someone to recover costs from a serious injury on your property.

How the Larry Burkman Agency Can Assist

Many homeowners do not think about liability coverage until a claim arises. These situations can become stressful, and disagreements may occur regarding who is responsible. A homeowner might argue that a guest should have been more aware of their surroundings, while the guest may believe they were placed in an unsafe situation.

At Larry Burkman Agency, we help homeowners in Huntsville, AL understand their liability coverage before a problem occurs. Our team will walk you through how liability works within your home insurance policy and what to expect if you ever need to file a claim or respond to one.

Contact us today to learn more about your liability coverage options and how we can help you stay protected.

What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Personal Auto Insurance?

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Buying auto insurance is a straightforward process for many Huntsville, AL, residents. Typically, you purchase a personal policy for your own vehicle, while business owners obtain commercial insurance for business-owned vehicles. However, there are certain situations where a personal vehicle needs commercial coverage. Understanding the difference between personal and commercial auto insurance is essential.

Personal vs. Commercial Auto Insurance

Personal and commercial auto insurance offer similar types of coverage, but commercial policies usually cost more and include higher coverage limits.

Commercial auto insurance covers all business-related use of a vehicle, even if the owner also drives it for personal errands. For example, if you operate a home-based business and transport goods to local markets, commercial auto insurance will cover you if an accident occurs during these work-related trips. A personal auto policy would not apply, as the vehicle was not being used for personal purposes at the time.

Personal auto insurance also does not cover drivers using their vehicles for rideshare or delivery services such as Uber or Lyft. In these cases, you may not need a full commercial policy if your insurer offers a rideshare endorsement that can be added to your personal policy.

Call Larry Burkman Agency for More Information

If you are unsure which type of auto insurance is right for your needs or if you are considering adding a rideshare endorsement, the Larry Burkman Agency can help. We offer a variety of personal and commercial auto insurance options for drivers in Huntsville, AL. Contact us today to get answers to your questions or to learn more about available policies.

What Does the Alabama Fire Code Mandate for Your Company?

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If you are an Alabama business owner, you will have the responsibility of protecting your business assets by purchasing commercial insurance. If your business is in or near Huntsville, AL, our team at the Larry Burkman Agency is ready to help you discover the ideal insurance options for your company.

What Does the Alabama Fire Code Mandate for Your Company?

One important type of commercial insurance is property insurance. Your company’s buildings and outer structures are at risk for fire, and your property insurance will help you repair any fire damage. However, a wise business manager can help their buildings be better prepared for fire prevention. According to Legal Clarity, the Alabama Fire Code sets standards that each commercial building must follow to maximize its fire prevention procedures.

Employee health and safety will always be the priority, so be sure every employee knows where each building’s emergency exit is located. According to Legal Clarity, every building should also have a system of fire detection and alarms. Once those systems have been triggered, each building must also have a fire suppression system, which consists of sprinklers throughout the building. The Alabama Fire Code also mandates scheduled fire drills, inspection of fire equipment, and strict compliance documentation.

Call Us Today for an Appointment

Running a business can be challenging, but commercial insurance can help your company be more prepared for a disaster or a lawsuit. Our team at the Larry Burkman Agency has the experience you need to lead you as you choose the policies needed by your business. Companies in the Huntsville, AL area have been looking to us for insurance guidance for years. Give us a call today and allow us to have the privilege of working with your team.

What Does the Alabama Fire Code Mandate for Your Company?

Posted on by admin

If you are an Alabama business owner, you will have the responsibility of protecting your business assets by purchasing commercial insurance. If your business is in or near Huntsville, AL, our team at the Larry Burkman Agency is ready to help you discover the ideal insurance options for your company.

What Does the Alabama Fire Code Mandate for Your Company?

One important type of commercial insurance is property insurance. Your company’s buildings and outer structures are at risk for fire, and your property insurance will help you repair any fire damage. However, a wise business manager can help their buildings be better prepared for fire prevention. According to Legal Clarity, the Alabama Fire Code sets standards that each commercial building must follow to maximize its fire prevention procedures.

Employee health and safety will always be the priority, so be sure every employee knows where each building’s emergency exit is located. According to Legal Clarity, every building should also have a system of fire detection and alarms. Once those systems have been triggered, each building must also have a fire suppression system, which consists of sprinklers throughout the building. The Alabama Fire Code also mandates scheduled fire drills, inspection of fire equipment, and strict compliance documentation.

Call Us Today for an Appointment

Running a business can be challenging, but commercial insurance can help your company be more prepared for a disaster or a lawsuit. Our team at the Larry Burkman Agency has the experience you need to lead you as you choose the policies needed by your business. Companies in the Huntsville, AL area have been looking to us for insurance guidance for years. Give us a call today and allow us to have the privilege of working with your team.

Why Should You Consider Commercial Insurance for Your Brand-New Business?

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Commercial insurance is an essential part of running a successful business. If you’ve recently started a new business and are trying to decide whether commercial insurance could help, the professionals at Larry Burkman Agency, servicing Huntsville, AL, can advise you.

We’re here to answer insurance questions and provide commercial insurance to business owners who want to ensure their businesses are protected. We work with numerous insurance carriers to make it easy for you to find the right insurance policy for your needs.

What Is Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance is a type of insurance that provides protection to businesses of all sizes, as well as their assets. Commercial insurance can be divided into many types, including commercial vehicle insurance, commercial property insurance, cyber liability insurance, and others.

Benefits of Commercial Insurance

There are many benefits of commercial insurance. Here are some of the reasons that business owners choose commercial insurance to protect their business:

  • Some types of commercial insurance are required: Depending on what your business does, you may be required to maintain a commercial insurance policy. Commercial auto insurance is an example of a required insurance if your business owns vehicles.
  • Reduce your level of risk: Insurance helps reduce your risk. If your business is impacted by a covered event, business insurance can help with repairs or replacement of your business property’s structure, income replacement, and legal representation if someone is injured.
  • Builds your credibility: Business insurance demonstrates that your business is committed to managing risk effectively. This can build credibility with vendors, customers, business partners, and more.

Do You Need Commercial Insurance? Call Us

If you need commercial insurance for your business, the professionals at Larry Burkman Agency, servicing Huntsville, AL, can help. We provide commercial insurance to our customers. Contact us today to speak with our insurance professionals about the right commercial insurance policies for your business needs.

Partner Carriers

  • ASI
  • Foremost
  • National General
  • Orion
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • Safeway
  • The Hartford
  • Travelers
  • Universal