Covington & Slidell Independent Insurance Agents
Hiring your fourth employee in Covington or picking up a commercial lease in Slidell often brings the same question: who writes workers comp and a business owners policy for a business this size? For many St. Tammany Parish owners, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD is worth a look, and a local independent agent can quote it alongside other carriers.
Louisiana Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Solutions
Local independent agents in Covington and Slidell can give Louisiana small businesses access to Berkshire Hathaway GUARD for workers compensation and business owners policies. GUARD sells through independent agencies, not direct to the public. A local agent can quote GUARD next to other carriers, explain the differences, and help you choose coverage that fits your operation.
GUARD works through a network of roughly 5,000 independent agents and brokers across the country. The company is based in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and led by CEO and President Adam Edelstein. That distribution model matters to you as a buyer. You won't find a GUARD storefront on Highway 190, so your agent becomes your point of contact for quotes, policy changes, and claims questions.
Financial strength is the first thing an owner should check with any carrier, because a policy only works if the company can pay claims. In August 2026, A.M. Best reaffirmed GUARD's A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating and revised the outlook from negative to stable. For a small business that may only file one serious claim every few years, a carrier with that kind of rating gives some peace of mind.
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Aubert Insurance Agency is a local, independent agency, licensed to serve individuals and businesses across Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Texas.
We serve clients from our offices in Covington and Slidell and throughout St. Tammany Parish — working with dozens of carriers and wholesale markets to help homeowners, drivers, contractors, restaurant owners, property investors, auto shops, professional practices and many other personal and commercial clients find coverage that fits.
Licensed in Louisiana #3661 · Mississippi #15039075 · Florida #W0772236 · Texas #2381820
The jump from minimum limits to 100/300/100 often costs less than riders expect, because liability is typically priced per added layer rather than doubling with the limits. Ask for quotes at two or three levels side by side before you decide.
Here's a common scenario: you misjudge a curve and clip a late-model pickup, injuring the driver. A single ambulance ride, ER visit, and follow-up imaging can eat through $15,000 quickly. Anything above your limit can become your personal responsibility, which may put your savings, wages, or home at risk.
| Scenario | Dwelling limit | All-other-perils deductible | Named-storm deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newer build, inland St. Tammany | $350,000 | $1,000 | 2% |
| Newer build, higher wind zone | $350,000 | $1,000 | 5% |
| Older home, updated roof | $275,000 | $2,500 | 2% |
| Older home, original roof | $275,000 | $2,500 | 5% |
| Fortified roof designation | $400,000 | $1,000 | 2% |
| Rebuilt after a prior claim | $400,000 | $2,500 | 5% |
| Bundled with auto | $350,000 | $1,000 | 2% |
Louisiana Specialized Vehicle Insurance Comparison
Bogalusa grew up around its paper mill, and many of the older homes built for mill workers sit on lower ground close to the creek and drainage channels. Plenty of these houses are on slab or low pier foundations built decades before modern elevation standards. When water has nowhere to go, these streets often feel it first.
For homeowners in these areas, the elevation of your lowest floor typically has a big effect on your premium. An elevation certificate may help, especially if your home sits higher than surrounding lots suggest. We also see buyers of older mill-area homes skip flood coverage because the lender didn't require it, which leaves a serious gap if the property sits just outside a mapped high-risk zone.
Small Business Workers Comp and Business Owners Policies
GUARD typically pairs two core products for small businesses: a business owners policy (BOP) and a standalone workers compensation policy. Many owners assume one policy covers everything. It doesn't. The BOP protects the business against property and liability losses, while workers comp handles employee injuries.
A GUARD business owners policy generally bundles commercial property and general liability into one package. Depending on eligibility, owners may also be able to add optional Cyber Suite and data compromise coverage, offered through a partnership with Hartford Steam Boiler. That add-on deserves real consideration for any shop that stores customer card data or patient records. Standard BOP forms usually exclude most cyber losses, and owners rarely notice until a breach happens.
Workers comp is its own policy, and Louisiana requires it for most employers with employees. The stakes are real. As of September 1, 2026, the state's maximum weekly benefit for injured workers rose to $903.00, with a minimum of $241.00. Medical mileage reimbursement for injured workers is $0.725 per mile as of January 1, 2026. A single back injury on a job site can generate months of wage and medical payments, which is exactly the exposure GUARD's workers compensation coverage is built to absorb.
Businesses that outgrow a BOP may qualify for GUARD's Commercial Package product, which can carry General Liability limits from $1 million to $6 million.
With no lender to satisfy, the decision is yours, and so is the entire loss. A total rebuild in this parish runs well into six figures.
Homeowners who own outright
Your lender requires coverage at least equal to the loan, and will buy a policy on your behalf at your expense if yours lapses.
Homeowners with a mortgage
| Coverage Area | State Minimum | Common Higher Option | Stronger Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injury, one person | $15,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Injury, per accident | $30,000 | $100,000 | $300,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Who it fits | Legal compliance only | Riders with modest assets | Homeowners, families, higher earners |
Here's a common scenario: you misjudge a curve and clip a late-model pickup, injuring the driver. A single ambulance ride, ER visit, and follow-up imaging can eat through $15,000 quickly. Anything above your limit can become your personal responsibility, which may put your savings, wages, or home at risk.
Minimum Coverage vs. Actual Protection Needs
The jump from minimum limits to 100/300/100 often costs less than riders expect, because liability is typically priced per added layer rather than doubling with the limits. Ask for quotes at two or three levels side by side before you decide.
How Pay-As-You-Go Workers Comp Benefits Cash Flow
Traditional workers comp billing works on a guess. At the start of the policy year, you estimate payroll, pay a deposit based on that estimate, and settle up at audit. If your Mandeville landscaping crew doubled during a busy spring, that audit can produce a bill large enough to strain a small business.
Pay-as-you-go billing flips that process. Instead of paying on an estimate, premiums are typically calculated from the actual payroll you run each period. GUARD's version, called GUARD-Pay, may offer zero down payment and zero installment fees on workers compensation policies. GUARD's GRIP platform connects with hundreds of payroll service companies, so premium payments can be automated when payroll runs.
Here's what that means for a seasonal or growing Louisiana business:
- No large upfront deposit: Cash stays in the business during slow months.
- Premiums track reality: Hiring for hurricane cleanup work or a holiday rush raises premiums only when payroll actually rises.
- Smaller audit surprises: Because payments follow real payroll, year-end adjustments tend to be much smaller.
One thing to keep in mind: pay-as-you-go works best when your payroll classifications are set up correctly. If an employee who works in the field is coded as clerical, the automated payments will be wrong every single period. Your agent should review those codes before the policy starts. GUARD lists its other payment options for owners who prefer traditional billing.
The jump from minimum limits to 100/300/100 often costs less than riders expect, because liability is typically priced per added layer rather than doubling with the limits. Ask for quotes at two or three levels side by side before you decide.
One tip: keep a dated list of serial numbers and photos of your tools. Claims with documentation move much faster than claims built on memory.
| Feature | Commercial Property | Inland Marine (Tool Floater) |
|---|---|---|
| Where it applies | Your fixed shop location | Jobsites, truck, in transit |
| Typical items | Stationary machines, inventory, building | Portable saws, nailers, hand tools |
| Theft from vehicle | Usually not covered | Often covered, with conditions |
| Fire or storm at shop | Typically covered | May be covered if tools are there |
| Who needs it | Carpenters with a shop | Nearly every working carpenter |
How Deductible Types Compare
Comparison of NFIP vs. Excess Flood Coverage
| Feature | NFIP Policy | Excess Flood Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Building limit | Up to $250,000 | Typically adds coverage above $250,000 |
| Who issues it | Federal program, sold through agents | Private carriers |
| Waiting period | Generally 30 days | May be shorter, varies by carrier |
| Additional living expenses | Not included | May be included, depending on policy |
| Basement coverage | Very limited | May be broader on some policies |
| CRS premium credit | Applies in Mandeville | Typically does not apply |
| Best fit for | Base layer for most homes | Higher-value or lakefront homes |
Classes of Business GUARD Typically Writes
GUARD's appetite generally leans toward small to mid-sized businesses with predictable risk. Eligibility depends on underwriting, location, and claims history, but these Louisiana business types often fit:
- Retail: Boutiques, gift shops, hardware stores, and specialty retailers along Columbia Street or in Slidell's shopping centers.
- Professional services: Accounting firms, insurance offices, consultants, and real estate offices.
- Artisan contractors: Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, painters, and carpenters.
- Restaurants and food service: Cafes, bakeries, and many full-service restaurants, subject to cooking and liquor exposure review.
- Office-based businesses: Medical offices, dental practices, and similar low-hazard operations.
Contractors deserve special mention. In June 2026, GUARD rolled out a
Contractors General Liability and Inland Marine solution for artisan contractors working at third-party job sites. Inland marine matters more than most tradespeople realize. A $6,000 set of tools stolen from a truck parked in a Covington subdivision usually isn't covered by a basic liability policy at all.
Classes of Business GUARD Typically Writes
GUARD's appetite generally leans toward small to mid-sized businesses with predictable risk. Eligibility depends on underwriting, location, and claims history, but these Louisiana business types often fit:
- Retail: Boutiques, gift shops, hardware stores, and specialty retailers along Columbia Street or in Slidell's shopping centers.
- Professional services: Accounting firms, insurance offices, consultants, and real estate offices.
- Artisan contractors: Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, painters, and carpenters.
- Restaurants and food service: Cafes, bakeries, and many full-service restaurants, subject to cooking and liquor exposure review.
- Office-based businesses: Medical offices, dental practices, and similar low-hazard operations.
Contractors deserve special mention. In June 2026, GUARD rolled out a
Contractors General Liability and Inland Marine solution for artisan contractors working at third-party job sites. Inland marine matters more than most tradespeople realize. A $6,000 set of tools stolen from a truck parked in a Covington subdivision usually isn't covered by a basic liability policy at all.
Policy Comparison: BOP vs. Standalone General Liability
Owners often ask whether they need a full BOP or just general liability. The answer depends on whether you own property worth protecting.
| Feature | Business Owners Policy | Standalone General Liability |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party injury and damage | Typically included | Included |
| Building and contents | Typically included | Not included |
| Business income after a covered loss | Often included | Not included |
| Optional cyber add-ons | May be available | Rarely available |
| Good fit for | Shops, offices, restaurants | Home-based or mobile operations |
A painter working from a home office may only need GL plus tools coverage. A retailer with inventory and a lease almost always needs the property side a BOP provides.
General liability covers physical harm: fires, shocks, and property damage from your work. Professional liability, sometimes called errors and omissions, may cover financial loss from design mistakes or bad advice, such as an undersized service you specified on a load calculation. Electricians who do design-build work, panel sizing for solar, or consulting often need both, because a general liability policy typically will not respond to a pure financial loss.
The most common mistake is buying limits sized for the center you opened, not the center you run now. Enrollment grows, a second van shows up, an after-school program starts, and the policy stays the same. A yearly review against your actual operations catches that drift before a claim exposes it.
General Liability vs. Workers Compensation
The NFIP's biggest strength is stability. It isn't going to pull out of Louisiana, and its policies typically transfer to a new buyer when you sell, which can help with resale. Private policies may offer more coverage for the money, especially for homes that would exceed federal limits or families who would need hotel costs paid during repairs.
One common mistake: buying building coverage and skipping contents. If your furniture, appliances, and clothes are ruined, building coverage alone won't replace them. Ask for both.
Common Questions About Louisiana Business Insurance
Do I have to carry workers comp in Louisiana if I only have one employee? Generally, yes. Louisiana requires most employers with employees to carry workers comp, and the exceptions are narrow, so check with your agent before assuming you're exempt.
Can I buy a GUARD policy directly online? No. GUARD sells through independent agents, so you'll get quotes and service through a local agency.
Does a BOP cover flood damage from a storm? Typically not. Standard BOPs exclude flood, so St. Tammany businesses usually need a separate flood policy.
What happens if my payroll changes mid-year? With traditional billing, the difference gets settled at audit. With pay-as-you-go, premiums usually adjust each pay period based on actual payroll.
Are subcontractors covered under my workers comp? Not automatically. If a subcontractor lacks their own coverage, their workers may be charged to your policy at audit, so collect certificates of insurance before work starts.
How long does it take to get a quote? Many small business quotes come back within a few days once your agent has payroll, class, and loss history information.
The jump from minimum limits to 100/300/100 often costs less than riders expect, because liability is typically priced per added layer rather than doubling with the limits. Ask for quotes at two or three levels side by side before you decide.
One tip: keep a dated list of serial numbers and photos of your tools. Claims with documentation move much faster than claims built on memory.
| Feature | Commercial Property | Inland Marine (Tool Floater) |
|---|---|---|
| Where it applies | Your fixed shop location | Jobsites, truck, in transit |
| Typical items | Stationary machines, inventory, building | Portable saws, nailers, hand tools |
| Theft from vehicle | Usually not covered | Often covered, with conditions |
| Fire or storm at shop | Typically covered | May be covered if tools are there |
| Who needs it | Carpenters with a shop | Nearly every working carpenter |
Working With an Independent Agency Since 1910
Aubert Insurance Agency has been insuring Louisiana families and businesses since 1910, with offices in Covington and Slidell. More than a century in St. Tammany Parish means seeing a lot of storms, economic swings, and changes in how carriers price risk here. That history shapes how the agency works with business owners today.
As an independent agency, Aubert compares rates from multiple leading carriers in one place, GUARD among them. That matters because no single carrier fits every business. GUARD may be a strong match for a Slidell dental office and a poor match for a roofing contractor, and an independent agent can say so plainly instead of forcing a fit.
The agency also puts weight on education. An insurance policy is a legally binding contract, and exclusions often decide whether a claim gets paid. Aubert's team walks clients through what their coverage actually does and doesn't include, so a business owner isn't learning about a flood exclusion or a missing tools endorsement for the first time after a loss.
The process stays simple: start online, let the agency shop carriers for you, then pick the plan that fits your business.
General liability covers physical harm: fires, shocks, and property damage from your work. Professional liability, sometimes called errors and omissions, may cover financial loss from design mistakes or bad advice, such as an undersized service you specified on a load calculation. Electricians who do design-build work, panel sizing for solar, or consulting often need both, because a general liability policy typically will not respond to a pure financial loss.
The most common mistake is buying limits sized for the center you opened, not the center you run now. Enrollment grows, a second van shows up, an after-school program starts, and the policy stays the same. A yearly review against your actual operations catches that drift before a claim exposes it.
General Liability vs. Workers Compensation
The NFIP's biggest strength is stability. It isn't going to pull out of Louisiana, and its policies typically transfer to a new buyer when you sell, which can help with resale. Private policies may offer more coverage for the money, especially for homes that would exceed federal limits or families who would need hotel costs paid during repairs.
One common mistake: buying building coverage and skipping contents. If your furniture, appliances, and clothes are ruined, building coverage alone won't replace them. Ask for both.
Making the Right Choice for Your Coverage
Choosing small business coverage comes down to a few honest questions. Do you need property protection, or just liability? Does your payroll swing enough that pay-as-you-go billing would ease cash flow? Is your business class one that GUARD typically writes, or would another carrier serve you better?
GUARD brings an A+ (Superior) rating, a BOP with optional cyber add-ons, workers comp with flexible billing, and new options for artisan contractors. Those features may make it a good fit for many Covington and Slidell businesses, though eligibility always depends on underwriting.
The smartest move is comparing GUARD against other carriers with someone who knows St. Tammany Parish. Have your payroll figures, employee count, and past claims handy, then Start a Quote with Aubert Insurance Agency. A few minutes of preparation now can save your business from an expensive coverage gap later.
About the Author
Kyle Beerbohm
President
We've been independent since 1910, and four generations of local ownership have kept us that way. We're one of the oldest agencies in St. Tammany Parish and the fourth oldest business in the City of Covington. I treat that history as a responsibility rather than a plaque on the wall. My job is to keep us answering to the families and business owners who walk through our doors, and to keep serving this parish for another hundred years.
Louisiana Insurance Questions, Answered
Questions clients ask us
Short, plain answers to what people ask before they call. Anything else, phone the office and ask.
What does an independent insurance agency do?
We represent you, not one insurance company. We gather your information once, then compare coverage and price across the carriers we hold contracts with. You get choices, and one agent handles the paperwork.
Which types of insurance does Aubert offer?
We write 13 personal lines, including home, auto, flood, boat, and life. We write 15 commercial lines, including business owners policies, general liability, workers compensation, and commercial property.
Do I need flood insurance in St. Tammany Parish?
Your homeowners policy excludes flood, and much of the Northshore has flooded outside mapped high-risk zones. Lenders require it inside those zones. We check your flood zone and quote NFIP and private options.
Which states are you licensed in?
We hold licenses in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Texas. License numbers appear in the footer of every page on this site.
How do you find me a competitive rate?
We take your details once and market them to the carriers and wholesale brokers that fit your risk. We compare the offers, explain the differences in coverage, and recommend the strongest fit.
How do I file a claim or request a certificate?
Call the office or use the Client Center on this site. We report the claim, follow the adjuster, and send certificates of insurance to whoever needs them.
Personal Insurance in Louisiana
Coverage for your home, your vehicles, and your family
Thirteen personal lines sit under one roof. Start with the coverage you need most, and we price it across our markets.
Home Insurance
Protect your house, its contents, and your liability with a policy priced across many Louisiana homeowners carriers.
Car Insurance
Cover every driver and vehicle in your household, and compare limits and deductibles side by side before you buy.
Flood Insurance
Standard home policies exclude flood. We write NFIP and private flood coverage for St. Tammany Parish properties.
Umbrella Insurance
Add a layer of liability above your home and auto limits, so one serious claim never reaches your savings.
Boat Insurance
Cover your hull, motor, trailer, and liability on the lake, the river, and the Gulf, wherever you launch.
Life Insurance
Replace your income for the people who depend on it, with term and permanent options we quote across carriers.
Business Insurance in Louisiana
Coverage for the business you built
Fifteen commercial lines, written for the payrolls, fleets, and buildings that Louisiana carriers ask hard questions about.
Contractors Insurance
General contractors, trade contractors and specialty crews. We cover the liability, tools, vehicles and workers your jobs depend on.
Business Owners (BOP)
One policy bundling property and liability for a small business. Straightforward cover for the building, the contents and the risk.
Professional Liability
Protection when your advice or professional work is challenged. A staple of any commercial package for a service business.
Commercial Property
Landlords and commercial real estate investors. We insure the building, the habitation risk and the income it produces.
Workers Compensation
Protecting your employees protects your business. Medical costs and lost wages covered when someone is hurt on the job.
Commercial Auto
Trucks, vans and fleets. We shop a wide range of commercial auto markets to match your vehicles and your drivers.
Business Insurance by Industry
We protect hundreds of businesses of all shapes and sizes
We know the exposures, the contract language, and the markets that write these trades on the Northshore.
General Contractors
Builders risk, general liability, and comp for homebuilders and remodelers working across St. Tammany Parish.
Plumber Insurance
Plumbers, electricians, roofers, and painters get liability, tools, and auto coverage that satisfies job requirements.
Restaurants
Property, liquor liability, spoilage, and comp for kitchens, bars, and cafés, including Louisiana association programs.
5-Star Rated by St. Tammany Clients
What Our Clients Say
Neighbours, business owners, and families across Covington and Slidell tell the story better than we can.
Insurance Tips & Local News
Insurance tips for Louisiana homes and businesses
Practical reading on flood zones, hurricane deductibles, and the coverage questions local business owners raise.
Request Your Free Insurance Quote
Tell us what you need covered
Send the form or call the office. A licensed agent in Covington or Slidell answers you directly.
614 E. Boston St., Covington, LA 70433. (985) 892-3101
58418 Tyler Drive, Slidell, LA 70461 · (985) 641-0520
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614 E. Boston St., Covington, LA 70433
58418 Tyler Drive, Slidell, LA 70461
