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Express Insurance

710 Miami Springs Dr., Suite 120
Longwood, FL 32779

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Exploring Some Hidden Home Insurance Facts

Express Insurance assists the Longwood, FL community through offering residents multiple types of insurance policies. We strive to help our clients find policies that align with their situation. As an independent insurance agency, we are committed to simplifying the process of searching for insurance for our clients.

Hidden Home Insurance Facts

As a homeowner in the Longwood, FL community, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy warm weather and stunning views. However, it’s important that you protect your investment. Home insurance covers your property in the event of a natural disaster. You’ll also be covered if your personal items inside of your home are vandalized or stolen. Here are some hidden home insurance facts that you may not be aware of.

Your Appliances Are Covered

The policy covers your electrical appliances such as a refrigerator, laptop, and surround system if they break down. Your electrical appliances are also covered in the event that they are stolen.

You Are Covered While You Travel

If you are going on vacation, your personal items are still covered under your policy in the event that they are vandalized or stolen en route to your destination. However, if you are traveling with rare luxury items, you may need to amend your policy in order to cover those items.

Liability Coverage Extends To Nature

In the event that your tree cracks and falls on your neighbor’s property, you will be covered. The policy will protect you from being held responsible for potentially serious damages.

Falling Debris

Be aware that your home insurance policy covers your property in the rare event that your home is damaged by falling debris. This should give you peace of mind that the dent on your property is covered.

Express Insurance Will Assist You

For more information on home insurance, visit our website today!

Why do I need a home inventory

Buying a home in Longwood, FL can seem like a dream come true. With its location in Central Florida, it is convenient to all the things that the greater Orlando area has to offer. Choosing the right home insurance for your home is one of the most important decisions you make when you become a homeowner. At Express Insurance our dedicated staff treats all of our customers like family and we want to make getting the perfect home insurance a totally painless process. 

To answer the question why do I need a home inventory you need to understand what a home inventory is and what it is used for. First, a home inventory is a listing of all your possessions. You may think that you don’t need a list or a video to remind you of what you own but I think once you make an inventory, you will be surprised at all the things that you have. Can you remember all of the holiday decorations that you have? Every piece of clothing and household items? Chances are you can’t. 

When something bad happens and bad things do happen even in lovely places like Longwood, FL, you will be asked to tell your insurer what they need to replace when you file a claim. You have to know the model of things like TVs and other electronics. You want to be able to replace what you had with something of equal value and quality. Your inventory, especially with receipts and photos attached will make the whole process go much smoother and quicker. It takes a little time to do an inventory but the potential benefit makes it worthwhile. 

When you are ready to talk about your home insurance needs give the experiences team at Express Insurance a call or stop by and let us give you a no-obligation quote as well as answering any questions you may have. 

Getting Your Home Ready For Winter? Don’t Forget Your Home Insurance Policy

There is no shortage of winter preparation tips that a Longwood, FL resident needs to remain aware of. With the help of Express Insurance, these potential issues can all be addressed in a timely manner. If you are in the process of getting your home ready for winter, it is time that you learned more about the role that your home insurance policy is going to play….

Safeguarding Against Weather Related Damages

A home insurance policy may offer the homeowner coverage against garden variety occurrences that are related to the weather. That is all well and good but an annual review is crucial. These reviews ensure that the homeowner receives the necessary protection from weather damages that their current policy may not have considered. Otherwise, they could be left holding the bag when storms and other issues arise.

Protecting Valuable Possessions

Perhaps the homeowner has made some new acquisitions since their policy was last renewed. If specific possessions have been acquired and the homeowner is looking to protect them, these are discussions that must be had. Any homeowner who makes the mistake of assuming that all of their possessions are going to be protected and/or replaced in the event of a storm or any other winter related calamity is sadly mistaken. 

Protecting Against Liability

A homeowner that does not properly maintain their residence and subjects visitors to various dangers is going to be held responsible for the results of these dangers. If they do not obtain the necessary liability coverage, they are placing themselves and their guests in harm’s way. Take the time to inquire about the proper coverage and amend your current policy as needed.

Looking for the proper assistance when it comes to home insurance policy? If so, Express Insurance is here to help any Longwood, FL resident with their questions and concerns. Take a moment to visit our website to find out more and be sure to schedule a consultation if you would like to discuss your policy review with an experienced professional. 

How to Understand Your Home Insurance Policy

Home insurance may seem complicated and the language of insurance policies can be difficult to figure out. You can always work with your agent at Express Insurance, serving Longwood Fl and the surrounding communities, to ask questions and make sure you have adequate home insurance. It is helpful to understand the glossary of important common terms that are used in insurance policies for home insurance.

Here is a list of common terms in alphabetical order:

  • Act of God (the legal term is “Force Majeure”) — Something that happens due to uncontrollable natural forces like an earthquake, tornado, or a hurricane.
  • Claim — A request made for a loss covered by home insurance
  • Deductible — The amount that must be paid first by an insured before the insurance company will pay on a claim.
  • Endorsement (also called a “rider”) — This can add or reduce coverage. These are usually found at the end of the policy. They can change the terms contained in the first part of the policy. Read them carefully.
  • Exclusion — Things that are not covered by insurance.
  • Inflation protection — An automatic adjustment for inflation.
  • Lapse — The policy stopped being in effect because premiums were not paid on time.
  • Liability Coverage — Protects homeowners for other people’s injuries or property damage.
  • Loss of Use — Coverage for the expenses of living somewhere else when the home is being repaired after a disaster.
  • Perils — These are the risks. In a “named-peril” policy, the covered risks are listed. In an “all-peril” policy, every loss is covered except those caused by something on the list of exclusions.
  • Personal Property — These are items that can be moved, like furniture, clothes, jewelry, appliances, and electronics.
  • Replacement Cost — This is the current cost to have a new item that is equivalent to the one that was lost or damaged. It is not the actual value of an old item. It is the cost to buy a new one of the same kind.

Now that you understand some of the terminologies, it is time to ask your agent at Express Insurance in Longwood, FL for a home insurance review or a quote for new home insurance.

Call 407-215-7318 or use the online system to get a quote.

Is Condo Insurance Different From Homeowner’s Insurance?

While condo ownership is similar to home ownership in a number of ways, there are a few key differences that need to be discussed. Each of these policies provides insurance for your living space but they are not one and the same. The responsibilities are the same and yet the insurance policies are not.

Longwood, FL residents who will be meeting with Express Insurance to discuss these policies would do well to educate themselves on the dissimilarities. Let’s take a closer look.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal belongings are the primary responsibility of any condo owner. The homeowner’s association insurance that you are going to purchase does not provide any coverage in this regard. Meanwhile, this is one of the few areas where homeowner’s insurance is relatively similar. A home or condo owner must make sure that their personal belongings remain protected.

Dwelling Coverage

Under a policy that is purchased for a condo, the owner will need to purchase just enough insurance to rebuild the interior if necessary. All of the exterior repairs are going to fall under the purview of your homeowner’s association insurance policy. On the other hand, a homeowner will need to make sure that they are purchasing enough insurance to handle any exterior repairs that become necessary over the long haul.

Liability Coverage

Condo owners must provide themselves with protection from visitor injuries. Homeowners will have to purchase the same protection but there are additional forms of protection that are required in these instances. A homeowner is not only responsible for an injury that takes place on their property, but they are also responsible for any accidents or incidents that occur on the land that surrounds their property.

To learn more about the differences between homeowner’s insurance, Longwood, FL residents should take the time to contact Express Insurance as soon as possible.

 

Are Pets Covered Under My Home Insurance Policy?

Undoubtedly, you see your pet as a furry (or scaly) part of your family. For insurance purposes, though, it’s not always that simple. As much as we love our pets, they are animals and they can do damage to both people and property. Before you go out and buy an exotic snake near Longwood, FL, it’s best to check with Express Insurance about whether or not it will be covered. There are a few factors to keep in mind in terms of pets and home insurance.

Property damage

When you decide to keep a pet on your property, you do so with the understanding that they could cause damage to your home. Whether it’s a dog chewing through drywall or a fish tank cracking and causing water damage, pets can pose a risk. Unfortunately, these types of damages are not typically covered by homeowners insurance. Keeping this in mind, consider taking steps, such as creating your dog while you’re away, to avoid damage.

Some animals are riskier

Sometimes certain dog breeds or exotic animals raise red flags for insurers. It may be beneficial for you to have proof of obedience school, vet records, proof of breed, and a “character witness” for your pet. All of these can help prove to your insurer that your pet is safe.

No pet is perfect

Unfortunately, dogs do bite and cats scratch. Liability insurance helps to cover you if someone is injured on your property. However, depending on your policy, this may not cover bites and other injuries resulting from your pets. Talk to Express Insurance to determine what your policy covers.

If you live in or around Longwood, FL and have questions about specific pets in your home, give us a call today.

What Florida Homeowners Should Know About Hurricane Season

Homeowner’s insurance can protect your Longwood, FL home against the risk of hurricane damage. By talking to an Express Insurance agent, you can get a better understanding of coverage options to protect your property. The more knowledgeable you are about home insurance and the benefits it has to offer, the better prepared you will be against any eventuality.

Protection of Home

As hurricanes are quite common for the Florida area, you should ensure your home insurance coverage includes storm, hail and wind damage along with such perils as theft, fire, and vandalism. Home insurance can help cover the cost of repairing your home’s roof, siding or windows in the event of a major storm. Home insurance can also cover damage caused by trees or other debris falling on your property.

Protection of Personal Belongings

If rain enters your home due to shattered windows or roof damage, your insurance can help pay for damage to personal goods such as furniture, clothing or appliances. Having an up to date inventory of personal goods will facilitate any claims you may have to make. A policy that provides for replacement costs of damaged goods makes it easier for you to recover your losses. Standard homeowner’s insurance also covers additional living expenses if you have to stay elsewhere while your home is being restored. 

Prepping Home against Hurricane Damage

Home insurance protects your property and personal goods whether you remain in place or evacuate your property due to a hurricane. If you plan to evacuate, prep your home before leaving by putting up storm shutters, securing patio furniture and storing plants, yard statues, etc., to minimize damage and protect your valuables.   

For more information on how homeowner’s insurance can protect your Longwood, FL home against hurricane damage, contact us at Express Insurance.  

How to Make a Claim On Your Home Insurance

From a burst water pipe in the basement to a tree falling on your garage, knowing how to make a claim on your home insurance is important. It is something not everyone has experience with, so you may not know how to go about making such a claim. At Express Insurance, we want to ensure your Longwood, FL home is not only protected but that you understand how to make a claim on your insurance policy should the time ever arise. 

Contact the Police

Unlike an auto accident, the chances of you needing to contact the police are usually rather slim. However, if your home is broken into you will need to file a police report. This is a serious matter the police need to investigate. After contacting the police, you’ll need to report anything stolen. 

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you needed to contact the police make sure you have the police report number on hand. Your home insurance company will need to contact the police to verify some information. If you did not need to contact the police, you could simply contact the insurance company first thing. Report the issue to your insurance agent. They will tell you what to do next. 

Home Visit

Depending on the situation you may need to set up a home visit. This way the insurance provider can identify the potential cost of making repairs to restore the damaged area of your home (this is especially true if it is damaged during a storm). 

At Express Insurance we are here to assist in all your home insurance needs. If your home falls victim to a robbery, is damaged during a storm or suffers another form of damage, you now know how to make a claim on your Longwood, FL home insurance policy. 

Helpful Tips for Spring Cleaning

Since winter is almost over, spring is on its way. For many homeowners in Longwood, FL, that means it is time to start spring cleaning. While some people enjoy doing this, most people do not but it is something that must be done. Before you get started, be sure to check out these spring cleaning tips from Express Insurance 

  • Dust everything. Before you get started on anything else, you should take the time to dust everything inside your home. A lot of dust can build up during the summer months and now is a great time to get rid of it. 
  • Consider one or two projects. You may think you have a lot to do around the home this spring but you may not be able to get to everything. When you are making your list of things to do, limit yourself to one or two projects. If you finish everything and still have the time and energy to do more, then go ahead and work on something else. Just do not set yourself up for failure by putting too much on your plate. 
  • Ask for help. You do not have to do all of this alone. Ask for help from family and friends. Not only will it get done faster but you will also have more fun while you are doing it. 

Once you have completed your spring cleaning, next is making sure your home is well protected. The best way you can do this is by having a great home insurance policy. If you do not already have one in place, now is the perfect time to do so. Be sure to contact Express Insurance, serving Longwood, FL. They can help you find a great policy that also meets your budget needs. 

The Latest Home Safety Devices: Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, and More

The latest and greatest innovations in home safety devices provide advanced features for increased protection of you, your loved ones, and your home. Alerting you about smoke progression, fires, and carbon monoxide infiltration, these handy safety devices have been around for over a 100 years. Through the years, the features have changed, but the concept remains the same – signal systems of danger. With all the high-tech devices on the market, you can find one to fit and address your needs, so let’s clear the smoke and dive into some alert systems.

When looking for a defense against fire and smoke, you’ll find some of the most cutting-edge smoke detectors and fire alarms for your house. Now, there’s a difference in the mechanics and functionality of these two systems. A smoke detector checks for the presence of smoke, and a fire alarm provides heat sensors and sprinklers. For latest types of smoke sensors, you’ll find Ionization, photoelectric, and dual-sensor devices. Ionization models provide peak testing of minute particles usually found in fast, flaming fires. Photoelectric styles test for larger particles associated with heavy, more dense and smokey fires. Dual-sensor protectors combine the abilities of both of these models for small and large particle detection. Whether it’s a smoke detector or fire alarm, you can connect these types of systems to your mobile or Internet-accessing device – a techie feature.

So how do these fire detection systems provide you with mobile fire alerts? These systems are integrated with the world of app connections, so you receive these signals from a downloaded app linked to your alert device. With an app link through a mobile device, phone, laptop, or desktop, you get a whenever and wherever connection to the alarm activation. Other features not to be missed are digital functionality with a link to a monitoring service that notifies the police, fire department, or your phone; and voice alarm systems. Along with these defenses against fires, there are devices that detect silent, odorless, but highly dangerous carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide detectors check for the existence of this lethal gas. A toxic substance that is the top cause of death due to poisoning in the United States. This gas is released from the burning of gasoline, natural gas, wood, propane or charcoal. The most advanced devices function in one of three ways through a biomimetic sensor, metal oxide semiconductor, or electrochemical sensor. Some more advanced features include a digital screen showing gas levels and Smart detectors that sync with apps to provide alerts to the end user. And, of course, the best of both of these detection worlds merges the capabilities of a smoke and carbon monoxide system into one device.

So, whether it’s a single or dual safety device for the home, there are now more sensitive and reliable sensor devices to detect smoke and carbon monoxide. With these latest technology systems, you get advanced capability to defend you, your loved ones, and your home. Keep it safe with the most current detection devices, and let Express Insurance, serving Longwood, FL, protect your risk of damage to or loss of your home with insurance coverage. Having both home safety mechanisms and home insurance, you’re protected on both ends in the event of a covered fire or carbon monoxide leak.