Can a Landlord Require You to Carry Renters Insurance?

Traditionally, renters insurance has been something that most renters have decided whether or not to buy on their own. However, more and more landlords and property management companies are encouraging or telling tenants that they need to purchase renters insurance. At Familia Insurance Agency, serving the greater Kissimmee, FL area, we often have people asking us if their landlord can legally require them to carry renters insurance. Here is what you need to know.

Do I need renter’s insurance?

In the state of Florida, a landlord can require you to carry renters insurance in order to rent a home, condo, apartment, or other dwellings as long as it is listed in the lease. If it is not in the lease, they cannot change the terms of the lease partway through your tenancy. However, they can change the terms of the lease and require it going forward when your lease is up and you are looking to extend the lease. The landlord can require you to carry certain coverages to ensure their property is fully covered under the terms of your renter’s insurance policy.

While a landlord can require you to carry renters insurance and show proof that you have a valid policy, they cannot require you to use any specific company. You always have the option of using any insurance company you wish to obtain the renter’s insurance policy. Additionally, the landlord can not require you to make them a beneficiary or payee on your renter’s insurance policy. 

Regardless of whether or not a landlord requires you to carry renters insurance, it is always wise to have a policy. If you are looking to buy renters insurance in the greater Kissimmee, FL area, turn to Familia Insurance Agency. Call us now to discuss your renter’s insurance needs and let us find you a policy today. 

Recreational Vehicles- An Insurance Primer

Recreation vehicles are as American as apple pie. Remember though; if you tow your RV by your automobile, your RV will need no insurance to transport it as car insurance typically covers this. It would be wise to confirm that you are appropriately covered.

However, if your RV is motorized, there are state-dictated insurance requirements to consider.

RV Insurance Options

Multiple insurance options are available. Specific coverage options are based on the intended use of your RV. The professionals at Familia Insurance Agency,  serving the Orlando, FL area, can provide the assistance you need. 

Is your RV used year-round?

Many RV owners plan just a few trips annually and store the RV when not in use. If this is your intentions, consider insurance coverage that allows the insured to temporarily ‘turn off’ certain coverage options. 

Is your RV your permanent residence?

If this is the case, an RV owner is encouraged to purchase coverage similar to a homeowner’s policy. This is important because, as a general rule, RV insurance does not cover personal items. Talk with the professionals at Familia Insurance Agency serving the Orlando, FL area.

Total Loss Replacement Insurance Coverage

Typical RV policies are not designed to offer full replacement cost should the RV be stolen or totaled. However, there are specific add-on coverages. For example, if the RV was totaled and was less than 5 years old, the insured could receive a new RV. For older RV’s, this coverage would reimburse the RV owner the original purchase price or agreed upon value.

The Take-Away

As with any insurance policy in the Orlando, FL area, it is prudent to review all available options. Don’t be misled by a common misconception that price is the only consideration. A reputable firm, like Familia Insurance Agency, offers the critical analysis required to select the most appropriate policy.

 

What Do You Need To Know Before Purchasing Motorcycle Insurance?

A motorcycle insurance coverage protects you and your motorcycle against unforeseen financial loss. Apart from the protection, motorcycle insurance is also a legal requirement in Kissimmee, FL. Familia Insurance Agency’s motorcycle insurance also covers your medical bills, damage from vandalism, and theft. 

You’ll need to know a few things about motorcycle insurance in Kissimmee, FL before you decide the right choice for you. This article covers all the information that you need to know about motorcycle insurance.

Liability Coverage

This is basic and legally required coverage that most riders think of when they hear about motorcycle insurance coverage. A vital component of this coverage is the bodily injury liability which protects against any losses related to injury to a third party. It caters for medical bills, loss of wages, pain, and suffering for people you may injure or kill when an accident occurs. 

The second part of liability coverage deals with property damage that caters for repairs or replacing damaged property of other people caused by your motorcycle. You should consider buying more than the bare minimum amount of coverage required in Florida since you have a lot of assets to protect.

 Damage Coverage

This is coverage that is related to your motorbike’s value. For example, if you’re involved in an accident, and it’s the other rider/driver who is at fault, and he/she isn’t insured or is underinsured, the uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance comes in handy.

 Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

The comprehensive coverage will only pay for damages to your motorcycle resulting from any other eventuality which isn’t an accident. The damage can be as a result of a fire, vandalism, flood, collision with animals, or theft.  It is cheap, but it doesn’t apply in all situations as the name might suggest.

Have you just acquired the motorcycle of your dreams and you are ready to hit the road? Contact Familia Insurance Agency today for a motorcycle insurance coverage that will grant you a peace of mind as you enjoy your new ride.

If I Change Where My Boat is Docked, Do I Have to Tell the Insurance Company?

If you own a boat, you likely have boat insurance on the watercraft. Insurance helps to protect your boat both while it is being used in the water, being transported to the water, and being stored. One of the questions that we at Familia Insurance Agency, serving the greater Orlando, FL area, are asked is whether you need to let the insurance company know if you change where the boat is being docked. Read on to get the answer to this question.

The location where your boat is being stored can affect the price of your boat insurance. When you buy a policy, you are asked where your car is stored. This is because some neighborhoods have higher theft or vandalism rates. The same is true for boats. Some communities have higher boat vandalism or damage claims. As such, you do need to let your insurance company know when you change the location where your boat is docked or stored.

In most cases, you have about 5 to 7 days to contact your insurance company and let them know that you have made this change. You will then be asked to provide them with the new location where the boat is being stored. Your insurance rate can go up or down, based on the location of the vessel, even if you are in the middle of a policy. Be aware of this, so you are not caught off guard.

If you are looking for a new boat insurance policy in the greater Orlando, FL area, let Familia Insurance Agency assist you. Call us today to schedule an appointment to sit down and discuss your boat insurance needs.

Can Anyone Take out an Umbrella Policy?

Insurance is a very complicated matter, and something like an umbrella policy that is not mandated by any laws can be even harder to understand. This type of policy is great for a wide range of uses, but when the wrong type of umbrella policy is taken out, it can get difficult. For those that live in the Kissimmee, FL area, the agents at Familia Insurance Agency can help you to understand umbrella policies fully.

So, what is an umbrella policy?

Basically, this is a policy that is going to be taken out to add extra coverage to already existing plans that you may have in place. This means that if you have a policy that has coverage for $10,000 and you want to raise the coverage to $20,000, you can take out an umbrella policy. This type of policy is something that not all people need, but something all people can take out if they choose to do so.

Now, just because anyone can take out this type of policy does not mean that you necessarily need to or that you would want to take out this type of policy. This is an extra policy that is helpful, but that is not entirely necessary for all people seeking insurance coverage.This policy can also benefit you in the event of a lawsuit or certain liability cases. An umbrella policy has multiple purposes which need to be looked into extensively to see if it will work for your situation.

For those that live in the Orlando or Kissimmee, FL area, speaking with an agent like those from Familia Insurance Agency can help you have all your questions answered. Don’t be left in the dark. Find out what an umbrella policy can do for you.

Minimize Water Damage with a Flood Cleanup Kit

If you want to minimize water damage from a natural disaster, broken home appliance, or a ruptured pipe in your home in the Kissimmee, FL area, then you want to prepare a flood clean-up kit. Having a kit ready can help dry out your home faster and prevent mold, mildew, and other water damage from taking hold.  Here’s what you need to put together a quick clean-up flood kit. Most of the items are easily located, inexpensive, and you may have some around the house. 

  • Start with a stiff-bristled, 24-inch push broom, with a squeegee attached if possible, to push water out of the area quickly.
  • Use a sponge mop to sop up the water, and then use a string mop to disinfect the area to keep mold or mildew from getting a foothold.
  • Two 5-gallon buckets so you have one for dirty water and one for clean water.  You can pick up used drywall mud buckets if you want to recycle.
  • A large 5 ½ inch grouting sponge to spread disinfectant in those hard-to-reach places.
  • Good old-fashion chlorine bleach is the best disinfectant for a flood cleanup. Use one cup to 5 gallons of water or 9 parts water to 1 part bleach will kill mold spores.
  • Protect your hands with dishwashing gloves or thick rubber gloves.
  • You can never have enough rags to help clean up and spread disinfectant in small areas.
  • A box of heavy-duty 3-6 mil contractor trash bags to carry away the waste.

Familia Insurance Agency

At Familia Insurance Agency, we care about helping you protect your home investment. We provide insurance coverage for homes in the Kissimmee, FL area.  Contact a Familia independent agent today to discuss your home’s flood insurance options and keep your investment protected.

Protect Your Interests with Condo Insurance

Most condo complexes come with master insurance plans that cover such common elements as your building structure, landscaping, recreational facilities, and more along with general liability coverage against accidents on common grounds. This coverage, however, may not extend to your unit and belongings. By acquiring a personal condo insurance policy from Familia Insurance Agency in Kissimmee, FL, you can protect your unit and interests.

As an individual condo owner who lives in Orlando, Saint Cloud, or even Kissimmee, here are a few ways in which condo insurance can be of benefit.

Protection against Theft and Vandalism

Condo insurance can provide coverage against theft of personal goods or vandalism of your unit. If someone breaks into your condo while you’re on vacation, your insurance can help pay for the replacement of stolen property or repair of damages sustained to your property.

Protection of Personal Goods

You can also obtain condo insurance coverage for your personal belongings to include furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry, and others against damage or loss due to fire, flood, or other covered peril. Depending on your policy limits, your insurance could cover repair or replacement costs of expensive items that otherwise would be difficult to replace on your own.

Liability Protection

In the event of an accident in your condo, liability insurance will cover the cost of medical expenses for injuries sustained by guests on your property. If you often entertain or enjoy hosting family reunions or holiday parties, you can have greater peace of mind knowing you are protected against unforeseen events that could result in personal injury to others on your property.

By discussing condo insurance options with a representative from Familia Insurance Agency, you can get a better idea of what type of coverage would be best for your situation. An investment as valuable as your Orlando, Saint Cloud, or Kissimmee, FL condo deserves the best insurance protection possible to secure your interests for the future.  

Should Your Home Insurance Change This Hurricane Season?

It may be a good idea to review and possibly upgrade your homeowners insurance as hurricane season blows in this year. Although Kissimmee, FL is inland, it is still on a peninsula and is occasionally vulnerable to storm paths. Familia Insurance Agency wants our clients to know that their home is safe all year long.

What You Should know About Home Insurance and Hurricanes

  • Many different types of damage are caused by hurricanes. From flooding, wind, and even occasional hail. There is not a broad coverage that just protects the home for any event. Make sure your homeowners insurance covers the incidents that are likely or possible to occur in your area.
  • Hurricane damage cause by water, is considered flood damage and is covered under the federally managed National Flood Insurance Program. Make sure that you indeed have Flood Insurance before hurricane season rolls around.
  • Fast action is vital to save your home after water damage from a hurricane. Even if you are handy and feel like you can fix damage to your home after a disaster, it is still not worth the risk because water damage spreads fast and should be treated like an emergency to prevent rot and mold.
  • Insurance means that even after a frightening disaster professionals can come in and restore your home and lifestyle back to normal so your family does not have to feel displaced or afraid.
  • Various home insurance policies will not cover the valuables within the home such as jewelry and electronics, consider this when purchasing your policy.

Contact us at Familia Insurance Agency if you would like to review your home insurance in and around Orlando, Saint Cloud, and Kissimmee, FL before disaster heads your way. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to one of our agents.

Are Your Delivery Vehicles Properly Insured?

Many Kissimmee, FL businesses rely on deliveries to make their business run. However, accidents can occur while your drivers are transporting your goods. Do you need specialized insurance for this problem? The answer is yes, and at Familia Insurance Agency you can get the kind of high-quality commercial car insurance you need to protect your business.

Commercial Car Insurance Is Crucial

Commercial car insurance is an important type of coverage that you need to purchase for any vehicle that is regularly used for company business. This is especially true for deliveries, as delivery vehicles are often on the road for most of the day. Deliveries can include transporting hazardous material, moving housekeeping equipment, taking equipment to a construction site, or even taking a pizza to a customer’s home.

The Types Of Delivery Insurance Available

There are many different types of delivery insurance available for your business. For example, commercial auto insurance helps to cover accidents caused by drivers when they are behind the wheel of your company-owned vehicle. It also pays for property damage and personal injury.

However, hired and non-owned auto insurance may be useful if your employees regularly use their own vehicles for deliveries. In this way, you can avoid getting stuck with a headache of a bill later if they do suffer from a serious accident.

Do Drivers Need Individual Delivery Insurance?

One question that may plague many business owners is whether or not their drivers should have delivery insurance. Non-owner coverage is useful here, as it can protect your employees as well as yourself. However, they may also be able to right-off using their vehicle for deliveries, an important consideration when choosing vehicle insurance.

That’s why delivery insurance is important for all Kissimmee, FL businesses, not just those that specialize in transporting goods. To learn more about this type of coverage, please contact us at Familia Insurance Agency today. We can sort through your choices and help you make an informed decision.

How Does Your Choice Of Car Affect Your Insurance In Florida?

You remember Miami Vice, right? What’s the point of living in Kissimmee, FL if you’re not going to drive a super cool sports car?

Well, sports cars tend to be very expensive, especially if you’re talking about the custom Italian rides that Don Johnson used to cruise around Miami with. Familia Insurance Agency can help you to get a fair deal no matter what you’re driving, but it’s always worth considering all the available discounts and rates before settling on a new vehicle. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Safer = Cheaper- Remember, this isn’t only a matter of real safety, but perceived safety, as well. No matter how safe a driver you may be, a Porsche has a reputation as a car for risk-seekers, so it’s going to be a little more expensive to cover.
  • Trucks and SUVs- These vehicles are among the cheapest autos to insure. The heavy, large build offers a lot more protection and can withstand a lot more damage without the driver needing to file for a whole new auto.
  • If your car doesn’t include all of the best safety features, it may be worth crunching the numbers to find out whether having them installed would outweigh the additional costs for insuring a less-safe car.
  • It goes without saying that the more expensive your car, the more it’s going to cost to insure. When your car’s value starts to inch towards six figures, it may be worth looking into specialty insurers. Hybrids are an exception. They’re pricier than a standard compact or truck but tend to cost less to insure than a comparably priced conventional fuel auto.

For more questions about your auto insurance, please contact the agents at Familia Insurance Agency in Kissimmee, FL. We can help you find the best insurance possible for your automotive needs.