🤝 Why Choose Insurance Associates Agency Inc.?
Local Roots. Five Decades of Trust.
Since 1978, we have been the backbone of the contracting community in Southwest Ohio. For 48 years, we have stood by local handymen while national “dot-com” insurance startups have come and gone.
Led by Terry A. McCarthy, a graduate of Central Michigan University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, our agency specializes in translating complex insurance jargon into clear, actionable protection. We don’t just sell policies; we provide the expert guidance that comes from a lifetime of industry leadership.
- 💎 Elite Credentials: Benefit from the technical depth of a CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter) and ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant), AMTC Graduate
- 👨🏫 The Educator’s Edge: As a former State of Ohio Insurance Licensing Educator, Terry McCarthy literally taught the curriculum that other agents use to get licensed.
- ⚡ Instant Certificates: We pair old-school service with modern speed to deliver your Certificate of Insurance (COI) so you can get on the job site today.
📋 Coverage Availability Outline
Expertly designed for the high-standard requirements of SW Ohio job sites.
1. Core Liability & High-Limit Protection
- ⚖️ General Liability: Robust limits available up to $2 Million per occurrence / $4 Million aggregate. Perfect for contractors bidding on premium commercial or municipal projects.
- ☂️ Umbrella Liability: An essential layer of security that extends your protection beyond primary limits—often a requirement for high-value SW Ohio contracts.
- 📜 Professional Liability: Specialized coverage for errors, omissions, or advice-based risks. Available for some risks.
- 🔗 License & Permit (L&P) Bonds: We provide the L&P bonding required by local municipalities to keep your licensing current and your business legal.
2. The “Ohio Stop Gap” & Dual Capacity (Crucial for Employers)
In Ohio’s monopolistic system, paying into the BWC handles medical bills but leaves the business owner exposed to lawsuits.
- 🛡️ Stop Gap Liability: If an injured worker sues you for “employer intentional tort” or negligence, the BWC will not defend you. Our Stop Gap coverage plugs this hole, providing legal defense and settlement protection.
- 🔄 Dual Capacity Doctrine: This protects you if an employee is injured by a product or service your business provided in a secondary role (e.g., as a manufacturer or equipment provider). Without this, you could face multi-layered lawsuits that standard policies exclude.
3. Mobility & Asset Security
- 🚛 Commercial Auto: Dedicated protection for work trucks, vans, and trailers. Personal policies often exclude business use; we ensure your “mobile office” is fully covered.
- 🧰 Tools & Equipment (Inland Marine): Protection for your saws, drills, and gear while in transit or at the job site—covering you against the high cost of theft or damage.
- 🏗️ Builders Risk: Specialized coverage for projects currently under construction or renovation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Bonds and insurance are not the same. So, Usually, yes. Most SW Ohio cities require an L&P Bond for your license and General Liability for your work. We handle both in-house, so you don’t have to manage two different agencies.
The Ohio BWC is a “no-fault” system for the worker, but it offers zero liability defense for the employer. If you are sued personally for an injury, Stop Gap is the only thing that covers your legal fees and the indemnification if you are found liable.
Absolutely. As our customer and as a one-stop shop, we streamline the process so you can get all your paperwork ready for the building department in one visit.
🏆 The Educator’s Insight
“In 48 years of service, I’ve seen too many handymen lose contracts because their ‘online’ insurance didn’t offer the L&P Bonds or Stop Gap required in Ohio. As a former Licensing Educator, I ensure your ‘One-Stop Shop’ experience actually covers every legal base from Cincinnati to Dayton. We’ll work to keep your insurance pointed in the right direction.”
— Terry A. McCarthy, CLU®, ChFC®
📍 Contact Your Local SW Ohio Experts
Insurance Associates Agency Inc.
🏢 8114 Paul Manors Dr, Ste 200
West Chester, OH 45069
📞 Phone: 513-779-7920 x135
📧 Email: tamccarthy@insursmart.com
🌐 Web: insursmart.com
You may also ask for Chris and Justin who are eager to help.
Proudly serving Hamilton, Montgomery, Butler, Warren Counties and Southwest Ohio.