How are Flood Insurance Costs Determined?

Making sure that your home has the right amount of insurance coverage is very important. For people that live in an area that is prone to flooding and is designated by FEMA as a flood zone, having flood insurance in place is often a requirement under their loan agreements. The amount of money that you will spend on flood insurance is very important. For those that are in the Kissimmee, FL area, there are a number of different factors that can influence flood insurance rates.

Location in Flood Zone

One factor that will influence the cost of your flood insurance is where exactly you live on the flood map. Certain areas of a flood zone are considered to be a much higher risk than other areas. If you live in an area that is considered to be a very high risk, it could result in much higher flood insurance rates than if you live in a zone that was considered a little bit less of a risk.

Cost to Replace

Another factor that will have a big impact on the cost of your flood insurance is the cost to replace your home. If your home is extremely expensive and large, your flood insurance rates will end up costing more than someone who has a more modest home. This is because the average risk of loss for the insurance company is much higher.

If you are looking for flood insurance in the Kissimmee, FL area, you should reach out to Familia Insurance Agency. When you speak with the Familia Insurance Agency, you will get a better understanding of what your flood insurance needs are and what the potential costs could be. Our agency will also be able to provide you with additional insight to make sure you get the best overall insurance policies in place for your particular situation.

Is Your Liability Coverage Enough on Your Condo Insurance Policy?

When you bought the luxury condo in Orlando or Kissimmee, FL, did you opt for enough liability coverage on your condo insurance policy from Familia Insurance Agency?

Elegant Homes House Your Rich Friends

While you knew it would cost more to repair damage from fire or wind when you moved into the unit with granite counters and the marble master spa, if your neighbors or friends get injured on your property, their medical bills and expenses will likely be higher, too.

While $100,000 liability coverage might seem like plenty for a stubbed toe, will it take care of the private hospital and in-home nurse visits that your neighbors might use? Talk to your agent to make sure that your coverage will handle all the extras often associated with an upscale neighborhood.

Are Your Guests Wearing Designer Clothing?

In many suburban neighborhoods, if your friend’s athletic shoes are ruined by an oil slick on the driveway, they likely won’t be coming after you for reimbursement. However, if your wife’s girlfriends enjoy Prada, Jimmy Choo, and the latest in designer fashion, that little trip and fall might cost you thousands. If you maintain a $10,000 maximum liability coverage, it might not take care of her bills.

Well-educated Neighbors Teach their Friends How Much Damage to File on a Claim

If you chose your new condo because your neighbors are lawyers and doctors, remember that if one of them gets injured accidentally in your unit, they have a better understanding of how the system works. They may be more likely to ask for every penny available to them, so it is wise to make sure that your policy is ready to stand up to the added demands. 

When shopping for condo insurance in the Orlando or Kissimmee, FL area, talk to your Familia Insurance Agency representative about liability insurance and if you need more than the minimums recommended for the average condo owner.

What is a home inventory and why do I need it?

When settling into your Kissimmee, FL home, creating a home inventory might be the last thing on your mind, but it can help you if you need to file an insurance claim. In fact, bringing your home inventory with you to Familia Insurance Agency provides your agent with helpful information to make sure you obtain a policy that provides the coverage you need.

Creating an Inventory

Your home inventory contains three parts: video, photos, and a text description. Store it outside your home in a safety deposit box or in the cloud. The Insurance Information Institute offers an app, "Know Your Stuff," for creating and storing an inventory.

  1. Make a video of the contents of each room of your home. Include close-ups of electronics, bicycles, camera equipment, artwork, and other expensive items.
  2. Photograph each room, capturing close-ups of expensive items like electronics and appliances. Photograph the model number and serial number appearing on each of these items.
  3. Write a textual description of each item, noting its model number and serial number. Update this at least annually.

Using Your Inventory

Your inventory first comes in handy when you obtain homeowners insurance. Take it with you to meet with your agent. They can use it to calculate how much coverage you’ll need to replace your home’s contents in case of a hazard occurring, such as fire or theft.

Its second use occurs when you need to make a claim. Its easier to file a claim when you already have an accurate description of every item damaged or missing.

A home inventory takes some time to make, but it’s worth your time to document your belongings. You’re more likely to end up with appropriate insurance coverage for your Kissimmee, FL home. You’ll also find it easier to file a claim in the event of a loss. Create your inventory and visit Familia Insurance Agency to find the right homeowners police.

Is Commercial Insurance Right for Every Business?

When it comes to owning a business, there are a lot of expenses that you likely have every month. The last thing that you probably want is another expense. However, one thing that you should consider for your business in Orlando or Kissimmee, FL is commercial insurance from Familia Insurance Agency. In fact, commercial insurance is something that you should have for your business no matter what sector or type of business you have. If you are still not sure that you need the coverage, consider the following reasons why you may need it. 

How to Know if You Need Commercial Insurance

At the end of the day, if you have a business, then you need to have commercial insurance in place. There are no questions about it. You have worked hard to develop your business and you should want to protect it as well. You need to protect it from any potential accidents such as a fire, injuries, theft, and more. You also need to protect it from your employees as well as protect your employees with worker’s compensation.

The great thing about commercial insurance is that it is created with the business in mind. No two commercial insurance policies are the same. In fact, if you buy a commercial insurance policy that is made "for any business" then you are probably set up with a policy that will not accurately protect you. The right commercial insurance policy will include only things that you need and none that you do not need. It will be unique to your business and it will provide you with all of the specific types of coverage that you need. 

As you can see, a commercial insurance policy is something that every business needs. If you do not have a commercial insurance policy in place, be sure to reach out to us here at Familia Insurance Agency, serving Orlando and Kissimmee, FL, for a quote or a review of your current policy. 

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.