Avoiding a collision with a bicycle can be more difficult than it seems. Because they are smaller and slower, it is less likely that you will see them. Some common bicycle and vehicle scenarios may be helpful when you want to avoid a collision.

Parked Cars on the Side of the Road

When you are parked on the side of the road, be careful when opening your car door. It is easy for a bicyclist to run into you suddenly. Check your mirrors and over your shoulder before exiting your vehicle.

Backing Out of a Driveway

You usually watch for other vehicles as you back out of your driveway. You should also make a point of taking an extra look for bicyclists. Because they are moving at slower speeds, you make have to check twice before pulling into the road.

Left Turning Lane Vigilance

A collision that may happen when you are making a left turn is when you are opposite the cyclist. Because your traffic signal is green, you may not notice a bicycle riding across the lane you are turning in to. Even though the rider should have hopped off of their bike and walked it across the intersection, it is still your responsibility to be observant.

Right Turn Only Lanes

In Florida, bike lanes are visible on the right side of the road. The opposite is true for a right turn only lanes at intersections. When making a right turn, be aware that bicyclists will be on your left if they are going straight. Avoid a collision by looking over your shoulder when moving into a turn only lane.

For more information on car and bicycle safety, contact Runnels Insurance in Brandon, Florida. They are an independent insurance agency that handles new and existing policies for auto, home, flood, and other types of insurance options.

Flood insurance is usually the last thing on homeowners minds, especially if they are not in an area that is known for flooding. However, this is something that you should consider as a homeowner for several key reasons. Flood insurance is a great way to add extra protection to your investment. Continue reading for some of the main reasons why you should consider flood insurance for your home no matter where you live.

• The majority of homeowners insurance policies do not include flood insurance. In fact, it is really difficult to find a homeowners insurance policy that does cover flooding and any flood damage. If you think you are covered by your homeowners insurance in this area, think again. It is most likely something that you need to purchase separately.
• Of the floods that do occur in homes, twenty percent of them are in areas that are at low to moderate risk for flooding. This is a large percentage of floods that happen in areas that you would not expect. Just because you do not live in an area with a lot of flooding does not mean it can happen to you. 
• Floods can occur from a variety of causes. Floods do not just happen because of rain. A pipe could burst in your home causing an internal flood. You may even have a neighbor with an above ground pool and if it gives way, then you may have some flood damage that you have to deal with. There are many different ways a flood could happen in or near your home. 

Contact us today at Runnels Insurance for more information about flood insurance. We can help you find the right policy for your home or even take a look at your current policy for any gaps in coverage. 

Insurance is one of those things that people take for granted until they need it. So many Americans find themselves frustrated after a disaster, because they have to do all the work themselves. Insurance is a very complicated field, and an independent insurance agent understands the subtle nuances of the business. These professionals are especially important after a natural disaster, because the victim of the disaster is already swamped by other responsibilities. 

After a Disaster: Why Independent Insurance Agents Matter 

Whether it’s a fire, a flood or a storm that causes the damage, it’s difficult to adjust after a disaster.  It usually requires a team of professionals to repair the damage, because each contractor has a field of specialty. Dealing with all the contractors and the insurance agency is full-time work, but an independent agent can bridge the gap between the insurer and the policy holder. Trying to understand insurance laws is something best left to a professional, because agents are well-educated to the laws of their state.  These individuals can make sure you have the funds to delegate to each contractor.

Insurance is an area of the law, and there are very specific requirements for filing claims, even when the damage is caused by nature. The agent can also help you understand which items are covered and which items are not. It can be frustrating to deal directly with the insurer, but an independent agent has the skills and training to expedite the process. The agent is already aware of any paperwork or forms that the insurer will want to see. Just having this paperwork ready in a timely manor can save days and this isn’t the only service that the agent provides. Brandon, Florida residents have to worry about hurricanes, flooding and thunderstorms, but Runnels Insurance makes sure they don’t have to worry about their policies. 

Owning a home-based business can be a great way to pursue a passion and make a little extra income on the side. But did you know that your homeowner’s insurance policy may not cover you while you do so? Here are three facts you need to know.

Fact #1: Homeowner’s Insurance Specifically Excludes Business

One fact to consider before you start that home-based business is that many homeowner’s insurance policies specifically exclude commercial endeavors. This means that if you ever have a claim—such as a fire, weather event, or theft—you could be responsible for replacing your inventory and other business items out-of-pocket.

Fact #2: You Could Be Putting Yourself at Risk for Claim Denial

Some property insurance carriers are even so picky about business exclusions that they will deny entire claims over the fact that a commercial endeavor was taking place inside the home. Imagine a situation where your house burns down, everything you own is damaged, and your insurance company denies the entire claim because you didn’t have a separate commercial insurance policy. Would you be able to replace everything you own without undertaking a huge financial hit? Unfortunately, this is the reality for some home-based business owners who do not seek out separate coverage.

Fact #3: Even Small Home-Based Businesses Need Commercial Insurance

Again, many carriers these days are really picky about home-based businesses. Often, they do no care if you only sell a few items a month or go to a trade show once a year. This means that even small endeavors need to have a special commercial insurance coverage. Most policies are surprisingly affordable and include basic liability and property damage protection.

Make sure your home-based business is completely covered. Contact us at Runnels Insurance today for a free quote or comprehensive policy review.

 

Liability coverage is an important component of renters insurance, although some policies don’t include it as standard coverage. Designed to protect you from accidents that you cause, it can protect you when you’re found responsible for a covered incident. If you don’t know whether your renters insurance policy includes liability coverage, contact us at Runnels Insurance. We’ll help you make sure you find the protection you need.

Liability Coverage Protects You from Yourself

Unlike insurance coverage that protects you against vandals and thieves, liability coverage doesn’t protect you from someone else. Instead, it protects you from yourself. When you’re held responsible, or liable, for a covered incident, your liability insurance will protect you. The specific scenarios liability coverage may provide protection or will depend on your renters insurance policy’s terms and conditions. Here are three examples that might qualify as a covered incident, depending on your policy:

• a fire that you start and spreads throughout your apartment building
• legal fees associated with an incident that took place in your apartment
• damage you cause to someone’s property when you’re outside of your apartment

Our Insurance Agents Compare Liability Coverage Rates

At Runnels Insurance, we have independent insurance agents who can compare any renters insurance policy offered in Florida against others ones that are available. They’ll be happy to review your current policy’s liability coverage and rates. If there’s a renters insurance policy that provides more liability coverage for less money, they can help you switch.

To get in touch with one of our Florida-licensed independent insurance agents, call our office or, if you’d prefer, send us an email through our website. One of our agents will respond quickly and begin helping you find the best rates on renters insurance policies with liability coverage.