For many, the term insurance is thrown around very often but not many people understand what exactly it is. The origins of insurance date back all the way to the Code of Hammurabi, a collection of Babylonian laws of 1700 BC, which provided the first credit insurance. But modern-day insurance dates back to 1666 with the Great fire of London which destroyed 13200 homes, which formed the birth of Nicolas Barbon’s office to insure buildings.  
Insurance is providing protection against financial loss in a number of situations. These situations include loss against one's property, life or health.  
Life insurance policies provide a certain amount of money when the insured person dies. Health Insurance pays all or covers most of one's medical care, whether it is hospitalization, surgery or a doctor's visit. Property Insurance is bought to protect individuals against financial loss on assets and has two major forms which are Home and Auto insurance.  
For more about any type of insurance, go to https://www.troutinsurance.com/ and get in touch with a Trout Insurance Agent today.  

​

Running a business is never as smooth sailing as everyone thinks, just ask Bob who was caught up in a series of unlucky events that forced him to close his construction company. The first incident that Bob experienced was after he had locked up the offices after a long day at work on a Wednesday, only to realize on the Thursday morning that some of his personal and business electronics had been stolen. After searching the premises for anything else that had been stolen, he found out that some tools that his workers used in construction had been stolen too. In days following that incident as Bob was trying to find enough money to replace all that was stolen, a fire at the company broke out. Nobody was injured, but the fire destroyed valuable papers and business documents as well as a lot of furniture. As Bob was trying to get his company out of this financial ruin, a middle-aged lady came in to enquire about potential construction that she needed to occur on her home. While she was leaving the premises, she tripped and landed awkwardly causing her to fracture her left arm. This incident required legal action on behalf of Bobs company and cost the company a lot of money that they did not have at the time. 
Although Bobs incidents do seem like a string of bad luck, they are all very possible. If Bob had Business insurance maybe he would not have needed to close down his company since most of the costs would have been covered.  
To find out more about Business Insurance call a Trout Insurance Agent today and help your business stay safe. 

​

Angela had always dreamed of one day running a Graphic design company, and just 2 years ago at the age of 31 this dream turned into a reality. Angela had graduated from North Carolina State with an undergrad in Graphics design and after college worked in a Graphic Design company in Raleigh. All this experience set her up to open her own company, where she employed 30 graphic designers who had just graduated from college and some who were young. Angela knew that starting a business was not guaranteed success and due to this she bought business insurance. 
Business insurance helps companies protect their financial assets, intellectual and physical property, from risk such as property damage, lawsuits, theft, vandalism, financial loss and employee illnesses and injuries. Business insurance gives Angela a layer of financial protection from losses that are likely to occur.  
Be like Angela, if you are thinking of starting a business or already have one, call a Trout Insurance agent today and get extra protection for your business.  

​

While most people think about preparation and what to do during an emergency, few people consider what needs to be done after a disaster occurs. The fact is, once an emergency has passed, the danger is not necessarily over. First, you need to survey your property for hazards and secure it right away to help prevent injuries or further property damage. This can help to expedite the rebuilding process. The following tips can help with your recovery following an emergency event.

• Make sure everyone is safe. Stay tuned to local authorities until an official "all clear" is given. If you were evacuated, return only after authorities advise it is safe to do so.
• Look for broken glass and sharp objects, and avoid downed power lines. Never touch anything in contact with power lines, including water or puddles that may be near the downed lines.
• If warranted, have a qualified individual check for gas leaks or electrical system damage. Report any problems to the applicable utility companies right away.
• Protect your property from further damage. Arrange for reasonable temporary repairs. Board up broken windows to help protect against vandalism or additional weather damage. Take photos of the damage and save all bills and materials receipts. Do not make permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has reviewed the damage.
• Throw out questionable food. Discard any food that has come in contact with contaminants, such as flood water. If the power is out, make sure to leave the freezer and refrigerator closed to keep food cold for as long as possible.
• Report your claim immediately. The sooner you call your insurance carrier, the sooner they can respond. Be sure to speak to a claim professional before hiring a contractor to make permanent repairs. When choosing a contractor, select one who is licensed.
• Refuel portable generators with caution. Turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

General Hurricane Preparation Tips

• Prepare a survival kit that includes items such as water and non-perishable food for everyone, including your pets; medications; a portable radio; flashlights; batteries; and battery chargers for your cell phones and other portable electronic devices, which can be powered by your car.
• Plan your evacuation route and leave as soon as an evacuation order is issued. Also, fuel up your car before you leave.
• Build a content inventory of the items in your home or at your business.
• Secure all outdoor objects or move them inside. Close your home’s storm shutters and board up windows and glass doors as appropriate.
• If possible, bring in gas or charcoal grills, but do not use them indoors. Also, do not store propane tanks inside the house or garage. Chain propane tanks in an upright position to a secure object away from your home.
• Secure your boat or move it to a safer place.
• Fill your emergency generator fuel tank, if you have one, and have spare fuel on hand. Store generator fuel in an approved container in a garage or shed, away from open flames, heat sources and appliances such as natural gas appliances.