How To Pick The Perfect Used Family Car

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There are a lot of dealerships in Brandon. When you are looking for the perfect used family car, there are a lot of things to consider. Knowing how to pick is going to help you get a better value for your purchase.

Compare

Compare the various vehicles out there. It pays not to be too picky in terms of color and make/model. Focus more on the value that you’re going to get. Plenty of websites allow you to check the inventory at multiple dealerships so you can look at the age of the car, the price, and the mileage.

Inspect

Have the car inspected before you buy it. The dealership may have inspected it and there may be others who can inspect it. Consider bringing it to a local mechanic shop for their input on whether the vehicle is worth the money. Any time a dealership doesn’t want you to bring it to a mechanic, be extremely worried because they may be hiding something from you.

Consider

Before you buy a used car, consider what kind of value you are getting. It’s possible to get a certified, pre-owned vehicle, which means it has already been inspected to the guidelines of the manufacturer, and comes with an extended warranty. You want relatively low miles so you can rely on the car for years to come. Three years is the magic number where the car’s not going to be too expensive, and not too old.

Ultimately, you have to be happy with your car, so do the research to ensure this happens.

Auto insurance is going to provide significant amounts of protection while you drive throughout Brandon, Florida. Call on one of our agents at Runnels Insurance can answer questions and obtain quotes to help you get affordable coverage.

 

 

Easy Spring Cleaning Tips To Follow

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Spring cleaning doesn’t need to be a giant hassle. In fact, if you play it out just right, you can clean your home efficiently and maybe even save a few dollars along the way with these simple easy spring cleaning tips. At Runnels Insurance, we know your time is important, so taking advantage of these tips should help you clean up your Brandon, FL home faster than ever before. 

Start Outside

The sun is out and the weather is feeling nice. Why not step outside for a bit of fresh air? You’ll need to clean the windows, but a good amount of the dirt probably accumulated on the outside of the windows. Cleaning this area of the windows first helps you see what you need to clean when you move back inside and the natural light can do wonders for your mood. 

One Cleaner Rules Them All

Switching between a half dozen different cleans not only is time consuming tracking down the right one, but it is expensive as well. If you go to the cleaning isle at the store, you’ll find dozens of options for the kitchen alone. Instead, just go with one. Check out the multi-surface cleaning products. It works well on just about anything you need to clean and is generally mild in nature. 

Change the Filter on Your Vacuum

Do you dread vacuuming your home because you have that "vacuum smell" when you are done? Nobody likes the aroma of dirt circulated through a a vacuum. When it starts to smell like this, it is time to change out the filter on your vacuum. This can instantly change the quality of air in your home. You can even toss some air fresheners designed for vacuums into the appliance. This way, not only does it clean your floors but improves the aroma of your home. 

Protect Your Parked Motorcycle to Prevent Theft

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Whether riding through Brandon, Florida or anywhere else in the country, there’s just nothing like being on the open rode and your own, personal transport. The main problem with motorcycles is these vehicles are far easier to steal than anything else out there. Skilled motorcycle thieves can grab and go with a bike in a matter of moments. It is up to you to prevent this from happening. At Runnels Insurance, we sell motorcycle coverage to protect your bike in the event of an accident and other occurrences, but we also want to make sure you never are faced with trying to hunt down a stolen bike either. 

Always Install a GPS

Most modern vehicles now have GPS tracking installed. However, the same is not the case with all motorcycles. This is something you need to invest in. With a GPS, even if something does happen to your bike, you can notify the police and give them the tracking information. Most stolen bikes are moved out of the area or chopped into pieces quickly, so locating the stolen motorcycle quickly is essential. GPS gives you this opportunity. 

Bike Cover

Perhaps you live in an apartment complex, and you simply do not have the ability to park in a garage. While parking under a covered parking space is a good idea, the next step is to add a bike cover. This hides the quality of your bike, and it makes it less identifiable to those looking to steal a bike. 

Always Lock it Up

Creating a skeleton key that works on most motorcycles isn’t as difficult as you might think, so locking your bike and wheels is not always going to work. This is why securing your bike with an external lock is necessary. 

Your Family Will Be Safe During a Disaster if You

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Your family will be safe during a disaster if you prepare adequately. You need to take into consideration the types of disasters that occur around the Brandon, FL area. You may be without power, and you may deal with flooding or fire. Some general disaster preparation you should do is simple tasks that can protect your family’s safety and health. 

1. Get Water Bottles

Buy an extra case of water and keep in on hand at all times. You can go about 72 hours without fluids; however, it can affect your health and comfort level. 

2. Food

You should stock up on food, so you have enough sustenance to last you for three days. You want to opt for items that are non-perishable. You may want to have a small refrigerator and a generator if you want to be on the safe side, but it’s not necessary. Your goal is to have enough food to get you through until the electric is restored or until you can find alternative shelter. 

3. Lights

Have a flashlight or two on hand in case of a power outage. Ultimately, you want enough flashlights for every person in your home, and they should be strategically placed,  so you can get to them easily. Always have spare batteries on hand in the general vicinity of the lights. Portable lanterns are great to have as well. You may want to have a battery-operated tap light in each room of your house. 

4. Radio

Have a radio that runs off of batteries. Don’t rely on your cell phone because your Wi-Fi won’t work if the power is off. The radio will be able to tell you recent weather changes and if an evacuation is necessary or any other special instructions to keep you and your family safe. 

Protect your home for your family’s sake with insurance through Runnels Insurance. 

How to Avoid a Collision with a Bicycle

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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.

Renter’s Guide To Improvements: Closet Edition

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Many renters are focused on closet space. Sometimes, you cannot find the space you need or the design you have been looking for. There are ways, though, that you can make the most of a small closet so you can make it more like what you are looking for. No rental is perfect but if you can make the most of what you have, you are succeeding. Follow these tips to get the most out of the space. 

  • Remove the shelves if they do not work for you. You can easily remove these and put them back when you leave. They are generally just screwed into the wall. This makes it an easy transition both when you move in and when you move out. 
  • Add more shelves if needed. You can get bracket mounted shelves at any local hardware store. Once you are ready to move out, you will just need to remove them and spackle the walls. 
  • Remove the door. If you need more room, one easy way to do this is to remove the closet door. You can always put it back before you move out and this is as easy as removing the door from the hinges. 
  • If the space simply does not work for a closet, rethink it. You may be able to use it as a little desk area. Think outside the box and make sure you get the most out of the space, even if you do not use it as a closet. 

If you are a renter, you should have rental insurance to make sure all of your belongings are protected. Your landlord’s insurance does not cover your belongings. Contact Runnels Insurance serving Brandon, FL to explore your options and choose an insurance plan that is right for you.

Flood Insurance: Why You Need It

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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. 

After the Disaster: The True Worth of Insurance Agents

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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. 

Home-Based Business and Insurance – 3 Facts

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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.

 

When the Lights Go Out: Preparing for Power Loss

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Power outages can happen anytime in Brandon, FL. You may suddenly lose power due to tropical storms, or even from someone running into a utility pole in your neighborhood. Dealing with a power outage is easy–and can even be fun–if you have taken time to prepare. Runnels Insurance offers tips on making the most out of a power outage.

Lights and Entertainment

Lighting is simple with today’s selection of LED flashlights and emergency lighting kits. Stock up on inexpensive LED flashlights and batteries, or for a few dollars more you could even install a few emergency lights. This type of lighting is powered by a heavy-duty battery and is made specifically for emergency events.

Keep board games and books on hand. Treat the outage like a camping trip—or an impromptu vacation from electronic devices. What better to do during down time than some family bonding over a word game or a trivia competition?

Create a Stockpile

No need to buy food to last your family for years; but, consider stocking enough staples to feed your family for at least several days’ time in the case of a significant outage. Keep a manual can-opener on hand to use in a pinch. Also, make sure to have enough drinking water to keep each family member well-hydrated during a mid-summer outage.

Power Up

If you experience more power outages than you care to deal with, consider investing in a generator. Even small generators can provide enough power to help you accomplish cooking on an electric griddle and taking care of basic household needs.

Runnels Insurance wants to make sure all of your home’s needs are met. For more tips on power outage preparation, or to see how Runnels Insurance can help you find the best homeowners’ insurance policy for your budget, contact us today.