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5966 S. Dixie Hwy, Suite 300
South Miami, FL 33143
We are open Monday thru Friday
from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
If you are visiting our office, please use the metered parking along Menendez Avenue. (Make your turn from Le Jeune Road, we are just South of US1.)
FAQ'S
Does driving for Uber, UberEats, Lyft, or Other Transportation Network Companies Affect My Auto Policy?
The short answer is – YES! It is very important that you notify us immediately once you begin driving for one of these companies. We can review your policy to ensure you are insured with a carrier that can provide the coverage you need. There are several carriers that will not accept any kind of Transportation Network driving – we can make sure you insured in the right place!
Why Do I Have to List All of the Licensed Drivers in My Residence? What If I Just Exclude Them From My Policy?
Carriers anticipate that anyone 15 years old or older in your household will have access to your vehicles. Even if they are not frequent drivers, the occasional use of an insured vehicle requires that household members be listed. If a household member is not licensed, they will be listed as such and not rated. You can elect to exclude drivers from your policy, but we do not recommend this. If you exclude a household member, and they drive your vehicle even one time there will be no coverage for you or the driver in the event of an accident.
What Coverage is Required for a Leased Vehicle?
In order to provide you with the correct answer we will need to refer to your lease agreement. All leases require that you insured the vehicle for Comprehensive and Collision coverage. In regards to Liability coverage, we will need to refer to your lease agreement. The vast majority of lease agreements require that you carry – at minimum – $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident bodily injury coverage. We recommend discussing your insurance options with one of our representatives to make sure YOUR best interests are protected.
Is Rental or Towing Covered by my Comprehensive or Collision Coverage?
No, Rental Reimbursement and Towing (or Roadside Assistance for some companies) is a separate coverage from your Comprehensive and Collision coverage. Both Rental Reimbursement and Towing are valuable coverages to have at the time of an accident and only a few dollars a month in premium!
My Driver’s License is Suspended. Can I Still Get a Policy?
Yes, we can insure you if you presently have a suspended license. The coverage will be subject to proof your license has been reinstated within 30 days. If proof cannot be provided, coverage will be cancelled.
My Son/Daughter Now Has Their Restricted Driver’s License. Do I Need to Add Them to My Policy?
Yes! All members of your household 15 years and older need to be listed on your policy. If your son or daughter is not licensed they still need to be on your policy, but they can be listed as unlicensed and not rated. If they are under 18 with a restricted (permit) license, there may not be a premium charged for this young driver.
How Can We Add a Good Student Discount on my Policy for my Licensed Son/Daughter?
In order to add a Good Student Discount to your policy for your licensed son or daughter you will need to provide proof of your child’s current G.P.A. of at least 3.0. The most recent report card or a current transcript from school are sufficient.
What is a Four Point Inspection (“4 Point”)?
This inspection is typically ordered for properties that are approximately 25 years old and older. The inspector will visit your property and inspect the following four systems of the structure: Roof, Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC. The report will provide details on the types of building materials used, the current conditions, any hazards that may need to be corrected, and the expected remaining “life” of these systems. Insurance carriers use this information to review the condition of the structure and determine underwriting eligibility.
What is a Windstorm Mitigation Inspection?
This is the inspection that can provide valuable discounts and lower your premiums! A Windstorm Mitigation Inspection provides details on the aspects of the construction of the structure that would help minimize damage from hurricanes and windstorms. The inspector will review the exterior of the structure for storm-rated doors, storm shutters and/or windows, and their strength rating. Additionally, the inspector will need access to your attic to inspect the construction of your roof. Any credits available will be applied to your quote.
How much does it cost and who pays for this inspection, me or the insurance company?
Payment for this inspection is the responsibility of the homeowner. The cost is usually under $150 for a medium-sized house. We can use this inspection to lower your premiums with every carrier out there and it’s valid for 3 or 4 years. The premium savings resulting from your inspection will most often be much more than the cost of the inspection.
What are Windstorm Mitigation Credits?
Windstorm Mitigation Credits are basically discounts which lower your windstorm insurance premiums. Construction features that provide these credits if applicable to your property are:
- Opening Protection – all openings of your building have storm-rated opening protection (storm-rated windows, shutters, and storm-rated doors). This includes garage doors, front and side doors, windows, skylights, small bathroom windows, etc.
- Roof Geometry – Hip roofs receive the higher credit, as all sides of the roof are slanted upwards. Gable roofs have some sides that are flat. Flat roofs are not eligible for any credit.
- Building Code – Homes in Miami-Dade or Broward built after 1994 (with a permit date after 9/1/1994) are eligible for a building code credit. Outside of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, homes built after 2001 (with a permit date after 3/1/2002) are eligible for a credit.
- Roof Material – The type of material (shingle, tile, metal) used for the roof coverage may result in a credit.
- Roof Deck Attachment – Depending to how the roof deck is connected to the trusses of the roof, a possible credit is available. If the mitigation report shows longer nails that are closer together along the truss, a credit may be available.
- Roof-to Wall Attachment – The roof-to-wall attachment describes how the trusses of the roof are connected to the walls of the structure. The stronger the connection (single and double wraps) the higher the credit. Weaker connections such as Clips and Toe Nails may results in little to no credit.
What is a Roof Certification?
A roof certification provides a report on the current condition of a structure’s roof when there is no proof a roof on a home 25 years or older has been replaced. The report provides an estimate of the remaining “life” of the roof, along with its current condition. This report is used to determine underwriting eligibility or can be requested by a carrier to determine if a renewal will be offered.
What Do the Different Limits of My Policy Mean?
Section I
- Coverage A – Dwelling:
- This would cover the structure of your building. For a Condo policy, this would cover the interior walls and fixtures of your unit.
- Coverage B – Other Structures:
- This would provide coverage for permanent sheds and detached structures such as garages.
- Coverage C – Personal Property:
- This would provide coverage for your personal items in the dwelling. If you are the homeowner and the property is rented out, it will not cover the personal property of your tenants. They should carry their own Renters policy to cover their personal property.
- Coverage D – Loss of Use/Fair Rental Value:
- In the event of a covered claim, this limit is applicable for renting a temporary place while repairs are made. If you are the homeowner and the property is rented out, this would respond for loss of rents during repairs for a covered cause of loss.
Section II
- Coverage E – Personal Liability:
- This coverage responds in the event of bodily injury or property damage caused to a third-party caused by the property owner or for which the property owner is liable for.
- Coverage F – Medical Payments:
This coverage is for a third-party, no matter who is at fault, in the event of an injury at your covered location.
What Does Liability on My Homeowners Policy Cover?
Liability coverage is paid to a third-party (not an insured of the policy). It can include bodily injury and/or property damage that the insured is liable for. This includes your responsibility/liability as the homeowner (or tenant if you have a Renters policy). Common claims include slip and fall and dog bite. It is important to read your policy as some claim-types may be excluded by your carrier (including animal liability).
Why Do I Have a Separate Hurricane Deductible on My Policy?
Due to the increased exposure and average claim cost, carriers typically list a separate and often times higher deductible for Hurricane/Windstorm damage. The thought process is that the carrier wants to entice the insured to do their part to help prevent storm damage, as an insured knows that their deductible for such claims are higher.
Do I Need to Use a Licensed Contractor for my Repairs?
There are three main reasons why you need to use a licensed contractor for your repairs. (1) Your insurance carrier may require proof that repairs were made by a license contractor. (2) A licensed contractor will know your municipalities building codes and permitting requirements. (3) As a consumer, you have certain protections when a licensed contractor performs your repairs. It is also recommended that you ask your contractor to provide you with a proof of their insurance prior to commencing work.
Why Do I Need to Provide Proof of Repairs if my Insurance Company Did Not Make a Payment Towards my Claim?
If you filed a claim with your insurance carrier and was denied due to an exclusion or the claim amount falling below your deductible, the carrier may still require you to provide proof of repairs. The fact that you are filing a claim for damage advises the carrier that damage does exist. Even if the carrier has not paid for any repairs, they require that your property be properly maintained and any damages promptly repaired by a licensed contractor.
Why Can’t I Transfer my Policy to Someone Else?
An insurance policy is a legally binding, non-transferrable contract between the insured and the insurance company. If you are selling your property or transferring your ownership to another person/party – the policy is non-transferrable and will need to be rewritten.
Why are my Rates Going Up?
There are many factors that affect rates, they include but are not limited to: prior claims, recent storms in your area/state, claims trends in your area, lack of updates to structure, a change in underwriting exposure. If you are concerned with your current rates, please give our office a call for a coverage and rate review.
I Live in a Condominium Building – How Can I Add Burglar and Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Credits to my Policy?
In order to have Sprinkler credits applied, please provide an inspection or letter from your association stating that the building and its units are sprinklered. As for burglar and fire alarm credits – your individual unit will need to have its own monitored burglar and fire alarms in order to receive a credit. If it is, you can request an alarm certificate from your monitoring company.
Why is my Carrier Increasing my Dwelling Limit Every Year?
Some carriers include an inflation guard for your dwelling value. What this does is increase your dwelling limit in small increments every year. This is so that your dwelling limit can be at or near Replacement Cost as the cost of building materials and construction increase yearly.
Why Do I Need to Insure my Home at Replacement Cost if I Owe Less Than That to the Bank?
Your policy protects not just your lender, but you as well. In order to avoid having insureds underinsure their homes it is required that a home be insured at or near “Replacement Cost”. Replacement Cost is the amount that it would cost to have your home rebuilt, in the current time, with like materials. For example: If you have a masonry home with wood cabinets but carpet floor, the replacement cost wouldn’t factor in marble floors – it would factor carpeting. Carriers request that homes be insured to within 80-90% of Replacement Cost, as exact amount may be hard to determine and amounts can increase annually.
Why Should I Keep Coverage if My Home is Paid Off?
Yes, a mortgage company can require you to carry insurance but once your mortgage is paid off that decision is up to you. We always recommend you keep your policy. Your policy can respond to claims like Fire, Theft and Windstorm (if written to include those causes of loss). Are you in a financial position to pay for repair to or replacement of your home in the event of a claim? Your insurance policy can help you in the event of losses large and small.
What does a General Liability policy cover?
A General Liability policy provides coverage for business for bodily injury, property damage, and advertising claims made by a third-party. The policy responds on behalf of your business operations, products, and premises liability. Some classes of business require separate policies to cover some business exposures. It is very important to explain the complete operations of your business to ensure you are properly covered and do not have any significant coverage gaps. What some people do not realize is that in addition to paying for the damages as a result of a claim, your policy also provides you with valuable defense coverage.
Does my General Liability policy cover injuries to my employees or any claims as a result of being an employer?
No. In order to have coverage for possible employee injuries your business should have a Workers Compensation policy in place. Additionally, in order to have coverage for claims as a result of being an employer (such as discrimination, harassment, bias, and wrongful termination) you should have an Employers Liability policy in place.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A Certificate of Insurance is a snapshot of your current policies. This document lists the policies you have, the insurance companies for each policy, the policy terms, policy numbers, and limits on the policy. What is important to understand is that the Certificate of Insurance does not change, modify, or replace the actual coverages of your policy. It is important to ensure that your Certificate of Insurance is accurate – and that only your agent has issued the certificate. It is fraud to modify or create your own Certificate of Insurance.
I’m being asked to list someone as “Additional Insured” on my policy? What does that mean?
An Additional Insured is an endorsement that is added to a policy and extends your liability coverage to also respond on behalf of the third-party listed on the endorsement – for claims as of a result of mutual/related negligence.
I’m being asked to provide a “Waiver of Subrogation” on my policy? What does that mean?
A Waiver of Subrogation is an endorsement that is added to a policy and lists a third-party as receiving waived subrogation in the event of a claim. The waiver acknowledges that in the event of a claim where both your business and that third-party are negligent, your carrier will pay the covered damages and waive their right to recover the portion of the covered damages (money) from the third-party for their portion of the negligence.
Why should my business carry Hired and Non-Owned Auto Liability (HNOA) coverage on our Business Auto policy or our General Liability policy?
First, it is important to determine where Hired and Non-Owned Auto Liability should be covered. If you own a vehicle in the name of the business, you likely have a Business Auto Policy. If so, coverage should be added to that policy. If you do not have any vehicles in the name of the business, Hired & Non-Owned Auto Liability can sometimes be added to a General Liability policy – or can be purchased via a separate, stand-alone policy.
This coverage provides valuable liability coverage for any Hired auto or Non-Owned Auto that might be in use on behalf of the business. For example, any employee or officer driving their personal vehicles to visit a client, attend a meeting, or visit a jobsite is driving on behalf of the business. Their vehicle is a non-owned vehicle to the business. In the event the employee is in an at-fault accident, their personal auto policy responds first (primary), and the HNOA coverage responds second to provide additional limits and defense coverage on behalf of the business. A hired auto example would be when an employee or officer rents a vehicle in the name of the business for a short-term period.
There are so many different types of policies for businesses. How do I know what I need?
Call our office for a consultation! We will gladly discuss your business operations and guide you on the coverages you need.
What Exactly is Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance is a standalone policy that only covers your home and belongings in an event of them getting damaged due to a flood. The flood can further be categorized as those caused due to storm surges, prolonged rains, blocked drainage systems, or melting snow.
Many times, the government declares the floods as natural disasters. In such events, you can expect some compensation coming your way from the government as a relief fund. For all other events, you need to have the coverage of flood insurance to protect yourself from incurring heavy losses due to flooding.
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover Flood Insurance Benefits Too?
A lot of people believe that their standard homeowner’s insurance also covers flood insurance. However, that is not true. Homeowner’s insurance does not cover any damage caused due to floods. You have to buy flood insurance separately. And don’t worry, these flood policies do not cost as much as the standard policy.
You will need flood insurance coverage if you live in a designated flood zone. However, flooding can also affect other inland regions that don’t even have a river passing near them. Flooding can just as be devastating if the reason for it is melting snow, excessive rain, or an overflowing pond body of water.
Who is Eligible for Flood Insurance Coverage in Florida?
Everyone in Florida, since most of the state is at risk of flood events. However, you need to purchase a flood insurance policy to take advantage of its benefits. The only way you can still get reimbursed some flood relief benefits without a flood insurance policy is when the government declares the floods as a natural disaster. Having said that, an insurance policy will still do you greater good and keep you financially secured.
What is the Average Cost of Flood Insurance in Florida?
Annuals premiums for flood insurance can vary based on where you live in the state. On average, the cost of flood insurance in Florida comes to about $563 a year. However, this is a tentative value and can differ for different cases, such as the exact location of the house, its structure, age, and also its elevation from the ground. For those who have a lower risk, the premium value can be less than $200 per annum. Those whose property poses the highest risk may have to shell out over $2,000 annually for the same policy.
What is Private Flood Insurance?
Many people in Florida have access to government-backed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) benefits. Those who don’t qualify can secure themselves from damages caused by floods with a private flood insurance plan. A private policy has more features, which makes it more desirable than NFIP. Additionally, there is a certain cap offered by NFIP to qualifying members. You can buy a private policy to cover for all the damages exceeding that NFIP limit.
If You buy a Flood Insurance Plan Today, After How Many Days Will It Become Effective?
You can make a claim under a flood insurance policy after 30 days from the day you purchase the policy. This applies to the policies you buy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, if you buy the policy from a private player, it can be longer than that, or it can be as short as 10-14 days. Factors like risk factor, location of your house, the claim you seek, etc. can also change the date when the private coverage kicks in.
Under What Conditions Can You Not File A Flood Insurance Claim?
In most cases, you will directly qualify for a claim when the floods come around. But there are still a few instances when you may not be eligible to claim it.
What is Not Covered by Flood Insurance?
- Damage caused to your property due to moisture or mold. These are regular problems caused by seepage and not by the flood. You can stop them from damaging your house by taking appropriate steps as soon as you notice them.
- Damage caused by earthquakes or landslides, even if floods were the cause for those earth movements.
- If you incur losses due to your business going down because of floods. You cannot claim those losses as the ones caused by the flood.
- When your building was already undergoing repairs that came off yet again because of the flood. Those already damaged portions of your house won’t get the protection of insurance coverage.
- Damages caused to your property outside of what you have got insured. This includes your patio lights, trees, fences, etc.
- Valuables, currency, and everything else that you could easily move to somewhere safer
- Motor vehicles and their parts also do not come under flood insurance coverage.
Can You Seek Coverage Under Disaster Assistance in Case of Floods?
Yes, you can. If your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you can avail public flood insurance benefits. If it doesn’t, you will have to wait for the government to declare the floods in your region as a national disaster. In that scenario, you can still avail coverage up to a certain limit without buying any flood insurance policy.
Can Those Living on Rent Claim Flood Insurance Benefits Too?
Flood insurance benefits are a bit different for those who are renting on a property. While they can avail benefits under the NFIP, they cannot claim the same from the homeowner’s flood insurance policy. They will have to buy a flood insurance policy of their own which will cover their belongings. That policy, however, may not cover the damages caused to the structure of the house. Speak to an expert to understand how NFIP and private flood insurance policy work for renters.