A personal umbrella policy protects your assets in the event of a lawsuit resulting from an insurance claim. For example, it offers peace of mind if the other party in an auto accident sues you for more than the limits on your underlying auto insurance policy. In other words, personal umbrella insurance acts as secondary liability coverage and covers any gaps for as little as $250/year. Get a quote.
2. Maintain a home inventory checklist.
From jewelry and designer handbags to electronics and power tools, we use our homes to pursue our passions and protect family keepsakes. Take time in 2013 to complete a home inventory that tracks exactly what you own and what it is worth. This will help ensure adequate protection if you need to file a claim, and it will make key insurance decisions easier.
Download an inventory checklist created by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
3. Reduce car insurance headaches.
Car ownership comes with enough hassles. Don't let insurance be one of them. Check out our FAQ on Auto Insurance for answers to your top questions. And, whether you're a new driver or a seasoned professional, keep this Auto Accident Checklist on hand. Need an auto policy? With access to over a dozen national carriers, we are confident that we have a coverage plan that is right for you. Let one of our local insurance agents explain our coverage benefits and give you an auto insurance quote today.
4. Protect cherished possessions with personal articles insurance.
Homeowners policies protect personal property contained within the walls of your home. Basic policies cover common causes of loss like fire, wind and theft. But when it comes to covering certain prized belongings that you carry with you -- cameras, jewelry, sports equipment, computers -- your homeowners coverage may fall short. A strategy for safeguarding these valuables is to purchase a personal articles floater policy. It usually adds only about 5 to 10 percent to your homeowners insurance bill. Contact us about purchasing personal articles insurance.
5. Understand your hurricane deductible.
Your hurricane deductible determines the amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in if there is a hurricane. With hurricane season beginning this month and lasting until the end of November, it is important for homeowners to understand their hurricane deductibles. The application of hurricane deductibles are triggered only by windstorm losses resulting from a hurricane declared by the National Weather Service. Deductibles apply for damage that occurs from the time a hurricane watch or warning is issued for any part of Florida, up to 72 hours after such a watch or warning ends, and anytime hurricane conditions exist throughout the state.
6. Insure your home for rebuilding costs, not real estate value.Insuring your home for market value instead of rebuilding costs can leave you dangerously under-insured after a disaster like a house fire or hurricane. Homeowners often believe they must match property insurance coverage to home prices, but this can be a costly misconception and leave homeowners with a gap in their insurance coverage. Property insurance is designed to cover the costs to rebuild your home, and in today's depressed housing market, building costs easily can exceed your home's market value.
Contact a Keystone agent to discuss your options.
7. Know what to do when a storm approaches. Make an evacuation plan, including a list of contacts in the event you need to leave your home. Write down the names of your agent and agency. Include your policy number and telephone numbers for reporting claims. Make an itemized list of your belongings. Include costs, purchase dates and serial numbers. Attach receipts, especially for expensive items.8. Carry flood insurance. Florida receives 70 percent of its annual rainfall during the rainy season from June through October, and a homeowners policy does not cover rising water that enters and damages your home. That means you need separate protection. Flood insurance is affordable. On average, Floridians can insure their homes for less than $350 per year (in non-emergency zones), and in some cases, can get a discount on their homeowners insurance by bundling their flood policy with the same carrier.
9. Choose an 'independent' agency for best combination of price, coverage, service.Many people take a hodgepodge approach when purchasing insurance. Car insurance from one agency. Home insurance from another. And so on. This buying strategy can result in wasted money, overpriced coverages, and multiple gaps and exclusions. While some agencies can give you prices for only one company, an "independent" insurance agency like Keystone Insurance Group can offer you products from a number of companies. This means you receive the most affordable, comprehensive insurance available in today's market.
Contact us to learn more.
10. Prevent water damage.
Water damage can result in the loss of valuables and disrupt your life. The Institute for Business & Home Safety identified areas -- water heaters, plumbing supply and drains, washing machines, toilets, and sinks -- where proper maintenance can help a homeowner avoid such a loss. Download this Water Damage Prevention Brochure for specific tips.
