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Express Insurance

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

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5 Factors to Consider When Getting Home Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance is essential for protecting your investment. A homeowner’s insurance policy from Express Insurance will safeguard your Longwood, FL home against wildfire, theft, vandalism or other unforeseen catastrophes. Before purchasing home insurance, however, consider the following factors.

Insurance Requirements

If you have a mortgage on your home, your mortgage company may require certain types of insurance coverage. Most lenders require that homeowners have property coverage to protect their investment against damage or loss. As Florida is prone to hurricanes, you may also be required to have flood insurance to cover flood damage.

Coverage Options

Besides the requirements, you can choose whatever coverage you feel necessary to protect your home and personal property. Take time to assess possible risks to your abode and talk to your agent about coverage options. Make sure you have sufficient coverage to protect your assets. Lack of coverage could result in your paying thousands of dollars for repairs out of pocket if you’re hit with a major catastrophe.

Liability Protection

When putting together your home insurance package, don’t forget liability coverage. Liability insurance pays for accidental injuries to guests on your property. If you entertain often, have a pool or own a dog, you face a greater risk of accidents. Liability coverage is a must to protect your interests.

Policy Riders

The property limits on a standard homeowners’ policy may not cover the cost of replacing pricey jewelry, family heirlooms or posh artwork. To protect these items from theft or loss, you may need to purchase a rider.

Deductible

By opting for a high deductible, you can save money on your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you take good care of your property, you can avoid making claims until you suffer a major disaster.

For help in selecting a homeowner’s policy to suit your individual needs, contact an Express Insurance agent in Longwood, FL.

What You Should Look for in a Commercial Policy

Having adequate coverage for your business in Longwood, FL is important, and many business owners should look at their policies to make sure they are covered in a number of different events.

A Business General Liability Insurance Policy will cover many things for your business and will include physical damage, property damage, injuries that take place on the property or as a result of products, medical payments, cases of slander, libel or misleading advertising, and legal fees. Speaking with an agent at Express Insurance will help make sure that your general liability policy covers what you need for your specific business. While these policies cover many things, make sure you know the limits on coverage. Certain perishable items, like food, are excluded.  There could also be limits on different items. If you need more coverage for certain items, there are riders.

Your commercial policy should have policy limits that are high enough to protect your business. The amount that is necessary is going to depend on the risk your business faces. Insurance agents can help assess the risk.

Know who is covered under your policy. Usually, the type of business determines who is covered. For example, in a corporation, you, other owners, shareholders, and directors are usually covered. If you use subcontractors, they aren’t always covered.

While a business general liability policy will cover most of what you need for your business, there are other things you may want to add to your whole commercial insurance portfolio for extra coverage. If you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance will protect the company if there are any injuries on the job. There are other liability policies that could be necessary depending on your business, which includes liquor liability or pollution liability.

Contact Express Insurance serving Longwood, FL to find the right commercial insurance for your business needs.

 

3 Reasons Renters Should Always Have Insurance

Renters insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers the contents of a rented house or apartment.  One of the most common misconceptions among renters is that if there is a disaster, such as a fire, that destroys their belongings, the landlord’s insurance will cover the cost of replacement. The truth is if there is any type of damages to your belongings while renting a house or apartment in Longwood, FL, you are responsible for the cost of replacement.

Landlords Insurance vs. Renters Insurance

While it’s true that the landlord is (should be) insured, their policy only covers the structure itself. They are responsible for protecting damages or loss that is caused by the building. For example, if there is a fire, the landlords Express insurance policy will cover the damages to the building itself; it will not cover any contents that do not belong to the landlord. It is the responsibility of the tenant to cover the damages and replacement costs for their personal belongings.

Renters Insurance is Inexpensive

One of the most common reasons why many renters do not consider buying renters insurance is because they think it is expensive and they aren’t aware of how expensive it would be to replace their belongings in the case of a disaster. The good news, renters insurance is generally inexpensive and the policy typically protects against damages caused by tornados, fire and smoke, theft or burglary and even thunderstorms. Some policies may also cover medical and/or legal expenses should someone get injured inside of your apartment.

Your Property is Valuable

Many renters underestimate the actual value of their property; they think since they have been using the same furniture or appliances for some time that their belongings aren’t of any value. However, it has been estimated that in general, the average home renter has about $30,000 worth of personal belongings, including furniture and appliances. Without renters insurance, when replacing your damaged belongings, the costs can add up quick.

Renters insurance is available in several different policy options. The ideal way to help determine which bracket of renters insurance applies to you is to do a complete inventory of all of your possessions. This will help to determine an actual or estimated value of the contents of your home. When doing inventory, don’t forget to include items such as clothing. Once you have tallied up the value of all of your stuff, you may be surprised at how much everything you own is actually worth.

Those in living in and around Longwood, FL interested in buying or learning more information about renters insurance should contact Express Insurance.

Umbrella Insurance: Help Your Kids Get to College

You are doing well. There is the comfortable house in Longwood, FL, three cars, the beach house and your business is booming. You have all the needed insurance policies from Express Insurance to cover the basics, but is it enough?  You need to look at umbrella insurance and why for such a low cost it is a smart investment.

When You have Maxed out Your Maximum Liability

You have raised the maximum payout for any accidents on your home and auto insurance.  That’s good, but what happens if your teenager destroys a Ferrari and sends the driver to the hospital with serious wounds?  Your insurance policy may not cover all of the medical costs and it most certainly isn’t going to buy a new supercar.  The injured party’s attorney is going to look around and see who can afford to pay for those bills.

You Have More to Lose

You have worked hard to amass your personal fortune. However, that single Ferrari and a lengthy hospital stay could empty out your wallet. You might end up selling the beach house or even dip into your business accounts to take care of the problem.

You could have an umbrella policy and it wouldn’t even be a problem.

Secure the Kids’ College Fund and Your Retirement

An umbrella policy picks up where your other policies leave off, including taking care of that $300,000 accident. You can still plan your beach vacation, the kids are still going to the University of their choosing, and you have peace of mind.

In the end, umbrella insurance is simply good accounting for the successful individual who has turned their Longwood, FL business into a going concern. Give your agent at Express Insurance a call today and ask how umbrella insurance can work for you.

 

 

What is Commercial Insurance?

In the simplest terms, commercial insurance is an insurance policy that is designed to protect a business. Commercial insurance is vital in protecting a business from many circumstances, like theft, liability, and damage to the business’ property. Aside from this, commercial insurance also covers injuries that employees sustain during work hours and any interruption of the business’ normal operation, provided that such interruption falls under certain categories. In a broad sense, these certain categories include natural disasters, violent events like riots, or even something more benign. Repairs to the business are one such example and commercial insurance policies will generally cover this as long as the damage is not the fault of the business.

The cost of commercial insurance varies greatly due to the type and size of the business covered under the plan.  A business in a high-risk neighborhood will also likely have a higher cost. Similarly, a business located in a low-risk area will probably have a lower cost due to the location’s increased safety. The type of business covered also affects the cost of coverage, but those are general figures for commercial insurance coverage in the state of Florida.

After learning all these facts about commercial insurance, you might be wondering if it’s a good idea for your business. Commercial insurance, while not cheap, is essential in protecting a business from financial loss. The cost of commercial insurance far outweighs the cost a business owner would have to deal with themselves if they did not have commercial insurance. With commercial insurance, the loss of revenue due to business interruption is covered thus the business remains financially viable even after it’s forced to close temporarily for whatever reason.

Many business owners in Longwood, FL choose the financial security of commercial insurance and if you are looking to become one of them, Express Insurance is the prime destination for all your needs. The company is serving Longwood, FL and if you want to contact them for further information, you can call Express Insurance at 407-215-7318.

 

Should You Choose Replacement Cost Or Market Value Home Insurance?

Having the right homeowners’ insurance is critical to your financial well being, and can help make the difference during a covered event. There are a few different types of insurance to choose from, so it is important to know what type will best fit your needs.

Market Value Insurance

If you choose to select market value insurance, you will be able to collect the amount it will cost to replace your home according to the current market value. This can be helpful if the market values fluctuate in your area, or if you would like to ensure you can completely rebuild your home without gaps in the project. If you select this type of insurance you are more likely to complete projects without issues.

Replacement Cost

If you choose replacement cost, you will be covered for the amount it took to build your home. If the market value changes, you are still locked into a specific value. The deductible may be somewhat cheaper and the claims process will be slightly less difficult. There are some advantages, but it is best to consult with your insurance agent to determine if this is the right choice for your needs. For more information on the different types of homeowners’ insurance, you should contact Longwood, FL, Express Insurance. Call or stop by the office to get the most out of your homeowners’ insurance policy so you can rest easy knowing you are protected.

Get all of the information you need to make an informed decision regarding your homeowners’ insurance with Longwood, FL, Express Insurance. Get the right coverage and excellent customer service. 

 

 

5 Things to Know About Commercial Insurance

As an entrepreneur or business owner, there is a need for you to gain a basic understanding of different types of commercial insurance coverages. It is the only way you can fully cover all your assets, reputation, as well as personnel. Express insurance provides a number of choices in deductibles, billing, as well as coverage.

1. Business Insurance—What Is It?

Commercial or business insurance mainly comprises of four coverage options. They include:

  • Umbrella insurance
  • Property insurance
  • Commercial auto insurance
  • General liability

2. Why Do You Require Commercial Insurance in Longwood, FL?

Through the coverage options listed above, you get to protect business equipment and premises against damages as well as theft. Express insurance enables you to indemnify the business and yourself against damages in the event that your property is damaged or a person gets injured on your property. Additionally, you also get to insure your company vehicles as well as their drivers. The umbrella policy makes it possible for you to cover yourself against larger losses as well as any other threats that may arise.

3. What are the Premiums?

The premiums for each coverage option will vary. An insurer will decide the premiums that you ought to pay after looking at the kind of risks faced by your business. Smaller businesses will often pay lower premiums compared to larger conglomerates.

4. Is Commercial Insurance a Deductible?

Yes, business insurance is absolutely deductible. You can deduct it from your business expenses if it covers your trade or business operations. But, you cannot deduct it when it only covers a self-insurance reserve fund or loss of business earnings.

5. Is Business Insurance Required by Law?

There are situations where commercial insurance is required. Certain businesses are required to carry worker’s compensation, disability, and/or unemployment insurance. Certain professions such as law and medicine practitioners may also be required to have professional liability covers.

You can call, visit, or email our Longwood, FL offices for a detailed consultation on all your commercial insurance needs. Our agents are always ready to address any questions or queries that you may have. 

Why You Need To Buy Renters Insurance

When it comes to protecting your belongings from fire and theft you need protection that is going to have you covered. If you live in an apartment or a rental property, you need to purchase adequate renter’s insurance so you can replace any covered losses and get your life back to normal.

Take Inventory

Before you purchase renter’s insurance, you want to get an accurate inventory of all of your belongings. Pay special attention to major appliances and appraised items such as art and jewelry. It is always a good idea to keep receipts for everything you are including in your tally. This will make the claims process much easier, which can help you get your money faster. If you add any belongings of significant value to your inventory, you should notify your insurance provider and increase coverage accordingly.

Adequate Coverage

It is crucial to ensure you have adequate coverage when you purchase your renter’s insurance. Don’t be tempted to purchase less protection to save money. If you have a covered event, you won’t be able to replace all of your belongings.  Add up the cost of all of your belongings and then round up to the nearest dollar amount available from your insurance provider. For more information on renter’s insurance, contact Express Insurance in Longwood, FL for prices and restrictions. 

When it comes to renter’s insurance you want to make sure you are completely protected in the event of a loss. Keep records and accurate inventory of all of your belongings, preferably online, in case you need to file a claim. When you are ready to purchase insurance to protect the things that are important to you, contact Express Insurance in Longwood, FL and get the coverage you need.

Will Your Renter’s Insurance Cover Moving Expenses If You’re Apartment is Permanently Damaged?

If you are renting an apartment or home in the Longwood, FL area, you can call Express Insurance to get the information you need concerning renter’s and homeowner’s insurance policies.  Their qualified agents can answer all of your insurance questions including those that involve moving from one rental to another if your home sustained significant damage and is no longer livable.

When Is Moving Mandatory?

Moving may be your only option if your apartment or rental home suffers significant damage. Severe storms, fire, structural abnormalities and other issues like black mold, can render your living area uninhabitable. When this occurs, you need to make other living arrangements immediately. 

What Type of Expenses Are Related to Moving?

It can be difficult to find a new place to live right away, so you may have to spend a few nights in a hotel. Depending on how detailed your insurance policy is, many of your moving expenses will be covered. This includes the cost of a hotel room and the use of a rental truck to make sure belongings are moved safely from one place to another. Your policy may also cover the cost of a storage unit while you are searching for a new home.

The agents of Express Insurance are available to ensure you have the coverage you need whether you are renting an apartment or own a home. If you rent in the Longwood, FL area and have experienced significant damage to your dwelling that has made it uninhabitable, call the office today to find out how they can help you get moved to a new apartment. They can answer your questions and make sure the transition goes smoothly.

 

Umbrella Insurance For Your Small Business

Usually, your standard insurance policy will cover most of your small business insurance needs. In certain situations, it makes sense to get even more coverage with umbrella insurance. While umbrella insurance will cost slightly more than standard coverage, it’s worth it when it gives you peace of mind.

There are two main reasons that you may want to consider umbrella coverage for your small business. First, it’s likely that there are certain situations that are not covered by your current insurance policy. For example, it’s possible that your current policy may only cover issues that occur in your home office. An umbrella policy could expand coverage to cover events that occur out of the office. While this may seem frivolous, it’s actually quite helpful if you host events or meetings out of the office (conferences, the company Christmas party, etc.). Secondly, your current insurance policy has monetary coverage limits. An umbrella policy could increase those limits, so you don’t find yourself in a financial bind if you exceed your current available insurance payout. 

Umbrella policies are not one-size-fits-all. It’s important to consider the type of work you do, the likelihood that you’ll exceed your current insurance policy, and how much you’re able to pay for umbrella insurance.  Your Express Insurance agent serving Longwood, FL will meet with you and help you decide on the perfect umbrella insurance policy for your small business. When you meet your Express Insurance agent, be sure to bring a copy of your current insurance policy, a list of your employees/ payroll, and a list of prior insurance losses so that your agent can help you decide what kind of additional coverage you need.