What Does Home Insurance Cover?

Home insurance is an essential purchase for any homeowner. It provides peace of mind that your home and belongings are protected in a disaster or accident. But what does home insurance cover? In this article, we’ll discuss what home insurance covers.

1. Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling coverage is the portion of your home insurance policy that covers the physical structure of your home. This includes the walls, floors, ceilings, and foundation.

Dwelling coverage includes attached structures, such as a garage or deck. If your home is damaged or destroyed by a covered event, such as a fire or severe weather, dwelling coverage will help pay for the repairs or replacement of your home.

Dwelling coverage does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear. For example, if your roof needs to be replaced due to age or damage from a storm, you would need to pay for this repair out of pocket as it is not covered by dwelling coverage.

2. Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage is the portion of your home insurance policy that covers your personal belongings. This includes furniture, clothing, electronics, and other items you keep in your home.

If your personal belongings are damaged or destroyed by a covered event, such as a fire or severe weather, personal property coverage will help pay for the repairs or replacement of your belongings.

3. Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is the portion of your home insurance policy that protects you from financial responsibility if someone is injured on your property. This includes medical expenses and legal costs. If you’re sued for damages, liability coverage will help pay for your legal defense.

Liability coverage also provides protection if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. For example, if you accidentally start a fire that damages your neighbor’s home in Brandon, FL, your liability coverage will help pay for the repairs.

4. Additional Coverage

In addition to the three main types of coverage, most home insurance policies also include additional coverage for specific events. This can include coverage for flooding, earthquakes, and wind damage. You may also be able to purchase additional coverage from a professional company such as Runnels Insurance for items such as jewelry or art.

5. Other Structures Coverage

Other structure coverage is a type of dwelling coverage that protects detached structures on your property, such as a shed or gazebo. This coverage can help to pay for the repairs or replacement of these structures if  damages thema covered event damages them. Additionally, other structure coverage can help to pay for the repairs or replacement of fences, driveways, and sidewalks.

Conclusion

Home insurance is an essential purchase for any homeowner. It protects your home and belongings in the event of a covered disaster. Home insurance typically covers the dwelling, personal property, liability, and additional expenses. Other structure coverage is also available to protect detached structures on your property.

Florida homeowners looking for more information about home insurance can contact Runnels Insurance. We are happy to answer any questions about home insurance coverage. Give us a call today.

Documents you should always have in your vehicle

To drive in Florida, you must have a driver’s license, drive a registered motor vehicle, and have auto insurance on that vehicle. If you don’t comply with any of these, you are violating the law and could be subject to fines. At Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL, we know the laws in Florida, and we are here to help our customers comply with all of the requirements. 

Insurance card

Your insurance card is proof that you have insurance coverage. When you renew or take out a new policy, the insurance company will send you a copy of your insurance card. If you lose it, you should be able to print a new one out online or call the insurance company, and they can send you a new one. It must be carried in your vehicle’s glove box at all times. Placing it in a clear plastic sleeve will protect it from damage. It should be placed with your vehicle registration. 

Vehicle registration

Cars in Florida must be registered. You can choose to register the vehicle for one year or two years. Vehicles can be registered online at the MyDMV Portal, and your registration will be mailed to you. If you can’t do it online, you can go to a local service center. Place your registration in your glove box with your insurance card. 

Drivers license 

Everyone needs a driver’s license to drive in Florida. Driver’s licenses in Florida are good for eight years. Since a license is also a picture ID used for identification, most people carry it on their person at all times. Therefore, it should be in the vehicle when you are there. 

Contact Runnels Insurance in Brandon, FL to discuss any questions about auto insurance and get a no-obligation quote.

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.

Common Types of Boat Insurance Coverage

Despite what you may believe, boat insurance is very similar to any other kind of insurance you may purchase. Just like other insurances, there are many different types of coverage options available to Brandon, FL boat owners. Runnels Insurance shares some insight into boat insurance coverage.

Hull Damage

This coverage offers protection from the vessel’s structure. As a general rule, hull damage coverage will protect against physical damage that occurs from storms, collisions, theft, fire, and more. 

Personal Property/Equipment Damage

There is the option to extend your coverage so it protects personal property and equipment as it relates to your boat. Therefore, this type of coverage protects wakeboards, water skis, fishing equipment, and much more. Usually, this coverage protects against accidental damage as well as loss. 

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability

Bodily injury liability coverage offers protection for when a third party suffers an injury while using your boat. Property damage liability coverage offers protection for when you are liable for damage to property. Both of these are very common coverages purchased by boat owners. 

Medical Payments

This coverage offers protection in the event someone suffers an injury while getting onto, getting off, or enjoying your watercraft. This coverage may include payments for hospital expenses, ambulance bills, etc. This coverage will take hold even if you are deemed responsible for the accident. 

Named Storm Damage

As a boat owner, you are likely aware of the potential damage a named storm can have on your boat. When your water vessel suffers damage as a result of a named tropical depression, tropical storm, or category hurricane, this type of coverage kicks in and pays for repairs. If you live in an area that receives this type of weather regularly, named storm coverage is critical.

When you need to protect your watercraft, contact the professionals at Runnels Insurance, serving Brandon, FL, for help in putting together a solid boat insurance policy. 

Do I Need Home Insurance in Florida?

While Florida state law does not require that you carry homeowner’s insurance, you will likely be required to if you still have a mortgage. Further, if you live in a condo or within the boundaries of an HOA, they might also require you to pick up homeowners insurance. Even if none of those reasons apply to you, it’s still a wise investment to make to protect your home in Brandon, FL. 

Weather

Despite being named the Sunshine State, Florida gets more than its fair share of rainy days. In fact, in US history, six of the ten most expensive storms have occurred right here in Florida. It’s a good idea to review your policy to ensure you are covered for weather-related damages and know what exclusions apply. Flooding, for example, is a separate policy. 

Dislocation Living Expenses

Storms being a fact of life for Floridians means that sooner or later, you may be out of your home while it is undergoing necessary and claimable repairs. Additional Living Expenses coverage kicks in to help you ride out the extra expense of living away from home, allotting you cash up to your limit for lodging, food, and incidentals like laundry facilities. 

Protection Against Lawsuit 

Accidents happen to the best of us. If an injury occurs on your property, your or a family member damage another’s property, or your household pets cause injury or damage, you risk expensive lawsuits without adequate liability coverage. There is no deductible to utilize this portion of your policy, and it can provide you payment to cover your defense and pay damages owed up to your policy limits. 

If you are ready to review your homeowner’s insurance, reach out to Runnels Insurance today. We can go over your needs and help you find the best policy for your needs.  

Why You Should Update Your Home Insurance

Over time, both you and your property will evolve. Because of this, you must take into consideration that you need to update your homeowner’s insurance. Runnels Insurance wants to ensure that Brandon, FL residents are aware of a couple of reasons why it is so important to update their home insurance, so keep reading!

Cover Any Improvements Recently Made

The great thing about owning a home is that you can make improvements to it anytime that you wish. However, it is important that you let your insurance company know about these improvements so they can be outlined in your policy to ensure you are properly covered should a catastrophe strike.

Otherwise, if disaster strikes, your claim may be denied, leaving you to pay for repairs out of your own pocket. Therefore, if you have recently added anything new to your home or performed any renovations, make sure to consult with your insurance agent.

Ensure You’re Adequately Protected

When it comes to replacing your home, the cost of such is impacted by the economy. As inflation increases, the cost of goods and services does as well. Therefore, if your home is completely destroyed, it will end up costing more to replace the home.

In addition, depending on the real estate market, your home may increase in value over the years, and you’ll want to ensure that your insurance policy reflects the appropriate property value. To ensure that your home insurance policy accounts for recent changes in the economy and real estate market, update your policy regularly with your insurance company.

If you believe you need to sit down and take a look at your home insurance coverage, reach out to us at Runnels Insurance. We are proud to serve the Brandon, FL area. Contact us today so we can discuss your policy options.

Is Home Insurance A Must In Florida?

Brandon, FL residents need to choose home insurance to avoid the stress caused by the massive loss of private home properties. This insurance policy helps cover home properties in case of damage, theft, or natural calamities. In Florida, citizens who own mass properties at home opt for this policy. Would you mind speaking with our dedicated agents at Runnels Insurance to get a customized quote on your home insurance?

Is Home Insurance a Must in Florida?

Florida state law does not make it mandatory for homeowners to have home insurance coverage in Florida, but the mortgage company may require the insurance. However, who wants to risk it? Especially when the home is vast and valuable. It’s mostly opted for by financially stable and significant homeowners. This insurance option comes with several advantages. Because damage and accidents are unpredictable, home insurance is the genuine deal.

It Protects One’s Most Valuable Asset.

Runnels insurance company is one of the companies that provide home insurance. In Florida, most prestigious and wealthy individuals have a precious asset in their homes. The imported interior decorations and exterior designs do cost a fortune. These assets are damaged by fire, storms, or floods. When least expected, others are stolen, while others are struck by lightning or earthquakes. An individual’s insured home has happy and less stressed family members. This results in a happy family.

It Provides Liability Coverage.

Home insurance in Florida helps citizens have their liability protected. Accidents and damages may not happen in one’s home. If they occur, and an individual does not want to be held accountable lawfully or pay the entire cost associated, their home insurance comes through for them. 

It Pays to Replace Personal Belongings.

If a calamity or accident and an individual’s properties are entirely damaged, all is not lost as long as one has home insurance. In Florida, home insurance owners get the privilege of having their damaged valuable items replaced. These personal belongings can include; ornaments and jewelry, cameras, telephones and mobile phones, interior designer wall clocks, and valuable flower vases. The insurance owner eliminates most stress associated with the loss or damage of valuable private items. Everyone owns and values their things.

Home insurance may not be compulsory for homeowners in Florida, but it is the wisest decision to make if one has valuable items at home. In case of damage, taking an inventory of the damaged items helps the Runnels Insurance Company serving Brandon, FL and the surrounding community to estimate the value and come through for you. No one likes losses. Home insurance instills peace of mind for homeowners.