Home Maintenance Checklist for Home Insurance

Home Ownership, Insurance Premiums, and the Importance of Maintenance in Brandon, FL

Homeownership comes with a mix of joy, responsibilities, and additional expenses like home insurance. An important aspect that some homeowners overlook is consistent home maintenance’s role in ensuring their homes’ safety, potentially leading to lower monthly insurance premiums. Our expert agents at Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, are here to guide you in refining your home maintenance checklist.

Lower Your Insurance Premiums through Regular Home Maintenance

Regular home maintenance is crucial. It prevents a potential claim denial due to neglect and shows your insurance provider that you take home safety and upkeep seriously.

As you work on your checklist, be sure to include areas posing potential risks, such as maintaining your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. By taking these necessary precautions, you could benefit from lower premiums.

Creating a Home Maintenance Checklist

While every home’s needs are unique, you should include a few everyday items on your maintenance checklist. These include simple tasks like cleaning your furnace filter regularly, which helps your HVAC system work more efficiently and adding salt to your water softener, which maintains water quality and prevents potential damage to your appliances.

Pay special attention to your property’s drainage system. Keep your bathroom and kitchen drains unclogged and clean. Regularly test your home safety devices, including smoke alarms, GFCIs, and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, electrical cords and fixtures must be inspected frequently for superficial damage and wear to spot potential fire hazards early.

How Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL can Help

Our highly knowledgeable team at Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL can provide further tips on enhancing your home maintenance checklist. Contact us today to learn how implementing certain maintenance tasks can lower your home insurance costs!

The Basic Components of an Auto Insurance Policy

An auto insurance policyholder is always seeking protection from any threat of financial losses stemming from involvement in a road accident. Sometimes, the coverage provided does not exceed your expectations. Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, can assist with creating an auto insurance policy that includes all the basic components.  

Select Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

All drivers want auto insurance that protects them financially, especially if they cause a vehicle accident that injures others. Bodily injury liability coverage pays for all expenses (medical bills, rehabilitation visits, and lost wages) of the injured party following the mishap.

The coverage is available to all drivers on the auto insurance policy. Some policyholders will opt to have more than the state minimum to protect their personal assets. The bodily injury liability coverage transfers over when permission is granted to drive another person’s automobile. 

Add Property Damage Coverage

Another basic component to add to your auto insurance policy is property damage coverage. The purpose of the coverage is to pay for all damage done to another person’s property following a street accident. Insurance providers define property as fences, building walls, and mailboxes.

Sometimes, a vehicle could end up inside the home. The property damage coverage will pay for all interior and exterior repairs. In extreme cases of this nature, the homeowner’s insurance policy will cover all the remaining amount after your coverage has exceeded its limit.

Not every auto insurance policy is the same. But every driver needs the basic components to be fully protected when traveling. If you have questions about auto insurance, speak with a representative from Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL. They have the experience to answer your questions and create a policy that protects your financial interests. Call and schedule an in-office meeting today. 

Can I Have More Than One Life Insurance Policy?

Are you interested in buying life insurance from Runnels Insurance, serving Brandon, FL? If so, you should know that you can have multiple life insurance policies. Many successful people know that life insurance policies can be an excellent investment.

You’re Allowed to Have More Than One Life Insurance Policy

Life insurance applications may include a question asking whether you already have a policy in place. But this doesn’t preclude you from getting another policy. As long as you’re truthful in your application, you can have as many life insurance policies as you want.

When to Buy Another Life Insurance Policy?

Certain life events indicate that you should consider buying another life insurance policy. If you extend your family with a new baby or a new adoption, you’ll have more people to take care of after you pass. Rather than trying to make your existing life insurance policy stretch to more beneficiaries, you can purchase another policy to take care of the new beneficiary.

Another time to buy another life insurance policy is when you have college plans for your child. A whole life insurance policy is a great way to build a fund that can be cashed in when it comes time to pay tuition. It’s also helpful to know that a whole life insurance policy needn’t be included as income on any student loan applications you fill out.

Finally, another life insurance policy enhances your long-term financial picture. You may wish to have a combination of a term life insurance policy and a whole life policy.

Contact your insurance representative at Runnels Insurance, serving Brandon, FL, for more information about purchasing multiple policies. We’re here to answer questions and help you make your loved ones financially secure.

Three Things You Need to Know About Umbrella Insurance

If you’re in the Brandon, FL area and looking for an overarching policy to provide additional coverage, you may benefit from umbrella insurance. At Runnels Insurance, we can work with you to find the best policy for your specific needs so you can have the confidence and peace of mind that comes with quality insurance protection. There’s no reason to settle for less when you can work with us to get all the coverage you need for long-term security.

1. Umbrella Policies Can Protect What Matters

People like umbrella coverage because it goes above and beyond your other policies. For example, if you have a claim against your vehicle policy that exceeds your coverage limits, you can use your umbrella policy to cover the rest. This is true with home, auto, and other types of insurance, including commercial policies in many cases.

2. This Coverage Isn’t Just for High-Asset Individuals

Many people mistakenly think that high-asset people are the only ones needing umbrella coverage because they potentially have much to lose. While it’s true they could have a significant risk of loss, they aren’t the only ones vulnerable to claims that can be highly devastating and take their toll on the future. Nearly everyone can benefit from umbrella coverage.

3. Your Agent Can Give You Great Options

Working with an agent at Runnels Insurance can help if you’re in the Brandon, FL area and looking for an umbrella insurance policy. We understand the importance of having enough coverage and protection and can help you make adjustments as your needs change. Contact us today, and let our agents give you the information you need to make an informed insurance decision.

Condo Association Master Policies: Deciphering What’s Covered

Living in a condominium in or around Brandon, FL, often involves belonging to a condo association. These associations typically hold a master insurance policy to protect the shared spaces and structures within the community. Understanding the details of the condo association master policy is crucial for individual condo owners.

Types of Condo Association Master Policies

There are two primary types of condo association master policies:

  • Bare Walls-In Coverage: This policy typically covers the building’s structure, common areas, and shared elements up to the bare walls of individual units. It does not extend coverage to the interior of individual units, leaving condo owners responsible for their interior elements.
  • All-In Coverage (All-Inclusive or All-In-One): This more comprehensive policy covers the building’s structure and common areas and includes coverage for fixtures, installations, and improvements within individual units. All-in coverage provides broader protection, reducing the respective condo owner’s need for additional insurance.

Determining Coverage Limits and Exclusions

The owners should pay attention to coverage limits and exclusions. Coverage limits outline the maximum amount the policy will pay in the event of a covered loss. Exclusions specify situations or perils not covered by the policy.

Understanding Common Area Coverage

The master policy typically covers common areas such as hallways, elevators, lobbies, and shared amenities. Condo owners need to know the extent of this coverage to understand where the association’s responsibility ends and theirs begins.

Interior Coverage for Individual Units

Understanding whether the master policy includes coverage for the interior of individual units is critical. If the master policy follows a bare walls-in approach, condo owners may need additional insurance to cover their unit’s interior elements.

Runnels Insurance Can Help You

At Runnels Insurance, we can help answer questions concerning condo insurance. We serve the Brandon, FL area. Contact us today. 

Reasons Why You Should Never Cancel Motorcycle Insurance in the Winter

If you own a motorcycle in Brandon, FL, you know that the weather may get too chilly in winter to ride comfortably. For this reason, many motorcycle owners make the mistake of canceling their motorcycle insurance during the winter months. But your agent at Runnels Insurance serving Brandon, FL wants you to know that there are many reasons why you shouldn’t do that, including:

1. Protection For Your Investment

Motorcycle accidents aren’t limited to being on the road. They can happen even when your bike is parked or stored. For example, consider what would happen if a winter storm or hurricane ripped the roof off the shed where you park your bike. You’d be left with an enormous repair or replacement cost.

2. Lender Requirement

If you’re making payments on your motorcycle, the lender may require year-round insurance coverage, even if you don’t ride for several months out of the year. Canceling it could mean paying a penalty.

3. Seasonal Coverage Options

Talk to your insurance agent about possible seasonal coverage. This is an excellent alternative to cancelation, and all you need to do is click or call to get it activated again when the weather improves.

4. Unusual Weather Patterns

It’s becoming more common to experience the occasional great riding day in the winter. But you can’t take advantage of this if you’ve canceled your motorcycle insurance and aren’t able to legally take your bike out on the road. It’s much better just to be able to go out for a ride spontaneously when there’s a perfect day in the middle of winter.

At Runnels Insurance, serving Brandon, FL, you can get year-round motorcycle insurance that protects your investment and gives you peace of mind knowing that your bike is financially protected. Give us a call to learn more!

Boat Rental and Insurance: What You Need to Know Before Letting Others Set Sail

Boat rentals in and around Brandon, FL, are a popular way for boat owners to earn income while sharing the joys of boating with others. However, before you decide to rent out your boat, there are several important considerations regarding insurance that you should be aware of. 

Understanding the Need for Boat Rental Insurance

When renting your boat to others, you entrust your valuable asset to unfamiliar hands. While most renters are responsible, accidents and damages may occur. Boat rental insurance is designed to protect both you as the owner and the renters from financial losses in the event of unforeseen incidents.

Types of Boat Rental Insurance

  1. Boat Rental Liability Insurance: This coverage is crucial and typically covers bodily injury and property damage that may occur while the boat is being rented. It safeguards you from legal liabilities resulting from accidents involving your boat.
  2. Hull Insurance: Hull insurance protects your boat against physical damage, such as collisions, grounding, or theft. 
  3. Equipment and Accessory Coverage: This type of insurance protects the equipment and accessories on your boat. It includes coverage for fishing gear, water sports equipment, and navigation systems.

Navigating the Rental Agreement

When you decide to rent out your boat, it’s crucial to have a well-drafted rental agreement in place. This document should outline the terms and conditions of the rental, including responsibilities, restrictions, and insurance requirements. 

Check Your Existing Boat Insurance Policy

Before renting out your boat, review your current boat insurance policy. Many standard boat insurance policies may not cover rental activities, so you may need to explore additional coverage options.

Runnels Insurance Can Help You with Boat Rental Insurance

At Runnels Insurance, we can answer all your questions concerning boat insurance. We assist the Brandon, FL. Contact us today.

Protect Yourself With Home Insurance

If you’re a homeowner, it’s likely required for you to have home insurance. Virtually all lenders today require this insurance to get a mortgage loan. If your neighborhood has an HOA, it’s likely also required by them. Even if you aren’t required to have this insurance policy, it’s essential for you to have it. When you don’t have this insurance, you face many serious financial risks that can be difficult or even impossible to pay for. When you’re buying a home and need coverage or want to change your home insurance, call us at Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL. 

Protect the Dwelling

The dwelling itself is likely your most significant investment, and it needs to be protected. When you have home insurance, it offers coverage against a wide range of events that can happen to a home. When a covered event happens to your home and causes damage, the policy can pay for the repairs that will be needed. Without home insurance, those expenses could be extremely high. 

Protect Your Possessions

Next to your home, your most significant expense has likely been all of the items in your home. Adding up the value of all of your belongings inside the house can be a considerable amount. That would make it highly difficult to replace everything if a covered event damaged them. Home issuance can pay for the ruined items to be replaced. 

Liability Protection

It would be best if you also had protection against the liability you have in case of accidents. If someone had an accident with injuries on your property, you would be responsible for paying for the medical bills and other related expenses. When you have home insurance, it covers these bills. 

Get Home Insurance

When you need home insurance in Brandon, FL, call us at Runnels Insurance. 

What Does Auto Insurance Cover?

The experienced auto insurance agents at Runnels Insurance serving the Brandon, FL area can explain what auto insurance covers.

In Florida, driving without at least an auto liability insurance policy is illegal. A liability policy will provide coverage if you cause an accident and someone is injured or damaged property.

What Does Auto Insurance Cover?

In addition to auto liability insurance, there is an array of other types of auto insurance you can choose from.

Comprehensive Auto Insurance

Comprehensive auto insurance will come in handy if your vehicle is damaged by a fire, vandalism, or even a natural disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane. Your comprehensive auto insurance policy can help you replace or repair your vehicle, depending on the situation. Comprehensive auto insurance can also help if someone steals your car, SUV, or truck by replacing it.

Collision Insurance

Collision insurance is designed to help you cover the cost of damage if you collide with an object or another vehicle.

Remember that you owe a lender for the purchase price of your vehicle; you will more than likely be required to have both comprehensive and collision insurance.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Insurance

This type of insurance is designed to help you if another driver causes an accident, you are injured, or your vehicle is damaged. They have no insurance, or they do not have enough insurance to cover everything it needs to.

Contact Runnels Insurance

To create the best auto insurance policy for you, contact the agents at Runnels Insurance serving the Brandon, FL area today!

Is Life Insurance a Good Investment For Young Families?

Life insurance is a significant financial planning tool that can offer a layer of protection to individuals after an untimely passing. Life insurance can prove very valuable whether you are just starting a family or focused on retiring. If you want to learn more about life insurance coverage, you can count on Runnels Insurance to provide exceptional products and services to the residents of Brandon, FL.

Life Insurance Coverage

There are many instances where life insurance can offer benefits. If you have a young family, especially one with small children, you can provide protection via life insurance. There are a few policies to choose from, but term life and whole life are the most common choices for younger individuals. If you pass unexpectedly, your family will have the resources to pay for mounting debts and future expenses like school and bills. 

On the other hand, if you plan to retire in the next few years, you can begin building cash value into a whole-life policy that can allow you to borrow against it after a time if you have emergency expenses. It also helps you create a nest egg for retirement expenses in the future. 

If you want to learn what options work best for your situation, we can help. Our agents are licensed and knowledgeable about life insurance. We can assess your potential needs and match you with the most beneficial policies. 

Find Out More

If you live in or near Brandon, FL, you should contact Runnels Insurance to schedule a consultation to get answers to questions or begin shopping for a life insurance policy. We are dedicated to helping our customers get the protection they need for the things that matter the most.