San Anselmo Chamber

4th Quarter 2014 • San Anselmo Network Success 11 SHOP LOCAL! DI N E LOCAL! STAY LOCAL! injunctive relief, while some will allow more limited protective or restraining orders on short notice– such as those necessary to take care of managers and employees. Once any court orders are issued, temporary or permanent, the police can and will enforce them, and abusive solicitation will end. Although private lawyers can help at any stage, it's best to seek representation and advice earlier. Legal advice can be invaluable in setting up and administering "no solicitor" signs and public forum rules, making later court action easier, faster, and more likely to prevail. They can work with the police and negotiate with abusive solicitors to work out agreed rules concerning customer contact. And, while abusive solicitors – and police– can seem intimidating, you ain't seen nothin' 'til you've seen your own well prepared lawyer getting ready to head into court on your behalf. Solicitors! Part II Continued from page 10 M ore than half of America's businesses are home- based, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. But setting up headquarters in your home doesn't mean your homeowners insurance will adequately protect your operation. "A typical homeowners policy provides about $2,500 of coverage," says Loretta Worters, vice president of communications for the Insurance Information Institute. That usually will cover equipment—but it won't offer liability protection or cover you for lost data or income. Do your research to protect yourself and your home business. "An important thing for any business owner to do when starting out is to create a business plan," says Worters. "That includes having the right type and amount of insurance coverage." Coverage Options: In general, home-based business owners have three basic options: • Homeowners policy endorsement: This is added to a homeowners policy to increase coverage on business equipment. There also may be the option to buy a homeowners liability endorsement for protection in the event someone—say, a delivery person—is injured on your property. • In-home business policy: An in- home business policy provides more comprehensive coverage for business equipment and liability than a homeowners policy endorsement. These policies, which may also be called in-home business endorsements, vary significantly depending on the insurer. • Business owners policy: Also called a BOP, this plan offers the most comprehensive coverage for small- and mid-size businesses. It protects against many of the same things that in-home business policies do, but offers even more coverage. Other Considerations: Being a savvy home-business owner is about more than having the right insurance. Other factors to consider include: • Additional insurance: Re-evaluate your coverage as your business grows and your needs change. • Zoning laws: Visit your local planning office to review restrictions that could affect your business. • Licenses and permits: Find out which licenses and permits you need to run your business legally. • Taxes: Talk to a tax professional about tax laws for home-based businesses. Also research money- saving deductions, such as the home office deduction Not sure if you're adequately protected? Meet with your insurance agent to discuss the insurance needs of your home-based business. Kris Kelson, State Farm Insurance, 50 Greenfield Ave., San Anselmo, 415-721-0121, KrisKelson.com This article contains only a general description of coverages and is not a contract. Details of coverage or limits vary in some states. All coverages are subject to the terms, provisions, exclusions, and conditions in the policy itself and in any endorsements. Protect Your Home-Based Business A Message from the Chair, Kris Kelson, State Farm Agent Need Free Professional Advice? SBDC is Here to Help T he San Anselmo Chamber of Com- merce continues to partner with the Small Business Development Cen- ter (SBDC) to provide our members with an on-site consultant for one-on-one, no-cost confidential counsel- ing. Contact the chamber to set up a meeting! We also sponsor chamber workshops from time to time to give you access to these consultants. SBDC at Venture Greenhouse 30 Castro Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 226 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. San Anselmo 415-524-8693 • gatheringthyme.com Corner of Bank Street Kris Kelson, Agent Insurance Lic#: OF04599 50 Greenfi eld Avenue San Anselmo, CA 94960 Bus: 415-721-0121 www.kriskelson.com It can also provide for today. I'll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefi ts can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs. We put the life back in life insurance. CALL ME TODAY. State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL 1311023 TM

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