Many people go on vacations every year. There are so many things to do to get ready before you leave and it is easy to forget something important. It is also easy to forget to do simple tasks that will help keep your house and possessions safe from damage and theft.

Tips for keeping your house safe

Set timers on interior and exterior lights

Nothing is more inviting to a burglar than a dark house with no signs that anybody’s home. Set timers on the interior and exterior lights to make it look like someone is there.

Prepare for power surges.

Power surges can happen at any time. Unplug all electronics or plug them into a surge protector.

Don’t post on social media.

Some people post everything on social media, especially when they go somewhere on vacation. This is a beacon for someone looking for a place to rob. You are advertising when you are leaving and when you will be back.

Lock away valuables

It is always a good idea to lock away all jewelry and other valuable things. Make sure it is out of sight and in a lockbox or safe.

Double-check all doors and windows

Double-check that all your doors and windows are locked, even if you think they are.

Protect pipes

If you are going to be gone during the winter, it is crucial to check your pipes. Please ensure they are well-insulated, so they don’t freeze and burst.

Stop or pause newspaper and mail.

Newspapers and mail piling up at the door is a big flag that no one is home.

Contact us

For more information on insurance or home tips, contact us at Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL.

Making your home more energy efficient is a great way to save money and help the environment. But it can be tricky to know where to start. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Insulate your home. Add insulation to your home’s attic, walls, and crawl spaces. You can get special rolls of insulation designed specifically for each of these areas, making it easy to install on your own. Just be sure to check with local building codes before you start so that you know what type of insulation is required for your area.
2. Check for air leaks and seal them up. A great way to save energy is by ensuring that there aren’t any air leaks in or around your home. Your best bet is to hire a professional contractor who can find exactly where those leaks are coming from and help you plug them up so that air isn’t constantly escaping from your house.
3. Upgrade your heating and cooling system. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, make this one of the first things you upgrade. This can help to save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature in your home based on when you’re home or away – so that it never wastes energy by running when nobody is there to use it.
4. Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. By replacing your old fixtures with new ones designed for maximum water efficiency, you can reduce how much water you’re using each day without sacrificing any comfort at all.

If you have more home energy efficiency questions, call Runnels Insurance today. We proudly serve the Brandon, FL area.

Your homeowner’s insurance covers many things. Homeowner insurance provides coverage from the structure of your home to your personal belongings. Homeowners’ insurance can be expansive, making it hard to know exactly what’s covered. Our Brandon, FL office at Runnels Insurance knows that a homeowners’ policy has many details that people may not be familiar with. We’re here to help.

What is Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance provides coverage for your home’s external and internal structures and any other structures on your property. Homeowners insurance also includes liability protection and medical coverage. However, every homeowner’s policy is specific. As a result, it’s a good idea to understand your homeowner’s policy thoroughly. Although many things are covered, there are some situations that your homeowners’ policy wouldn’t cover. Most policies have limits and stipulations concerning what’s covered.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover my she-shed?

A standard homeowners insurance policy covers your home and any structure on your property. This includes sheds. There’s no need to purchase a separate policy for your shed because it should be covered under your existing homeowner’s policy. However, there are some circumstances where your shed’s damage may not be covered. If the damage occurred due to an action or incident not outlined as a covered event, you might have to cover the damage out of pocket. Your homeowner’s policy clearly outlines what’s covered. Also, an insurance agent could clearly outline what damage would be covered under your policy. If you have questions regarding coverage, call us. We’d be happy to discuss any issues or concerns you may have and provide answers. 

If you live in the Brandon, FL area, it would be a good idea to invest in your future by purchasing your own home. If you purchase a property in this part of Florida, having the right insurance is very important. It will give your dwelling and personal assets coverage and reduce liability risks. There are various situations when someone will need to carry a home insurance plan. 

Those with Mortgages

A situation when someone in this part of Florida will need home insurance is when someone has an outstanding mortgage. A mortgage is a common way to finance real estate purchases in Florida. If you have a mortgage, you will need to follow the rules set by your lender. In many cases, this includes requiring you to maintain home insurance. Sometimes, you will even have to escrow your monthly payments. 

Those in Home Associations

You also may be required to carry a home insurance plan if you live within a home association. These associations will always want to know that their residents and owners have proper insurance. They will usually have specific rules for coverage levels and may require that you provide the association with evidence of coverage every year. 

If you do live in the Brandon, FL area, it would be very helpful to always have a proper insurance plan in place for your home. There are a lot of choices that you need to make when looking for this coverage, and Runnels Insurance can be a great resource. When you call the team at Runnels Insurance, we will offer you additional support to ensure you can select the right plan for your lifestyle. 

Home insurance adjusters visit your Brandon, FL property to determine your policy coverage and payout.

You decide your coverage limits when you purchase a home insurance policy from a company like Runnels Insurance. Although a policy isn’t required to buy a home in Flordia, it’s highly recommended to blunt the costs of damages.

It’s especially true when it comes to severe weather conditions the state is subject to. In addition to fire, theft, and vandalism, your home can be damaged due to hurricanes, tornadoes, and strong thunderstorms. A home insurance policy covers these conditions for your Brandon, FL property. 

How Coverage Is Determined

When you file a claim with your insurance company, it’s given a case number and delivered to the adjusters. In turn, they do one of two things. They might ask for photos of the damage for their records. On the other hand, if the damage is extensive, they’ll make an appointment to see it firsthand. 

During their visit, the adjuster will take photos and notes related to interior and exterior issues. They’ll take this information back to the office and compare the damage to what your policy covers. Further, they’ll review current costs related to the necessary repairs. These factors will determine what the insurance company pays for. 

How to Get the Right Amount of Coverage

Don’t underinsure your home insurance policy to save money. While it may initially help you, it won’t allow you to repair your home when appropriately needed. Thus, it’s best to reach out to a company like Runnels Insurance to calculate the right amount of coverage. Contact a representative today for additional information. 

As a homeowner, you know your home is one of your most valuable assets. It’s not just the physical structure but everything inside – from your furniture to your clothes to your priceless family photos. That’s why it’s so important to have a good home insurance policy in place. But what happens when your needs change? Here are four signs that it might be time to update your home insurance policy.

1. You’ve Made Major Renovations to Your Home

If you’ve made any significant renovations to your home, it’s essential to let your home insurance company know. That’s because the value of your home has likely gone up, which means you need more coverage. For example, if you’ve added a new room or replaced your roof, you’ll need to update your policy.

2. You’ve Acquired New Belongings

Over time, you’re bound to acquire new belongings. Whether it’s a new piece of furniture or a new energy-efficient appliance, you could be underinsured if you don’t update your policy. If something happens to your home and you need to make a claim, you might not get enough money to replace your belongings.

3. You Have a New Baby

Becoming a parent is a huge life change and should be reflected in your home insurance policy. That’s because you now have more people in your home who are vulnerable to injury. You may also have more belongings, like toys and baby clothes, that need to be protected.

4. It’s Been a While Since You Reviewed Your Policy

Even if nothing significant has changed in your life, it’s a good idea to review your home insurance policy regularly. That’s because, over time, your needs may change, and you might be able to get a better rate. So, if it’s been a while since you reviewed your policy, now is the time to do it.

Contact your insurance agent today if you’re thinking about updating your home insurance policy. They can help you assess your needs and ensure you have the coverage you need. At Runnels Insurance, we can help you review your existing policy to see if it meets your current needs in Brandon, FL. We’re also here to help you find a new policy if you need one. Contact us today to get started.

Home insurance is an essential purchase for any homeowner. It provides peace of mind that your home and belongings are protected in a disaster or accident. But what does home insurance cover? In this article, we’ll discuss what home insurance covers.

1. Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling coverage is the portion of your home insurance policy that covers the physical structure of your home. This includes the walls, floors, ceilings, and foundation.

Dwelling coverage includes attached structures, such as a garage or deck. If your home is damaged or destroyed by a covered event, such as a fire or severe weather, dwelling coverage will help pay for the repairs or replacement of your home.

Dwelling coverage does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear. For example, if your roof needs to be replaced due to age or damage from a storm, you would need to pay for this repair out of pocket as it is not covered by dwelling coverage.

2. Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage is the portion of your home insurance policy that covers your personal belongings. This includes furniture, clothing, electronics, and other items you keep in your home.

If your personal belongings are damaged or destroyed by a covered event, such as a fire or severe weather, personal property coverage will help pay for the repairs or replacement of your belongings.

3. Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is the portion of your home insurance policy that protects you from financial responsibility if someone is injured on your property. This includes medical expenses and legal costs. If you’re sued for damages, liability coverage will help pay for your legal defense.

Liability coverage also provides protection if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. For example, if you accidentally start a fire that damages your neighbor’s home in Brandon, FL, your liability coverage will help pay for the repairs.

4. Additional Coverage

In addition to the three main types of coverage, most home insurance policies also include additional coverage for specific events. This can include coverage for flooding, earthquakes, and wind damage. You may also be able to purchase additional coverage from a professional company such as Runnels Insurance for items such as jewelry or art.

5. Other Structures Coverage

Other structure coverage is a type of dwelling coverage that protects detached structures on your property, such as a shed or gazebo. This coverage can help to pay for the repairs or replacement of these structures if  damages thema covered event damages them. Additionally, other structure coverage can help to pay for the repairs or replacement of fences, driveways, and sidewalks.

Conclusion

Home insurance is an essential purchase for any homeowner. It protects your home and belongings in the event of a covered disaster. Home insurance typically covers the dwelling, personal property, liability, and additional expenses. Other structure coverage is also available to protect detached structures on your property.

Florida homeowners looking for more information about home insurance can contact Runnels Insurance. We are happy to answer any questions about home insurance coverage. Give us a call today.