How Motorcycle Insurance Differs From Auto Insurance

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If you have been driving a motorcycle for any amount of time, you know that driving a motorcycle is vastly different from driving a car. For this reason, insurance coverage of a motorcycle is also vastly different. In order to be safe and insured properly, it is important to understand these differences. 

Two Wheels Just Isn’t The Same

Driving on two wheels just is not the same as driving on four. The risk factors are increased drastically. For this reason, insurance must be different. If you have never insured a motorcycle before, be prepared to have a different rate and possibly a different policy for your motorcycle. 

Passengers

There are also significant distinctions when it comes to passengers. In an automobile, it is assumed that there will be more than one passenger since the vehicle is built for multiple passengers. This is not the case with a motorcycle. With a motorcycle, it is assumed there will only be one passenger. Therefore, if you plan to have passengers ride with you, you will need to add this to your insurance policy. If you overlook this step and allow passengers to ride with you without adding passengers to your policy you could get into a lot of trouble. 

Time of Use

Motorcycle insurance also gives you the option of only paying for coverage when you will be using the bike. This is very handy for people who only use their bike during certain seasons of the year. If you do not ride all year long, then you can save money by only getting part-time coverage. 

If you would like to learn more about motorcycle coverage, please contact our friendly staff today at Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL. We would be delighted to answer your questions. 

Boat Insurance Basics

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Most homeowner policies include liability protection for boats below a certain size. These policies also provide some coverage for damages to the boat itself in addition to the motor and trailer, typically a specific dollar amount or percentage of the home’s value. Larger boats are more likely to require a separate insurance policy, especially if they have a motor. An agent at Runnels Insurance can provide you with more details on the insurance you’ll need for your boat in Brandon, FL.

Requirements

Insurance companies often classify larger boats as a yacht if its length is greater than 26 feet, which requires a different policy from a basic boat owner’s policy. Boats capable of faster speeds, typically 25 mph, may also require greater coverage. Additional factors that can increase the coverage you require include equipment such as covers, fenders, fishing gear, communication and navigation equipment.

Coverage

A boat owner’s policy will include many types of coverage that are common to other types of property insurance, including liability, theft, damage and loss. However, it often specifies coverage for particular parts of the boat such as the hull, furnishings, machinery and permanently attached equipment. Coverage for towing, assistance and uninsured boaters are also common components of boat insurance.

Deductible

Boat policies usually have more than one deductible, each of which may apply to a different type of property and loss. They may also use one of several methods to determine the reimbursement for a physical loss, including the replacement cost or a specific amount. The boat’s actual cash value (ACV) is also a common method of calculating reimbursement, which is the cost of a new boat less the depreciation of the insured boat. The same policy may also handle different types of boating property with different reimbursement methods.

Get a quote on boat insurance from Runnels Insurance, serving Brandon, FL.

What RV Insurance Is Needed if You Are Living in Your RV Full Time?

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Many people choose to live in an RV full time for a number of reasons. Full-time RV insurance differs slightly from auto insurance, so you want to make sure you have the proper coverage in Brandon, FL.

Liability: If you are living in your RV full time, things that are covered under homeowners insurance also need to be covered under RV insurance. This means that you need to have a higher liability value so that if someone slips and falls inside the RV, you are covered. Ask an agent at Runnels Insurance if you are covered in camp or while parked, as well as on the road, in order to have the most amount of coverage.

Personal Property: Since your personal belongings will be in your RV and it will likely be most of what you own, look for additional property coverage options. Many standard policies will give you a certain amount of coverage, but if you have expensive equipment, such as TVs or computers, you may want to increase the value. Also, check to see if the coverage includes items attached to the RV that has been added aftermarket.

Replacement Coverage: If something were to happen to your RV, you should know what the replacement coverage is since this is more catastrophic than just losing a vehicle. Full replacement coverage is best so that you can get the RV replaced.

Towing: You will need a separate towing package to make sure that you have coverage for towing a big vehicle.

Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance can be useful if your RV breaks down from a flat tire, battery failure, or if you get locked out. Even if you are not going to be driving your RV at all, consider this option.

Pet Injury Coverage: If you don’t have a separate pet insurance policy, then this coverage can make sense, especially if you live in the RV full time.

Contact Runnels Insurance, serving Brandon, FL, to get a quote on RV insurance. 

 

 

How much flood insurance do I need?

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If you live in Brandon, FL, you probably realize that your regular property insurance will not give you the help you need if you are the victim of a flood. When you purchased your policy at Runnels Insurance, you learned that there are some limitations and that you may need an extra policy to get the coverage you need. 

What Is Flood Insurance? 

Flood insurance is insurance that protects you when large amounts of water flood your home and it usually comes through the National Flood Insurance Program  (NFIP). Because of the geography of Florida, flood insurance is usually a requirement of a mortgage. There are many possible sources of flooding for any property in the area, such as lakes, rivers and, of course, the ocean.

The policies themselves generally cover up to  $250,000 for property and up to  $100,000 for personal possessions. The property covers the amount that it would take you to rebuild, including for your home’s foundation, HVAC system, other large appliances, carpeting, and debris removal. Personal items include clothing, furniture, curtains, small appliances, and even food.

How Can I Tell How Much Coverage To Get?

Your flood policy is meant to help you recover if there is a disaster, so you need to consider that when purchasing your policy. If you live in Florida, the chances are you will need flood coverage even if you don’t live by the water, as it covers flooding from storms. 

Investigating your options and comparing private insurance might get you a better deal and the specific coverage you need. You don’t want to be left high and dry in Brandon, FL if a flood damages your home. At Runnels Insurance, we can help you assess the value of your property and tailor your policy to you. Please call today if you have any questions.

Can You Insure a Lawn Mower on Home Insurance Policies?

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Insurance is something that many people may have difficulty truly understanding. There are nuances, extras, and items that may not be so obvious. For those homeowners that have expensive lawnmowers or other expensive lawn equipment, having some form of insurance is a great way to feel a bit more secure. For those in the Brandon, FL area, the agents with Runnels Insurance can help you find the policy that covers all your needs.

For those that have a lawn mower or other expensive lawn equipment, it is helpful to know that these items are covered on your home policy. They are covered either on the contents of the home or the contents of the garage or other outbuildings that you have on the property. These coverages are perfect for making sure that if there is damage from a fire, from a storm, or from theft, that these high-cost items are covered so that you can repair or replace them.

If your garage catches on fire for example and your lawn mower is destroyed, you can call on your home policy to help replace or repair your lawnmower. If the fire was caused by your car you may be able to call on your auto policy. It is important to note that your lawn mower is likely going to be covered by some form of insurance that you hold but if you feel you need extra insurance, you can take out policies that are specifically for lawn mowers and other lawn equipment. For those that live in or around the Brandon, FL area, the agents with Runnels Insurance can help you get the perfect policy to make sure that all your high-cost items are covered in some way or other.

3 Tips to Avoid Being a Distracted Driver

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Driving and navigating the roadways in Brandon, FL can be a stressful and complicated process. Even traveling the same streets on a daily basis can suddenly have surprises and obstructions, such as stopped traffic or road work, making navigation even more difficult. Because of the risks that come with driving, it is essential that you take the appropriate measures to remain focused while driving. Everyday activities that many drivers engage in while behind the wheel constitute distracted driving, which can lead to serious, even fatal accidents. Here are 3 tips to help you avoid being a distracted driver.

Do Not Drive Fatigued

Staying focused on the roadway is critical for your safety and the safety of the other drivers around you. One of the most common causes of fatal accidents is driving while fatigued. Driving while you are tired produces the same effects as driving while under the influence; you may fall asleep at the wheel, you can easily lose focus on what is around you and you will not have the alertness that is necessary when driving.

Do Not Groom While Driving

The rearview mirror in your vehicle is designed to help you see what is behind you it is not designed to be used as a bathroom mirror. You should either complete your grooming before leaving home or wait until you reach your destination-this includes shaving your face, fixing your hair and/or putting on makeup. It only takes one second of not focusing on the road to cause serious injuries to yourself and/or others on the roadway.

Silence Cell Phone While Driving

Keep your cell phone put away while you are driving. You shouldn’t ever, under any circumstances text, dial a number or video record while you are driving. If you must make a call, either pull over to a safe place or use a hands-free set to make the process safer for everyone. It is best to turn your phone off or to vibrate to avoid the distraction of answering calls while driving.

It is also important that you always keep your hands on the wheel, so do not eat or drink while driving and if you are listening to the radio, be sure to keep the sound low enough so you can hear other drivers on the roadway.

Residents of Brandon, FL who are interested in reviewing their current auto insurance policy or purchasing a new policy should contact Runnels Insurance.

Do You Need Boat Insurance Year Round?

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It is a lot of fun to have a boat during the summer in Brandon, FL. Water is a way of life in the state of Florida so many people have a boat. However, after summer is over, many people stop their boat insurance policies because they are not using their boats outside of summer. However, that is not the smartest thing to do because there are a lot of things that can happen during the year even if you are not using your boat. Here at Runnels Insurance, we recommend that you have boat insurance year round and these are just a few reasons why:

  • Damage can happen to your boat even if it is stored. If you find that damage has happened when it has been stored, if you did not have boat insurance, there is nothing you can do except to pay for the repairs out of your own pocket. 
  • Someone can steal your boat, even in the off season. Even though you may not be using your boat, no one said anyone else would be looking away. If it is stolen in the time that you are not using it, then you want to have insurance to protect yourself. 
  • You want protection against someone getting injured on the boat. When you are using the boat, you want that protection to ensure that you will not have to pay out of pocket for any medical bills because of an injury. 

Having a boat is a lot of fun but you also need to make sure that it is protected all year long. If you have a boat and need boat insurance, be sure to reach out to us here at Runnels Insurance, serving Brandon, FL, today so we can get a policy for you.

Top 3 RV Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them

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Your RV is basically your home away from home, so it is essential that you give it the same attention as you would your home in Brandon, FL. Make sure to carefully inspect the RV for any damages before heading out on the road. Unfortunately, accidents happen, but with a little preparation, you may be able to avoid common problems. Here are 3 of the most common RV insurance claims and how you can avoid them.

Hitting Bridges and/or Gas Station Overhangs

One of the most common claims insurance companies see when it comes to RV’s is damages caused by hitting bridges and gas station overhangs. RV owners in Brandon, FL, who don’t know the height of their RV, enter areas that do not have enough clearance overhead. The first step to avoiding this type of claim is to measure the height of your RV from the ground to its highest point, which is typically at the top of the air conditioner. For extra safety, add an extra 6-8 inches to the overall height. Make sure to write the information down and post in an area that you can easily see and remember to check the clearance of bridges and overhangs.

Rodent Infestations

Damages caused by rodent infestation are also a common claim, primarily damages that occur when an RV is being stored for the winter. The most common as well as extensive damages are often caused by squirrels and/or mice. Rodents are notorious for chewing through plastic lines, wiring, and upholstery. To prevent rodents from finding their way into your RV it is important to do a careful inspection of the RV before storing. Look for any holes or gaps, including inside, under and behind drawers and cabinets, and fill them with expanding foam. Remove all food items from the RV and thoroughly clean it to remove any food droppings that may attract rodents.

Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts on an RV are often caused by tires that underinflated, old, overloaded and/or damaged. A tire blowout can cause extensive damage to your RV as well as put you at risk of severe injuries if you lose control of the vehicle when the tire blows. RV tires generally have the maximum rating that can be found on the side of the tire. The best way to find out if your tires are overloaded is to find scales where you weigh them individually. Tire failure may also be caused by underinflated tires, so make sure to check the pressure frequently using a quality pressure gauge. Age also plays a role in the risk of tire blowouts, so make sure to replace the tires when needed.

Residents in and around Brandon, FL who are interested in RV insurance should contact Runnels Insurance.

Do I Need Flood Insurance on My Home?

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Your home is one of the biggest assets that you will ever own. Since it is so important and valuable, it is extremely beneficial to keep your home as protected as possible. One way to do this for many people is to invest in a flood insurance policy. For those that are in the Brandon, FL area, having flood insurance is often a necessity. There are several things that you should understand when trying to figure out if you need to have flood insurance on your property.

Flood Zone
When you are looking to determine whether or not you need to have flood insurance, the first thing you need to do is to check the FEMA flood zone map. FEMA is a federal agency that manages and updates a national flood map on a regular basis. Those that are located in an area that is determined to be a high-risk flood zone should consider having flood insurance on their property.

Mortgage Requirement
While your property may be located in a high-risk flood zone, you still do not necessarily need to have flood insurance. If you purchase your home in cash and do not have a loan out on your property, flood insurance is never required. However, if you have a mortgage, it is very likely that your lender will require that you have flood insurance the whole time that the loan is outstanding.

Since determining whether or not you need to have flood insurance can be a challenge, those that are in the Brandon, FL area should consider hiring the Runnels Insurance company to help them figure out their flood insurance needs. Runnels Insurance will be able to review your property and the flood zone map to determine whether having flood insurance is a necessity for you.

Multiple Life insurance policies for the same person:What you need to know

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Having an additional life insurance coverage has been adopted in recent past due to a number of reasons,  most common being; change in policyholders situations or when in need of a greater level of coverage not offered on the current policy. Nevertheless, there are a number of factors to consider before engaging in multiple life insurance plans, this is according to Brandon, FL, Runnels Insurance. They include:

  • Management of the multiple policies is often complex.

The more life insurance covers you have, the more time you will need to manage and review them.

  • Cost implications

For each policy you purchase, you will need to pay premiums; this will be costly in the long run.

  • Time factor

Having multiple insurance covers have its own time implications since you’ll need to dedicate time to each cover for researching, reviewing and meeting the providers to ensure your needs are met.

  • Claims

This is one major benefit of having multiple insurance policies since you can file your claims and receive payments for each specific cover as long as your claims satisfy the terms and conditions of the policy. It’s vital to remember that the admissibility of each claim is determined by each individual insurer specific rules and regulations.

  • Beneficiaries

With multiple insurance policies, you can nominate multiple beneficiaries who will be entitled to claims. The number of beneficiaries, however, varies between providers. With multiple beneficiaries, the policyholder will have to split up what’s paid to each beneficiary.

It is of great importance to review and keep your nomination of beneficiaries current for purposes of circumstantial changes so as to ensure that the benefits end up to the intended recipients.

As a reputable insurance company in Brandon, FL, Runnels Insurance will help educate, empower and empower individuals in making right decisions regarding life insurance policies for your special needs.