Common Boat Insurance Myths That Florida Residents Should Avoid

Runnels Insurance serves the Brandon, FL community by offering residents different types of insurance policies. We strive to treat our clients like family. As an independent insurance agency, we have established partnerships with multiple companies in the South. This helps us serve our clients regardless of their needs.

Boat Insurance Myths

Florida is one of the most popular boating states in the country. If you are one of the many residents in Brandon, FL who own a boat, it’s important that you have protection. Boat insurance allows you to protect your assets in the event that your boat is involved in an accident. While researching different policies, avoid these common boat insurance myths.

I Can Just Amend My Home Or Auto Policy

Many people believe that they can just amend their home or auto insurance policy to cover their boats instead of researching a separate policy. This is a mistake. A direct boat insurance policy allows you to fully cover your boat. Instead of having to amend your current auto insurance policy, research a boat insurance policy that focuses directly on your boat.

All Of The Policies Are Similar

Boat insurance varies depending on the type of boat that you have. You also have to figure out how much liability coverage you need, especially if you plan to operate your boat while other people are on board. If you have special accessories on your boat, you may have to amend your policy to cover those items.

I Have Coverage Regardless Of Where I Operate My Boat

Make sure that you carefully read over the navigational limits in your policy. The policy will outline the exact places where you can operate your boat and maintain coverage. Operating your boat outside of the outlined areas in your policy is a huge risk.

Runnels Insurance Will Guide You Through The Process

For more information on boat insurance policies, visit our website today!

Is A Travel Trailer Covered In RV Insurance?

Your RV insurance is an agreement between you and your insurer of choice to protect your motorhome, camper, fifth wheel, travel trailer, etc. Whether your RV insurance covers your travel trailer depends on several factors, the most crucial one being the terms of your insurance policy.

Do I Need Travel Trailer Insurance?

If you live in Brandon, FL, you are not required to insure your travel trailer, as the law does not require you to insure vehicles towed on an RV, car, or truck. However, since it is a high-value asset, insuring your travel trailer is the preferred option. Most insurers provide comprehensive travel trailer insurance coverage, but you can always add collision to your policy for optimal protection.

If you add your RV or travel trailer to your auto insurance from Runnels Insurance, you will get the insurance coverage you need for a short trip or camping at a private ground. If you want to drive while pulling a travel trailer, your state will not require you to insure your RV as your auto insurance policy will provide liability coverage. This means that if your trailer causes an accident, the damages are covered by your auto insurance.

However, auto insurance only covers liability charges. For better protection, you should get a dedicated RV insurance policy to obtain both the protection of auto-insurance (comprehensive, liability, and collision coverage) and personal equipment protection (awnings, satellite dishes, etc). You, therefore, need to establish the auto insurance policy that guarantees you the most protection for your vehicle. Obtaining RV insurance from Runnels Insurance for your motorhome will provide the peace of mind you need to truly enjoy your vacation. If you are looking for reliable RV insurance in Brandon, FL, visit our website today for more information on RV insurance.

Flood Insurance in Brandon, FL

At runnels insurance, we offer full flood insurance coverage to residents of Brandon, FL. We aim at reducing the flood victims’ burden of coping with the aftermath of damages. We try to solve the problem through the coverage sampled below.

Coverage

In many occurrences, floods lead to the destruction of valuable property. To be precise, floods such as flash floods coax loss of life while river floods bring about loss of property. House damages have become commonly reported cases. Under house damage coverage, we aid the victims depending on their residence. Victims who live in rental houses benefit differently from those who live in their own house.

We also reimburse our flood victims through structural damages such as:

  • Plumbing systems.
  • Permanent panels, wallboards.
  • Some percentage of indoor damages of property.

Flood zones

Different properties are located in different flood zones. Some houses and commercial properties are at high risk of flooding while others are not. In a case where a property is at high-risk zone, we require people under Runnels Flood Insurance to purchase a flood insurance policy. This helps reduce financial loss.

Flood zones are grouped in different categories. There are different policies for different zones in Brandon, FL.

Flood disaster response

At Runnels Insurance Company, we have a standby team of people who have a profession in various skills required in flood disasters. Our 24\7 toll-free telephone line is 8136530681. During registration, one is required to fill a biodata that contains the individual’s address. In the event of disastrous floods, you will only be required to dial our toll-free number and our response team on standby responds with immediate effect.

For us to respond to any disaster, we require straightforward information about the current situation on the ground in order to avoid misinformation and to also satisfy the member’s demands.

Home Maintenance Tips for the Fall

Although it may feel as though you’ve just finished up all of your home’s spring maintenance chores, fall in Brandon, FL is just around the corner, so there’s no better time than now to get started on your fall home maintenance. Taking preventative steps now will save you both time and money down the road as well as the headache of dealing with issues that often occur as the weather gets colder. Here are a few tips from Runnels Insurance to help you get started on your fall maintenance.

Clean the Gutters

One of the most important fall home maintenance tasks you should include on your list is cleaning the gutters. Nobody likes cleaning the gutters, but if left alone the gutters and downspouts can lead to much more significant and expensive damages, including roof leaks. It’s typically recommended that the gutters should be cleaned at least twice each year, once in the spring and again in the fall. If your home is surrounded by trees this should be done more frequently. Cleaning the gutters prevents clogging. Over time the leaves and debris build up in the gutters, eventually preventing the water from flowing away from the roof and spilling over which causes damage to the foundation.

Inspect the Roof

Fall is the best time to inspect your roof. The winter rains can cause significant damage to the roof, the structure of your home and lead to issues with pests. When inspecting your roof, make sure to check for loose shingles, missing shingles, and any damaged flashing around chimneys and vents. If there is any buckling, curling or cracking shingles, be sure to replace them before winter arrives. If there is extensive damage, you may want to consider hiring a professional roofing contractor to replace the existing roof.

Pest Prevention

People commonly assume that spring and summer are when they will notice the most pest activity in and around their home. While this is often the case, the reason why spring is the time of the year when you’ll notice an influx in pests is because the eggs that have been laid over the winter are hatching. Pests, such as ants, spiders, centipedes, roaches, and a host of other creepy crawlies start looking for a warm place to spend the winter and your home is the perfect winter home for them. As these pests take up residence in your home over the winter, they lay eggs, which eventually hatch in the spring; ultimately possibly leading to an infestation. So, the best way to prevent the problem is to address the issue in the fall before there’s a risk.

Residents of Brandon, FL interested in learning more information about home insurance should contact Runnels Insurance.

Auto Insurance Add Ons to Consider

Your driving habits are unique to you. So too is the kind of vehicle you drive, how you use it, and even who uses the vehicle. You need to do what you can to protect it, as damage to your vehicle can result in expensive repairs and out of pocket expenses. At Runnels Insurance we’re here to help assist in finding the right kind of auto insurance and auto insurance add ons when you live in greater Brandon, FL. So, here are some of the basics regarding auto insurance add ons. 

Roadside Assistance

This helps provide assistance if your vehicle runs into trouble, which can range from changing a battery to replacing a tire to more serious issues. Whatever the problem might be, if you’re on the side of the road and need help, roadside assistance insurance can help. 

Uninsured Motorist Insurance

Nobody likes being involved in an accident, but what makes matters worse is if the other driver doesn’t have auto insurance. You could push a lawsuit on the driver for not having insurance, but chances are if they don’t have insurance they probably don’t have much money, and a lawsuit will only drag out. With uninsured motorists insurance, you will protect your vehicle and ensure you receive the necessary coverage you need for your vehicle. 

Finding Auto Insurance Add Ons

There is almost no limit to the kind of add ons for your vehicle. But what is the right kind of insurance add on for you to go for? That is ultimately up to you. Our staff here at Runnels Insurance can help address all of the questions or concerns you might have, so, if you live around Brandon, FL, you’ll want to give our staff a call at your earliest convenience. 

How Life Insurance is Financial Protection For Your Family

Life can be a cruel game. Quickly, everyone learns that you won’t be able to care for your family forever, but having life insurance is one of the great tools for financially protecting their future. Runnels Insurance of Brandon, FL can help you learn more about the coverage benefits, which keeps your family safe and secure from the unexpected. 

Life insurance should provide some peace of mind for a family in the area of financial protection at the time of a loved one’s death. The coverage benefits offer assistance with mortgage payments, health care bills, pending debt, and child care.

How Financial Security is Gained

Upon agreement, many fail to realize that purchasing a life insurance policy isn’t for them personally. Instead, the coverage is financial protection for their family. The policy is designed to give a spouse, children, parents, or siblings some sense of financial security at the time of your death. The goal is to maintain your family’s current standard of living without the sudden absence of income. Still, the wording of the life insurance policy itself must be explicit in order for your beneficiaries to gain all of the benefits from the coverage provided. 

Understanding Life Insurance Coverage

Life insurance is a viable source in repaying outstanding debts that pertain to your death. Usually, the coverage will pay for all funeral and burial costs as it will put an immediate financial strain on your grieving family. Life insurance can assist with paying pending bills from a lengthy health-related disease that you bravely fought until your death. Often, the medical bills are quite substantial and leave a family in financial disarray. 

Using Cash-Value of a Life Insurance Policy

The coverage found in most life insurance policies can provide some cash-value for the family while you’re alive. You can borrow against the policy for a loan on a down payment for a home, college tuition, and initial investment for a new startup company. The cash value can be used at your discretion, but the loan must be paid back before your death. If not, then the outstanding balance and interest will be deducted before the death benefits are paid out to your family. 

Take an opportunity to speak with a representative from Runnels Insurance of Brandon, FL and discuss the different life insurance policies available on the market today. Their experience can help with customized coverage that fits your insurance needs. It’s all about securing financial protection for your family.

Umbrella Insurance Coverage Specifics for Brandon, Fl Residents

Umbrella insurance is for you if you have any items of value. If you are sued for a situation that occurred on or in your property that resulted in an injury, umbrella insurance helps with legal expenses and protects you if you lose your case. We offer a variety of insurance options at Runnels Insurance. Here is what you need to know about umbrella insurance.

Umbrella Insurance Coverage for Brandon, FL Residents

How Does Umbrella Insurance Help Protect Your Assets?

Umbrella insurance helps protect your assets by:

  • Providing extra coverage when your insurance policies for auto, homeowners, and boat coverage limits are exceeded
  • Providing extra coverage for claims that are not covered by liability policies

What Are the Specific Umbrella Coverages for Florida Residents?

Umbrella insurance coverage is for:

  • Injuries
  • Personal liability situations
  • Property damage
  • Lawsuits

Umbrella Policy Coverages

Bodily Injury Liability

Bodily injury liability covers:

  • An at-fault accident that results in a severe injury
  • Dog attack accidents when your dog is at fault
  • A guest falls in your home
  • A neighbor’s child(ren) is injured while playing on your property

Property Damage Liability 

Property damage liability covers:

  • The cost of damage to someone’s tangible property
  • The loss of someone’s tangible property

Rental Property Damage for Property Owners

Property owners can face a variety of liability situations, and umbrella insurance helps with the liability costs of someone suing you due to:

  • Someone injuring themselves due to a damaged sidewalk of your rental property
  • Your tenant’s dog biting someone and you, the landlord, are held responsible for the damages

Other Situations an Umbrella Policy Can Cover

Other situations an umbrella policy can cover include:

  • Slander
  • Libel
  • False arrest
  • Malicious prosecution
  • Shock/Mental anguish

How Can Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL Help?

Runnels Insurance provides a variety of insurance coverages, including insurance for your condo, home, auto, flood, life, and umbrella insurance. We take pride in providing excellent service and putting our customers first. Contact us today to learn more about our insurance coverage options.

Is Condo Insurance Different from Home Insurance?

If you own your own condo in Brandon, FL, you might wonder what the difference is between home insurance and condo insurance is. After all, they’re both residential properties that you have a deed to. Runnels Insurance wants you to know the fundamental basics of both types of policies, so you know what’s covered. 

The Coverage Is Different 

With condo insurance, your personal property and liability are covered. So if your things are vandalized or stolen, you’ll be able to file a claim for replacement up to the limits of your policy. And if you’re accused of being at fault for accident or injury by a guest, then you’ll be able to file a claim for this as well (again, up to the limits of your policy). However, when it comes to the building that you live in, the insurance for this is typically managed by a separate policy. 

The Ins and Outs of Condos 

From the common areas that all condo owners share to the exterior structure of the building, it’s usually an association of some type that will make decisions for the rest of the building. It’s the board that will make the purchase of these policies, and they will also determine how much individual responsibility each condo owner has in the case of repairs or replacements. If you have condo insurance in Brandon, FL, you may want to verify what’s expected of you so you’re not left with charges you can’t afford. 

If you have questions about your insurance policy and whether you have enough coverage, Runnels Insurance is here to be of service. We can help you decide whether you need further protection based on both your current policy and the protocol of the current association of your condo. 

Motorcycle Insurance: Preparing For Spring

Spring is around the corner and if you are a bike enthusiast, this is the best time to get your motorcycle ready. The most important step is to renew your motorcycle insurance if it has expired. Remember, this is not an option. It is a necessity, or you’ll be on the wrong side of the law.

There are several types of motorcycle insurance coverage, but while some are mandatory, others are optional. We’ll focus on the state-mandated coverage here. The mandatory types of coverage for your bike are:

  • Personal injury protection
  • Uninsured motorist coverage
  • Property damage liability
  • Bodily injury liability

Personal injury protection

This coverage pays your medical bills if you sustain injuries from a motorcycle crash. That’s if the crash is your fault or it’s a hit-and-run case. Remember, if you were knocked down by a motorist, the motorist is legally obligated to pay your medical bills.

Uninsured motorist coverage

In case you get knocked down by an uninsured motorist, this coverage will fix your motorcycle or replace it completely, depending on the condition of your bike after the accident.

Property damage liability

If you run into another road user, like a motorcyclist or a motorist, this coverage will repair the damaged property, but it must be established that the damage was your fault. Now, you’re probably wondering if this covers the treatment of the injured road users. No, this coverage does not include that, but there’s another type of coverage for that.

Bodily injury liability

This is the coverage for the bodily injury you caused any other motorcyclist, motorist, or pedestrian. You can’t be too careful. Everybody makes mistakes. You don’t want a second’s mistake wipe out your savings or plunge you into debt.

From the types of coverage outlined above, it is clear that purchasing mandatory motorcycle insurance policy will give you peace of mind. It is in your best interest. For more information on motorcycle insurance, contact Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL.

 

Is Boat Insurance Required for Me in Brandon, FL?

The Brandon, FL area is a great place for anyone to live that loves sun and warm weather. Additionally, there are many local waterways where you can enjoy these nice warm days. Because of this, it also continues to be a great place for someone that wants to buy a boat. If you are looking for a boat in this area, you should also spend time considering your insurance needs. There are several reasons why someone may be required to carry boat insurance. 

Local or Private Requirements

One situation when you may be required to have boat insurance is if it is a local requirement. Many private marinas and local waterways have instituted their own regulations when it comes to boat insurance. It is important to check these local regulations to see if it is required for you to carry this form of insurance. 

Lender or Lessor Requirements

Since a boat can be a very big purchase, many people choose to buy or lease their boats with financing. If this is your case, you are undoubtedly going to need to have a boat insurance policy at all times. The lenders may require that you provide evidence of your coverage on an annual basis to ensure that you are carrying the insurance necessary to protect their collateral.

When you want to buy a boat in Brandon, FL, you should make sure that you speak with an expert about your insurance needs. Runnels Insurance is a great resource that you can use to better understand all of your insurance needs and options. Runnels Insurance can work with you to determine your exact needs based on your situation and then help you get into a policy that will provide the right type and level of protection.