New Jersey Insurance News

What to Do if You Hit a Deer While Driving

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:25:00 GMT

Hitting a deer can be a startling and dangerous experience, especially if it happens unexpectedly on a quiet road or at high speed. Unfortunately, these incidents are fairly common, particularly in areas with high wildlife populations or during certain times of the year when deer are more active. Knowing what to do after the collision can help protect your safety, reduce stress, and make the aftermath easier to manage.

The first step is to make sure you and your passengers are safe. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Turn on your hazard lights, and if your car is still drivable, move it to the side of the road. Stay inside the vehicle if you're near traffic and wait for help to arrive. If the crash is serious or your car can’t be moved, use cones or flares if you have them to warn oncoming traffic.

Do Not Approach the Deer

It may be tempting to check on the deer, but you should never approach an injured or stunned animal. Even if it appears still, it could react suddenly and cause injury. Instead, contact local law enforcement or animal control to report the accident. They can respond to the scene and handle the situation safely. A police report may also be helpful when filing your insurance claim.

Call Your Insurance Company

Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding road conditions, and the deer if it is still visible. Write down the time, location, and any relevant details, such as weather conditions or nearby landmarks. If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information. Clear documentation will make the claims process much easier and help support your case if needed.

After ensuring safety and reporting the incident, contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible. Most comprehensive auto policies cover collisions with animals, but it's still a good idea to confirm your specific coverage. Keep your photos, notes, and police report handy. If your policy is with us, we can guide you through the next steps and help with any questions along the way.

Prepare for the Future

While it's impossible to prevent every accident, you can take steps to minimize the risk of future wildlife collisions. Stay alert, especially at dawn and dusk. Use your high beams when safe to do so, and scan the sides of the road for movement. Keep your speed reasonable in wooded or rural areas where deer are common.

It’s also wise to have a stocked emergency kit in your car. Include items like a flashlight, reflective warning triangles, first aid supplies, a phone charger, a water bottle, and a thermal space blanket to stay safe and comfortable in case you’re stuck waiting for help. Being prepared can make a difficult situation a lot more manageable.

If you’ve been in a collision or want to make sure your current coverage aligns with your needs, contact us today to review your auto insurance policy. It's a good time to ensure your insurance is current and that your policy fits your driving habits and risks.

Read the full article at www.primeins.com

Insure Your Business for the Next Crisis!

Al Morgenstern — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 20:02:00 GMT

The time is now,” says Mr. S. Ilowitz

I don’t want to come across as one that tries to take advantage of a situation for our benefit – but I can’t hold back from saying that getting cyber coverage is now more crucial than ever. People all over the globe are home – many of the crooked ones as well – and they need to make money. Companies! Please listen to us and get coverage for Cyber Liability Insurance.

Unfortunately, most businesses are not covered for loss of income due to the Corona Virus attack - so I have heard some people saying – ‘where is insurance when I need it?’ – This question although it may be a good question and may make you feel good complaining but it won’t get you to far – you need to be pro active and get covered for what can be covered – Cyber Insurance is important…..actually let me rephrase……its very important. I will briefly summarize some of the coverage's that can be included on a cyber policy.

Cyber Liability Insurance: A new form of malware is created by the “dark web” every four seconds. Every business is at serious risk of being hit by ransomware, data breach and/or another cyberattack. Such attacks can result in system shutdowns, stolen personal data, client lawsuits, fraudulent wire transfers and more – with losses often running into the millions. It is important to realize that there are many crucial differences between different cyber liability plans. Many of them, especially those that are merely “add-ons” to standard liability coverage, have major gaps in coverage when disaster strikes.

Companies need to learn to think long term – long term means – that should a major disaster strike in the coming years that your livelihood….your business….your life long work doesn’t go up in smoke…..that’s your responsibility. Cyber Coverage fits the bill. Call your insurance broker now to get educated about it. FYI many of the brokers out there are not so educated about this coverage so if you want to talk a professional is available.

As the Prime slogan goes, “Be insured and Be assured.” For a comprehensive consultation, please call Prime Insurance Agency at 732-886-5751 x 110 or visit our website www.primeins.com. Find out about how to best insure your business against every threat possible!

Read the full article at www.primeins.com

Insurance for Water and Sewer Entities

Sean Winters — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 19:15:00 GMT

Water and sewer entities are part of a class of insurance that incorporates both public and private operators, an industry that services communal water and wastewater via treatment, storage and distribution.

Water and wastewater services can include:

Water districts
Mutual water companies
Sewer Districts
Investor-owned utilities
Irrigation Districts
Reclamation Districts

A Related Insurance package includes:

Commercial General Liability
Property Insurance
Professional Liability
Inland Marine
Equipment Breakdown
Public Officials Management Liability
Commercial Auto Liability
Physical Damage
Workers Compensation

It is noteworthy that General Liability coverage is particularly necessary for failed water supply and sewer and drain backups.

For more on Water and Sewer Entity Insurance, schedule a no-obligation consultation with the experienced professionals at Prime.

PRIME Insurance is a three-generation family-run independent agency. We’re proud partners with many of the leading companies in the industry – big names such as ACE, ASI, ASSURANT, CHUBB, CNA, Employers, FOREMOST, Liberty Mutual, MetLife, PROGRESSIVE, Safeco, StillWater, Travelers, The Hartford, USLI, ZURICH and more. This gives us the ability to provide all forms of nationwide coverage at competitively lowest quotes. HAVE A PRIME DAY™! Visit us on our online insurance website; email us at PRIME@primeins.com or call us at 732-886-5751.

Summary: Water and sewer entities need various forms of insurance designed to protect the exposures faced.

Read the full article at www.primeins.com

What about Insurance for the Private Corrections Services?

Y Weis — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 18:34:00 GMT

In the United States, it’s a time-honored practice to include private corrections services as part of the local, state and federal prison system.

Private Corrections Industry insurance consists of the following commercial forms of coverage:

General Liability
Products Completed Operations Liability
Medical Malpractice
Errors and Omissions aka Professional Liability (mostly for civil rights infringements)

Associated insurance is generally written on a claims-made basis.

Private Corrections Insurance Claim Examples

Lawsuits against private corrections run the full gamut, from abuse to discrimination and many other things in between. Below you will find some highlighted insurance claims scenarios where insurance coverage protected the facility from associated financial losses.

A prison inmate from MT filed a claim for $2.2 million following an injury incident where his foot became wedged into the facility’s dairy machinery.
An OH prisoner’s mom brought a $75,000 negligence lawsuit against the corrections facility after the man was hit by lightning while in the recreation area.
After An AZ prisoner was killed by another inmate, the private corrections facility had to contend with a wrongful death allegation in the lawsuit filed by the victim’s family.

A man that was incarcerated in an IN corrections facility filed a lawsuit against the authorities because of overcrowding that allegedly led to the spread of disease among the inmates.

To find out more about private correctional service insurance, speak to the professionals at Prime Insurance.

PRIME Insurance is a three-generation family-run independent agency. We’re proud partners with many of the leading companies in the industry – big names such as ACE, AmTrust, ASI, ASSURANT, CHUBB, CNA, Employers, FOREMOST, Liberty Mutual, MetLife, PROGRESSIVE, Safeco, StillWater, Travelers, USLI, ZURICH and more. This gives us the ability to provide all forms of nationwide coverage at competitively lowest quotes. Visit us on our online at our insurance website or email us at PRIME@primeins.com or call us at 732-886-5751 and HAVE A PRIME DAY™!

Summary: Private corrections facilities are difficult to insure but coverage is available from specific insurance underwriters.

Read the full article at www.primeins.com

Why the Stockbroker needs Professional Liability Insurance

Sean Winters — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 18:54:00 GMT

If you are a stockbroker, you are the go-between for clients who wish to buy and sell stocks and other types of securities.

Like other professionals, you need various forms of insurance coverage to protect you from common commercial exposures.

Among other insurance coverage, this can include:

General Liability
Cyber Liability
Workers Comp

For anyone in the finance or accounting industries, like the stockbroker, there is another extremely important type of coverage, called Errors and Omissions.

Errors and Omissions Coverage for the Stockbroker

Errors and Omissions Stockbroker Insurance is also known as Professional Liability Insurance and can protect you from claims associated with errors or mistakes, including acts of negligence, careless, behind schedule, poor or uncompleted service.

Along with loss of commercial revenue, oversights can be the catalyst to ruining your business standing and good name.

Related insurance policies are offered on a per-claim annual aggregate basis or a single-limit annual aggregate and can cover lawyer and court fees, whether or not you are judged guilty.

For more on Errors and Omissions or Professional Liability insurance for the stockbroker, speak to the professionals at Prime.

Summary: Stockbrokers are trusted emissaries that buy and sell stocks for their clients. If a stockbroker’s professional advice caused loss of funds, a client can sue the stockbroker for various forms of negligence. This is why Errors and Omissions Insurance protection is so important.

Read the full article at www.primeins.com

Fun Facts about Illegal Things related to Driving

M Wyzanski — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 16:33:00 GMT

We all know it’s illegal to drive without auto insurance, no texting or hand-held talking while driving, no DUI, and other related stuff.

Here are some driving rules you may not be too familiar with – some of which can land you with an expensive traffic ticket and possible increase in your car insurance premium if you disobey them.

Thirteen Little-Known Unlawful Driver Behaviors

It’s illegal to drive while tired in NJ, AK and various other states.
Many US states outlaw slow-driving in the passing lane.
Some states forbid the use of headphones while driving.
It’s illegal to drive a golf cart on a city road unless you outfit it with headlights, turn signals and any other requirement mandated by state law.
It is against the law to watch a DVD movie while driving a vehicle.
When pulled over by a police officer, it is against the law to exit your car unless requested to do so.
The majority of US states do not permit driving with a vehicle that is missing its front bumper – even for a trip to the auto shop!
You can be issued a traffic ticket for driving with a dog that is not restrained.
Most states have enacted the ‘Move Over’ law, making it illegal to pass an emergency vehicle and requiring drivers to get out of the way.
Most states have made it illegal to keep your blinkers on when not making a turn. This may be a problem for people who forget to turn off the signal when they no longer need the indicator.
It’s illegal to use your high-beams when there’s oncoming traffic.
It is against the law to apply makeup – or do any other form of personal grooming while driving.
You could get fined for playing excessively loud music from your car.

We hope these facts are helpful. One thing is certain: drivers that follow traffic laws are prone to be involved in less car accidents.

Read the full article at www.primeins.com

About Insurance Coverage for Manufactured Home Hauler Trucks

Y Weis — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 18:25:00 GMT

Trucks that haul manufactured homes across highways are more difficult to insure than many other types of trucks for the obvious reason: they carry oversized cargo, transporting the homes from the manufacturer to the intended locations – often over a radius that is more than 200 miles in distance.

Safety protocol demands ‘escort vehicles’ precede these trucks and follow behind them. These vehicles, also referred to as ‘chase’ vehicles, are equipped with signs that warn other motorists about necessary precautions when approaching the truck with over-sized cargo.

Among other exposures, dangerous driving conditions include steep inclines, curves, high winds, rain and other types of inclement weather, risking load shifts or upsets.

Manufactured Home Hauler: Break-Down of Insurance

Related insurance can incorporate the following or more forms of coverage:

Commercial Auto Liability
Physical Damage Liability
Motor Truck Cargo Coverage
Workers Comp

For further information about insurance for the Manufactured Home Hauler, schedule a no-cost consultation with the experienced agents at Prime.

Summary: Manufactured home haulers need insurance that protects them from all the variables of hauling big loads across miles of road. Prime Insurance Agency provides this quick summary on associated coverage.

Read the full article at www.primeins.com

What is Pipeline Insurance and What does it Cover?

Sean Winters — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 19:16:00 GMT

Pipeline Insurance

Chemical,gas, and petroleum enterprises that produce or extract from under the ground can spend in the millions on building overhead and underground pipelines to facilitate passage.of their products. These companies need specialized insurance coverage available only from carriers that have high property capability and can shield the industry from the financial repercussions of inherent exposure to risks.

A Pipeline Insurance policy can cover a pipeline's exposure to property damage, injury, business interruption and other types of commercial losses from the following perils:

Fire
Flooding
Soil erosion
Landslides
Earthquakes
Ruptures
Collision
Explosion

Additionally, pipelines that are situated under bodies of water can be covered for damage incurred by boats and ships that pass by.

Pipeline Insurance is generally written on an ‘all-risk’ basis for the pipelines as well as associated:

Buildings
Meters
Machinery
Pumping stations
Tanks

For further information, requisites and rates for pipeline company coverage, speak to the experienced professionals at Prime.

PRIME Insurance is a three-generation family-run independent agency. We’re proud partners with many of the leading companies in the industry – big names, such as ACE, AmTrust, ASI, ASSURANT, CHUBB, CNA, Employers, FOREMOST, Liberty Mutual, MetLife, PROGRESSIVE, Safeco, StillWater, Travelers, USLI, ZURICH and more. This gives us the ability to provide all forms of nationwide coverage at competitively lowest quotes. Visit us on our online at our insurance website or email us at PRIME@primeins.com or call us at 732-886-5751 and HAVE A PRIME DAY™!

Summary: Pipeline operators face unusual risks and need specialized insurance coverage to protect related interests.

Read the full article at www.primeins.com

Will my Business Insurance cover Natural Disasters?

M Wyzanski — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 19:23:00 GMT

Earthquakes hitting CA; hurricanes impacting LA and residue rain flooding parts of AR, MO, MS and TN; Tornadoes in TX, OK and PA; severe thunderstorms in NY, NJ…

Any business can suffer unexpected losses when natural disasters strike. That’s why it’s important to review your commercial property insurance policy before extreme weather occurs.

RELATED: about mudslide insurance

The following gives the business owner a sampling of various forms of coverage as they pertain to ‘Mother Nature’.

Hurricane Damage

Hurricanes are generally covered by a standard commercial policy.

The insurance will cover:

Damaged windows
Ripped off roofing
Water damage, excluding flood damage that is covered separately in a flood policy

It's important to note that if your business is located within a hurricane zone, it will be difficult to get coverage and available policies will be expensive.

Tornado Damage

Tornadoes are usually covered in a standard commercial policy.

This includes:

Wind damage
Rain damage
Hail damage

If your business is located in what is considered a tornado zone will find it difficult to get coverage. Available coverage will be expensive.

Earthquake Damage

Earthquake risks are not included in a standard business policy. Business owners need to acquire a separate policy that protects against any or all of the damages equated to an earthquake’s occurrence.

Volcano Damage

Though a severe earthquake eruption is uncommon, most commercial policies cover related damage.

This includes:

Volcanic explosion damage
Shock-wave damage
Ash damage
Dust, lava destruction

Aside from the state of Hawaii that allows related coverage through the Hawaii Property Insurance Association, any business that is located with a ‘Lava Flow Hazard Zone’ will find it difficult to secure the coverage.

Flood Damage

A standard business insurance policy will not cover floods – even if they are caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rainfall or other weather conditions.

The National Flood Insurance Program was created to protect homeowners and business owners form financial losses incurred as a result of a flood.

For more information about how to protect your business from losses related to a Natural Disaster, speak to the experts at Prime Insurance.

Read the full article at www.primeins.com

How Insurance can protect a Convention or Trade Show

Y Weis — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 18:41:00 GMT

One thing that is predictable for any businessman is that events have a way of being unpredictable.

When it comes to the convention or trade show, extreme weather like a hurricane, acts or risks of terrorism, employee strikes or protests and other events that no one can foresee, the consequences can be extremely damaging.

RELATED: why terrorism insurance?

If there is no alternate place to host the event, the scheduled program needs to be cancelled. This obligates the event sponsor to reimburse registration costs. In some instances, a cancelled event can also result in key income losses for the full fiscal year.

Convention or Trade Show Insurance

Insurance for the convention or trade show can shield an event sponsor from financial losses. the policy is also applicable to part or full cancellation. Coverage can help pay for an alternative housing of the event.

Coverage extends to perils from any direct physical cause beyond the control of the policyholder or convention or trade show’s partaker’s control.

Standard coverage exclusions include:

Dearth of funding capital
Not enough participant backing
Non-punctual exhibit set-up or no-shows
War
Nuclear risks
Disease
Epidemics

Limits of coverage are determined by projected gross earnings from members. Policy also covers expenditures.

For more about insurance for the convention or trade show, contact the commercial insurance professionals at Prime.

Summary: Like any special event, the convention or trade show has exceptional exposure to risks. A main concern is the possibility of cancellation due to unpredictable occurrences, such as weather, war and terrorism. Prime summarizes the insurance that covers the related losses.

Read the full article at www.primeins.com