The chiropractors and other service providers were granted a temporary injunction by Judge Terry Lewis of the Second Circuit Court, located in Leon County. The injunction would have blocked the law temporarily, but the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation filed a notice of appeal, which has the effect of staying the injunction until the First District Court of Appeal makes a ruling.

Judge Lewis ruled against a provision of the new law that set a $2,500 limit for covered medical care if the injured party is not in an emergency medical situation. This is in contrast to the usual no-fault limit of $10,000. The law also put in place a 14-day deadline to seek treatment after a crash. Judge Lewis said that the law violates people’s rights under the Florida Constitution to have access to the courts and seek redress for their injuries.

HB 119 was a priority for Gov. Rick Scott, who supported the bill. The Governor’s office released a statement saying that the reform was intended to lower the high cost of auto insurance.

The service providers had earlier requested a temporary injunction in federal court, but were denied.

The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (CAIF) expressed disappointment in the court’s ruling. The group said that the purpose of the new law was to prevent fraudulent billing from service providers, which cause premiums to rise. Insurance fraud had increased in recent years, with a number of staged accidents in the Tampa and Miami areas.

Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, said that he is disappointed that PIP reform has not yet resulted in savings on insurance rates, but a CAIF spokesperson said that lower rates would come in future years, and only if the reform is upheld by the courts.

No-fault coverage has been in place in Florida since 1972. A driver’s insurer required to pay medical expenses up to $10,000 regardless of who is at fault.

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 http://www.floridainsurance.com

Senate Bill 1770, sponsored by Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, is a large insurance reform effort, containing many changes that the insurance industry has long advocated for. However, critics say that if the bill becomes law, property insurance policy holders will see their rates go up. The bill targets the government-run Citizens, but may also cause rate increases.

Sen. Simmons said that the bill would reduce the high level of risk the state faces in the event of a major hurricane and would also reduce reliance on state-run insurance. Some Senators from coastal areas said that the bill would result in unmanageable rate increases for homeowners’ insurance. Consumer advocates criticized the lawmaking process, saying that public comment had been limited.

The bill would make the following changes in current law:

The rates charged by Citizens would be required to be actuarially sound, to not compete with private insurers and to carry an appropriate risk load. These measures could cause rate increases for customers of Citizens, who currently have a cap of 10 percent for increases in their rates.

When insurance companies purchase reinsurance to cover a potential hurricane, they would be permitted to charge higher rates. This means that customers of Citizens may be charged an additional 3 percent per year, though the assessment they would face after a major hurricane would also be lower.

Some of Citizens’ $6 billion surplus could be lent to private companies that would take over some of its policies, a move that would reduce the insurer’s resources and could result in higher rates for Citizens customers that remain.

For new policyholders at Citizens, as well as existing policies for second homes and homes worth more than $300,000, Citizens will be required to charge rates higher than those charged by the top 20 private
insurers.

When it comes time for renewal, Citizens policyholders will lose their coverage if a private insurance company offers a policy that can be up to 15 percent pricier than Citizens.

The bill has cleared the Banking and Insurance Committee and the Government Operations subcommittee. It must clear the Appropriations Committee before it faces a full floor vote in the Senate. If the bill passes both the Senate and the House, it will go to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature.

Learn more about Florida home insurance by visiting FloridaInsurance.com.

“A holiday gift with monetary value needs to be added to the insurance policy in case of a catastrophic event,” said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. “People often overlook the valuables they bring into the home.”

That means new jewelry, new electronics or artwork all need to be catalogued and added to the insurance policy. Rogers recommends keeping the receipts for newly purchased items to help keep track of the values. He also suggests adding heirloom items that grandma may have given out as everyone gathered at her house during the holidays.

“If grandma gave you grandpa’s cufflinks or a valuable old watch, those things can be significant and you will want to add them to the policy,” Rogers said. “Sometimes it doesn’t seem like much, but added together heirloom jewelry and artwork can have tangible value.”

A wider variety of catastrophes can threaten the electronics in the home. A fire or flood can create havoc, but an electrical storm can do major damage, too. “High-end electronics often get overlooked when updating insurance policies,” Rogers said. “People put a projector up in the ceiling that drops down to create a movie theatre in the family’s ‘man cave.’ Those are cool to have, but it is smart to get it insured, too.”

It is important to remember to adjust the policy as soon as the gifts are brought home to make sure coverage is sufficient, Rogers said.

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

Sometimes public radio stations will offer a pick up service and allow supporters to donate a car or boat as a donation to the station. Groups like Boat Angel allow you to make tax deductions by giving them your boat of any size or make. Many of these donations happen at the end of the year so that the donation counts toward that year’s income tax cycle.

It is important to remember to change your insurance policy after the donation. If someone gives away an old car or an old boat, the insurance company can adjust the policy so that the old vehicle is no longer being covered.

“Donating an old car or vehicle is good for you twice,” said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. “You get the tax deduction from the donation and you most likely will get a reduction in your insurance policy, too.”

In many cases, the boats, personal watercraft and cars are disassembled for parts, but in some cases, the vehicles are rehabilitated and sold.

“You want to get the car or boat off of your insurance policy as soon as possible after the transaction not only because it will likely save you money, but also because it removes you from being liable for the vehicle,” Rogers said.

The policy can be altered on the same day as the donation if possible, he said.

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

It is widely speculated that fraud rings exist in Florida that stage accidents to take advantage of the state’s no-fault insurance system that requires drivers to carry $10,000 in personal injury protection.

Florida is No. 1 in the country in questionable claims linked to staged accidents, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reports that auto insurance fraud costs small businesses and consumers about $1 billion annually. Insurance fraud and the resultant high rates can be especially tough on small businesses that have fleet vehicles and multiple drivers.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce has taken up the issue as an important part of the group’s lobbying efforts for 2012. The Tallahassee Democrat reports that the Chamber has a history of pushing for and getting needed insurance reforms. About 10 years ago, the Chamber’s advocacy efforts helped secure legislative changes to the workers’ compensation insurance rules.

The challenge for the governor and the legislature is to cut down on the fraud without a complete overhaul of the system. Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system was started in 1972, according to Florida Today. It came to be as a way to combat frivolous lawsuits and help people pay their medical bills more quickly after an accident.

Someone legitimately injured in an automobile accident would go through the $10,000 in personal injury protection quickly with only a ride in the ambulance and a trip to the emergency room. Reform advocates claim that lightly injured wreck victims are used by fraud agents to take the $10,000 from the insurance company and sometimes the wreck victims even get a cut of the cash.

State Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater has been blunt about what he sees going on in Florida. “Honest consumers are footing the bill for fake procedures at fake clinics,” he said in Florida Today.

The business reform advocates want to see a few significant changes to the law. They hope to give insurance companies more time than the current 30 days to investigate claims they suspect might be fraud. They want to cap lawyer’s fees and they want insurance companies to be able to inspect the medical clinics some think are committing the fraud.

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.

About 4,000 families complained to the Consumer Product Safety Commission that bad drywall was causing nosebleeds and respiratory ailments. More than half of those families were in Florida.

Researchers testified to a Senate panel that the toxic chemicals released by the drywall are not high enough to show a link to the health issues.

The CPSC’s findings do not yet support making the agency call for a recall of the drywall because of health risks, according to The Tallahassee Democrat.

“We’re not suggesting that (those effects) don’t exist,” said Neal Cohen, with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “We’re suggesting that we have not been able to explain them with the low level of emissions we were able to (detect) in the home.”

Cohen was speaking to members of a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation subcommittee last December. “Unfortunately, the results of our studies have not permitted us to make health or safety findings that would enable us to compel the manufacturer to recall this product,” he said.

The National Center for Environmental Health at the Centers for Disease Control had a similar message for Senate committee members. That agency is doing more testing and expects new results in the spring.

Some homeowners claim that the drywall in their homes has made them sick. Drywall manufacturers have disputed those claims, but since drywall is rarely labeled, it is difficult to say with any authority exactly where specific drywall came from in any given house. Just because a subcontractor said American drywall was used doesn’t necessarily mean that the drywall in the home is American, according to CBS News.

The Chinese government owns many of the drywall manufacturers that the CPSC is trying to investigate. CPSC researchers even tried to tour a Chinese plant to try and understand what goes into imported drywall, but they were turned away at the mines during the inspection, according to Propublica.

Cohen told the Senators at the hearing that the answer from China so far has been unhelpful. “To date there has been no response from the Chinese manufacturers,” Cohen said at the hearing. “They are basically telling us, ‘return to sender’ and that they don’t believe there is a problem with their drywall.”

Many of the Florida homes that have been affected are ones built after the 2005 hurricane season.

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.

With pressure mounting on automakers, they are starting to include more state-of-the-art safety features. Some are still optional upgrades, but advocates hope many of these features become standard. Items such as backup cameras and electronic stability control can help drivers prevent accidents. New lane-keeping systems are being developed to trigger a steering wheel to vibrate if a driver has drifted outside a lane. And for those who get too tempted to use their phone while driving, some automakers are offering a feature that blocks phone calls through the vehicle’s phone system – this is a “Do Not Disturb” feature for the modern era.

“Safety features are getting better and more intelligent as auto technology progresses,” said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. “They also help cut down your auto insurance costs, so it benefits you in many ways.”

Parents will like to hear that automakers are including features that prevent speeds of more than 65 miles per hour and a control that keeps the sound system low until the front seat occupants put on their seatbelt.

To learn more about Orlando auto insurance and the Florida Insurance Group, call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

“The Florida Legislature and the campaign are going to focus their solutions on how to curb fraud and rein in insurance costs in the next year,” said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group.

Claims from Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Hialeah had the most questionable accidents statewide. State legislators want to focus their efforts in these big cities to see how improvements can be made. Governor Rick Scott is zoning in on preventing fraud, limiting auto accident lawsuits, and reforming auto-medical clinics and accountability. These issues are costing taxpayers close to $1 billion a year.

Floridians pay more than 50 percent higher rates on auto insurance than other states’ residents. Concerned individuals want to find out how other states with personal injury protection and no-fault laws have been able to keep fraud and premiums in check.

“Each year it is good to review your auto insurance premiums to make sure they have all the protection you want and need,” said Rogers. “This is a time when we can shop your policy around to see if there is a more competitive rate.”

To learn more about the Florida Insurance Group, call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

Rental properties can be a great investment if they are in high-demand areas and a person does thorough research to ensure they are getting a good deal. Nationwide, there is demand for renting as many people either have to walk away from their home or cannot qualify to take advantage of the buyer’s market in real estate. Average monthly rent is up 2.5 percent from a year earlier and is an average of $846 a month.

Financial and real estate advisers recommend that you research the ability to get 1.25 percent of the purchase price for rental income each year. Sometimes you can research what going rents are in an area by checking out Craigslist or websites like Finest Expert. It is also recommended to drive around the neighborhood to see how many for rent signs are up and if the area is burdened with a lot of short sales or foreclosures. These can be signs that the area might not be able to help you attract a renter in a timely manner.

Individuals interested in investment properties have to be prepared for all the responsibilities of a rental property. Build a cushion of at least three months reserves to find a renter and account for any repairs. You need to also set aside monies for taxes and insurance. As you become a landlord, it is critical that you call your Florida home insurance agent to review the costs of this type of property. Non-owner occupied properties are classified as riskier to insure, so it will cost you more than the standard homeowner’s insurance policy. It is important to make sure the insurance is in the same name as the property title, so double check if you bought the property as an LLC or as an individual.

You will want to review property insurance, liability coverage, and any flood or hurricane policies that can be relevant in your area of Florida. It is more important to get the best coverage possible than being cheap and having surprises later on with your homeowner’s insurance.

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.

The FHFA estimates that it could help 1.8 million homeowners with the revised version of HARP, which has been extended to run through the end of 2013. Lenders can vary how quickly they adopt the changes and the revised HARP program guidelines.

“This new phase of the Home Affordable Refinance Program will help reach more borrowers with negative equity so they can refinance into new Freddie Mac mortgages at today’s historically low-rates,” said Freddie Mac’s CEO Charles Haldeman, Jr. “These changes mark another step on the road to recovery for the nation’s housing market and…in making affordable mortgage financing available to America’s homeowners and future homebuyers.”

The revised HARP removes the 125 percent loan-to-value cap and the need for a new property appraisal as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have automated valuation systems to estimate most property values. It also reduces fees for borrowers who refinance with shorter-term 20 year or 15 year mortgages. Borrowers have to be current on their mortgage and have no late payments in the last six months. The original mortgages must have gone through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac before May 31, 2009 to be eligible. Lenders will also have particular liabilities on the original loans waived when a refinance goes through HARP.

Borrowers should check in with their Orlando home insurance agent to see how a refinance can affect their home’s value and reduce any homeowner’s insurance premium. Homeowners can get guidance on their premiums by reviewing what the current costs are to rebuild the home should a catastrophic incident occur. An insurance agent can show you options to lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums with different deductibles, coverage, and updated home values.

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.

A friend can borrow your vehicle if you give them permission to do so. But it is important to know that insurance claims can get a bit tricky if your teen, for example, let a friend drive the vehicle and had an accident. Should an accident occur, your insurance will kick in first; only when damages exceed your policy will the other driver’s coverage kick in.

Most insurance companies understand borrowing a car for a day or one-time occasions; otherwise, you could be in the gray area where an insurer might not cover a claim that the unlisted driver caused. You do not want to be accused of misrepresentation by an auto insurance company. It is better to name all the drivers that could be driving the vehicle, even if it is only 50 percent or less of the time. Misrepresentation, therefore, could cost you even more than adding another driver to your vehicle insurance policy.

An auto insurance company will review the other drivers’ driving record, other insured vehicle, and frequency of driving your vehicle. Auto insurance premiums can often be cut down when everyone in a family is with the same insurer. This is also a good time to review deductibles based on how secure you feel with the other drivers using your vehicle. If they are relatively safe drivers and conscientious about taking care of your automobile, then you might look at increasing the deductible. This can save you money on the premium, but you want to make sure that it does not wipe out your savings should something happen to the vehicle.

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.

“Bad rain storms cause so many accidents,” said Orlando auto insurance agent Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. “Areas that are prone to flooding can total a car when the rising floodwaters take over the vehicle.”

In flood-prone parts of Orlando, it can be hard to know if debris or other issues lie underneath feet of water. Drivers should slow down, tune in to local radio stations for alerts, and think about if they really need to be out in traffic.

“It is also about being proactive if you have to go out in a rainstorm,” said Rogers. “Do you have an emergency kit in the car, is your cell phone charged, and do you have enough gas should it take you a lot longer to get to your destination?”

Part of this entails making sure that a driver’s Orlando auto insurance is sufficient should something happen to the vehicle. Rogers advises that drivers know how their policies would take care of the car being totaled, or if they were in an accident.

“It’s too late when you are driving through a flooded area to change your policy,” Rogers warned. “Call us ahead of time to review your collision and comprehensive coverage so you have peace of mind no matter the driving conditions.”

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

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.

“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.

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.

“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.

“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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Ask an Orlando renters insurance expert what coverage and discounts are available today. Renter’s policies give peace of mind that should valuables and possessions be damaged, for only $10 to $20 a month, you would be able to replace these items. Most renters do not think their stuff adds up to a lot of value, but think if all your worldly possessions were gone – renter’s insurance would ease the pain of replacing all the furniture, electronics, clothing, and many other things that made life easier.

Three to five components make up most renters policies. Personal property covers household items damaged due to fire, theft, or other loss. Personal liability protection pays for bodily injury or property damage caused to others because of a covered incident. Guest medical protection pays for medical fees that guests could incur who are accidentally injured on your property. Worker’s comp coverage pays for medical fees that personal helpers, such as nannies, maids, and gardeners, could incur as they are injured on the job. And additional personal property such as art, jewelry, antiques, and other valuables can be protected against theft and fire, as well.

Just like other policies, renters are eligible for discounts if they are in certain apartment or home communities. An experienced Florida insurance company will help you find the best policy with the best coverage for your money and offer you support for the months and years to come.

Discounts that can help the monthly fees include reductions when the apartment is located in a gated community, has a smoke alarm or security system, and when higher deductibles are chosen. Be sure to choose replacement versus actual value as the replacement value covers the cost of replacing belongings at current prices. And be aware of the policy’s limits. If you have diamond earrings and a policy caps reimbursements at $1,400, buy extra coverage for these and other big-ticket valuables to truly protect their value should an incident occur.

A good insurance agent will help you define your priorities, whether you are going to college and renting an apartment or settling into your first rental condo and want to make sure you’re being wise with your possessions.

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.

Some insurance providers make this feature built into their policies whereas other companies offer it as an add-on endorsement. Drivers can expect 10 to 20 percent higher rates for collision forgiveness policies, but it does protect them from increases should an accident occur.

You will want to know how your provider will protect you when an accident happens, as some companies have only partial, not total, forgiveness policies.

Total forgiveness policies will charge no increase in auto insurance premiums for the first accident. Insurance companies reserve these types of policies for drivers who have never caused an accident and have no traffic violations or tickets on their record. Because these drivers seem a low risk of filing future claims, many insurers are marketing this policy to attract this driver profile.

Partial forgiveness policies will only slightly raise premiums, but not drastically compared to drivers not using the protection at all. And if a driver is used to discounts given for safe driving records and involved in accident, they could lose these savings.

An insurance company might forgive a driver, but come renewal time, they could spike their rates or not renew the policy. And when the driver goes to find a new company, they could realize that they must inform them about the incident as the company will be sure to find it on the driver’s record. The new insurer will charge that driver higher rates and most likely not offer accident forgiveness.

It pays to go over your options with an experienced agent so you know how your driving habits will fit with an insurance provider. Getting accident forgiveness for a few more dollars per month could save you a lot of money after your first accident.

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.

When a loss occurs, the provider will pay the replacement cost up to the selected coverage amount. Consumers need the personal assistance of an insurance agent to help them navigate the adequate riders and policies to insure each object. So thank your relatives, but be sure to have a written appraisal or detailed receipt to record the object’s authenticity and estimated value.

Most policies do have a limit and whether the item is lost, stolen, or destroyed you will have protection. Deductibles are very low and fall within the homeowner’s policy. For example, a $250,000 homeowner’s policy will insure for as much as $125,000. Specific items such as flatware, firearms, coins, stamps, and furs tend to have maximums of $1,500 to $2,500 in the event of damage or theft. Policies are also categorized between what is kept at home versus in a vault.

As for computers and electronic items, seek out adequate replacement value coverage to be able to replace your current item with a new one, not just actual cash value insurance. Some insurers also provide floater policies for individual, higher dollar items.

Many big insurance companies will not cover items over $200,000, so you will want to seek out providers that have special services and compensation for appreciation or loss in value. Many individuals are looking to put their money in hard assets that will appreciate, so if you inherit or purchase a big-ticket item, it is worth looking into these types of policies.

“It is very practical to ensure all the things that you use in your daily life that are highly valued,” said Lee Rogers, of www.floridainsurance.com. “Every year you should review your coverage with a trained agent to be sure you are adequately protecting your investments.”

It is best to take pictures or video of your collection and any unique markings that help authenticate the piece. “Florida Insurance recommends that you keep a simple inventory of your collectibles and email it to yourself so you can access it from any computer,” Rogers said.

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.

Many homeowners need to take a look at their policies when they decide to rent out their home. A homeowner’s policy must be converted to a landlord policy to cover the basic damage that could happen with renters. Separately, tenants should get renter’s insurance to safeguard personal belongings.

It is best to speak with a knowledgeable Orlando home insurance agent about the coverage choices that are available. Deductibles will most likely be modified and coverage limits will come into play too. Landlord policies can cover just one home, or if more investment real estate is purchased, policies can be created for insuring two or more condos, homes, or duplexes.

“The biggest factor you’ll want to consider is what you want your policy to do for you should a claim happen,” said Lee Rogers of www.floridainsurance.com.

Landlords can choose from named peril policies that will cover specific, major losses such as fire, explosion, or wind. Or a comprehensive policy can cover all types of accidental losses, unless excluded from the policy. Optional coverage can also compensate for liability, detached structures, theft, loss of rent, personal property, vandalism, and malicious mischief.

“And when it comes to settling a claim, you’ll want to know ahead of time how you will receive the monies to take care of any issue,” Rogers said.

An actual cash settlement will pay for the current value of the property, which equals the replacement cost minus depreciation costs. This type of policy will have lower premiums but could also leave a landlord paying some money out of pocket. Conversely, the replacement cost method pays the amount needed to replace the property with a new one of like kind and quality. This type will have higher premiums, but gives better peace of mind that a landlord will receive adequate monies when a claim is made. Both are subject to deductibles and coverage limits.

“Some companies offer big discounts for higher deductibles, and a landlord can qualify for other discounts depending on how the home is built,” Rogers stated. “It is smart to find an agent that will review your policy every year, as changes can happen when a landlord makes improvements or changes happen in the housing market.”

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

First, when a home is sold, depending on what property is bought or rented next can make a big difference. As a consumer, you will want to find an agent that can go over the premium differences in square footage, location, construction style and age of the property, and what personal property will be transferred to the new residence.

Then, when retiring, consumers can save on auto insurance since without the daily commute to work, an individual is reclassified as less of a liability. When someone is at home more of the day, it also presents less risk and thus home insurance policies can come down too.

“Every year it’s good to check in with you agent to ensure that your deductibles are adequate and your premium is affordable,” said Lee Rogers of www.floridainsurance.com, who specializes in Orlando home and automobile insurance. “We’ll also inquire about any life events that can lessen your payments.”

And when kids go to college without taking a car, be sure to remove them from an umbrella policy or parents will be paying for something that’s not being used. This can save a policyholder quite a bit of money since teenage drivers and their vehicles are more of a risk.

“We’ve been in business for more than 18 years and know people are busy with their careers and lives,” said Rogers. “It takes only a few minutes to review your status and see what opportunities there are to save you money.”

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

Orlando, Fla. – Major travel publishers have announced their top cities to travel to in 2011. When traveling, drivers will want to make sure they have reviewed their automobile insurance before they visit these top cities.

Liability coverage protects a driver if they are held responsible for an accident that causes injury or loss to others. Florida law mandates personal injury protection, so this type of coverage and an additional $10,000 of property damage is a must should a driver cause an accident.

Medical coverage pays hospital and medical bills for the driver and any passengers in the vehicle. Uninsured motorist coverage is also encouraged and, lastly, collision/comprehensive coverage pays for the vehicle damage due to accident, theft, vandalism or fire.

“Drivers should enjoy these great cities and landscapes that the U.S. has to offer, and review their automobile insurance before they go,” said Lee Rogers of www.floridainsurance.com. “It is best to purchase more insurance than required to properly insure your family, assets, and future earnings.”

The top 2011 cities include the day drive of Atlanta and Savannah, and go further west to New Orleans and Austin. Frommers and Lonely Planet staffs also agree that weeklong drives are a great way to see the U.S. and recommend Southern Utah with the breathtaking Bryce Canyon and Zion Parks as a natural wonder with dazzling rock formations and scenic views. Denver, the Grand Canyon, Northern California and Palm Springs round out the top western-U.S. picks. New York City takes the number one spot by both publishers. This year is the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and the September 11 Memorial is scheduled to open with lots of crowds and dedications. And the High Line, a former abandoned railway track, is now a popular park and will debut this spring.

Floridainsurance.com has helped travelers and drivers for more than 20 years. Their online quoting system is a fast and easy way to ensure drivers have the coverage needed for a fun excursion in the future.

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

The wisest thing a homeowner can do is to make sure they have the adequate insurance for their big investment, and www.floridainsurance.com can search more than a dozen providers to seek out the best premiums and coverage.

“We’ll make sure you are aware of what benefits the providers specialize in,” said Lee Rogers of Florida Insurance. “Our clients deserve peace of mind that they are getting the best coverage and never doubt their insurance.”

Homeowners will want to spend time knowing what is required by updated laws for their homeowner’s policy, and what calamities they should prepare for, too. With property insurance, a replacement cost calculator will analyze square footage and other variables to arrive at an annual premium. A separate policy should be obtained to cover personal property for the replacement value of furniture, electronics, and other valuables. Of special note is the additional living expenses covered, should the home need to be evacuated or becomes a total loss. The liability section should be looked at to confirm it has the protection your family deserves and accounts for legal defense fees should someone ever have a lawsuit based on your property.

An agent should be able to walk their client through what is the most appropriate deductible. “You’ll want to be able to afford the deductible, so be sure that the amount is reasonable for your income,” said Rogers, whose company has been in business for more than 18 years.

A licensed Orlando home insurance agent will find a policy that treats its clients the best, as every company will analyze the risk of past records on the property address and also current assets to mitigate their exposure to defaults and claims. There are so many insurers in the market today, so it pays to get an Orlando insurance expert on your side after you have received a notice that your insurance company will no longer provide coverage.

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.

Understanding what isn’t covered in your auto insurance policy may be just as important as what is covered — or maybe more important in the event that an accident catches you off guard.

It is important to understand that the dollar amount the state requires for bodily and property damage liability coverage may not be enough to cover all of the damages in an automobile accident. If you have an accident that includes bodily injury to others, you may be sued for an amount that is greater than your policy, and you could lose all your assets as a result. The same result could occur with property-damage liability. If you have an accident and hit someone else’s vehicle, your insurer will take care of the costs, but will only do so up to the limits of your policy. You might not be covered for the complete expense if the other person owns an expensive vehicle. To combat this, you can buy liability insurance with a deductible that starts where your regular policy stops.

Motorists commonly believe that if their vehicle is totaled in an accident, the insurance company will cover the full cost of the car.

Your insurance company will pay you something, but the amount may not be what you expect. In fact, it might not even be enough to pay off what you still owe on the car. Most insurance companies will pay you based on the actual cash value of the car, a wholesale amount. This is particularly troublesome for those who have just purchased a new car, as they tend to depreciate in value very quickly. If this is a concern for you, you should consider purchasing gap insurance to cover the difference between what your insurer will pay for your totaled vehicle and what you still owe on it.

Another common myth is that if someone else hits your car, his or her insurance company will have to pay for the damages. While this is a reasonable assumption to make, it is not always the case. Not all motorists have insurance, and being involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist could cost you a lot. You may wish to consider securing uninsured motorist coverage in case another driver hits you and has no insurance. Adding this coverage to your policy is relatively inexpensive and can save you a lot of grief in the future.

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

This type of deductible is the least common. Not all insurance companies calculate deductibles in this way, but the trend has become increasingly popular in Florida due to the extensive damage caused by hurricanes or windstorms. These increased deductibles are meant to limit the insurance companies’ exposure in these high-risk areas.

With deductible percentages, the deductible is usually set as 1 to 5% of the insured value of the home. If, for example, your home is insured for $400,000 and you have a 2 percent deductible, you’d have to pay out $8000 before the insurance company begins paying out. As this example illustrates, this amount is more costly than the traditional deductible. Typically, insurance companies use this calculation when providing coverage for windstorms or hurricanes, and this deductible is separate from the deductible for basic coverage.

Traditional Homeowner’s Insurance Deductibles:

Traditionally, homeowner’s deductibles are a flat amount and will vary from company to company. If, for example, you choose a $500 deductible and you incur $2500 worth of damage to your home in a covered event, you would only pay the first $500. The insurance company would pay the remaining $2000. Having a deductible as low as $500 dollars, however, will likely result in a costly premium. By raising your deductible to as much as you can afford, you can greatly reduce your homeowner’s premium and you’ll have more money to spend on your day-to-day expenses.

Generally, the higher deductible you have on your policy, the lower your homeowner’s insurance premium will be. The more risk you are willing to absorb, the less your insurance will cost you. Some deductibles, such as a hurricane coverage deductible in Florida, may be set at a percentage of your home value. You should talk to an agent about your deductible and premium options.

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

When buying a homeowner’s insurance policy, you will be faced with a number of important choices including how much of a deductible you wish to pay. In addition, you will also have to choose just how much coverage you wish to secure. You can get the minimum amount of insurance coverage you’d need to replace your home and your things in the event of a disaster. However, you can increase your coverage to include a host of scenarios that aren’t covered with a basic homeowner’s insurance policy.
Below are some extras you can add to your homeowner’s insurance policy:

Emergency Response Time: This coverage will provide quicker response in the event of an emergency that’s covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. Emergency response time coverage can include a stipulation that a contractor will be on-site within a certain number of days or hours to get started on repairs to your home. This extra can be expensive and is ideal for those who know that they will have no other place to stay in the event of an emergency.

Legal Service Coverage: This coverage will pay for the cost of defending yourself in court if there are any legal issues related to your home including property disputes, personal residence disputes, and personal injury cases. Before you purchase additional coverage, make sure you have checked your existing homeowners insurance to see what fees it will cover.

Personal Property Coverage: A basic home insurance policy covers a standard amount to replace the contents of your home.

Sometimes, depending on the kinds of property you own, this coverage may not be enough and you may need to secure additional coverage. If, for example, you have a large investment in electronics equipment or many valuable antique heirlooms, you will want to ensure that you have enough coverage to replace those items.

Adding these extras may not be the right choice for every family. You should consult a licensed Florida homeowner’s insurance agent who can help you and your family decide which extras are right for you.

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

Checking the Roof: Damage to your home’s roof can be quite expensive and can make your home unsafe. In order to prevent damage to your roof, you should have it inspected every few years to make sure that there are no soft spots. Intense storms can cause significant damage to the roof, as threatening tree limbs or branches could fall on the roof.

Install Outdoor Lighting: You can make your home less susceptible to robbery by installing more outdoor lighting. Installing outdoor lighting around the front door, driveways, and other entryways are less likely to be burglarized. Houses that are well lit may deter potential burglars who prefer the dark.

Checking Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that all homeowners check their smoke alarms at least once a month. When checking the smoke alarms, the batteries should be replaced. Fire extinguishers should also be inspected visually at least once a month. A visual inspection consists of locating the fire extinguisher, making sure that the pin and seal are in the proper place, and verifying that there is no damage to the extinguisher. Conducting these inspections will ensure that you have the proper tools necessary to combat risks to your home.

Updating Electrical and Plumbing Systems: If your electrical or plumbing systems are outdated, you may be at a greater risk for fire or flooding in your home. Checking your home every few months for faulty electrical outlets or bad wiring is a good idea for all Florida homeowners. One small wiring or plumbing fix could save you a lot of money and grief in the future.

Install Surge Protectors: Surge protection devices can prevent or minimize the damage from power surges to individual appliances or your entire home. These devices are relatively inexpensive and can save you the trouble of having to file claims for your expensive electronic items.

Making an Emergency Preparedness Plan: All homeowners should have an emergency preparedness plan for fires or natural disasters. This important document will help you and your family properly prepare in the event of an emergency.

Taking these simple actions will help protect your home and your family from the financial and emotional burden a homeowner’s claim can cause.

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

In the eyes of an insurance company, your possessions and your roommate’s possessions are two totally different things. If you have a roommate, you should have your own homeowners or renter’s insurance policy to cover your belongings, and he or she should have a policy to cover his or her items.

A roommate is considered to be someone that you live with who is not related to you. This includes individuals you are involved with romantically. If you are married, your spouse does not need separate renter’s insurance, unless the two of you do not co-own most of what is in your home.

By having your own homeowners or renter’s insurance policy, you can ensure that you only have to pay for your own items. If the value of your items changes, then it will be solely your responsibility to pay the increased insurance rate. If, however, your roommate’s possessions were listed under your policy, you may have to pay a higher premium if he or she wants to insure pricey items, such as antiques or heirlooms.

Some insurance companies may allow roommates to be on the same renter’s insurance policy, but you may want to be careful about choosing such a policy. If, for example, there are any changes to you or your roommate’s possessions, you will need to inform your insurance company of these purchases so that they are covered. This can be a time-consuming process. In addition, changes in your possessions, especially if they are expensive purchases, may cause your rates to go up. If you and your roommate have separate policies, then you will not have to monitor your roommate’s purchases.

When you speak to a licensed Florida insurance agent about renter’s insurance, be sure to mention whether or not you have a roommate. Don’t wait for your insurance agent to ask for this information; just volunteer the information up front, so that your agent can advise you of the best policy for you.

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

Each year millions of Americans learn the hard way how easy it is for someone to steal their identity. With as little information as your name, Social Security Number and date of birth, a thief can use this information to apply for any number of things, from a credit card to a driver’s license. Rightly, identity theft can cause a great amount of stress for the victim. Getting one’s life back on track after such an event is not only difficult, but also time-consuming and expensive.

Fortunately, there is an easy and cost effective way for families to prevent this theft from happening. A number of homeowners insurance companies cover identity theft as a part of their insurance policy, either as a separate policy or as an endorsement to an existing policy. In fact, many insurance companies have an existing identity theft clause in their insurance policies, and this protection comes at no additional cost to the consumer. With most policies, identity theft coverage provides the victim reimbursement for expenses lost during the process, including phone bills, lost wages, mailing costs, and even pre-approved legal fees. Sometimes, fraud specialists are provided to guide the victim through the exhaustive and difficult process of restoring his or her identity.

Anyone with a bank account, credit card, driver’s license or social security card is at risk for identity theft. Homeowners with an existing policy should speak with their agent to determine what their basic policy covers and to discuss the benefits of adding identity theft protection as an endorsement. Homeowners seeking new policies should shop around for the best identity theft insurance policy, as rates and protection levels can vary from company to company. In addition, consumers should check their credit cards to see what coverage they might offer in the event of identity theft. Knowing what coverage is already available will better enable consumers to purchase an endorsement policy that is right for them.

Adding identity theft insurance is a small investment that will go a long way toward securing a family’s peace of mind.

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

After you and your spouse got married, it’s safe to assume that you moved in together. Maybe the two of you even bought a house together shortly after tying the knot. If you are now going through a divorce, one of you will probably be moving out of the house you share. It doesn’t matter if you are the spouse keeping the house or if you are the one moving out, you need to be prepared to make the appropriate changes to your homeowners insurance policy.

Depending on who is listed as the owner of the home and whether you or your ex-spouse are moving following a divorce, you may have to make some adjustments to your homeowners insurance policy and fill out appropriate paperwork. Your policy should only have the name of the current homeowner listed.

If you have a mortgage on your home, your insurance policy will require that you list the name and address of the financial institution that currently holds your mortgage account. Make sure that you update the information on the deed, mortgage and homeowners policy if ownership changes after the divorce proceedings. Not updating this information could cause trouble for you in the event that you have to make a claim in the future.

After a divorce, you may wish to change the locks on your house or install a new security system. If you choose to do so, make sure to alert your homeowners insurance company, as you may be eligible for a discount on your premiums for the upgrade in security measures.

Should you or your ex-spouse move to a rental property during or following divorce proceedings, you should consider purchasing renter’s insurance to protect personal items as well as to provide you with liability coverage.

If you are going through a divorce and need to amend your current homeowners policy, purchase a new policy or get renter’s insurance, you should contact a licensed Florida homeowners insurance agent who will help you fine tune your policy or choose another policy that best fits your needs.

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

By providing agents with accurate information, motorists can be sure that they are getting the lowest premium based on their exact circumstances. Determining your auto insurance premium will depend on many factors, including where you live, the kind of car your drive, how much you drive, how much coverage you want, your driving record and even your age. If an error is made in reporting any of these important facts, your rates will not be quoted correctly.

Auto insurance misquotes can happen when your application information differs from your actual driving record. All auto insurance companies ask states’ motor-vehicle divisions to verify the records of drivers they insure. So, if you tell your insurance agent you have a perfect driving record, and it turns out that you don’t, your insurance company will end up charging you higher premiums than your agent quotes. To avoid these kinds of misquotes, make sure you provide accurate information about your driving record and any other facts that could affect the cost of insurance, such as the make of your car or how far you commute to work. It may be a good idea to spend some time reviewing your driving history and calculating how much you use your vehicle and for what purpose. If you collect your information carefully, you have a better chance of providing information that will lead to an accurate quote. Also, make sure you verify all of the information you’ve gathered before signing the application.

Getting the right quote on an auto insurance policy requires responsibility on the part of the consumer. The policy cannot be properly rated unless correct and complete information is provided. Without accurate information being given to the insurance companies, the quotes you receive will not be reflective of the rates you will actually end up paying. Supplying an insurance company with information that is inaccurate or incomplete will never result in lower premiums. Instead, it will simply waste your time, and you’ll end up paying higher rates than you anticipated.

When applying for auto insurance, contact a licensed Florida insurance agent who can help you review all of the information you need to secure an accurate quote. Even if you are searching for quotes online, make sure there is a licensed agent you can contact with questions.

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

One of the most frightening things that can happen to a person is to have his or her home broken into. A burglary is an unfortunate event that can ravish a family’s sense of security and can lead to great frustration as they fight to replace their possessions that were stolen or damaged. According to the Huffington Post, over 28,000 property crimes occur each day and more than 8,000 of them are burglaries. That means one burglary occurs every 10 seconds. In light of such staggering statistics, homeowners need to make sure that their possessions are protected.

While theft and burglary from the home is covered under most homeowners insurance policies, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned about protecting yourself in the event of a burglary. The cost of home insurance premiums can depend on a number of different factors, and chief among them is the likelihood of a future home burglary. Many factors go into determining this risk, including the crime statistics in your neighborhood.

To keep your home protected, your best bet is to install a home security system that will alert an outside service. Increasing the security of your home will allow insurance companies to offer you the greatest savings. Even if you choose not to have a home security system installed that will deter burglars from targeting your home, you may still wish to have a neighbor or family member keep a close eye on your home while you’re away.

Another way to protect your home from burglary is to make sure you have enough coverage for your personal items in your home. A standard homeowner’s policy will cover most of the items in your home, but some of these items may have coverage limits. If you have valuable items such as jewelry, electronics, antiques, coins or artwork, you may want to add extra coverage to your policy in the form of endorsements.

If you’re planning to travel soon and want to secure the contents of your home, you should contact your agent to discuss what items are covered under your existing policy and even consider adding coverage.

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

Many people who rent an apartment or a home have roommates to reduce the cost of living. Having a roommate may be one way to split the bills, but many people often forget one important bill that can’t be split: renter’s insurance.

In the eyes of an insurance company, your possessions and your roommate’s possessions are two totally different things. If you have a roommate, you should have your own homeowners or renter’s insurance policy to cover your belongings, and he or she should have a policy to cover his or her items.

A roommate is considered to be someone that you live with who is not related to you. This includes individuals you are involved with romantically. If you are married, your spouse does not need separate renter’s insurance, unless the two of you do not co-own most of what is in your home.

By having your own homeowners or renter’s insurance policy, you can ensure that you only have to pay for your own items. If the value of your items changes, then it will be solely your responsibility to pay the increased insurance rate. If, however, your roommate’s possessions were listed under your policy, you may have to pay a higher premium if he or she wants to insure pricey items, such as antiques or heirlooms.

Some insurance companies may allow roommates to be on the same renter’s insurance policy, but you may want to be careful about choosing such a policy. If, for example, there are any changes to you or your roommate’s possessions, you will need to inform your insurance company of these purchases so that they are covered. This can be a time-consuming process. In addition, changes in your possessions, especially if they are expensive purchases, may cause your rates to go up. If you and your roommate have separate policies, then you will not have to monitor your roommate’s purchases.

When you speak to a licensed Florida insurance agent about renter’s insurance, be sure to mention whether or not you have a roommate. Don’t wait for your insurance agent to ask for this information; just volunteer the information up front, so that your agent can advise you of the best policy for you.

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

While many homeowners’ insurance claims result from the damage caused by tornadoes and hurricanes, there is another type of natural disaster that can cause just as much damage: lightning. As Florida is the lightning capital of the world, it is important for homeowners to review their homeowners’ policies to ensure that lightning damage is a covered expense. While coverage for lightning damage is standard for most homeowners’ insurance policies, not all cover the damage caused by lightning.

While many homeowners are not aware of the potential damage lightning could cause, lightning can actually cause serious damage. It can damage not only the structure of your house but can also damage internal components of your house.

There are a number of different actions homeowners can take in order to protect their homes from lightning, and these actions may also work to lower your insurance premiums. If your home is protected against lightning damage it is likely that you will qualify for lower homeowners’ insurance quotes. Taking the following actions can show insurance companies that your home is at low risk for lightning damage:
Installing a lightning rod on the roof of your home will direct the lightning into the ground instead of letting it run its course through your house where it could cause serious damage.

Installing either an energy shield or surge-protection device on the electric meter outside of your home will also work to direct lightning into the ground instead of directly at your home. Check with your local electric company regarding this option, they may offer surge protection devices that will keep your home electronics and other major appliances protected from damage.

As lightning can strike anywhere with little warning, it is essential for all Florida homeowners to have adequate homeowners’ insurance coverage in place that protects against the damage lightning can cause. This assures that if the worst happens, any cost for repairs or replacement of damaged property will be covered. You should make sure that the replacement cost limit for your property under your policy is enough to cover the replacement cost of your home.

Florida homeowners should review their policies to determine if their policies cover all forms of lightning damage and how extensive this coverage is. Talking to a licensed homeowners’ insurance agent can help Florida homeowners review their coverage options.

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.

In today’s economy, finding cheaper car insurance is on everyone’s mind. All consumers need to save money wherever they can, and while car insurance is one of life’s basic necessities it’s also a place where people are looking to save money. While all drivers need to have adequate insurance in case of an accident, there are a number of ways that drivers can decrease their car insurance premiums, and there are many discounts given by various companies.

Many consumers can reduce their car insurance premiums by driving less. Many insurance carriers offer lower premiums to drivers who drive less than 10,000 miles per year. The rationale behind this discount is that if drivers keep their cars in the driveway more often, then they will be less likely to be involved in driving accidents. Fewer accidents mean fewer claims, and insurance companies have to spend less money.

Another way to reduce your insurance premiums is to raise the amount of your deductible. For most insurance companies, the higher your deductible is, the lower your premium is. The drawback to this is that if you do have an accident, you will pay more out-of-pocket at the time of the incident.

Another option may be to lower the amount of your coverage. This would be a good idea for those drivers who own older cars with low values. Instead of having collision coverage, you may just need basic liability coverage on an older car.

A simple way to achieve a low insurance premium is to keep your driving record clean. Drivers who have been in accidents and filed claims often see a significant increase in their rates; however, those who drive safely often see little to no increases in their premium rates. In this case, insurance companies are rewarding drivers for being responsible.

In addition, seniors may qualify for an over the age of 65 discount. They should check with their agent to see if this discount applies to them.

Finding ways to reduce your car insurance premiums can be difficult. You should contact a licensed insurance agent who will help you to review your options.

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.

The rising costs of medical care and vehicle repair may create trouble for some Florida motorists. Currently, many Florida drivers only have the minimum amount of coverage required by Florida law because they want to keep their auto insurance costs low. While this may seem like a great way to save money, it may not be a good idea. Traffic accidents can be much more costly than anticipated, and it is important for Florida motorists to have the appropriate amount of coverage to cover both medical and vehicle expenses if they happen to be at fault. Should the damage you cause cost more than the minimum insurance you carry, you will be required pay the additional expenses and your assets could be in jeopardy. While the minimum amounts required by the state may be sufficient to cover the expenses that result from some traffic accidents, there may be incidents where the minimum required amount will not cover the entire cost of the incident. If a tragic accident occurs, Florida drivers will not only have to pay their deductible but will also have to cover the additional costs of medical care and vehicle repair. Being forced to do so can be financially devastating to a family.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida drivers are only required to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 for Property Damage Liability (PDL). PIP will cover personal injury that is inflicted on you, your children, members of your household, and certain passengers who lack PIP Insurance. PDL coverage pays for damages that you, or members of your family, cause to other people’s property in an accident involving a motor vehicle. This required amount of coverage may seem like enough to protect you and your family from paying additional out-of-pocket expenses, but traffic accidents can cause serious damage to the vehicles involved and to those involved in the crash.

Having a policy that will cover the costs of both vehicle repair and medical care will save Florida motorists a considerable amount of money and grief. Purchasing additional cover will allow Florida drivers to drive with more confidence and an increased feeling of security. Florida drivers should discuss the possibility of increased coverage with a licensed insurance agent to determine what level of coverage is right for their family.

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.

A recent change in the federal government’s floodplain map is causing Florida homeowners to add flood insurance to their homeowner’s insurance policies. The area most affected by these new changes is Orange County, Florida. Homes in the Conway and Azelea Park areas that have never been affected by floods will now need to be covered by flood insurance. These newly identified homeowners will have to amend their existing policies in order to protect themselves against the tragedy that could occur during flooding.

Every ten years, FEMA redraws its floodplain map, and this year’s results indicate a great change in potential areas of flooding. This year, the process was conducted using a digital system, which is similar to a GPS. In the past, FEMA has relied on printed maps in order to determine which homes are susceptible to flooding. This system, FEMA notes, is more reliable than the ones used in the past and could work to save homeowner’s from the financial and emotional disaster than can occur after a flood affects one’s home.

While FEMA’s new floodplain map has placed many new residents in a flood zone, it has also taken around 8,000 homeowners out of previously identified flood zones. According to FEMA, being in a flood zone simply means that the homeowner’s property is in an area that has at least a 1% chance of flooding. If Florida homeowner’s do not agree with the results obtained from FEMA’s mapping system, they can conduct their own survey to determine whether or not their homes are susceptible to flooding.

Florida homeowners should not make the mistake of thinking that their existing homeowner’s policy covers the damage caused by floods. Flood insurance is not part of standard homeowner’s policy and must be added to the policy for an additional premium.

This type of homeowner’s coverage has not been necessary for many of the homes in this area in the past, and not having it now could cost Florida homeowners a significant amount of money. Residents in the effected areas should consult with a licensed homeowner’s insurance agent to find the best options for adding flood insurance to their policies.

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.

Floridainsurance.com encourages Florida homeowners to review their existing homeowners’ policy to determine whether or not their policies contain adequate sinkhole coverage. Effective January 1, a new Florida law allows private insurance companies the option not to renew current sinkhole coverage in Pasco and Hernando counties. This new law was enacted as a means of saving Florida homeowners money by reducing insurance premiums. Sinkhole coverage endorsement is still available for purchase, but homeowners must pay an additional premium to receive this comprehensive coverage.

Those residents, whose sinkhole coverage is not renewed and cannot afford to pay the extra premium, will have to rely on another form of coverage. Under Florida law, insurance companies are required to offer catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage to all policyholders, but this type of coverage will not cover all the potential damage caused by sinkholes. It only covers damage of an extreme variety, which is the result of geological activity that causes collapse of the ground cover, visible depressions, structural damage to a home, or causes the home to be condemned due to inhabitability.

Although the state’s mandatory catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage may provide homeowners with some security in the event that a sinkhole causes extreme damage to the property, this included coverage will do little to protect homeowners from the much more common effects of sinkholes, such as cracks in buildings or other issues that occur due to settling. Not having the sinkhole coverage endorsement that would cover the costs arising from these kinds of damages could result in a significant out-of-pocket expense for homeowners affected by sinkholes.

As Florida is the state with the highest number of sinkholes, it is important for Florida homeowners to review their policies carefully and determine whether sinkhole coverage would be beneficial. Having the right kind of sinkhole coverage will save Florida homeowners a lot of grief and a lot of money. Additional sinkhole coverage should be considered, especially if the residence is located in a high risk area, to avoid having to pay for and deal with the potential losses associated with sinkhole damage.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit Floridainsurance.com.

Due to Florida’s unique geology, sinkholes form here more often than in any other state in the US, and many of these sinkholes are located near the I-4 corridor in Central Florida. Because of this distinctive situation, Florida homeowners should consider electing sinkhole coverage when purchasing new policies or adding coverage to their existing policies. Failure to do so may result in a significant financial burden and overwhelming personal loss.

A new Florida law, effective January 1, 2010, allows private insurers to drop some portions of sinkhole coverage in order to cut the cost of premiums. It is Mandatory that ALL “Admitted insurance companies selling homeowners insurance in Florida offer customers catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage. Catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage will protect a homeowner in the event that there is an abrupt collapse in the ground cover that can be seen by the naked eye, there is structural damage to the building or foundation, or the structure is condemned and residents are instructed to vacate the premises by the appropriate government agency. Because of this many companies have ceased offering any homeowners’ coverage in some areas and counties.”

This new law allows some Florida insurance companies to non-renew or charge extra for a sinkhole coverage endorsement. Without this endorsement the policy will not provide homeowners with reimbursement for losses due to settling or cracking of a foundation, building, or structure. A large majority of sinkholes do not have catastrophic effects that result in structural damage or lead to a building being condemned. Many sinkholes actually result in less significant damage, but even repairing this damage can put a financial burden on your family. Insurance companies are not required to provide insurance that covers sinkhole damages not listed under the catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage.

Florida homeowners can retain sinkhole coverage for an additional premium, a premium that will likely cost homeowners hundreds of dollars per month.

Although electing additional sinkhole coverage may be costly, the expense is worth the risk for those who live in an area that is prone to sinkholes. Discuss your coverage possibilities with a licensed homeowners’ insurance agent. Doing so will ensure that your family and your belongings are protected against the significant damage that sinkholes might cause.

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.

While a vast number of Floridians live in apartment complexes or rent homes, an overwhelming number do not have a renter’s insurance policy. Many do not have this coverage simply because they are unaware of it, as the landlord or property owner does not mention it. Not having a renter’s insurance policy can end up costing you a lot of money. Although your landlord is required to provide a well-maintained, clean place for you to live, your landlord is not responsible for insuring your home’s contents. Without renter’s insurance, you run the risk of losing valuable personal property due to theft or damage. An adequate renter’s insurance policy is necessary in order to protect your belongings.

Generally, insurance companies specifically delineate the types of incidents that will be covered under their renter’s insurance policies. Most policies do cover damage caused by theft, wind, water, lightning, fire, and vandalism. If, however, a specific type of incident is not listed on your policy, then chances are it will not be covered. For example, many standard renters’ insurance policies do not cover damaged incurred by incidents such as floods or earthquakes; however, this type of coverage can be added to your policy for an additional premium.

A renter’s insurance policy generally provides two different types of coverage: personal property damage and liability coverage. Personal property damage is designed solely to cover the cost of replacing your personal items. Different policies will offer varying levels of coverage for personal property that includes appliances, clothing, furniture, and electronics. Before deciding on an appropriate amount of coverage, it will be important to take stock of how valuable your personal items are. Having this information beforehand will make it easier for you to choose a policy that will protect your items. An important note, because renters and property insurance is so much more expensive in Florida than in other states, one should make sure and ask their agent to add the “Replacement Cost Coverage” endorsement. Some agents leave this coverage off to win your business. This coverage will be a bit pricier but when a loss occurs, you will be given new property for the loss of your old property. Not having this endorsement may save you a few dollars now, but the results of not having this endorsement could cost YOU several thousand dollars at time of claim.

Liability coverage helps to protect you against incidents which occur on your property. For example, liability coverage will help to protect you if a guest sustains injury while on your rental property. If you chose this kind of coverage, you will not be held liable for the incident or any ensuing legal and medical bills.

One type of coverage that is included in most policies and forgotten is “Loss of Use.” We have seen many instances on the news where an apartment fire has rendered many folks homeless. If you have Renters Insurance you will have money to help out with the cost of a hotel and food while you are out of your apartment or home.

Purchasing renter’s insurance will not only keep your belongings safe, it will also give you much-needed peace of mind. A home insurance agent will be able to help you find a policy that best fits your needs.

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.

For teenagers, getting a driver’s license and their own car is a big step toward independence. However, many teenagers do not get to take this important step, as insurance rates for new drivers are costly. According to the Insurance Information Institute, adding a teenage driver to an existing policy can increase rates from 50 to 100 percent. This increased premium is often far too much for families, and the rates are nearly impossible for students who must pay for auto insurance on their own. However, students may still be able to realize their independence with the help of academic discounts.

Insuring teenagers is so costly because of the great risk that these new drivers pose to insurance companies. As teenagers are less responsible than adults and have higher accident rates than other age groups, insurance companies are forced to consider the significant amount of money a teenager may cost in filed claims when determining the appropriate rates. However, many insurance companies offer a good student discount to students who demonstrate their responsibility by maintaining good grades. Good students can receive rates that are up to 15 percent lower than other teenage drivers. These lowered rates can be the deciding factor when families are thinking of adding teenagers to their auto insurance policy.

While each insurance company has different eligibility requirements for good student discounts, most companies limit the student’s age of participation to 16-24, require that the student retain full-time status, and require proof that the student has been academically successful. Many insurance companies require students to have a 3.0 grade point average the semester before a policy is initiated or have earned a place on the Honor Roll or Dean’s List. Other companies determine a student’s eligibility based on standardized test scores, such as the SAT or PSAT.

Good student discounts can help ease the financial burden of insuring teenage drivers. Talk to a licensed Florida auto insurance agent to discuss good student discount options that may be available to your teenage children. Doing so will bring them one step closer to independence.

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.

Even with the economy showing slight glimmers of recovery, household budgets are still a little strapped. It may be tempting for families to immediately look to their insurance as a way to cut costs, but it might not be necessary.

As families review the expenses each month, items like homeowners insurance and auto insurance seem to stick out as expendable. However, it is in times when a family’s finances are restricted that insurance coverage is needed the most.

When the savings account was getting regular contributions, a $3,000.00 deductible made sense for the SUV. But now, the family might not be able to afford an accident. Or if a roof is damaged, the credit may not be readily accessible to meet the deductibles of the home insurance policy.

FloridaInsurance.com is reminding their clients that now is not the time to lower cost by increasing risk. What may be the better option is finding a new home insurance or auto insurance carrier.

Many people are realizing why FloridaInsurance.com is becoming a popular destination. Their easy online quoting process makes it convenient for insurance shoppers to get accurate insurance rates that may help save them money.

With FloridaInsurance.com being an independent agency, they can shop around for the best homeowners insurance and auto insurance rates to make sure that the coverage sold is the best coverage for the client. This is a valuable benefit over going directly to a company or to a single company agent.

It’s also important to review coverage periodically. Many Florida home insurance policies are handled directly through their mortgage company. Homeowners do not have to go with the mortgage company’s recommendation; they can contact FloridaInsurance.com to find alternative home insurance options. The licensed insurance agent handling the policy can communicate the details to the mortgage company to add the insurance premiums to the mortgage bill.

This year, as families look for ways to save money, FloridaInsurance.com encourages them to shop around for a different insurance company through one of their licensed agents before deciding on a lower level of coverage.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit Floridainsurance.com.

The advertisements are everywhere – on the radio, television and even popping up on your computer. An insurance company can save you money; just visit their website.

The truth is, going to a major insurance company to get an auto insurance quote will not get you the best deal. Even websites that offer comparison rates are not giving actual rates. The only true way to get multiple, accurate insurance quotes is through a licensed Florida insurance agency that represents multiple companies.

Merging the auto insurance comparison power of an agency with the simplicity of the Internet is why FloridaInsurance.com is seeing more Orlando auto insurance shoppers turn to them instead of the insurance company websites advertised on television.

“We have made the process of requesting a quote at FloridaInsurance.com easier and more customer oriented than a lot of the insurance company websites,” states Lee Rogers of FloridaInsurance.com, “When drivers in Orlando and across the state of Florida visit us online, we provided accurate quotes from real companies and advice coming directly from one of our licensed insurance agents.”

While many companies try to attract direct customers, FloridaInsurance.com is competing with their powerful customer service. Many people prefer to work with an agency because they can keep their contact person if they have multiple policies through several companies, or have to switch to another carrier.

Most auto insurance companies focus on selling their own insurance lines. Companies that advertise price comparisons on their website are providing quotes from third party companies that may or may not be accurate. Such information that can affect an insurance rate, such as credit or a motor vehicle report, may not be represented in the quote displayed on the website.

When an agent presents auto insurance quotes, the rates reflect all the information provided to the insurance company relevant to the policy. Items such as credit and driving records along with household drivers and household member driving records are all taken into consideration when a company issues a firm quote.

The combination of classic insurance agency support with next generation online quoting is making FloridaInsurance.com a destination for Orlando and Florida drivers to get accurate insurance rate comparisons.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit Floridainsurance.com.

You wake up in the morning to start your day. After you stumble into your slippers, you walk outside with coffee in hand on your way to collect the morning paper. As you walk by your car you see a few eggs. It doesn’t quite sink in, but then when you see your garden block resting in your sagging tempered windshield, it all makes sense. Someone had too much time on their hands and claimed your car as their victim.

After you hose the eggs off your car, the next thing you do (aside from grumbling to yourself about not having surveillance cameras) is contact your insurance company. Driving in the state of Florida with a shattered or slightly cracked windshield is illegal. Fortunately, windshield repair and replacement does not have a deductible so the whole process usually is free of charge so long as you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy.

Comprehensive coverage is there for vandalism, theft, or damages caused while the vehicle isn’t moving. If a vehicle is moving and damages are inflicted on the vehicle, the collision side of your policy will cover it.

Windshields, however, operate under different rules. You are going down the interstate and find yourself behind a truck hauling pebbles, only to have one pebble fall out and hit your windshield. The pebble probably cracked your windshield in the area of impact. If only your windshield was damaged (no body damages are present) then the windshield would be covered at no deductible under your comprehensive coverage, even though the vehicle was moving at the time the windshield was punctured.

Keep in mind, you must have comprehensive coverage in order to take advantage of the free windshield replacement. If you only have the state required minimum personal injury protection, your windshield repair will have to be taken care of at your own expense. Talk to a licensed Florida auto insurance agent to make sure your coverage is enough to protect your assets and prepare you for the surprises in life.

Whether it’s a surprise in your driveway or serious collision on the highway, it’s always good to know you are fully covered.

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.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, thirty-three percent of households falsely believe that homeowners insurance covers floods. Considering that the Florida Emergency Management Association (FEMA) has stated that floods are the leading natural disaster in the United States, flood insurance is an investment that is not simply a frivolous expense – it’s a necessity. The reality concerning homeowners insurance coverage is that though wind or debris damage is covered under homeowners insurance policies; flood damage itself is not. Essentially, if a hurricane occurs, tears the roof off a house, and then water pours down into the house, the policy covers the damage. If a storm surge occurs and the property is located near a lake, causing the lake to rise and flood the dining room however, most homeowners insurance policies do not cover the damage.

Flood insurance coverage policies cost on average around $350 a year for Florida policies. Although many banks require flood insurance for high-risk flood areas, it is still strongly recommended that residents of Florida look into flood insurance coverage. In the United States alone, insured flood damage policies account for over $5.2 billion dollars. Of this $5.2 billion, a significant portion of those funds come from coastal regions such as Florida, Louisiana, Texas and Alabama. In addition, while many individuals think they will receive assistance in the event of a natural disaster if the damage is large enough, the fact is less than fifty percent of flooding disasters are eligible for relief. Policyholders in these areas are strongly urged to speak with an insurance agent to evaluate the benefits of flood insurance coverage as well as for options of coverage available.

The National Flood Insurance Program administers policies governing flood insurance. Though policies are purchased through insurance companies, the federal government had to step in to cover flood areas that were designated by state and local authorities, as insurance companies were refusing to take the more risky areas. As such, flood insurance covers many emergency situations such as: overflow of inland or coastal waters, unusual accumulation of runoff water, mudflow, or collapse of land along the shore of coastal waters.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit Floridainsurance.com.

When it comes to saving money, many people are fond of any money saving tips that are available. But before increasing the deductible of a homeowner’s insurance policy, it is important to carefully consider the pros and cons of doing so. While it is true that increasing the homeowner’s insurance deductible may seem like a smart strategy, it is necessary to recognize that a policyholder is now further responsible for a deductible before the insurance policy begins to pay for any damage to the property. For example, if a hurricane coverage policy covers $500,000 and the homeowner’s policy has a two percent deductible prior to issuing any insurance funds, the policyholder is responsible for $10,000 before the insurance policy begins to pay out. While it is true that raising a deductible will likely lower insurance costs, it is also important to consider that should a disaster occur, the deductible has the ability to be covered with savings or a loan.

Just as with the deductible, it is especially important to carefully think through the pros and cons of adjusting the homeowner’s insurance premium. One of the most important things to remember is that homeowner’s insurance protects individuals and the property in the event of liability, fire or other disaster. As a result, it is important that the insurance coverage adequately protects the property. It is important to be sure that the insurance coverage meets the replacement needs should anything happen. Though it may sound tempting to save money in the short term by not having complete coverage, it is more expensive in the grand scheme if something happens to the property. With a state such as Florida that is so prone to hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding, the greatest investment someone can make in today’s economy is to protect their assets adequately.

As an alternative, consider changing the policy on goods from “Replacement Value” to “Actual Cash Value.” With Citizen’s homeowner’s policy, the replacement value is half of the value of a home. Keep in mind, however, that like raising a deductible, the policy will no longer guarantee replacement of items but instead give cash for the current value of items – leaving you to pay the difference.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit Floridainsurance.com.

Many people in Florida hear homeowners and mistakenly assume it is solely an insurance that provides protection for hurricane damage. The reality of homeowners, however, is much larger in scale and in depth. Homeowners insurance is designed to cover a policyholder’s property, possessions, and other people who may be harmed on your property.

Full Coverage

When looking at homeowner’s insurance policies, it is important to remember that different policies also provide different coverage options. One option commonly available is “Replacement Value” versus “Actual Cash Value.” Though it is possible to save money by getting actual cash value of items, keep in mind that if a disaster occurs, the cost of items at a depreciated value will not cover the costs to replace the items lost. It is also important that the value of the insurance policy be adequate enough to replace the property should a disaster occur.

Risk Assessment

Insurance coverage is calculated by determining how much risk an insurance company takes in guaranteeing coverage for a certain amount. As such, it is possible that one insurance company determines a property to be at a higher risk than another company. It is also possible for a company to be willing to offer a certain amount of coverage for a potential disaster that another company will not.

Temporary Living Expenses

In the event of an emergency, the costs of staying at a hotel, renting another house, or securing a guesthouse causes costs of living to significantly increase. Though it may seem unlikely now, make sure that a homeowners policy covers temporary relocation expenses should it be necessary to stay somewhere else while a property is being evaluated or rebuilt.

Third Party Liability

Assume for a moment that a neighbor’s child is playing near the front yard. Should that child fall on a policyholder’s property, the homeowner has the responsibility to help cover the medical expenses of that child as well as any pain and suffering for which the family may sue. Other third party liability coverage includes protection should the policyholder have a dog that bites someone or cobblestone steps on which an elderly neighbor may fall.

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.

Despite a lack of severe hurricanes or natural disaster damage in Florida this year, Florida is taking the proper steps to ensure taxpayers are not left with the burden of covering damage with taxpayer funds by utilizing this time to increase homeowner’s insurance rates. The extra funds from the increase will be used to not only help reduce the financial burden incurred by taxpayers in recent years, but to help prepare for future disasters.

Currently, insurance experts argue that the state funded Citizens Property Insurance has established an artificial rate for homeowner’s insurance, which does not properly protect its policyholders adequately should a major natural disaster occur. Should a major hurricane hit and Citizens not have enough to cover the situation, Florida taxpayers would be forced to make up the difference through insurance rate hikes across the board for homeowners – whether they belonged to Citizens insurance or not.

In response to the insurance industry’s concerns, the Florida legislature recently received a 5.4 percent increase for full coverage policies that will go into effect in February 2010. The increase, which was initially proposed as a ten percent increase, was almost unanimously agreed as needed in some form by lawmakers and insurance experts as a way to help support the fragile insurance company. Currently, actuaries report the fund as being around forty to fifty percent of where the company should be to properly insure all of its policyholders.

The rate changes will not be the only rate increase Florida has approved, however. In an effort to properly insure policyholder’s against natural disasters in future years, seven of the major property insurers in Florida have asked the Office of Insurance Regulation to grant an increase in their insurance rates. These companies are among the twenty-five largest insurers of homeowners insurance in Florida and initially asked for increases of seven to fifteen percent. The largest rate increase was requested by St. John’s Insurance Company, which insures around 198,000 policies. Other companies that have asked for increases include Universal Property and Casualty Insurance, Liberty Mutual Insurance Fire Company, United Property and Casualty Insurance, America Integrity Insurance, and Southern Fidelity Insurance.

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.

The splashing, the laughing, the smell of grilled hamburgers coming from your neighbor’s Saturday afternoon pool party; it’s enough to make anybody jealous. With a pool heating system in Florida, a pool can be used year round. But aside from fun, exercise and refreshing summer moments, keep in mind that a pool will affect your home insurance rate.

Depending on the type of pool, you will need one of two kinds of coverage. If you do as most Floridians and install a pool that is attached to your house (generally in a screen enclosed patio) then you will need to add the pool value to your property coverage as if it was an addition to your house.

Sometimes, owners of larger properties prefer to make the center of their yard a pool oasis which requires a walking path from the back door to the pool. Your home insurance company should consider this a detached structure which will have to be added to your policy accordingly.

Detached structures include sheds, gazebos and pools that are not connected to your house. With most home insurance companies, the price increase for the additional coverage should be the same for either an attached or detached pool. You should talk to your insurance agent to get more details.

The other side of a swimming pool is liability. Your liability coverage should be increased to a dollar amount advised by your agent. This will depend on several factors from the pool to extras like slides and diving boards. In fact, some insurance companies in the state of Florida will forbid slides and diving boards so the addition of such things may result in switching to a new home insurance company.

Keep in mind that when your friends, children’s friends, neighbors and relatives are in your pool, you are liable for any harm or injury that may be inflicted upon them. Going cheap on liability coverage is not advised if you are going to invest in a splashing addition to your home.

To make sure your budget is in order, you should first contact your home insurance agent to see what is to be expected before hiring the pool contractor. They will be able to give you an idea of what to expect on your home insurance policy after the addition of a pool.

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.

It’s inevitable. Before you purchase a house in Florida, you must get homeowners insurance to protect against a fire, burglary, or one of countless other disasters. Luckily, there are a few ways to save money on your homeowners. FloridaInsurance.com offers these valuable tips:

Get your homeowners insurance with the same company that has your car insurance. Having multiple policies with the same insurance company can save you money each month. Why? Because the more policies a company has, the more business they have. As a result, they like to reward clients with a better rate on their coverage.

Invest in a home security system. Most insurance companies will provide a discount for ensuring your house in protected against theft or disaster. Talk to a local home security system- most end up free by the time you apply the discount on homeowners for protecting your house. Even if you don’t have money for a home security system, many insurance companies offer discounts for putting protective measures on such as deadbolt locks on the hours, smoke detectors, or sprinkler systems.

Consider making home renovations. The better protected your house is, the more likely you are to get an insurance discount. Look into getting hurricane proof windows, storm shutters, or stronger roofing. Be sure to ask the companies you at looking at whether any of these will qualify you for an insurance discount.

Review your insurance coverage annually. While it’s true you’ll want to be covered in the event of an emergency, don’t necessarily worry about insurance for things you don’t need. For example, insurance for more than your valuables is worth is likely something you can get lowered to save you money. Also, though you will want to make sure you have the money in your emergency funds to cover it, consider raising your insurance deductible. Finally, don’t forget to remember that you’ll likely want to insure the amount it would cost to rebuild your house, not your property. Oftentimes, people insure their land as well, which is not at risk for many things (such as theft) that your insurance covers.

Ask about memberships. If you are a member of any professional organization, military group, or senior citizen group, ask if they offer a discount. Many agencies will consider offering a discount to individuals who are associated with these groups.

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

Florida is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Beaches, sun, and warm weather make it an ideal place to live. Unfortunately, like everywhere else in the world, Florida still has a high rate of natural disasters. Between the high accident rates, hurricanes, and floods, having insurance is a vital decision everyone must make to protect their property. Making an informed decision on what insurance is right for you, your family, or your business is not an easy decision. To help educate consumers of this decision, floridainsurance.com has developed a user-friendly site to allow consumers to research various information on the issues facing today’s insurance companies. The site will allow users to research information such as insurance definitions, business insurance news, what types of coverage options are available in Florida, and to serve as a place to find the insurance coverage to best suit insurance shopper’s individual needs. The site, developed for information purposes only, does not benefit financially for the providing this information.

In addition to serving as a place for information, Floridainsurance.com also serves to provide consumers with insurance quotes. When looking for insurance, many consumers find themselves comparison-shopping at three or more places, each providing the deal their company can offer them. Unlike other companies, however, Floridainsurance.com provides consumers with rates and varying rates from several different companies. What’s more, Floridainsurance.com provides consumers with an independent, third party to help match the best insurance coverage with their needs. How is this possible? Because unlike many other agents; known as captive agents; Floridainsurance.com serves as an independent agent, making them able to provide costumers with quotes from over forty different companies in a matter of minutes. Once someone picks a quote that’s best for them, Floridainsurance.com can then transfer you to a local insurance agency that can assist in filling out your information to get your coverage started.

Looking for a local insurance company you can trust? The website also provides contact information in the Tampa, Saint Petersburg, Sarasota, Pensacola, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, and Miami area to help connect you directly to local businesses.

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

Are you looking for car insurance, and figured you would go with your neighbor’s car insurance since they got a good rate? Think again. Just because your neighbor got a good rate for car insurance, doesn’t mean that the company will give you the rate they gave your neighbor. Many different factors go into determining your coverage. Here are just some of the factors that help determine the cost of insurance offered to you:

Credit Rating
Those that have developed good credit over the years now get to start reaping a reward. Studies have shown those with better credit ratings are less likely to have accidents, thus creating lower rates for drivers with better credit.

Driving Record
Insurance is priced based on the potential likelihood that you have an accident. Therefore, if you’ve had tickets in the past or driving accidents, expect your insurance to be higher than someone else. This also applies to drivers who may be newer at driving – as the risk is higher.

Vehicle
Sure, your friend may have the same type of car, but what about the year? Is the model a different color or body style? If so, expect the rate to potentially be at least slightly different. Why? Studies have shown cars, such as coupes, are sometimes more likely to get into accidents. What’s more, sometimes a different year or model has additional safety features driving the cost of that car’s insurance down.

Other Factors
In addition to all the other factors listed above, some other factors also exist. Are you older or younger than your friend? Car insurance rates tend to go down at the age of 24 and go up if an individual is older. Car insurance also tends to be higher for males than females. In addition, if the individual’s home or other vehicles are with that company, he or she may qualify for an additional discount.

As you can see, insurance rates can be customized, based on coverage just as they are on the individual. Many factors go into determining what type of insurance will give you the best vehicle. To find the best rate for you, find an insurance agent who can provide you with multiple quotes from several different insurance companies.

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.

A good insurance agent can go far in helping you determine what type of coverage you are looking for, how much coverage is needed, and can assist you through the process of filing claims and modifying your coverage at a later date, if needed. Therefore, it is important that you take the time to carefully research each agent and their coverage options. Below are some items to consider when determining which agent is right for you:

Is this agent a captive agent or an independent agent?

In the insurance industry, there are two types of insurance agents. One called a captive agent, who provides a quote from one insurance company exclusively. The other, an independent agent, can provide you with quotes from multiple agencies – providing you with the best coverage and rates available.

Is the agent you are considering full service?

What type of insurance does the agent offer? Are you looking for one type of insurance only, or are you looking for several types of insurance such as car, homeowners, etc. Having multiple types of insurance with one agent can make it much easier to ensure you have the best coverage for each type of insurance.

Does this insurance agent provide the customer service I expect?

A question you must be sure to look for is how much help you will get if the time comes that you need to file a claim with your insurance. Some questions to ask include whether you can contact your agent directly if you need to modify your policy at some point.

How connected and experienced is this agent?

To find an insurance agent, be sure to ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. When you do find a potential agent, ask about their experience in the insurance field, and for potential referrals.

Regardless of which insurance agent you choose, remember to carefully look at all the factors. Remember, insurance is protection for the event an emergency happens. When an emergency happens, you need to be able to trust that the agent and insurance you have will be able to protect you and your loved ones.

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.