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710 Miami Springs Dr., Suite 120
Longwood, FL 32779

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Getting Your Home Ready For Winter? Don’t Forget Your Home Insurance Policy

There is no shortage of winter preparation tips that a Longwood, FL resident needs to remain aware of. With the help of Express Insurance, these potential issues can all be addressed in a timely manner. If you are in the process of getting your home ready for winter, it is time that you learned more about the role that your home insurance policy is going to play….

Safeguarding Against Weather Related Damages

A home insurance policy may offer the homeowner coverage against garden variety occurrences that are related to the weather. That is all well and good but an annual review is crucial. These reviews ensure that the homeowner receives the necessary protection from weather damages that their current policy may not have considered. Otherwise, they could be left holding the bag when storms and other issues arise.

Protecting Valuable Possessions

Perhaps the homeowner has made some new acquisitions since their policy was last renewed. If specific possessions have been acquired and the homeowner is looking to protect them, these are discussions that must be had. Any homeowner who makes the mistake of assuming that all of their possessions are going to be protected and/or replaced in the event of a storm or any other winter related calamity is sadly mistaken. 

Protecting Against Liability

A homeowner that does not properly maintain their residence and subjects visitors to various dangers is going to be held responsible for the results of these dangers. If they do not obtain the necessary liability coverage, they are placing themselves and their guests in harm’s way. Take the time to inquire about the proper coverage and amend your current policy as needed.

Looking for the proper assistance when it comes to home insurance policy? If so, Express Insurance is here to help any Longwood, FL resident with their questions and concerns. Take a moment to visit our website to find out more and be sure to schedule a consultation if you would like to discuss your policy review with an experienced professional. 

How to Understand Your Home Insurance Policy

Home insurance may seem complicated and the language of insurance policies can be difficult to figure out. You can always work with your agent at Express Insurance, serving Longwood Fl and the surrounding communities, to ask questions and make sure you have adequate home insurance. It is helpful to understand the glossary of important common terms that are used in insurance policies for home insurance.

Here is a list of common terms in alphabetical order:

  • Act of God (the legal term is “Force Majeure”) — Something that happens due to uncontrollable natural forces like an earthquake, tornado, or a hurricane.
  • Claim — A request made for a loss covered by home insurance
  • Deductible — The amount that must be paid first by an insured before the insurance company will pay on a claim.
  • Endorsement (also called a “rider”) — This can add or reduce coverage. These are usually found at the end of the policy. They can change the terms contained in the first part of the policy. Read them carefully.
  • Exclusion — Things that are not covered by insurance.
  • Inflation protection — An automatic adjustment for inflation.
  • Lapse — The policy stopped being in effect because premiums were not paid on time.
  • Liability Coverage — Protects homeowners for other people’s injuries or property damage.
  • Loss of Use — Coverage for the expenses of living somewhere else when the home is being repaired after a disaster.
  • Perils — These are the risks. In a “named-peril” policy, the covered risks are listed. In an “all-peril” policy, every loss is covered except those caused by something on the list of exclusions.
  • Personal Property — These are items that can be moved, like furniture, clothes, jewelry, appliances, and electronics.
  • Replacement Cost — This is the current cost to have a new item that is equivalent to the one that was lost or damaged. It is not the actual value of an old item. It is the cost to buy a new one of the same kind.

Now that you understand some of the terminologies, it is time to ask your agent at Express Insurance in Longwood, FL for a home insurance review or a quote for new home insurance.

Call 407-215-7318 or use the online system to get a quote.

Is Condo Insurance Different From Homeowner’s Insurance?

While condo ownership is similar to home ownership in a number of ways, there are a few key differences that need to be discussed. Each of these policies provides insurance for your living space but they are not one and the same. The responsibilities are the same and yet the insurance policies are not.

Longwood, FL residents who will be meeting with Express Insurance to discuss these policies would do well to educate themselves on the dissimilarities. Let’s take a closer look.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal belongings are the primary responsibility of any condo owner. The homeowner’s association insurance that you are going to purchase does not provide any coverage in this regard. Meanwhile, this is one of the few areas where homeowner’s insurance is relatively similar. A home or condo owner must make sure that their personal belongings remain protected.

Dwelling Coverage

Under a policy that is purchased for a condo, the owner will need to purchase just enough insurance to rebuild the interior if necessary. All of the exterior repairs are going to fall under the purview of your homeowner’s association insurance policy. On the other hand, a homeowner will need to make sure that they are purchasing enough insurance to handle any exterior repairs that become necessary over the long haul.

Liability Coverage

Condo owners must provide themselves with protection from visitor injuries. Homeowners will have to purchase the same protection but there are additional forms of protection that are required in these instances. A homeowner is not only responsible for an injury that takes place on their property, but they are also responsible for any accidents or incidents that occur on the land that surrounds their property.

To learn more about the differences between homeowner’s insurance, Longwood, FL residents should take the time to contact Express Insurance as soon as possible.

 

Are Pets Covered Under My Home Insurance Policy?

Undoubtedly, you see your pet as a furry (or scaly) part of your family. For insurance purposes, though, it’s not always that simple. As much as we love our pets, they are animals and they can do damage to both people and property. Before you go out and buy an exotic snake near Longwood, FL, it’s best to check with Express Insurance about whether or not it will be covered. There are a few factors to keep in mind in terms of pets and home insurance.

Property damage

When you decide to keep a pet on your property, you do so with the understanding that they could cause damage to your home. Whether it’s a dog chewing through drywall or a fish tank cracking and causing water damage, pets can pose a risk. Unfortunately, these types of damages are not typically covered by homeowners insurance. Keeping this in mind, consider taking steps, such as creating your dog while you’re away, to avoid damage.

Some animals are riskier

Sometimes certain dog breeds or exotic animals raise red flags for insurers. It may be beneficial for you to have proof of obedience school, vet records, proof of breed, and a “character witness” for your pet. All of these can help prove to your insurer that your pet is safe.

No pet is perfect

Unfortunately, dogs do bite and cats scratch. Liability insurance helps to cover you if someone is injured on your property. However, depending on your policy, this may not cover bites and other injuries resulting from your pets. Talk to Express Insurance to determine what your policy covers.

If you live in or around Longwood, FL and have questions about specific pets in your home, give us a call today.

What Florida Homeowners Should Know About Hurricane Season

Homeowner’s insurance can protect your Longwood, FL home against the risk of hurricane damage. By talking to an Express Insurance agent, you can get a better understanding of coverage options to protect your property. The more knowledgeable you are about home insurance and the benefits it has to offer, the better prepared you will be against any eventuality.

Protection of Home

As hurricanes are quite common for the Florida area, you should ensure your home insurance coverage includes storm, hail and wind damage along with such perils as theft, fire, and vandalism. Home insurance can help cover the cost of repairing your home’s roof, siding or windows in the event of a major storm. Home insurance can also cover damage caused by trees or other debris falling on your property.

Protection of Personal Belongings

If rain enters your home due to shattered windows or roof damage, your insurance can help pay for damage to personal goods such as furniture, clothing or appliances. Having an up to date inventory of personal goods will facilitate any claims you may have to make. A policy that provides for replacement costs of damaged goods makes it easier for you to recover your losses. Standard homeowner’s insurance also covers additional living expenses if you have to stay elsewhere while your home is being restored. 

Prepping Home against Hurricane Damage

Home insurance protects your property and personal goods whether you remain in place or evacuate your property due to a hurricane. If you plan to evacuate, prep your home before leaving by putting up storm shutters, securing patio furniture and storing plants, yard statues, etc., to minimize damage and protect your valuables.   

For more information on how homeowner’s insurance can protect your Longwood, FL home against hurricane damage, contact us at Express Insurance.  

How to Make a Claim On Your Home Insurance

From a burst water pipe in the basement to a tree falling on your garage, knowing how to make a claim on your home insurance is important. It is something not everyone has experience with, so you may not know how to go about making such a claim. At Express Insurance, we want to ensure your Longwood, FL home is not only protected but that you understand how to make a claim on your insurance policy should the time ever arise. 

Contact the Police

Unlike an auto accident, the chances of you needing to contact the police are usually rather slim. However, if your home is broken into you will need to file a police report. This is a serious matter the police need to investigate. After contacting the police, you’ll need to report anything stolen. 

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you needed to contact the police make sure you have the police report number on hand. Your home insurance company will need to contact the police to verify some information. If you did not need to contact the police, you could simply contact the insurance company first thing. Report the issue to your insurance agent. They will tell you what to do next. 

Home Visit

Depending on the situation you may need to set up a home visit. This way the insurance provider can identify the potential cost of making repairs to restore the damaged area of your home (this is especially true if it is damaged during a storm). 

At Express Insurance we are here to assist in all your home insurance needs. If your home falls victim to a robbery, is damaged during a storm or suffers another form of damage, you now know how to make a claim on your Longwood, FL home insurance policy. 

Helpful Tips for Spring Cleaning

Since winter is almost over, spring is on its way. For many homeowners in Longwood, FL, that means it is time to start spring cleaning. While some people enjoy doing this, most people do not but it is something that must be done. Before you get started, be sure to check out these spring cleaning tips from Express Insurance 

  • Dust everything. Before you get started on anything else, you should take the time to dust everything inside your home. A lot of dust can build up during the summer months and now is a great time to get rid of it. 
  • Consider one or two projects. You may think you have a lot to do around the home this spring but you may not be able to get to everything. When you are making your list of things to do, limit yourself to one or two projects. If you finish everything and still have the time and energy to do more, then go ahead and work on something else. Just do not set yourself up for failure by putting too much on your plate. 
  • Ask for help. You do not have to do all of this alone. Ask for help from family and friends. Not only will it get done faster but you will also have more fun while you are doing it. 

Once you have completed your spring cleaning, next is making sure your home is well protected. The best way you can do this is by having a great home insurance policy. If you do not already have one in place, now is the perfect time to do so. Be sure to contact Express Insurance, serving Longwood, FL. They can help you find a great policy that also meets your budget needs. 

The Latest Home Safety Devices: Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, and More

The latest and greatest innovations in home safety devices provide advanced features for increased protection of you, your loved ones, and your home. Alerting you about smoke progression, fires, and carbon monoxide infiltration, these handy safety devices have been around for over a 100 years. Through the years, the features have changed, but the concept remains the same – signal systems of danger. With all the high-tech devices on the market, you can find one to fit and address your needs, so let’s clear the smoke and dive into some alert systems.

When looking for a defense against fire and smoke, you’ll find some of the most cutting-edge smoke detectors and fire alarms for your house. Now, there’s a difference in the mechanics and functionality of these two systems. A smoke detector checks for the presence of smoke, and a fire alarm provides heat sensors and sprinklers. For latest types of smoke sensors, you’ll find Ionization, photoelectric, and dual-sensor devices. Ionization models provide peak testing of minute particles usually found in fast, flaming fires. Photoelectric styles test for larger particles associated with heavy, more dense and smokey fires. Dual-sensor protectors combine the abilities of both of these models for small and large particle detection. Whether it’s a smoke detector or fire alarm, you can connect these types of systems to your mobile or Internet-accessing device – a techie feature.

So how do these fire detection systems provide you with mobile fire alerts? These systems are integrated with the world of app connections, so you receive these signals from a downloaded app linked to your alert device. With an app link through a mobile device, phone, laptop, or desktop, you get a whenever and wherever connection to the alarm activation. Other features not to be missed are digital functionality with a link to a monitoring service that notifies the police, fire department, or your phone; and voice alarm systems. Along with these defenses against fires, there are devices that detect silent, odorless, but highly dangerous carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide detectors check for the existence of this lethal gas. A toxic substance that is the top cause of death due to poisoning in the United States. This gas is released from the burning of gasoline, natural gas, wood, propane or charcoal. The most advanced devices function in one of three ways through a biomimetic sensor, metal oxide semiconductor, or electrochemical sensor. Some more advanced features include a digital screen showing gas levels and Smart detectors that sync with apps to provide alerts to the end user. And, of course, the best of both of these detection worlds merges the capabilities of a smoke and carbon monoxide system into one device.

So, whether it’s a single or dual safety device for the home, there are now more sensitive and reliable sensor devices to detect smoke and carbon monoxide. With these latest technology systems, you get advanced capability to defend you, your loved ones, and your home. Keep it safe with the most current detection devices, and let Express Insurance, serving Longwood, FL, protect your risk of damage to or loss of your home with insurance coverage. Having both home safety mechanisms and home insurance, you’re protected on both ends in the event of a covered fire or carbon monoxide leak.

How Home Insurance Keeps Longwood Residents Safe

The people of Longwood, FL care about their homes, there’s no doubt about this. However, home insurance is often overlooked or not discussed as one of the primary ways it keeps people safe. Express Insurance has been in the business long enough to know that it has a lot to do with safety, and we want you to know more about why.

Sending the Right Message 

Even if you have the best possible home insurance, that doesn’t mean that a criminal won’t decide to target your house. However, what home insurance does do is give you (and the people in your neighborhood) a means to fix the damage that does happen right away as opposed to leaving it for months on end. The better a street and neighborhood is maintained, the more criminals get the impression that they will not only be not welcome in the area but likely be seen or caught because people look out for one another.

Keeping the House on Solid Ground 

Homes that have the right foundation stay upright, even during bad storms in Longwood, FL. There are so many potential dangers on a property that you may not even notice. Express Insurance knows that one dying tree can cause a lot of damage to the house if it falls unexpectedly. These are just a few ways that homes stay safe when they have home insurance, and there are so many other ways that it protects you. If you’re looking for a quality home insurance policy that will benefit both you and your neighbors, then give our agency a call today. We have agents and experts who can assist you, so contact us for more information or a quote on your property in Longwood.

Fall Home and Fun Checklist

Getting ready for winter means winterizing your home, preparing for holiday guests, and conducting an annual insurance review with your agent at Express Insurance to make sure there is adequate insurance, especially if there have been any life changes during the past year.

There are plenty of maintenance chores to do in fall to get ready before the winter weather comes.

Besides having things you must do on the home checklist for fall, be sure to include some of these fun things:

  • Decorate pumpkins and toast the pumpkin seeds
  • Go for a hay ride
  • Snuggle by the fire
  • Bake an apple pie
  • Visit a farmer’s market
  • Enjoy a scenic drive
  • Jump into a pile of leaves
  • Visit a haunted house
  • Go fruit picking
  • Bake cookies
  • Make pumpkin bread
  • Enjoy hot spiced apple cider and eggnog
  • Fly a kite
  • Go on a scavenger hunt
  • Make caramel apples
  • Have a tailgate party at a football game
  • Make popcorn balls
  • Knit a scarf
  • Use scented candles
  • Go to a spooky graveyard
  • Bundle up and go for an early morning walk
  • Make hot chocolate
  • Enjoy a weekend getaway at a bread and breakfast
  • Take a holiday family photo
  • Adopt a new pet from an animal rescue facility
  • Decorate your porch and front yard with holiday decorations
  • Make s’mores and Rice Krispies treats with the kids
  • Enjoy movie night with homemade popcorn and caramel corn
  • Toast marshmallows over a fire pit
  • Make blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup
  • Enjoy the season premiers on television
  • Go for a walk in the rain and splash in the puddles
  • Make mulled wine
  • Build a tent fort for the kids in the living room out of blankets
  • Have a pillow fight
  • Enjoy a costume party
  • Go caroling house to house

Be kind, enjoy life, and be thankful.