November 21, 2011 in Home Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Security Systems Can Create Big Savings on Homeowners Insurance

When a home does not automatically have an alarm system or a sprinkler system for fire protection, many homeowners wonder if it is really worth the expense to get one. Getting an alarm system installed is very important, not only for your safety, but it also helps homeowners get discounts on their homeowners insurance.

Alarm systems are reasonable to get, and many security companies throw in the system for free if you get a monthly monitoring package. An alarm system is a great deterrent against burglars stealing high-ticket items and precious family keepsakes. Home alarm systems can work whether you are in the home, such as at night, or away. Alarm systems can be hooked up to your home’s doors, windows, garage door, and even send text messages to your phone when an alarm system is deactivated. Many parents like this if their kids are at home and want to make sure they are secure.

With enough insurance for your valuables within the homeowners insurance policy, you will not have to come up with the money outright to replace them should a burglary, fire, or other catastrophe occur. Be sure to keep all documents from the alarm company in case your homeowner’s insurance company wants proof of the system being active in your residence. Insurance companies encourage alarm systems because this means your residence is less of a risk to them. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and sprinkler systems are also good to protect your family.

With your home now protected, give your homeowners insurance company a call to let them know you now have a system and review what coverage you have for your valuables. Think of any pricey valuables they might not have incorporated into the policy. Did you recently purchase a flat-screen TV, new computer, diamond ring, or renovate the kitchen with new, fancy appliances? All of these items should be covered adequately, so it does not hurt to review your coverage.

Another big area of savings is the deductible amounts you have for your homeowners insurance. With a security system and adequate insurance on your valuables, you might look at increasing your deductible. Research what is within your budget and comfort zone for a deductible, and then discuss your options with an experienced homeowners insurance agent.

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

October 19, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Uninsured Motorist Coverage an Optional but Important Part of a Florida Auto Insurance Policy

Auto accidents with uninsured motorists in Florida are a common occurrence. An estimated 24 percent of drivers do not have auto insurance, even though it is illegal, according to the Insurance Research Council. It can be a devastating turn of events if you do not have the optional uninsured motorist coverage on your policy and are involved in a serious accident with an uninsured driver.

“The mistake many people make is thinking that optional means unnecessary, and that is a costly mistake considering the high numbers of uninsured and underinsured drivers on the road,” said Lynne McChristian, Florida representative for the Insurance Information Institute. “You cannot gamble that the other driver’s insurance will be sufficient to take care of you if you are injured in a car crash, so bet on taking care of yourself.”

Coverage for an uninsured motorist helps protect drivers not only from uninsured drivers but drivers who do not have adequate insurance and hit-and-run drivers. When an at-fault driver does not have the insurance needed to cover auto damages or serious injury costs they inflicted on you, this can leave you scrambling to find a way to pay for all the repair and medical bills. Unless you have a successful lawsuit against the driver or enough savings to pay for these costs, adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy can give you peace of mind that you will not have to go through this.

The optional bodily injury liability part of your coverage is also a wise addition. Bodily injury liability coverage is for when you are legally liable for a collision and must pay for another driver’s or passenger’s injuries. This also comes in handy should you let others drive your car with permission and they cause an accident.

The minimum, required property damage liability (PDL) coverage of $10,000 and personal injury protection (PIP) of $10,000 can vanish very quickly in a serious accident. Even part-time or seasonal Florida residents must carry this coverage if they live in the state for more than 90 days and are encouraged to get the uninsured motorist and bodily injury added to their coverage. For drivers in the state, they should speak to a qualified Florida auto insurance agent to discuss their options and what deductibles they are comfortable with. Varying the deductible will modify the monthly auto insurance premium.

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

October 17, 2011 in Home Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Individuals Should Review Homeowners Insurance Coverage in the Event of Fallen Trees

When an area is ravaged by a powerful hurricane, some of the worst damage involves fallen trees. Earlier this summer, Hurricane Irene caused many trees to uproot and damaged homes, cars, and roadways up and down the Eastern U.S. coastline. The destruction reminds us that we need to be ready, no matter where you live, for the damage that a storm can cause.

Homeowners should be proactive about knowing what their homeowner’s insurance policy includes. Coverage for wind and debris should be researched before a storm happens so you have peace of mind of what steps will need to be taken if it causes damage.

“If a tree hits a home or other insured structure, such as a detached garage, standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for the damage the tree does to the structure and the contents within it,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president of the Insurance Information Institute (III).

Homeowners will need to file a claim with their insurance company and pay the deductible to receive compensation for the damage. Even if a tree did not come from your land but caused issues, you can get insurance to help with the cleanup and post-storm damage. Most insurance companies will want you to get a quote from a licensed, insured, and experienced tree trimming company before cleanup can begin. Tree cleanup can be an extensive process of cutting big pieces of it to prevent more damage to an area, hauling, and many workers to expedite the labor.

Most homeowners insurance policies will cover for damage that a tree has caused to a home, detached building, or patio structure. Damage to a vehicle from a tree is covered under optional, comprehensive auto insurance policies. Coverage is not likely for trees that simply fall on the grassy property, unless it is blocking a driveway or special walkway for a disabled individual.

It is also important to know about trees or branches that could fall from your property and onto a neighbor’s property, and vice versa. “In some situations where the felled tree was located on a neighbor’s property, the policyholder’s insurance company may try to collect from the neighbor’s insurance company in a process called subrogation,” said Salvatore. “This sometimes occurs if the tree was in poor health or not properly maintained. If the insurer is successful, you may be reimbursed for the deductible.”

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

October 3, 2011 in Home Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

As Late Summer Approaches, Make Sure Your Hurricane Deductible is Affordable

Orlando, Fla. – With the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean waters heating up dramatically, the 2011 hurricane season is now fully underway. Many homeowners should take the time to review their insurer’s hurricane policy even if they are not in an evacuation zone. Homeowners need to look at their hurricane deductible to make sure that the deductible amount is still affordable. Normal home insurance deductibles are a flat amount, whereas hurricane deductibles are a percentage.

“Before a disaster strikes is the time to research your policy, update your home inventory, and review your plan with the family should a bad storm pass over the area,” said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group.

Homeowners should also know what their policy covers for wind, water, and flood damage. Wind damage is covered in standard policies, and some water damage is covered. Flood insurance, which is separate, is needed for rising waters, water that could come through a home’s foundation, and even backed-up sewers. Otherwise, without flood insurance a homeowner could be liable for the damage out of their financial reserves.

“The good news is that if you are not in a flood zone, you can get flood insurance for super affordable rates,” said Rogers. “Homeowners need to call us before a named storm enters nearby waters to modify their policy. We cannot change coverage when a storm is approaching.”

Hurricane policies should also include monies for needing to replace property, make alternate living arrangements, and get much-needed repairs after a serious storm. In Orlando, the Florida Insurance Group has helped homeowners for more than 20 years get a policy that gives them peace of mind. They shop more than 20 Orlando home insurance companies to make sure their clients get the best policy for their money. To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

September 28, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Serious Auto Accidents a Reminder for Drivers to Review Their Auto Insurance

Orlando, Fla. – The recent Orlando headlines are filled with auto accidents. One driver under the influence of prescription pills crashed her car. Another accident closed State Road 415 outside of Sanford. And five people were injured in a two vehicle crash off Colonial Drive. With more than 1.5 million residents and countless tourists, Orlando area drivers need to protect themselves and their assets with adequate car insurance.

“Many people think a bad car accident will never happen to them,” said Lee Rogers from Florida Insurance Group. “It is too late to get better insurance after an accident occurs.”

Drivers are urged to be proactive to ensure that their auto insurance has ample coverage for all the important factors that need to be addressed before an accident. First, with bodily injury, drivers need to consider what could happen to themselves and their passengers in a serious car accident. Medical treatment, prescriptions, and therapies sometimes need to be used for weeks and months for a person to heal. Without adequate coverage, an individual would have to pay the bill out of their savings.

“This coverage is important too because it will cover legal and court expenses if you were the one to cause the accident and be sued,” said Rogers. “The amount your protect yourself with is per person and accident.”

Uninsured motorist coverage is also critical to get when the other driver does not have sufficient or any insurance. Usually a driver will get the same coverage limits as the bodily injury amount. The coverage pays for injuries and associated costs. In Florida, uninsured motorists make up to 24 percent of all drivers on the road, so this is a reality a driver must address before it is too late.

“Drivers should get these basics in their policies and also go over what is the right deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage for their budget,” said Rogers. “We will go over every step to make sure you feel comfortable about your auto insurance.”

The Florida Insurance Group provides Orlando auto insurance at great values. They assist drivers to make smart insurance decisions and have access to more than 40 insurance companies to make sure auto insurance quotes are competitive. To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

September 26, 2011 in Home Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Be Savvy of All the Aspects Included in a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

Many homeowners are overwhelmed by all the parts of a homeowner’s insurance policy. There are so many options and it can be confusing to ultimately decide what is best for your family. The most critical factor of home insurance is having enough insurance to cover the cost of rebuilding your home. Oftentimes, there is a big difference in what your mortgage lender mandates and what you would truly need to rebuild it from the ground up. It is also important to know that building codes could change during the lifetime of your home and rebuilding would have to include these new guidelines. New building codes could drive up the cost of rebuilding too.

Currently, building material costs are up, so you want to make sure that the replacement coverage would account for rebuilding your home, detached structures like sheds, custom kitchens or bathrooms, fireplaces, and other special improvements. Standard policies cover damage from fires, theft, and lightning, but do not cover for flood damage or lack of maintenance.

The next part of your homeowner’s insurance policy to review is personal possessions. If a disaster were to occur, are you currently insuring for the true amount it would take to replace your possessions? Start by doing a home inventory and list out all the items you would need to replace. Many people find it helpful to go room by room and take photos along the way too. You can insure your items for their replacement cost or actual cash value. Replacement cost covers the cost it would take to buy the item and does not subtract for depreciation. Actual cash value only takes care of what the item’s value is on the actual day of replacement, subtracting for depreciation.

Expensive possessions such as jewelry, art, and electronics merit their own policies as the standard homeowner’s coverage can limit the amount paid out in the event of theft or a disaster. Floater or endorsement policies can help you insure these items to cover what they are actually worth.

The third facet to your homeowner’s policy is the compensation for living expenses should you not be able to live in your home after a catastrophe. Hotel bills, meals, and other expenses can be covered up to a policy’s limits while your home is undergoing repairs or rebuilding. This is also known as loss of use coverage.

It is also important to consider the liability part of your policy. This will cover you and your family in the event that another person is harmed on your property and sues you. This covers court costs and damages you would be ordered to pay up to the policy limits.

In Orlando, the Florida Insurance Group assists homeowners to fully understand their home insurance policy and have peace of mind that it will be there for them should a disaster occur. They are experts at finding the Orlando home insurance company that is the perfect fit for your budget and needs. On the phone and online, they have assisted clients for more than 20 years to get the highest quality insurance at the best value.

For more information:
1-888-525-2210
www.floridainsurance.com

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

September 23, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Call a Qualified Auto Insurance Agent When Adding a Car to Your Household

Buying a new or used vehicle for a member of your household can be an exciting time. Whether the auto is for your spouse or a new teen driver, it is a liberating feeling that the family will not have to drive the other person around town anymore. When a new vehicle is added, it is crucial to remember to update your car insurance. Auto insurance does not automatically cover another vehicle, so it is advised to call an insurance agent promptly.

If an individual has an opportunity to call their insurance agent before purchasing the vehicle, it can save them some serious cash. The vehicle model, make, safety features, and the person primarily driving the car all influence the monthly premium. Features such as automatic seatbelts, anti-lock brakes, air bags, and car alarms can equal big savings. Some auto insurers also offer good student and good driver discounts, so be sure to ask your agent about all the ways to cut down the monthly premium. So if you are deciding between two to three different autos, an insurance agent will advise you of which one is going to save you the most money.

Auto insurance “…protects your financial future,” said Zeid Nasser from The College Driver. “People often think of their immediate finances, but a lawsuit from a serious accident will follow you and ruin your financial future. Another thought is that having the right coverage will protect you and your family from medical disasters.”

Adding a car to your insurance through your current insurance agent can save you money overall. Many insurance companies will give discounts to people who have more than one vehicle in their policy. This also saves a lot of the hassle of new paperwork, coverage amounts, and multiple agents. Many drivers elect to have the same amounts for collision and comprehensive insurance, bodily injury, and uninsured motorist coverage.

Take 10 minutes out of your busy day and call a qualified auto insurance company to review your current policy and ensure that the coverage for your new vehicle is adequate. The agent will let you know of any auto insurance policy changes or better coverage for your money. They will also give you options with different insurance carriers and will guide you through getting new auto insurance cards.

In Central Florida, the Florida Insurance Group has helped many individuals and families get the best Orlando auto insurance quote for their new vehicle. They have access to 40 insurance companies to find the best coverage for your money. They have more than 20 years of working with clients online and over the phone to find the best policies.

For more information:
1-888-525-2210
www.floridainsurance.com

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

March 1, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Car Gap Insurance Can Bring Big Savings Advises Florida Insurance

Realizing that one’s car has been stolen or is a total loss following a collision can be devastating on its own.

“What can be even more disheartening is when it is learned that more is owed to the lender on the vehicle than what insurance will provide as reimbursement,” said Lee Rogers of Florida Insurance in Orlando. “There is where car gap insurance can come in handy.”

What is Car Gap Insurance?

Car gap insurance is one of the many “extras” in automobile insurance that is not required by the state. As the name implies, cap gap insurance covers the difference between what standard insurance will pay when an automobile is lost or damaged beyond repair, and what is owed to the lender.

This type of insurance coverage is typically most beneficial for those leasing vehicles, those who have put down a low down payment when buying a car and for those with vehicles that have particularly high depreciation rates.

Here’s a hypothetical situation for how car gap insurance would come in handy. Say a new car is purchased for $30,000 and then 12 months later is totaled in an accident. Due to depreciation, traditional insurance says the vehicle is only worth $23,000. Depending what the down payment was, the purchaser could find themselves on the hook for several thousand dollars unless they have car gap insurance.

“Depreciation of a new vehicle is particularly important to keep in mind when considering insurance coverage,” Rogers said. “Most new vehicles lose up to 20 percent of their value 12 months after being driven off the lot.”

It is always better to purchase gap insurance sooner than later, but many car insurance companies allow policyholders to purchase gap coverage in the months following the purchase of a new vehicle.

There can be a cap on the amount of coverage that insurance companies will pay out in gap coverage.

The cost of gap coverage depends on the particular insurance provider but some calculate it as a single-digit percentage of a given premium.

Car gap insurance cannot only bring peace of a mind to a policy-holder but it can save thousands in out-of-pocket costs should a vehicle be totaled or stolen.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

February 28, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

An Explanation of Collision and Comprehensive Auto Coverage

Although not required by the state of Florida, collision and comprehensive insurance are two very important types of auto insurance coverage.

Let’s take a look at each one.

Collision insurance protects drivers from accidents involving other vehicles and objects. It provides protection by covering the cost of repairs to the vehicle or, if the vehicle is totaled, its replacement.

Comprehensive insurance coverage, however, covers virtually everything else beyond a collision up to the limits of the policy. This could be theft, vandalism, a tree limb falling on the vehicle or weather damage. It usually does not cover things such as tires, vehicle contents or acts of God.

Collision and comprehensive insurance can be purchased separately but are often purchased together. They often require a deductible. This means that the benefits of the coverage will not kick in until the policyholder has contributed a certain portion of his or her own money toward a claim. Deductibles can run the gamut, but often start at $500 and increase from there.

When choosing an auto insurance policy, it is important to note that a higher deductible will carry a smaller premium and vice versa.

The coverage amount provided by comprehensive and collision can differ depending on which policy is chosen. A coverage limit is the maximum amount a policy provider will pay toward the cost of repairs. A common limit chosen is $100,000.

As mentioned, comprehensive and collision are not required in the state of Florida. What is? Motorists are mandated to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) coverage only. The limits set for both PIP and PDL are a minimum of $10,000 each.

Yet those requirements do not offer the protection that collision and comprehensive provide. Many financial lenders will require collision and comprehensive on a vehicle.

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of carrying collision and comprehensive auto insurance. For most drivers, it is a wise and prudent investment that can provide peace of mind and save thousands of dollars should an incident occur. But if the vehicle is old and has a value of only a couple of thousand dollars, it ordinarily is not worth the added expense.

It is important to speak with an insurance agent about the different options available.

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

February 28, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Consumers Can Protect Themselves from the Top Five Homeowner Insurance Claims in Orlando

Orlando, Fla. – The top five homeowner’s insurance claims in Orlando are due to wind, water damage, theft, physical damage and lightning. These total between $2,600 and $64,000 per claim. It is crucial to evaluate the proper coverage amounts and the company a homeowner chooses to insure their most valuable asset, their home.

When shopping for home insurance, owners will want to look not only for affordable prices, but also companies that provide excellent customer service. Agents should be available when you need them most. Natural disasters and accidents, unfortunately, do not always occur during regular business hours. A good agent will be understanding and helpful when a family loses their home and all of their posessions in the middle of the night.

It is better to call a home insurance agent as soon as possible, especially for those who live in Florida. Agents cannot sell insurance when a hurricane is near the state, so homeowners must have policies in place beforehand to protect them from damage related to the storm.

If an owner already has a current home policy, compare those coverages and what they provide should one of the most frequent claims happen in their home. Call an Orlando home insurance agent to see how to get better coverage. If an owner already has a wind mitigation inspection filled out, this will equal cost and time savings when shopping around.

It is just as important to pick a company that has the financial backing and stability to service customers year after year, no matter what storm or calamity might come through the Orlando area. It is very important to look at their reinsurance. Reinsurance is insurance for insurance companies and shows how they would be able to pay claims should multiple hurricanes occur.

“We have been in business for more than 20 years in Orlando and know it is a good idea to review your policy to ensure it is up-to-date for what is happening in the area,” said Lee Rogers of www.floridainsurance.com. “It only takes a few minutes to see what opportunities there are to get more adequate coverage and save you money.”

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com