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

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Inland Marine Insurance? (Contractor Equipment Insurance)

What is Inland Marine insurance? For you the contractor, Inland Marine insurance is the same thing as a contractor’s equipment policy or floater. Without prior knowledge of ‘Inland Marine’ insurance, you might think this is some kind of boating insurance or something. Ironically, it’s not. Marine insurance is a type of property coverage that has a long history behind it.

First you need to know that the standard Commercial Property Insurance policy provides coverage for your equipment, but here's the catch, it's covered only while it's on your premises.  For many businesses, this is perfectly fine but not for most contractors.

Contractors routinely have equipment, machinery and tools off their premises.  In order to protect these types of items that are regularly off your premises, you need an inland marine policy (also known as a contractor's equipment policy or floater).

Contractors need to be sure their tools, machinery and equipment are protected if damaged or stolen. An Inland Marine Floater/Contractor’s Equipment policy is an all risk policy that covers equipment and machinery not licensed as an over the road vehicle. Contractor’s equipment coverage is not restricted to a location, so the coverage applies to equipment at job sites, other stored locations and while in transit.

Contractors Equipment policies help owners to expedite the repair or replacement of equipment that is damaged by a covered cause of loss. Without working equipment or the means to replace equipment as soon as possible, a contractor cannot meet their obligations.

No matter how hard you work, losses can negatively impact your business. Protect your business with the proper insurance and trust the people at Emerge Insurance Agency Insurance to help you customize your Contractors Equipment Insurance to meet your specific needs.

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What is An Artisan Contractor

Artisan contractors are involved in many types of specialties such as plumbing, electrical work, minor excavation, landscaping, heating, air conditioning, painting, roofing, dry-walling, carpentry, remediation services, asphalt/paving, etc.  Don't be confused by the name, it's just a way for insurance companies to classify what it is that you do in a streamlined manner. In general, most Artisan Contractors Insurance policies are referring to just liability coverage although there are other coverage options you can add to broaden your coverage.

Our specialized insurance programs for artisan contractors can include coverage for tools and equipment, commercial vehicles, business interruption protection and, of course, liability insurance and workers compensation.

Okay, you want to know how much a artisan commercial liability insurance policy cost. First you need to know that every insurance company has a minimum premium for their commercial policies. So if you work with an independent insurance agency like us, we can shop for the right coverage with lowest minimum premium for you.

Call us and let us get to work for you.

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Artisan Contractors Insurance

If you are a contractor who performs only one trade or job, you are quoted under the Artisan Contractor category for insurance coverage. Artisan contractors are involved in many types of specialties such as plumbing, electrical work, minor excavation, landscaping, heating, air conditioning, painting, roofing, dry-walling, carpentry, remediation services, asphalt/paving, etc. As an independent insurance agency, we represent many insurance companies that have developed special insurance programs to address your insurance needs.  

The most important policy to you as an Artisan Contractor is the commercial liability insurance policy. The commercial liability insurance policy will defend you and pay on your behalf if you are found legally liable for bodily injury or property damage that is caused by your business operations.

Okay, you want to know how much a commercial liability insurance policy cost. First you need to know that every insurance company has a minimum premium for their commercial policies. So if you work with an independent insurance agency like us, we can shop for the right coverage with lowest minimum premium for you.

Call us and let us get to work for you.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY

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Tips to Make Sure Your Pet is Safe this Fall

Fall has finally arrived, and we've  just started to get some relief from the perpetual heat that is Florida weather. Just like us our furry friends welcome the break from hot weather. However, pet owners beware- this time of year can also be a hazardous time for our animal friends. Try following these tips to keep your pet safe this season.

• As the weather gets colder household rodents begin to seek shelter from the cold. Because of this the use of rodenticides begins to increase this time of the year. Rodenticides are highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested by your pet. If you use these products use extreme caution, and make sure you place them in areas your pet can't reach.
• As fall returns kids also begin to return to school. With that comes stocking up on school supplies. While many things like magic markers, glue sticks, and pencils are considered to have low toxicity they pose other dangers to pets. These items if ingested by your pet can cause blockage and lead to a litany of problems. Make sure that your children keep school items away from pets.
• If you haven't been active with your dog during the summer months and are just starting to get out with them make sure to go over training with your pet again. Sometimes like people, pets need a review ever now and then.
• Fall and Spring is mushroom season, and while 99% of mushrooms have little to no toxicity the 1% if ingested can be fatal to your pet. To protect against this it's best to keep your pet away from areas where mushrooms grow.

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Source: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/autumn-safety-tips

Loss of use of Your Home

If you have a homeowner's, condo, or renter's insurance policy your policy has "Loss of Use" coverage. You are covered if your are forced to flee your home because of damage caused by fire, windstorm or some other covered peril. or if you are "ordered" to evacuate your home. This Loss of Use coverage provides peace of mind. It pays for your lodging, food, and other eligible expenses while you are away from your home.

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What Kind of Insurance Do 1099 Contractors Need?

Most 1099 contractors carry insurance to protect their businesses. They find many times that the jobs they wish to bid on require a specific type and amount of insurance before the contractor is allowed to submit the bid. The kind of insurance the 1099 contractor needs depends on the type of work the contractor performs and the requirements of the entity doing the hiring.

General/Professional Liability Coverage

Liability insurance provides coverage in the event something goes wrong. Examples of issues covered by liability coverage include injuries on the job site and equipment breakage. It protects both the 1099 contractor and the hiring entity in many cases. For example, if the 1099 contractor causes a personal injury to someone at the job site, the liability insurance will step in and pay the medical bills.

Commercial Auto Coverage

Commercial auto coverage protects not only the 1099 contractor but also the hiring entity in the event an accident occurs while the contractor is driving as part of the job he was hired to do. For example, if a 1099 contract landscaper causes an injury accident on his way to pick up plants for a client's project, his commercial auto coverage will take care of the accident costs, rather than have the client held liable.

Disability Insurance

Disability insurance is not required by an entity in order to perform a job. But is a prudent insurance type for 1099 contractors to purchase. It is insurance that will pay a pre-stated weekly benefit to the contractor in the event the contractor is unable to work due to a disability. It is not only the contractor engaged in potentially dangerous work who needs disability insurance. A freelance writer, for example can become disabled by falling in a parking lot, getting hit by a car or requiring back surgery. Disability insurance typically requires a waiting period following the event that causes the disability before the policy begins to pay. The premiums fluctuate depending on the chosen waiting period length, the percentage of salary that will be paid each week and the general riskiness of the contractor's chosen occupation.

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