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. 

Must Have Condo Insurance Protection for the Holidays

If you’re entertaining in your condo for the holidays, make sure you’re protected against the risk of holiday accidents. Condo insurance from Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL will protect the interior of your unit and your contents against theft, fire and other disasters that can derail your holiday season. Condo insurance can also protect you against liability claims should a guest get injured while visiting your condo. Here’s how condo insurance can protect your interests during the holidays.

Structural Protection

Structural coverage for your individual condo unit will protect such features as ceiling, walls, carpeting/flooring, cabinets and other built-in structures in the event of a fire, storm damage, wind damage or another disaster. If a grease fire damages walls, cabinets or flooring in your kitchen, for example, your insurance will help pay for repair costs. Holiday parties increase your risk of kitchen fires and other types of accidents. With condo insurance, you can be prepared against any eventuality.  

Contents Protection

Holiday celebrations can also lead to accidental damage to personal property.  A careless guest can spill wine on your Oriental rug or boisterous children can break expensive items that are costly to repair. Contents insurance protects your personal goods against damage or theft so you don’t have to break into your savings to cover these losses.  

Liability Protection

Alcoholic drinks are often served during holiday parties, which can increase the risk of accidents. If a guest trips and falls down the stairs due to having one too many drinks, he could sue you for damages.  Liability insurance helps pay for the medical expenses of visitors who are hurt on your property. It also covers your legal costs if a guest decides to sue for damages.

For comprehensive condo insurance coverage to protect you during the holidays, call or visit Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL today.

How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Insurance Policy for Your Needs

Motorcycle insurance is a necessity before you take your bike out on the highway. Insurance is important for your financial protection because accidents can be very costly. If you are in Brandon, FL, the agents at Runnels Insurance can provide the coverage you need. 

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage may be required. This covers any expenses others incur as the result of an accident with you. In addition to standard liability, if you plan to have passengers you will need to make sure they are covered as well. You may need to choose an add-on to a liability or full coverage policy to cover anyone who is riding with you.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

You should consider your needs for collision and comprehension coverage. If you have a lot of money invested in your bike or have a lien on it, this coverage is essential. It will cover any damages due to an accident, in the case of collision, or in the case of things like fire and theft with comprehensive coverage. You should also discuss the value of your motorcycle with the insurance company, and make sure that you are in agreement before you accept a policy.

Custom Parts

If your bike has custom parts, you will want to make sure they are covered as well. Custom parts can be very expensive, and not all policies will cover them. Check with your insurance provider to see if you need to provide proof of custom parts ahead of time. 

If you need motorcycle insurance in Brandon, FL, contact Runnels Insurance. Our agents will be happy to speak with you about your coverage requirements and help you choose a policy that meets your needs. 

 

What Brandon FL Boat Owners Know About Enjoyable Trips

Serving the Brandon, FL area, Runnels Insurance is proud to work with boat owners and those looking to make a purchase of a new watercraft.  The planning for insurance can be simple with boat ownership and the staff is able to answer any questions about the process.  Purchasing a boat can be one of the most incredible experiences and owners can appreciate a simple way of getting organized with insurance.  Those enjoying their boats in the Florida area can understand the importance of comfortable weather and the numerous opportunities for recreation. 

Planning for trips can also be a nice part of boat ownership.  Some people get more comfortable with the prep work and clean up process after working through it a few times.  Simplifying the plans for having everything organized can actually be part of the enjoyment.  Keeping the boat equipment together and ready to be used again is a simple way to get more excited about taking more trips.  When packing, it might be easier to travel lite with a planned out way of organizing everything.  This can make it much simpler to unpack and clean everything.

Boat ownership can be enjoyable with each trip as something people can appreciate.  Appropriate planning can help make sure everyone is pleased to go out and enjoy the water.  Those looking to purchase a boat can also understand easily that Brandon, FL has much to offer with areas to visit after getting their new purchase.  Opportunities for recreation are impressive and Runnels Insurance is pleased to help boat owners take care of any insurance needs.  The friendly staff is experienced working with those purchasing a new boat.  You can contact the company to get more information or visit the website for Runnels Insurance.