Category: Insurance

Insurance Merger or Acquisition? Time To Act

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When your insurance provider is merged with or bought by a larger company, it can often feel like you’re left in the shuffle. This is the perfect time to reassess your coverage and explore new options. Shopping around could help you identify the gaps in service and coverage that may arise from the transition. Below are some key areas where larger agencies may not be right for your business, and why it’s important to take action:

1) Competitive Costs May Be Lost

Larger insurance companies often standardize their offerings and may not have the flexibility to shop for the best rates or uncover discounts that specifically apply to your business. As a result, you could end up with a policy that doesn’t offer the most competitive pricing or the best value for your coverage needs. It’s worth revisiting your options to ensure you’re getting the most cost-effective solution available.

2) One-Size-Fits-All Solutions

When an insurance agency is acquired by a larger company, the focus often shifts to standardized policies designed for mass appeal. This means your unique business needs may not be fully addressed. The flexibility to customize policies based on the specific risks and nuances of your business may be lost in the process. It’s crucial to review your policy and determine whether it’s truly tailored to your needs or if you’re simply receiving a generic solution.

3) Customer Service Can Become Impersonal

One of the biggest frustrations with larger insurance companies is the shift toward impersonal customer service. With call centers and automated systems becoming more common, you may find it difficult to get direct answers to your questions. Navigating through long hold times, repetitive scripts, and multiple agents can leave you feeling frustrated and disconnected. Personal, timely service may become a casualty of the merger, which can significantly impact your experience as a policyholder.

4) Inconsistent Support and Lack of Dedicated Agents

In the wake of an acquisition, you may be assigned to a different representative each time you call. This lack of continuity can make it harder to develop a relationship with someone who truly understands your business and its specific needs. When you need assistance, it can be frustrating to explain your situation to a new agent who isn’t familiar with your history or the nuances of your policy. Consistency in support is critical, especially when dealing with complex insurance needs.

5) Longer Response Times

Larger insurance companies often face delays in addressing client needs due to their size and bureaucracy. What used to be a quick response from your former agency may now take much longer, especially when it comes to claims or urgent policy adjustments. If your business is growing or evolving, having timely responses and quick access to support becomes even more important.

Conclusion

When your insurance provider is merged or acquired by a larger company, the services you once relied on may change. From increased costs and impersonal service to longer response times and less tailored coverage, the shift can create significant challenges. Now is the perfect time to reassess your policy and explore options that better serve your business’s unique needs. Take action and review your coverage after a merger or acquisition.

At Clockwork Insurance, we prioritize your business’s protection and peace of mind. Let us help you navigate these changes and find the right coverage for your future.

Contact us today to learn more!

What You Should Know About Coverage of Smoke Damage To Your Home

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A fire can be a frightening, damaging event, but the smoke and soot that lingers after the incident can have other troubling effects. Your home insurance policy provides coverage for removing the effects of smoke after a home fire. At Clockwork Insurance Services in Metairie, LA, we help clients acquire the insurance they need when a damaging fire and smoke event happens to their home.

Smoke Can Cause Damage To Home Interiors and Health

After a fire, soot may cover walls, furniture, and personal items and must be carefully cleaned. Some items may not be able to be saved and may have to be discarded. A strong smell of smoke may linger in interior spaces after removing damaged items. The toxic chemicals in smoke can affect health, especially for sensitive individuals in your household, such as those with asthma, infants, and seniors. You may need cleanup by a professional restoration service to ensure your home is returned to a safe and healthy condition.

Your Home Insurance Can Help Restore Your Home To Normal

If your home experiences smoke damage from a fire, contact your insurance agent to discuss coverage that will help to restore your residence to a safe and livable condition. Home restoration companies have the equipment and expertise needed to bring your home back to normal.

Make Clockwork Insurance Services Your Agent For Home Insurance

If you would like to learn more about the coverage your home insurance policy provides, our experienced agents can provide the details. We offer many insurance products for our clients, including home, auto, flood, umbrella, and business. Contact Clockwork Insurance Services in Metairie, LA, today for a no-obligation quote on home insurance coverage that will help restore your home when fire and smoke damage occur.

Why Proper Appraisals Matter for Jewelry

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It’s Valentine’s time and new engagements are in the air along with celebrations of years spent together. A visit to your local jewelry store for a new beautiful piece of jewelry to commemorate this time is on your calendar. You may have already decided you will get insurance to cover this precious piece of jewelry but how important is the appraisal?

It is crucial to provide an accurate and current appraisal of your jewelry to your insurance company to ensure you are covered properly. Essentially the appraisal acts as a reliable document to protect your investment in jewelry by ensuring you are adequately compensated in case of loss, theft, or when selling the piece.

There are five main reasons why jewelry appraisals matter. 

  • Insurance purposes
  • Estate planning
  • Selling jewelry
  • Loan collateral
  • Authenticity verification

Because markets do fluctuate it is a good idea to get updated appraisals, in particular when you are reviewing your insurance coverage, thinking of selling or would like to use a piece of high-end jewelry as collateral.  Discuss with your insurance agent when you do a review of your coverages whether now is a good time for a new appraisal. Make sure you get a detailed report from a professional appraiser and provide this to your insurance agent. Also check that your appraisal reflects the replacement value of the piece not the purchase price.

For questions and assistance with insurance coverage for your high-end jewelry contact Clockwork Insurance Services today. Call 504-262-8240 or email info@clockworkns.com

5 Insurance Pitfalls Jewelry Store Owners Should Avoid This Year

Posted on by Tyler Wright

As a jewelry store owner, protecting your valuable inventory and business operations is crucial. However, navigating the complexities of insurance can be challenging. Here are five common insurance pitfalls to avoid this year to ensure your business remains secure.

Underinsuring Your Inventory

One of the most significant mistakes jewelry store owners make is underinsuring their inventory. The value of jewelry can fluctuate, and it’s essential to regularly update your inventory and your policy to reflect current market values. Failing to do so can leave you with insufficient coverage in the event of a loss.

Ignoring Specialized Coverage Needs

Standard business insurance policies often don’t cover the unique risks associated with jewelry stores. Ensure you have specialized coverage, such as jewelers block insurance, which protects against theft, damage, and other specific risks. Without this, you might find yourself inadequately protected.

Overlooking Employee Theft Coverage

Employee theft is a significant risk in the jewelry industry. Many standard policies do not cover losses due to employee dishonesty. Make sure your policy includes coverage for employee theft to safeguard against internal risks.

Not Reviewing Policy Exclusions

Insurance policies often contain exclusions that could expose you to unexpected risks. It’s essential to thoroughly review your policy to identify what is and isn’t covered. Common exclusions might be related to natural disasters, security requirements, or off-premises coverage.

Failing to Update Coverage with Business Changes

As your business grows and evolves, so do your insurance needs. Whether you’re expanding your inventory, opening a new location, or investing in new security systems, it’s crucial to update your insurance policy accordingly. Talk with your agent regularly to review and adjust your coverage to match your current business situation.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your jewelry store is well-protected and prepared for any unexpected events. If you need personalized advice or a policy review, feel free to reach out to our team at Clockwork Insurance for expert guidance tailored to your needs.

I Love It! Should I Cover It?

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The holidays are here—a season of joy, celebration, and unforgettable moments! Whether you’re planning to pop the question, unwrap a dazzling gift, or celebrate milestones with loved ones, this is a time when stunning jewelry often takes center stage. But as magical as the holidays can be, they can also bring unexpected risks to your cherished pieces.

Imagine this: You’re celebrating at a holiday party, showing off a new engagement ring or treasured heirloom, when it slips off unnoticed. Or worse, while traveling to visit family, you discover your watch or necklace has gone missing. These are moments when jewelry insurance transforms from a luxury to a necessity.

Why Insure Your Jewelry This Holiday Season?

High-value jewelry—like engagement rings, luxury watches, and family heirlooms—deserves special protection. Unfortunately, standard homeowners or renters’ insurance often falls short. Jewelry insurance offers comprehensive coverage designed to safeguard your most precious items, allowing you to wear and enjoy them with confidence.

The holiday season, with its flurry of travel, gatherings, and celebrations, is the perfect time to ensure your valuables are covered. Whether you’re dancing at a New Year’s Eve party or packing for a winter getaway, jewelry insurance offers peace of mind when it matters most.

What Does Jewelry Insurance Cover?

Here are just a few ways jewelry insurance protects your pieces:

  • Loss, Theft, or Damage: Coverage for accidental loss, theft, or repairable damage—so you’re not left empty-handed.
  • Worldwide Travel: Whether you’re skiing in Aspen or visiting relatives abroad, your jewelry can be insured wherever you go.
  • Inflation Protection: With fluctuating market values, policies can adjust to reflect your jewelry’s current worth (with appraisals).
  • Natural Disasters: Fire, floods, or other covered events don’t have to mean the end of your cherished items.

Tips for Safeguarding Your Jewelry

Before insuring your pieces, consider having them professionally appraised to establish their true value. For gifts, retain receipts or documentation for future reference. And during holiday gatherings, make a habit of storing jewelry safely when not in use.

Protect Your Holiday Joy with Clockwork Insurance

At Clockwork Insurance, we’re here to make sure your jewelry—and your holiday season—shines as brightly as it should. Coverage is more affordable than you might think, and our expert team can guide you through the process. Call us today at 504-262-8240 or email info@clockworkins.com to learn more about securing your most valuable memories

Be Prepared This Holiday Season

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As we approach the holidays our jewelers start stocking up on inventory. Hoping and anticipating a busy season of sales this is a proactive way to have what your next customer is looking for.  

In stocking up your stores you are also increasing the potential loss should the store be burglarized whether a “smash and grab” or a “grab and run” this is a good time to evaluate your asset protection.  Here are a list of recommended protections measures to consider.

-Show one item at a time.

-Keep showcases locked.

-Watch for those “casing” your store.

-Increase the number of employees on the floor when you have more customers in the store.

-Laminate your showcases. To laminate your showcases this slows down the ability for someone to use a hammer or other metal object to smash the showcase glass.

-Respond to every alarm. Anytime an alarm goes off go in person or send someone in person to check what set it off.

-Consider adding more cameras.

These are a couple of ways to ensure the holiday season is as profitable as it should be. For other tips and suggestions and to keep up with the current crime facts sign up the Clockwork Insurance newsletter: https://www.clockworkinsurance.com/crime-facts.html

Be prepared this season. Call Clockwork at 504-262-8240 for a review of your coverage.

Insurance Considerations When Downgrading Your Living Space

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Changes in your personal circumstances may prompt you to downgrade your living space. Use the guidelines below to help you prepare your plans. Then, seek adjustments to your home insurance policy.

Downgrading

Downgrading a living space may involve donating or selling items that you no longer need or moving to a smaller residence.

If your children are grown and have moved out, for example, you may no longer have a need to live in a large home. This is just one type of situation that may convince you to downgrade. Downgrading is often a process that requires careful planning.

Setting

First, assess the new setting that your home will comprise. The size of your living space will influence how much home insurance you need. The construction of your residence will also affect how much coverage to pursue.

Drainage Properties

Consider the drainage properties that your new home is equipped with. Property that drains well will not be likely to flood. If you are moving to a low-lying area, you may want to add flood protection to your home insurance policy.

Household Possessions

Take an inventory of the possessions you will store in your downgraded living space. Then, make a list of the items you would like to add to your home insurance policy.

Family heirlooms, furnishings, decorations, tools, clothing, and artwork are some items that you may want to list in your home insurance policy. Plan on insuring items of value that would be difficult to replace.

Find Home Insurance Options in Louisiana

Now that you have reviewed the preliminary steps needed to downgrade your living space, meet with an insurance agent who serves Metairie, LA. One of our Clockwork Insurance Services agents will make the necessary adjustments to your home insurance policy.

Warranty for your Jewelry Store Customers

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Offering your jewelry store customers the option of a warranty when they first purchase their jewelry is a convenience that can lead to greater customer satisfaction. As a jewelry store owner, you seek ways to improve the customer experience which in turn leads to more sales and happy returning customers. Jewelers Mutual offers their clients this service.  With the Jewelers Mutual Care Plan, you can present this as an added benefit and include it in the purchase price of the item or items.

A warranty offers your clients the protection they desire when investing in fine jewelry. This enhances the quality of the jewelry you showcase and ensures lasting satisfaction in the choice for your customer.  The Jewelers Mutual Care Plan covers not only manufacturers’ defects, but it also includes traditional wear and tear and accidental damage. 

Clockwork Insurance Services is here to assist you with your business. Our goal is to work with our clients’ and truly understand how to add to their success. We do this with careful review of their business needs and compiling an insurance plan that not only includes the coverage the client needs but also introduces options that hopefully improve the service they can offer to their customers.

Considering adding a warranty for your customers?

Call us at 504-262-8240 or reach out to us via our website: https://www.clockworkinsurance.com

For more details and frequently asked questions read more on this warranty option available to Jewelers Mutual clients here: https://www.jewelersmutual.com/jeweler-care-plan

Third Party Coverage: Do I need it?

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Another crash due to a third-party event has caused many small businesses to take a deeper look at what type of insurance coverage would assist in the event this affected their ability to keep the doors open.

Let’s take a look at exactly what this may mean for your business.

The CrowdStrike incident was not a ransomware or other malicious attack. It was simply an update that ended up causing computer systems worldwide to crash. This interrupted airlines, banks, hotels, hospitals, gas stations and many more. Some insurance carriers do offer coverage for when you have an outage that is due to a third-party incident that is essential to your operations. The CrowdStrike incident was one of the worst tech disruptions in history and an example of just how overreaching this can be.

Business interruption insurance only replaces income lost as a result of a disaster that directly impacts your company whereas contingent business interruption insurance replaces lost income when a company is forced to close due to a disaster impacting a third-party vendor or supplier.  For example, if a business relies on a specific manufacturing company to supply a part for equipment they service, and that company warehouse has a fire that puts them out of business then contingent business interruption insurance would be the policy that would cover this situation.

If a vendor or third-party that you rely on for your business experiences a cyber-attack it can affect your ability to continue your business. It can affect your income. This is where third party, cyber liability is necessary to recover your loss of income.  A careful review of your insurance coverage can reveal any areas you may need to fortify to ensure you are covered for this unfortunate circumstance. 

Clockwork Insurance agents can review your current policies and report exactly what coverages you have and what coverages you may want to consider adding to your portfolio.

Call us at 503-262-8240 or email us at info@clockworkins.com for more information.

Business Owners Policy (BOP) vs. General Liability (GL)

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There are many types of insurance policies to consider for your business.  To better understand which type of insurance is best for your business let’s look at a comparison between a business owners policy and general liability insurance.

General liability insurance coverage protects against financial loss as a result of bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, libel, slander, defending lawsuits and settlement bonds or judgements.

A business owners policy is an insurance package that generally includes commercial general liability coverage along with commercial property coverage, business interruption coverage and may include other lines of coverage tailored to your industry. 

  • Commercial general liability coverage helps assist with the cost of lawsuits or claims brought against the company for bodily injury, property damage or other advertising liability issues as a result of negligence. 
  • Commercial property coverage protects a business from losses or damage to buildings, inventory, machinery and other business property. This can include fire, theft and other hazards that occur and potentially threaten the business.
  • Business interruption coverage covers the cost of lost business due to the time it takes to return to fully operational after an event has occurred. 

In summary, all businesses should at least carry general liability but to help protect your business from a much broader range of risks the business owners policy is required. 

Clockwork Insurance Agency has agents who can review in detail the identifiable needs of your business and create a comprehensive insurance package that fits your needs. For more information call us at 504-262-8240 or email us at: info@clockworkins.com

 

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