Buy Local Or Buy Online? The Differences Between Online Quote And Your Local Agent

In the course of one day, how many insurance commercials have you seen on TV, heard on the radio, or viewed online? Just about every cable channel, media outlet or online streaming site has insurance commercials. We are bombarded with getting quotes here or saving money there. There are so many options and promises it’s hard to make a clear decision.

What do we do when we want to compare Florida insurance options? Get online! Unfortunately, many folks aren’t asking themselves “Am I really getting the best deal by going online or should I go old fashion route and speak with an agent?”

Buying direct online insurance quotes

Admittedly, online quotes are the easiest route to go. There are so many conveniences - doing it on your own time and in your pajamas if you choose, not having to speak with anyone, having a snack while doing it, and online quotes have evolved making the insurance recommendations to better fit your needs. Depending on the person, you could even get knock out quotes. 

In theory, online insurance quotes are great. You get what you need without any hassle and sometimes with great rates. Unfortunately, unless you are an expert in the insurance industry how do you know if you are getting exactly what you need?

It’s great that technology has taken us to the point where we can explore prices and plans online. However, it’s leaving people under-insured and focusing solely on the best price. For some, the decision to buy insurance is as important as buying toilet paper. We just want something that will work well enough at the best price.

It’s understandable to want cheap quotes for your insurance and doing it in a convenient way, but have you ever bought a new piece of technology and had to call their call center with a problem? Every time it's a new person who has no idea who you are, what you need, why you purchased the product and it's always a long irritating conversation. Do you want the same for your insurance every time you file a claim or need policy information?

For some this is a small price to pay, for others it is unacceptable. Is quoting through a local agent realistically better than quoting direct online?

Agent quotes

Local insurance agents have a bit longer of a quoting process than online quotes. Local agents are basically a middleman so they need to collect your information, gather quotes from different companies then get a hold of you again.

Getting quotes from an agent is not always the most convenient option, but they can lead to you getting the best insurance for your needs.

Having an insurance agent is like having a personal insurance consultant. They know your needs, they know the laws, and they generally know the products inside and out. A local agent knows your situation first hand and can make appropriate suggestions which will benefit you best.

Many local agents with websites will also provide online quotes. These quotes are just as convenient as the direct buy companies but may not include all of the quotes an agent can give in person.

Overall would an agent's quote be cheaper than buying direct online? The answer is maybe. Each individual is different as well as each insurance company's pricing criteria.

So what's the best option?

If you are just online browsing for quotes then go direct first. Have a coffee, relax, do it when the time suits you. When it comes time to buy, visit your local agent.

Online quotes are great for get an idea of what you will be paying in your area, but there's much more that goes into it. Contacting an agent will allow the agent to assess the situation to make sure 1) you are getting the proper coverage you need and 2) you are not paying for something you really don't need.

Along with helping you find the best insurance plan, local agents bring special advantages that buying direct does not. Since they’re local to your area, an agent is familiar with weather related disasters such as hail damage or ice storms that have blown through your town. They are a part of and support the community you live in. Local agents can ensure that you’re getting discounts and special savings. They can help you make sense of what you’re buying and be there to help you through the claims process. When it comes to big investments like your car, your home and even your family's well-being you want an expert on your side.

We can't say whether you’ll receive better quotes from an agent or a website. It depends on the person and the insurance carriers. If you want to ensure that you are properly covered, can take advantage of discounts and will have help on your side during the claims process, then it's best to go with a real live agent.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY

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Hiring A Handyman In Florida

What should you look for when hiring someone to work on your home or property?

The State of Florida does not license or regulate handyman practitioners, although some local jurisdictions may. Therefore, a handyman is only able to perform minor repairs (e.g., general cleanup, painting, fence repairs, trim work/repair and hanging/repairing sheet rock/wallboard, etc.), and cannot do any structural work, such as laying foundations, removing or adding structural walls, performing room additions, plumbing or electrical work. When a handyman moves from the realm of minor repairs to structural repairs or construction work that he or she is not authorized to do, they are entering the area of unlicensed activity and are subject to prosecution.

Realtors often hire handymen to make repairs to properties they list for sale. This is legitimate - provided the handyman makes only minor repairs (as outlined above) that do not fall under the scope of work of regulated licenses (outlined in Section 489.105, Florida Statutes).

When shopping for home repairs, the first criteria that should be met are:

• (a) whether or not the person is properly licensed, and
• (b) whether a permit is required for the work in question

Check with your local building department to ensure whether handymen are regulated within their jurisdiction. Next, make sure he or she has an occupational license – you don’t want to risk having your local building department place a stop work order on your project when it is half completed.

Proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverage is of equal importance. Suppose your handyman backs into your neighbor’s privacy fence, damaging two sections, while delivering materials to your job site. Should you or your insurance company pay for the repairs? You will if your handyman doesn’t have insurance. Let’s use a more extreme, but common, example. Your handyman falls off a ladder while making repairs to the ceiling of your front porch. He falls through your plate glass window, suffering severe lacerations and breaking his arm. If he is not insured, who will pay his lost wages (workers’ compensation) while he is recuperating, and for the replacement of your plate glass window (liability)? You will. Your liability could be indefinite if he suffered restricted use or loss of mobility in his arm as a result of the fall. Think about this scenario as you prepare for your next repair or remodeling project.

Ensure that the project is properly permitted at the local building authority. You, the homeowner, could be fined, have your project stopped, or both, if it isn’t. Don’t let a handyman talk you into pulling the permit, even if it will save you money. The person pulling the permit is responsible for any code violations, and correcting them may cost you extra. Only the homeowner or a properly licensed practitioner, whose license is recognized by the building authority, or his designated representative, may pull permits. Permitting protects you and your neighbors by ensuring that your project meets the building specifications for your area.

A "handyman" trade is not one of the 22 construction-related licensing categories regulated by the State of Florida. Therefore, if you choose to hire a handyman, you will not be covered under the umbrella of protection of Florida Statutes. Section 489.113(2), states “This statute does not affect the application of any local construction licensing ordinances." Again, one should contact their local building department to check those credentials. But always play it safe and only hire properly licensed people to work on your home.

To check to see if a contractor is properly licensed, log on to www.myfloridalicense.com and search for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or call us at (850) 487-1395. 

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY

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Beware of Unlicensed Contractors

Homeowners Be Aware!

Each year our residents lose money to unlicensed individuals and craftsmen posing as contractors.

Did you know?

• According to Florida Statute 455.228 if you hire an unlicensed person, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) may issue a cease and desist order and take you to Circuit Court which has the authority to impose a civil penalty up to $5,000 for aiding and abetting unlicensed activity.
• If you hire an unlicensed person, you may actually pay more for the job than if you had hired a licensed contractor. Especially if the work is done incorrectly or never finished. You may have to pay much more to correct or finish the job.
• If you pull a permit for an unlicensed contractor, you are held responsible for the work, not the unlicensed person.
• If the unlicensed person fails to pay the sub-contractor or suppliers, you will be required to pay them, even though you have already paid the unlicensed person.
• Plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning work must be done only by licensed contractors in each specific trade.
• Home improvement contractors must be Certified by the State of Florida or have County Certification.
• Roofing contractors also are required to be Certified by the State or have County Certification.
• There is no such thing as a “jack-of-all trades” or “handyman” that does not require licensure.
• A Local Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License) is not a Contractor’s License. It is a tax for the privilege of engaging in the managing of a business or profession. FS 205.032
• You can be held liable for injury of individuals working on your property if the unlicensed person has no insurance including the unlicensed person’s injuries.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY

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Top Reasons Your Florida Homeowner's Insurance Policy May Be Cancelled

Here is what you need to know if you purchase homeowner’s insurance. Florida residents face some of the highest homeowner’s insurance rates in the nation, and the hardest underwriting when it comes to policy acceptance. Almost all homeowners insurance companies that Florida residents have access to will complete an onsite inspection within the first 90 days after the policy effective date. For northeast Florida homeowners’ insurance policies, the rigorous underwriting process will apply as well. Read on to discover the Top Five reasons your policy may be cancelled within the first 90 days after your insurance agent binds coverage.

5. Property is in generally poor condition

Inspectors will look for how well you maintain the home (i.e., pride of ownership). If the home needs paint, the lawn needs to be mowed and the trees are overhanging the roof or other structures, this is a red flag to the insurance company underwriter. Poor condition may lead an insurer to think you are in financial trouble. This increases the chance of damage to the home. Insurance company underwriters want to feel warm and fuzzy about signing off on the issuance of a new policy. Keeping up the property’s curb appeal will help insure your Florida homeowner’s insurance policy will not be set to cancel.

4. Home is Under Construction of Heavy Renovation

Most homeowners insurance companies Florida buyers have to choose from understand there are things you will want to do to improve your home after you close. You may want to paint the walls, change out fixtures and maybe even put in new cabinets. Most underwriters understand this, but what they do not want to see is major renovation taking place including but not limited to structural changes, major plumbing or electrical alterations and any other type of renovation that may require permitting or require you to leave the home unoccupied while the project is being completed. There are special builder’s risk / vacant home policies that do allow major renovation with underwriter approval, but not the standard HO-3 policy. If you don’t want your Florida homeowner’s insurance policy to cancel after moving in, be very careful about what you do with the home after you close.

3. Pool Slide, Trampoline, Skateboard Ramp or other Unusual Liability Hazard

While loads of fun, hundreds of Floridians-mostly children, are hurt and even killed using trampolines, skateboard ramps and pool slides every year. If it is your child, you will probably just end up in the local ER. If it is someone else’s, you will end up in court. Since most all Florida homeowner’s insurance company policies include coverage for liability, they want to limit any potential risk to their pocket book. There are a few companies that will offer you a policy even with a trampoline or pool slide, but make sure you understand if liability extends to the equipment or if they exclude coverage. Either way, if you can’t say no to your children and choose to have one on your property, don’t be surprised if you get a cancellation letter after the underwriter finds out.

2. Mean Dogs or too Many Dogs.

This one is obvious but will certainly cause cancellation of your Florida homeowners insurance. Florida residents need to understand that almost all policies exclude coverage for animals, unless you specifically buy the coverage. Even then it is a limited coverage. If the insurance inspector finds a pit bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, wolf hybrid, kite, chow, press canaries or Staffordshire terrier or any dog with a bite history on your property, the policy will be cancelled with no questions asked. If you have one of these dogs, you will want to disclose this to your agent up front, so you do not have your policy taken out from under your feet a couple months later. Most companies also limit the number of dogs to two while a few companies allow a total of three. There are a select few companies who will allow some of the previously mentioned dog breeds but make sure you advise your agent you need a company who will accept your specific breed.

1. How old is your Roof?

You’ve probably heard it said that the roof is the most important part of your home. It withstands the sun, rain, wind and other weather conditions. Most Florida roofing contractors will tell you that a shingle roof will last anywhere between 15-20 years. Because Florida has so many days of sun and rain, the weather takes an extra special toll on our roofs. Because water damage is such a costly claim, Florida homeowner’s insurance underwriters are extra careful to make sure your roof is up to the job. It they see curling, worn, damaged or missing shingles, they will either cancel the policy or send you a notice that the roof needs to be replaced before the next renewal. If you are purchasing a home, pay extra special attention to the roof and make sure you have at least 5 years left with none of the above conditions. This will not only help you keep the policy in effect, but keep your home dry when the big one hits.

If you have questions about a Florida homeowners insurance quote, or if you would like more information about homeowners insurance Florida residents qualify for, please call us today to receive coverage from the among one over 33 strong companies with the best rates we represent. We look forward to speaking with you. 904-677-5884

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY

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