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.

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. 

Umbrella Insurance FAQs

Umbrella insurance covers you for damages that exceed your basic policies. If you have home, auto, or renters insurance in Brandon, FL, you might consider investing in umbrella insurance for added protection and peace of mind. It can cover you when a claim exceeds your liability limits and may pay for legal fees associated with libel, slander, and other covered events. Contact your agent at Runnels Insurance to learn more.

Do I Need Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance isn’t required by law in Florida. However, it can be a wise choice if you have valuable assets to protect. If you have higher risks than others, umbrella insurance can help you protect your assets. Examples of higher risks include owning a trampoline or swimming pool or living in an area where car thefts are more prevalent.

How Much Umbrella Insurance Do I Need?

This will vary depending on your personal needs and policies. However, your insurance agent can help you determine how much umbrella insurance you need to cover your home, car, and other assets appropriately.

What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?

Umbrella insurance gives you protection over and above what your standard insurance policies will cover. Generally, umbrella insurance can help you pay for property damage, injuries, personal liability claims, and some lawsuits. It’s important to carefully review different policies to ensure you choose the one that fits your situation the best.

What Isn’t Covered by an Umbrella Policy?

An umbrella policy generally won’t pay for damage to your property or injuries. Like regular insurance, umbrella insurance won’t cover intentional acts that damage someone else’s property. The best way to understand what your policy covers and doesn’t cover is to schedule an appointment with your agent from Runnels Insurance.

Contact us today or stop by our office for more information on umbrella insurance in Brandon, FL.

What’s Covered and Not Covered Under a Condo Insurance Policy?

You’re proud of your condo in Brandon, FL, and it may act as your primary home or vacation oasis. But what does and doesn’t your condo insurance cover? Besides flooding, there are other perils that your condo insurance doesn’t handle. For example, your condo insurance covers personal liability and living expense coverage, but your homeowner’s association master insurance policy addresses damages to common areas. At Runnels Insurance, we can answer any questions you may have on your policy and review it for coverage gaps.

What Does Condo Insurance Cover?

These policies typically cover personal property, your unit, loss of use, and your portion of damage to common areas.

The building property portion of your policy covers everything inside the walls of your specific unit, including lighting and plumbing fixtures. Your policy will probably include property coverage for electronics, furniture, and other movable belongings and personal liability for condo-related lawsuits filed against you.

Meanwhile, loss-of-use condo coverage pays for transport and lodging if you cannot remain in your condo, and loss assessment coverage pays your part of the losses shared with other association members.

What’s Not Covered Under Condo Insurance?

In short, your condo insurance won’t pay for any damage covered by your master building policy. So, you could find yourself footing the bill for losses due to wear and tear or termite damage. You may already know that natural events like flooding and earthquakes are also typically not covered under your personal condo insurance. Fortunately, you can obtain separate coverage for these perils.

If you would like one of our team members to review your personal and master condo insurance, we would be happy to do so. It’s essential to understand your coverage so that you can act quickly to cover any gaps before it’s time to file a claim.

Contact Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL today to set up an appointment to discuss your condo insurance needs.

I only drive my motorcycle a few times per year. Do I need motorcycle insurance?

Believe it or not, motorcycle insurance isn’t required in every state. However, it is required in most states. Florida is the only state where motorcycle insurance isn’t required, but motorcyclists are required to register their bikes with the DMV. Our Brandon, FL team at Runnels Insurance is committed to helping motorcycle owners get the coverage they need. 

What is Motorcycle Insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is similar to auto insurance because it provides liability coverage for other people’s injuries and property when you’re at fault. However, like auto insurance, you can also purchase collision coverage for your motorcycle and injuries you may incur as well. The coverage can include fire, theft, and damage your bike may incur from poor weather conditions and theft. 

I only drive my motorcycle a few times per year. Do I need motorcycle insurance?

As a Florida motorcycle owner, you don’t need to invest in motorcycle insurance while you’re a resident of Florida. However, if you plan on driving your motorcycle in other states, you will need to invest in motorcycle insurance regardless of how often you drive your motorcycle. Also, motorcycle insurance may be a good idea if the cost of repairing your motorcycle after an accident is too expensive. Motorcycle insurance, like car insurance, has many benefits. Plus, liability coverage is helpful if you’re found at fault for someone’s injuries, accidents, property damage, and traffic violations. If you have questions regarding motorcycle insurance, call us. We’d be happy to help you explore your options.

Your only requirement in Florida is to register your motorcycle at the DMV. 

Is there value to getting a boat insurance plan in Florida?

Owning a boat can be a great option in the Brandon, FL area. If you are going to buy a boat, you should start thinking about your insurance needs. While having boat insurance is not necessarily required in all situations, it can still be a good investment. There are various reasons why this coverage is a good idea and offers value to boat owners. 

Ensures the Boat is Covered

Like investing in any other asset, you will want to know that your boat is covered. Some various risks and perils can impact your boat and investment in it. An accident, theft, vandalism, or fire could require a lot of money to make the necessary repairs. However, you will get the financial support you need to cover your boat if you have insurance. 

Reduce Liability Risks

If you are looking to get a boat, it is vital that you are very careful when using it. However, even if you are careful when operating the boat, you could still make a mistake that leads to an accident. When this occurs, you will be responsible for damages you may have caused. Fortunately, you are able to receive support in this situation if you have a boat insurance policy, as it will give coverage if you are found liable.

Boat owners in the Brandon, FL area always need to take their insurance needs seriously. When you want a boat, call our team with Runnels Insurance. There are always a lot of big choices to make, and our team of professionals can help you assess your situation. We will give you the support and guidance you need to build an ideal plan for your situation. 

Should I Update My Life Insurance Policy?

Your life insurance policy should be updated as your life changes. Otherwise, if you don’t give your policy a second look, you and your loved ones will be inadequately covered. Do you have a life insurance policy in Brandon, FL? When was the last time you reviewed it? If it’s been years, you need to update it ASAP. But what are the things you should consider when reviewing your policy? According to Runnels Insurance, talk to your life insurance provider if the below changes occur:

Life events

You probably bought your life insurance policy when you were single, but so many changes have happened. Now you are married and probably have a kid. You should update your life insurance policy to ensure your dependents live a comfortable life after you are long gone.

Similarly, if you divorce or one of your beneficiaries dies, don’t fail to update your life insurance policy.

Buying a home

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial commitments you will make. It’s also an excellent time to review your insurance needs. The last thing you would want is to burden the people you leave behind with your mortgage loan. Invest in life insurance to ensure the death benefits can cover your outstanding mortgage balance.

Starting a business

It’s always exciting to start a business. It may also be an ideal time to review your life insurance policy. Investing in life insurance ensures a smooth business succession even when you die. The death benefits from the policy can be used to pay company loans and cushion your business partners financially by covering the gap you have left.

Life insurance policy in Brandon, FL

Ready to get started with life insurance? It’s one of the best ways to plan your finances. If you are in Brandon, FL and the nearby areas, don’t hesitate to contact Runnels Insurance for an affordable life insurance policy.

4 Benefits of Umbrella Insurance

When you purchase umbrella insurance from Runnels Insurance, it can help you from slumping into a financial mess. You may ask how. Umbrella insurance protects your assets and earnings when the limits of your conventional liability coverages run out. For instance, umbrella insurance can come to your rescue if you exhaust your car liability insurance after being at fault for a severe accident. The other benefits you accrue when you purchase umbrella insurance in Brandon, FL include:

Broader coverage

Umbrella insurance gives you higher coverage as well as broader coverage. What does this mean? Umbrella insurance can give you $1M worth of liability coverage and protect you from liabilities that conventional liability coverages don’t cover. For instance, umbrella insurance covers libel, slander, and false arrest, among other liabilities not covered by home, boat, or auto liability coverage.

Affordable

Yes, umbrella insurance gives you high protection, but that doesn’t mean that the coverage must be expensive. It’s super-affordable since umbrella insurance takes over from where your traditional liability coverages leave off. Still doubting? Why don’t you request a quote from  Runnels Insurance to see for yourself?

No geographical limitation

Your home or car insurance will give you protection within the boundaries of the United States. However, this isn’t a problem with umbrella insurance. This coverage protects you anywhere in the world.

Peace of mind

We live in a litigious society, and you might be bothered that someone might come to claim your assets. However, you don’t have to live on the edge when you have umbrella insurance. This coverage protects you against lawsuits, ensuring you have peace of mind anywhere and anytime.

Get umbrella insurance today!

Want to protect your assets with umbrella insurance? If you are in Brandon, FL, or its surrounding area, please contact Runnels Insurance for an insurance plan that covers your needs.

What does my Brandon, FL condo insurance cover?

Runnels Insurance knows that living without condo insurance is an unnecessary risk.

If you rent or own a condo, the landlord or building association likely has a policy. But these are limited, rarely offering any personal protection.

That’s why it’s critical to have a dedicated condo insurance policy. Located in Brandon, FL, Runnels Insurance can ensure you’re covered. Below, the agency lists four items that should be included in any condo insurance policy.

Interior coverage

An owner’s policy only goes so far. Usually, these plans cover the building structure only. In contrast, condo insurance protects the inside of the unit. This applies to flooring, cabinetry, walls, and any other permanent fixtures. Your plan will reimburse for needed replacements up to the policy limit. 

Protection of belongings

Keep your possessions safe too. Furniture, electronics, jewelry, and other valuables are shielded against loss or damage. Each policy will list what specific events are covered. Natural disasters, like fire and water, are typically protected. Theft and vandalism are often included too.

Liability insurance

Virtually all insurance policies will come with some form of liability protection. This kicks in if there is an accident at your residence where you are determined to be at fault. Liability could help you, your family, and other guests with medical costs, property damage, and legal fees.

Loss of use

Condo insurance is about being prepared. Even a policy can’t prevent an accident from happening. But, if you are forced to temporarily relocate, condo insurance can at least help with the expenses. This chips in for an additional hotel, meals, and travel costs that are incurred as a result.

Schedule an appointment with an agent serving Brandon, FL

Fortunately, Runnels Insurance can help. Their trusted agents can create an individualized condo insurance plan to best meet your needs. Contact us today.

4 Reasons to Invest in Florida Motorcycle Insurance

Unlike most states, you don’t need motorcycle insurance in Florida. But does that mean you don’t need insurance for your two-wheeler? It’s a resounding no. You need to invest in motorcycle insurance from Runnels Insurance of Brandon, FL, for the reasons highlighted below.

Medical bills are costly

Given the vulnerability of a motorcycle, even a minor accident may result in major injuries. That said, motorcycle insurance comes in handy to cover the accruing medical expenses. And even if you have health insurance, it doesn’t cover all the costs. Uncovered expenses like lost wages, co-pays, deductibles, and other costs can quickly add up, making motorcycle insurance a worthwhile investment.

It covers liability claims

If you are responsible for an accident, liability claims can quickly stack up. You could be responsible for property damage, bodily injury, and even face lawsuits when you are at fault for an accident. These claims are super-costly without liability insurance and can easily wipe out your assets and savings.

To protect your bike

How much have you paid to acquire your bike? Suppose your bike is stolen or involved in an accident that writes off your asset. It would be difficult to see your investment go down the drain, right? The good thing is that you can protect your bike with motorcycle insurance. This coverage pays for repairs and even replaces your bike when totaled.

For peace of mind

When riding your two-wheeler, you don’t have to think about all the things that can go wrong. Your ride becomes stress-free when you have insurance because you know you are covered should anything go amiss.

Buy motorcycle insurance today!

Do the above motorcycle benefits appeal to you? It’s time to invest in motorcycle insurance in Brandon, FL. All you need to do is get in touch with Runnels Insurance.