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. 

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. 

Tips for Protecting Your Home While Away

Many people go on vacations every year. There are so many things to do to get ready before you leave and it is easy to forget something important. It is also easy to forget to do simple tasks that will help keep your house and possessions safe from damage and theft.

Tips for keeping your house safe

Set timers on interior and exterior lights

Nothing is more inviting to a burglar than a dark house with no signs that anybody’s home. Set timers on the interior and exterior lights to make it look like someone is there.

Prepare for power surges.

Power surges can happen at any time. Unplug all electronics or plug them into a surge protector.

Don’t post on social media.

Some people post everything on social media, especially when they go somewhere on vacation. This is a beacon for someone looking for a place to rob. You are advertising when you are leaving and when you will be back.

Lock away valuables

It is always a good idea to lock away all jewelry and other valuable things. Make sure it is out of sight and in a lockbox or safe.

Double-check all doors and windows

Double-check that all your doors and windows are locked, even if you think they are.

Protect pipes

If you are going to be gone during the winter, it is crucial to check your pipes. Please ensure they are well-insulated, so they don’t freeze and burst.

Stop or pause newspaper and mail.

Newspapers and mail piling up at the door is a big flag that no one is home.

Contact us

For more information on insurance or home tips, contact us at Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL.

How to make your home more energy efficient

Making your home more energy efficient is a great way to save money and help the environment. But it can be tricky to know where to start. Here are some tips to get you started.

  1. Insulate your home. Add insulation to your home’s attic, walls, and crawl spaces. You can get special rolls of insulation designed specifically for each of these areas, making it easy to install on your own. Just be sure to check with local building codes before you start so that you know what type of insulation is required for your area.
  2. Check for air leaks and seal them up. A great way to save energy is by ensuring that there aren’t any air leaks in or around your home. Your best bet is to hire a professional contractor who can find exactly where those leaks are coming from and help you plug them up so that air isn’t constantly escaping from your house.
  3. Upgrade your heating and cooling system. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, make this one of the first things you upgrade. This can help to save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature in your home based on when you’re home or away – so that it never wastes energy by running when nobody is there to use it.
  4. Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. By replacing your old fixtures with new ones designed for maximum water efficiency, you can reduce how much water you’re using each day without sacrificing any comfort at all.

If you have more home energy efficiency questions, call Runnels Insurance today. We proudly serve the Brandon, FL area.