Author: AgentInsure

Fishing Boat vs. Pontoon Boat: Which is Your Next Purchase?

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Trying to decide which boat to purchase next can be a big decision. Not all boats are made the same and have different designs for different hobbies. Depending on what you like to do and how many people you like to have in tow, you might choose between a pontoon boat and a fishing boat.

Speed

A fishing boat is the best option if you’re looking for a boat that can go fast out on the water. They are lighter than a pontoon boat and can reach higher speeds faster. This doesn’t mean that a pontoon boat can’t get up to a decent speed; it’s just not going to navigate and get back to the dock as quickly as a fishing boat.

Size

If you want to enjoy your days out on the water with lots of friends, you may want to consider the pontoon boat. It is designed to be a carrier boat and comes with excess seating so that you can have a lot of people together at once. Because it is designed for social gatherings, it even has an easy drop down into the water for swimming, anchored in the river or lake.

Maneuvering

If you like to fish in quiet places, small fishing boats are best suited for fitting into small spaces tucked away out of sight. They can easily maneuver through the waters, getting into creeks and channels. Pontoon boats, because of their shape and size, aren’t able to get into these areas. If you don’t mind fishing out in the open, a pontoon boat is still another excellent option.

Trying to decide which boat is right for you depends on what you’re looking to get out of the experience. If you’re in the Brandon, FL, area or surrounding communities, Runnels Insurance can help you get the insurance coverage you need before getting out on the water.

Is It Time for a Home Insurance Review?

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If you’re in the Brandon, FL area and have had your home insurance policy for over a year, it’s time to review and update it. That’s where Runnels Insurance comes in. Our dedicated agents are here for you, and we want to ensure you’re protecting your home as effectively as possible. We can answer your questions and provide multiple quotes from different insurers so you can confidently choose the policy that fits your needs and goals.

The Importance of Regular Policy Reviews

Often, people set up their home insurance policies and renew them when they’re due. While keeping your insurance policy active is important, you also want to make sure you adjust or update it as needed. For example, if you change your home significantly, you may need to update your policy to account for that.

We recommend reviewing your policy once a year, even if you don’t change your home. Our agents can provide quotes from several insurers for you to consider and can also review your current policy for comparison. Whether your current policy is the best one for your home and situation or you need a different one, we can answer your questions and provide plenty of information about all your policy options.

Contact Runnels Insurance for a Policy Review

Reach out to Runnels Insurance today if you’re in the Brandon, FL, area and looking for a home insurance policy review. We’ll be happy to examine your current policy and make suggestions or advise you on a different policy. Either way, you’ll have the knowledge you need to make the best choice for your home protection goals.

Unexpected Things Your Auto Insurance May Cover

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Auto Insurance: Unseen Benefits

Auto insurance is indispensable for vehicle protection. While you’re aware it comes to the rescue in the event of an accident, your policy may cover a multitude of other unforeseen issues. Keep in mind that policies may differ; hence, it is recommended that you consult with your insurance representative at Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, for further clarification.

Animal Damage

The state of Florida is populated with a variety of animals, both wild and domestic ones. Potential vehicle damage may arise from rodents nibbling on the wires and upholstery, raccoons or even naughty pranks done by your household pets. Consult with your representative to ensure your auto insurance policy covers animal-inflicted vehicle damage.

Lost Wages

A bare minimum of $10,000 in Florida is mandated for PIP coverage. But are you aware that this can also cover up to 60% of lost wages due to an injury resulting from a vehicular accident? Remember that this benefit may have an upper limit, so make sure to refer to your policy terms.

Weather Damage

Considering Florida’s constant weather changes, it’s crucial to ensure your policy covers possible damages caused by storms, falling trees or branches, hail storms, and even tornadoes.

Pothole and Sinkhole Damage

Given Florida’s predominantly limestone bedrock, occurrences of potholes and sinkholes are relatively common. These encounters may cause significant damage, ranging from suspension, bent tire rims, and alignment issues. In the extreme case of a sinkhole, it may even swallow your car! By having collision coverage in place, the repair costs due to pothole damage and sinkhole losses might be covered, depending on the terms of your specific policy.

For a thorough understanding of your specific auto insurance policy, feel free to consult with your insurance company representative at Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, who will gladly answer all your inquiries!

Can You Name Anyone as a Beneficiary For Life Insurance?

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Choosing a beneficiary for your life insurance policy is an important decision. At Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, we often get questions about who can be named. Let’s explore your options in more detail.

Who Can Be a Beneficiary?

You have the flexibility to name almost anyone as a beneficiary. Common choices include spouses, children, or other family members. However, you can choose friends, charities, or a trust. The key is to ensure that the person or entity you select will fulfill your wishes and manage the funds responsibly.

Naming a Minor as a Beneficiary

If you wish to name a minor, it’s important to consider the legal implications. Insurance companies typically won’t pay proceeds directly to a minor, so appointing a guardian or setting up a trust can be beneficial. This ensures that the funds are managed appropriately until the child reaches adulthood.

Can You Change Your Beneficiary?

Yes, you can change your beneficiary at any time, as long as your policy is in force and the beneficiary designation is revocable. It’s wise to review your choice regularly, especially after significant life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Keeping your beneficiary designation up to date ensures that your insurance benefits are distributed according to your current wishes.

Considerations When Naming a Beneficiary

Think about the financial needs of those you’re considering. Will they need support for living expenses, education, or other obligations? Discussing your decision with potential beneficiaries can help align expectations and prevent misunderstandings later. 

Get Personalized Guidance on Florida Life Insurance

For personalized guidance on naming a beneficiary and understanding your life insurance options, contact Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL. Our team is here to help you make informed decisions for your future.

Advantages of Umbrella Insurance

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If you’re a homeowner, you likely already have liability insurance to protect your assets in case of injuries. However, many homeowners go the extra mile and opt for umbrella insurance. If you live in the Brandon, FL, area and you’re interested in umbrella insurance, our team at Runnels Insurance is ready to answer all your queries.

Umbrella insurance is an additional coverage that covers expenses beyond what your standard insurance pays. For instance, if you are involved in a car accident, and the other driver’s injuries cost more than the liability limit on your policy, umbrella insurance can cover the extra costs. These policies supplement the liability insurance on homeowners’ or auto insurance.

How Can Umbrella Insurance Help You?

As per Nerd Wallet, umbrella insurance can assist you by covering excess expenses from causing injury to someone. If you or your car happens to damage another person’s property, the surplus costs can be handled by your umbrella insurance. In the event of court cases, your umbrella insurance can also cover the costs of your attorney and court expenses.

Umbrella policies are beneficial for those who own large properties. It’s also advantageous for those possessing items that could cause injuries – such as a pool, gun, or dog. Investing in umbrella insurance may be a wise decision if you’re involved in a sport where there’s a chance of accidentally injuring someone else. Landlords often find umbrella insurance useful due to the risk of being sued by their tenants.

Contact Us Today About Umbrella Insurance

When exploring insurance options, make sure to inquire about umbrella insurance. Clients in the Brandon, FL, area are more than welcome to connect with Runnels Insurance for more information on umbrella insurance. Our agents are eager to discuss all your insurance options. Call us to schedule an appointment today and learn how umbrella insurance can be beneficial for you.

Review Your Comprehensive Condo Insurance Policy

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Take some time to review your comprehensive insurance policy. When changes occur within your living space, make sure to update your condo insurance plan.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage safeguards your personal possessions and any building materials you hold primary responsibility for. It provides protection against liability incidents, theft, vandalism, and natural weather disasters.

A comprehensive insurance policy may include add-ons. These additional coverage options fill in gaps and enhance the coverage the policy provides.

Policy Review

Review your comprehensive condo insurance policy thoroughly. Ensure that all the personal details included are up-to-date. If changes have occurred that necessitate policy modification, note them.

The policy will list all the possessions covered by the insurance plan. While reviewing the policy, refer to your home’s contents. Ensure that the high-value items included in your policy remain in good condition. If you’ve sold any personal possessions, make a note of the items you no longer own.

This information will be helpful when it’s time to modify your comprehensive condo insurance policy. If you’ve purchased any items since getting your condo insurance, remember to record details about them.

When you’re ready to modify your insurance policy, you’ll need to provide information about any newly acquired items.

Contact Runnels Insurance

Make an appointment with one of our insurance agents who serve Brandon, FL. At Runnels Insurance, our agents are trained to consult with clients and recommend a broad range of condo insurance products that deliver the protection property owners need.

Legal Requirements For Having Motorcycle Insurance

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In Florida, like in many other states, motorcycle insurance is required of riders. Understanding these requirements is crucial for motorcyclists to ensure they comply with the law and have adequate protection on the road in the Brandon, FL, location.

Mandatory Coverage

Florida law mandates motorcycle riders to have minimum insurance coverage to legally operate their vehicles on public roads. The minimum required coverage includes $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, provides economic protection for hospital expenses and lost income for the policyholder and any passengers injured in a motorcycle accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage ensures injured parties receive prompt medical care and financial support after an accident.

Property Damage Liability (PDL)

Property Damage Liability, or PDL, coverage protects the policyholder from financial responsibility for damage to other people’s property caused by a motorcycle accident. This coverage helps repair or replace vehicles, buildings, or other property damaged in the accident for which the policyholder is at fault.

Additional Coverage Options

While PIP and PDL coverage are the minimum requirements for motorcycle insurance in Florida, riders may purchase additional coverage options for enhanced protection. These options may include Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage, Comprehensive coverage, Collision coverage, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to carry the mandatory minimum insurance coverage for motorcycles in Florida can result in significant penalties, including fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. Additionally, involving an accident without insurance can lead to personal financial liability for medical expenses, property damage, and legal fees.

Let Runnels Insurance Give You Information

Runnels Insurance answers your motorcycle insurance questions and serves the Brandon, FL, region. Call us today for updated information. 

When do You Need Specialized Insurance Coverage for Your Boat?

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Although boat owners in Brandon, FL are not legally required to obtain boat insurance, investing in one is certainly a practical decision. Typical boat insurance policies cover a gamut of risks, including weather-induced damage, fire, collisions, and vandalism. They also oversee liability claims, protecting your financial interests if your boat inflicts injury or damages property.

Standard boat insurance policies, however, may be insufficient in some cases. In certain situations, specialized coverage becomes imperative for truly enjoying your boating experience.

Specialized Equipment

Do you have specialized, high-cost equipment on your boat? If so, it’s vital to ensure that your insurance policy covers such equipment. This could include boat add-ons, water sports gear, fishing equipment, or navigational tools.

Water Sports

For parasailing, jet skiing, or wakeboarding fans, procuring a policy that covers any damages or injuries you unintentionally cause is essential. However, please note that such policies often cover injuries to third parties and not the policyholder. You would need to secure relevant medical coverage to cover your medical bills following an accident.

International Cruising

While the ocean doesn’t care about boundaries, your insurance agency will likely set geographical limitations on your policy. If you intend to sail in international waters, you must obtain a policy covering those regions.

Runnels Insurance in Brandon, Florida: Your Trusted Insurance Partner

At Runnels Insurance, we take pride in offering diverse boating insurance policies for varied watercraft. Reach out to us today and explore your insurance options. Let’s work together to choose a policy that caters to your unique requirements.

Home Maintenance Checklist for Home Insurance

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Home Ownership, Insurance Premiums, and the Importance of Maintenance in Brandon, FL

Homeownership comes with a mix of joy, responsibilities, and additional expenses like home insurance. An important aspect that some homeowners overlook is consistent home maintenance’s role in ensuring their homes’ safety, potentially leading to lower monthly insurance premiums. Our expert agents at Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, are here to guide you in refining your home maintenance checklist.

Lower Your Insurance Premiums through Regular Home Maintenance

Regular home maintenance is crucial. It prevents a potential claim denial due to neglect and shows your insurance provider that you take home safety and upkeep seriously.

As you work on your checklist, be sure to include areas posing potential risks, such as maintaining your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. By taking these necessary precautions, you could benefit from lower premiums.

Creating a Home Maintenance Checklist

While every home’s needs are unique, you should include a few everyday items on your maintenance checklist. These include simple tasks like cleaning your furnace filter regularly, which helps your HVAC system work more efficiently and adding salt to your water softener, which maintains water quality and prevents potential damage to your appliances.

Pay special attention to your property’s drainage system. Keep your bathroom and kitchen drains unclogged and clean. Regularly test your home safety devices, including smoke alarms, GFCIs, and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, electrical cords and fixtures must be inspected frequently for superficial damage and wear to spot potential fire hazards early.

How Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL can Help

Our highly knowledgeable team at Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL can provide further tips on enhancing your home maintenance checklist. Contact us today to learn how implementing certain maintenance tasks can lower your home insurance costs!

The Basic Components of an Auto Insurance Policy

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An auto insurance policyholder is always seeking protection from any threat of financial losses stemming from involvement in a road accident. Sometimes, the coverage provided does not exceed your expectations. Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, can assist with creating an auto insurance policy that includes all the basic components.  

Select Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

All drivers want auto insurance that protects them financially, especially if they cause a vehicle accident that injures others. Bodily injury liability coverage pays for all expenses (medical bills, rehabilitation visits, and lost wages) of the injured party following the mishap.

The coverage is available to all drivers on the auto insurance policy. Some policyholders will opt to have more than the state minimum to protect their personal assets. The bodily injury liability coverage transfers over when permission is granted to drive another person’s automobile. 

Add Property Damage Coverage

Another basic component to add to your auto insurance policy is property damage coverage. The purpose of the coverage is to pay for all damage done to another person’s property following a street accident. Insurance providers define property as fences, building walls, and mailboxes.

Sometimes, a vehicle could end up inside the home. The property damage coverage will pay for all interior and exterior repairs. In extreme cases of this nature, the homeowner’s insurance policy will cover all the remaining amount after your coverage has exceeded its limit.

Not every auto insurance policy is the same. But every driver needs the basic components to be fully protected when traveling. If you have questions about auto insurance, speak with a representative from Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL. They have the experience to answer your questions and create a policy that protects your financial interests. Call and schedule an in-office meeting today.