What does my Brandon, FL condo insurance cover?

Runnels Insurance knows that living without condo insurance is an unnecessary risk.

If you rent or own a condo, the landlord or building association likely has a policy. But these are limited, rarely offering any personal protection.

That’s why it’s critical to have a dedicated condo insurance policy. Located in Brandon, FL, Runnels Insurance can ensure you’re covered. Below, the agency lists four items that should be included in any condo insurance policy.

Interior coverage

An owner’s policy only goes so far. Usually, these plans cover the building structure only. In contrast, condo insurance protects the inside of the unit. This applies to flooring, cabinetry, walls, and any other permanent fixtures. Your plan will reimburse for needed replacements up to the policy limit. 

Protection of belongings

Keep your possessions safe too. Furniture, electronics, jewelry, and other valuables are shielded against loss or damage. Each policy will list what specific events are covered. Natural disasters, like fire and water, are typically protected. Theft and vandalism are often included too.

Liability insurance

Virtually all insurance policies will come with some form of liability protection. This kicks in if there is an accident at your residence where you are determined to be at fault. Liability could help you, your family, and other guests with medical costs, property damage, and legal fees.

Loss of use

Condo insurance is about being prepared. Even a policy can’t prevent an accident from happening. But, if you are forced to temporarily relocate, condo insurance can at least help with the expenses. This chips in for an additional hotel, meals, and travel costs that are incurred as a result.

Schedule an appointment with an agent serving Brandon, FL

Fortunately, Runnels Insurance can help. Their trusted agents can create an individualized condo insurance plan to best meet your needs. Contact us today.

4 Reasons to Invest in Florida Motorcycle Insurance

Unlike most states, you don’t need motorcycle insurance in Florida. But does that mean you don’t need insurance for your two-wheeler? It’s a resounding no. You need to invest in motorcycle insurance from Runnels Insurance of Brandon, FL, for the reasons highlighted below.

Medical bills are costly

Given the vulnerability of a motorcycle, even a minor accident may result in major injuries. That said, motorcycle insurance comes in handy to cover the accruing medical expenses. And even if you have health insurance, it doesn’t cover all the costs. Uncovered expenses like lost wages, co-pays, deductibles, and other costs can quickly add up, making motorcycle insurance a worthwhile investment.

It covers liability claims

If you are responsible for an accident, liability claims can quickly stack up. You could be responsible for property damage, bodily injury, and even face lawsuits when you are at fault for an accident. These claims are super-costly without liability insurance and can easily wipe out your assets and savings.

To protect your bike

How much have you paid to acquire your bike? Suppose your bike is stolen or involved in an accident that writes off your asset. It would be difficult to see your investment go down the drain, right? The good thing is that you can protect your bike with motorcycle insurance. This coverage pays for repairs and even replaces your bike when totaled.

For peace of mind

When riding your two-wheeler, you don’t have to think about all the things that can go wrong. Your ride becomes stress-free when you have insurance because you know you are covered should anything go amiss.

Buy motorcycle insurance today!

Do the above motorcycle benefits appeal to you? It’s time to invest in motorcycle insurance in Brandon, FL. All you need to do is get in touch with Runnels Insurance.

Common Types of Boat Insurance Coverage

Despite what you may believe, boat insurance is very similar to any other kind of insurance you may purchase. Just like other insurances, there are many different types of coverage options available to Brandon, FL boat owners. Runnels Insurance shares some insight into boat insurance coverage.

Hull Damage

This coverage offers protection from the vessel’s structure. As a general rule, hull damage coverage will protect against physical damage that occurs from storms, collisions, theft, fire, and more. 

Personal Property/Equipment Damage

There is the option to extend your coverage so it protects personal property and equipment as it relates to your boat. Therefore, this type of coverage protects wakeboards, water skis, fishing equipment, and much more. Usually, this coverage protects against accidental damage as well as loss. 

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability

Bodily injury liability coverage offers protection for when a third party suffers an injury while using your boat. Property damage liability coverage offers protection for when you are liable for damage to property. Both of these are very common coverages purchased by boat owners. 

Medical Payments

This coverage offers protection in the event someone suffers an injury while getting onto, getting off, or enjoying your watercraft. This coverage may include payments for hospital expenses, ambulance bills, etc. This coverage will take hold even if you are deemed responsible for the accident. 

Named Storm Damage

As a boat owner, you are likely aware of the potential damage a named storm can have on your boat. When your water vessel suffers damage as a result of a named tropical depression, tropical storm, or category hurricane, this type of coverage kicks in and pays for repairs. If you live in an area that receives this type of weather regularly, named storm coverage is critical.

When you need to protect your watercraft, contact the professionals at Runnels Insurance, serving Brandon, FL, for help in putting together a solid boat insurance policy. 

Do I Need Home Insurance in Florida?

While Florida state law does not require that you carry homeowner’s insurance, you will likely be required to if you still have a mortgage. Further, if you live in a condo or within the boundaries of an HOA, they might also require you to pick up homeowners insurance. Even if none of those reasons apply to you, it’s still a wise investment to make to protect your home in Brandon, FL. 

Weather

Despite being named the Sunshine State, Florida gets more than its fair share of rainy days. In fact, in US history, six of the ten most expensive storms have occurred right here in Florida. It’s a good idea to review your policy to ensure you are covered for weather-related damages and know what exclusions apply. Flooding, for example, is a separate policy. 

Dislocation Living Expenses

Storms being a fact of life for Floridians means that sooner or later, you may be out of your home while it is undergoing necessary and claimable repairs. Additional Living Expenses coverage kicks in to help you ride out the extra expense of living away from home, allotting you cash up to your limit for lodging, food, and incidentals like laundry facilities. 

Protection Against Lawsuit 

Accidents happen to the best of us. If an injury occurs on your property, your or a family member damage another’s property, or your household pets cause injury or damage, you risk expensive lawsuits without adequate liability coverage. There is no deductible to utilize this portion of your policy, and it can provide you payment to cover your defense and pay damages owed up to your policy limits. 

If you are ready to review your homeowner’s insurance, reach out to Runnels Insurance today. We can go over your needs and help you find the best policy for your needs.  

Why You Should Update Your Home Insurance

Over time, both you and your property will evolve. Because of this, you must take into consideration that you need to update your homeowner’s insurance. Runnels Insurance wants to ensure that Brandon, FL residents are aware of a couple of reasons why it is so important to update their home insurance, so keep reading!

Cover Any Improvements Recently Made

The great thing about owning a home is that you can make improvements to it anytime that you wish. However, it is important that you let your insurance company know about these improvements so they can be outlined in your policy to ensure you are properly covered should a catastrophe strike.

Otherwise, if disaster strikes, your claim may be denied, leaving you to pay for repairs out of your own pocket. Therefore, if you have recently added anything new to your home or performed any renovations, make sure to consult with your insurance agent.

Ensure You’re Adequately Protected

When it comes to replacing your home, the cost of such is impacted by the economy. As inflation increases, the cost of goods and services does as well. Therefore, if your home is completely destroyed, it will end up costing more to replace the home.

In addition, depending on the real estate market, your home may increase in value over the years, and you’ll want to ensure that your insurance policy reflects the appropriate property value. To ensure that your home insurance policy accounts for recent changes in the economy and real estate market, update your policy regularly with your insurance company.

If you believe you need to sit down and take a look at your home insurance coverage, reach out to us at Runnels Insurance. We are proud to serve the Brandon, FL area. Contact us today so we can discuss your policy options.

Is Home Insurance A Must In Florida?

Brandon, FL residents need to choose home insurance to avoid the stress caused by the massive loss of private home properties. This insurance policy helps cover home properties in case of damage, theft, or natural calamities. In Florida, citizens who own mass properties at home opt for this policy. Would you mind speaking with our dedicated agents at Runnels Insurance to get a customized quote on your home insurance?

Is Home Insurance a Must in Florida?

Florida state law does not make it mandatory for homeowners to have home insurance coverage in Florida, but the mortgage company may require the insurance. However, who wants to risk it? Especially when the home is vast and valuable. It’s mostly opted for by financially stable and significant homeowners. This insurance option comes with several advantages. Because damage and accidents are unpredictable, home insurance is the genuine deal.

It Protects One’s Most Valuable Asset.

Runnels insurance company is one of the companies that provide home insurance. In Florida, most prestigious and wealthy individuals have a precious asset in their homes. The imported interior decorations and exterior designs do cost a fortune. These assets are damaged by fire, storms, or floods. When least expected, others are stolen, while others are struck by lightning or earthquakes. An individual’s insured home has happy and less stressed family members. This results in a happy family.

It Provides Liability Coverage.

Home insurance in Florida helps citizens have their liability protected. Accidents and damages may not happen in one’s home. If they occur, and an individual does not want to be held accountable lawfully or pay the entire cost associated, their home insurance comes through for them. 

It Pays to Replace Personal Belongings.

If a calamity or accident and an individual’s properties are entirely damaged, all is not lost as long as one has home insurance. In Florida, home insurance owners get the privilege of having their damaged valuable items replaced. These personal belongings can include; ornaments and jewelry, cameras, telephones and mobile phones, interior designer wall clocks, and valuable flower vases. The insurance owner eliminates most stress associated with the loss or damage of valuable private items. Everyone owns and values their things.

Home insurance may not be compulsory for homeowners in Florida, but it is the wisest decision to make if one has valuable items at home. In case of damage, taking an inventory of the damaged items helps the Runnels Insurance Company serving Brandon, FL and the surrounding community to estimate the value and come through for you. No one likes losses. Home insurance instills peace of mind for homeowners.

How Home Insurance Protects You

If you own a house, you need to keep that house protected. Make sure that you always have a home insurance policy protecting your home, or you could face serious financial problems down the road. To get your home policy, give us a call now at Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL.

Protection for Your Possessions

Inside your home, you have an array of belongings that represent different price points. The sum of all of those things is generally an enormous amount of money. Furniture pieces alone can cost a lot, and you have some of them in every room. To protect yourself against your belongings being ruined, keep your home insurance policy in place. It will pay for repairs and replacements for items that are damaged or destroyed by a covered incident. This is an enormous saving for you should the worst happen to your things. 

Protection for Your House

Another important part of your home insurance policy is the coverage for the house. This coverage includes a lot of information about covered incidents that are covered by the policy. It may be a natural disaster or something else that impacts your home and leaves it needing repairs. Home repairs, especially when they are extensive, can be very difficult to afford without the help of a home policy. 

Living Elsewhere

If the worst does happen and your home is impacted by a destructive incident, your home policy will pay for you to live somewhere else until your home is repaired. This is coverage that many people don’t think about until the situation occurs, but it is important coverage to have on your home. 

Insure Your Home

Above all, make sure that your home is always well-covered by a home policy. If you need one, call us at Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL.

Preparing your home for an emergency

Florida is a great place to call home. Warm weather attracts many people to the state. The same warm weather and great location also provide a place that is prone to weather emergencies. Making sure your home is prepared makes it less stressful when an emergency arises. Having the correct amount of home insurance is also a stress reliever. At Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, we are locally owned and operated and have been providing friendly and efficient service since 1991. 

Many emergencies that threaten Florida are weather-related.  Hurricanes are a regular yearly occurrence. If you live in an area that is likely to feel the effects of one of these storms, you need to be prepared to deal with it. Hurricane shutters can provide the level of protection that homes in Florida need or having hurricane-proof windows is never a bad idea. 

High winds often cause power outages. When the power is out, that can affect your water and sewer lines. It is imperative that you have access to clean water both for drinking and other necessities. Having at least a week’s supply of freshwater is good planning. If you need water for your toilet to flush, filling your bathtub with water when a storm is expected can be a lifesaver. 

Investing in a generator can mean the difference between sweltering in the summer heat and having a working ac unit. It can also help to preserve the food in your fridge and freezer. Making sure that you have enough fuel for a week is also important. 

If your area is prone to flooding, your family should have an evacuation plan so that the entire family knows where you will be evacuating to. You also should have your important papers in a weatherproof container, so they will be available to you if you need them. 

In Brandon, FL, Runnels Insurance is your local independent insurance agent. 

What’s Not Covered by my Home Insurance Policy?

One sure way of avoiding frustrations when filing claims is by understanding your insurance policy when purchasing coverage. At Runnels Insurance, it pains us to see our Brandon, FL clients having a bad experience just because they didn’t understand the nitty-gritty of their home insurance policy. For this reason, we have prepared a brief guide on home insurance exclusions to help you shop for riders or add-ons to boost your home insurance policy.

Your typical home insurance doesn’t protect you against:

Flood damage

While your home insurance covers you against water damage emanating from the inside (like broken pipes), it won’t protect you from overland flooding. For this reason, if you live in a flood-risk region, consider purchasing flood insurance from NFIP or private carriers to protect your home from water damage.

Water damage from sewer backup

Weak sewer lines, tree roots, and clogging can cause water damage that isn’t only an inconvenience but can become expensive to repair. Unfortunately, a typical home insurance policy doesn’t cover such damages. However, the good news is that you can purchase an endorsement to protect your home against such mishaps.

Neglect

You can’t neglect maintenance for your home and then run to your insurer for repairs. For instance, the damage will likely occur to your home structure if you fail to prevent mold and pest infestations. If you try to file a claim for such damage, it’s likely to be declined.

Intentional acts

This exclusion is self-explanatory. If your insurer concludes that damage to your home was intentional, you won’t be compensated. Worse yet, you could be prosecuted for insurance fraud if found culpable. 

Government actions

If your government confiscates your belongings or reclaims your land, that’s not your insurer’s headache. 

The above list is not exhaustive. It’s a guide of what your typical home insurance doesn’t cover. For better understanding, refer to your insurance policy. Better yet, you can contact Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, for more information on home insurance.

Do I always need to have auto insurance in Florida?

In the Brandon, FL area, it will be very important to own a vehicle as it makes it much easier to get around town and to and from work. As you are going to look for a vehicle in this area, picking an insurance plan is also important. There are a lot of reasons why you will always need to have a full auto insurance plan when you are in this part of Florida. 

Insurance is Mandatory by Law to Drive

A reason that you will need to have an auto insurance plan when you are in Florida is so you can drive legally. Drivers that are in this state need to carry liability insurance if they want to drive on a public road. This law ultimately protects all other motorists on the road as it offers assurances that someone who causes an accident can cover damages. If you don’t have coverage, you may be penalized. 

Insurance Protects Car

You also should get an auto insurance policy to ensure your car is protected. Having a full policy that has collision and comprehensive protection is helpful as it ensures you can repair or replace your vehicle if you incur a loss. Without this protection, you would need to pay for all repairs or even a full vehicle replacement with personal savings. 

People that would like to purchase a car in the Brandon, FL area should always have auto insurance. When you are in the process of picking a new insurance plan, calling  Runnels Insurance can be quite helpful. As you are looking for an insurance plan here, Runnels Insurance can help by explaining all of your options and giving the support you need to choose a plan that will give the right coverage for you and your vehicle.