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Express Insurance

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

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Why does my small business need commercial insurance

Owning a small business in Longwood, FL comes with plenty to lose sleep over but one thing that should not be keeping you up is why your small business needs commercial insurance. You have someone to turn to for the information that you need when making the decision about commercial insurance with Express Insurance. They can walk you through all the things that you need to consider when deciding whether or not this type of insurance makes sense for you and your business. 

Every small business has different commercial insurance needs. Your type and size of business need to be considered. Where you are doing business is also important. You want enough insurance but there is no point in including things that won’t help your business to be more secure.

Property coverage

 You need to protect your ability to do business. You need to protect the location and the property needs to be secure. Property insurance protects you against things like theft and fire that could destroy your inventory and your equipment. If you own the building that also needs to be covered from damage. 

Liability coverage

People get hurt and they sue, it is a reality of life. You need to protect your business against legal actions that may be taken against you. This coverage can also protect you against a suit from a disgruntled former employee and wrongful termination. 

Workers Compensation

If your business has four or more full or part-time employees, Florida law requires that you provide workers compensation coverage. This is a good business practice since it shows your employees that you care and it is easier to retain them. 

Commercial insurance covers these three areas and more. If you live in or near Longwood, FL, Express Insurance will be happy to discuss your business and the coverage that makes sense for you. Give us a call or stop by the office for a no-obligation quote. 

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. 

What Parents Need to Know About Adding Teen Drivers

Although your teen may find driving to be the most exciting thing to happen in their entire life, you as the parent, are probably feeling much anxiety over this new change. This is normal as driving is a huge responsibility as well as a new expense. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are preparing to add a teen driver to your auto policy. 

Keep an Eye on the Details

Things have changed quite a bit since you got your license. Many states have new restrictions on when teens can drive and who can be passengers in the car with them. In order to avoid costly tickets, it is important that both you and your child understand these laws. There are also many details concerning how and when to insure your new driver. You will need to discuss these details with the folks at Express Insurance serving Longwood, FL and surrounding areas. 

Shop Around

This is a good time to shop around to make sure you are getting the best deal. Some families find that once a teen is added they can get a better deal with a new company. Give yourself plenty of time to shop and find the best deal for you. 

Insist on Good Driving Practices

Make sure that your teen understands that you will not tolerate poor driving practices. Poor driving practices are first of all dangerous, but secondly, they can also be costly to you as the parent. Your teen should understand that once they take on the responsibility of driving they are also taking on the possible consequences of their driving. 

If you would like to discuss adding a teen driver to your policy, please contact us at Express Insurance, now serving Longwood, FL and surrounding areas. 

 

Who Should Get an Umbrella Insurance Policy

If you own a home or have a lot of assets to protect, umbrella insurance can protect you when there is an accident or event where you may wind up being sued. Since you can’t foresee when something will happen, staying covered can be a wise choice and you may be thankful you had insurance to protect you and your assets. You may quickly find yourself in a civil suit if another person is injured on your property, vehicle or because of something you did. Umbrella insurance can protect you in these events. 

Many People Benefit From Umbrella Insurance

Owning a home can make you vulnerable to liabilities should something happen to another person on your property. Homeowners aren’t the only ones who benefit from umbrella insurance. People who have services like coaching or volunteering, vehicle owners, and those who own rental properties are just a few types of people who can be covered with umbrella insurance. This type of insurance gives extra personal protection where your standard homeowners and vehicle insurance may not cover such incidents and accidents. 

How Does It Work

Umbrella insurance can help pay legal expenses in liability cases whether you win or lose a civil suit. If you lose a case, things like having your wages garnished can happen and be covered with umbrella insurance can offset this so you don’t wind up paying for years.

If you are a homeowner, own rental properties or have a business working with people, getting umbrella insurance can be a good way to protect yourself if an accident happens and you are sued. Call Express Insurance of Longwood, FL to set up an appointment to speak to a representative about umbrella insurance. We will be happy to help you with your insurance needs to give you greater peace of mind.

Longwood, FL Renters Insurance

While planning your move and deciding on the best ways to pack everything, it might be good to consider renters insurance for your new place. Boxing everything and labeling the boxes are a part of smart planning if you are doing this yourself. Carefully preparing certain items can make it easier as you arrive in the new location. Opportunities in Longwood, FL have improved significantly for those renting on a seasonal or long-term basis.  

If you are planning on renting a place, you might take a look at all of your belongings and valuables. Understanding your rental agreement is also a suggestion to know what the landlord or property owner is covering and what rental insurance might look like for you. Express Insurance is available to answer your questions and discuss any paperwork that might be helpful for either you or the property owner. Planning ahead can simplify the process and it is nice that experienced agents are available to help you. 

Valuables are often wrapped carefully and packed in a certain way.  Some tips include using larger Tupperwares or totables for easier access to the items at any time.  Labels or writing on boxes can specify the room for the items or the general description of what is packed inside.  It’s nice to be comforted when renter’s insurance is taken care of and the experienced staff can work with you as you give them an approximate move-in date. Serving Longwood, FL, Express Insurance is a good contact for you with the list of tasks for moving.  You can contact them for more information or visit their website. The moving process can be enjoyable as you plan ahead.  Fortunately, there are many tips and resources available to help make your move comfortable for you.

3 Distinct Perks Of Condo Insurance

Living in a condo has many perks. You get to live in relative luxury equal to that of a private home, but you’re not responsible for maintenance or other expenses outside of your own private unit.

Did you know that your condo insurance policy from Express Insurance can offer you some additional perks as well? These benefits may make living in your Longwood, FL condo even more enjoyable.

1. Your Condo Association Coverage May Overlap Your Personal Coverage

The nature of condo living dictates that you share responsibility for your surroundings with a condo association. In addition to your own condo insurance policy, the association holds a master policy for the entire building and grounds.

Of course, this exempts you from being responsible for any issues that may go south in any common areas of your condo. For instance, if there’s an issue with the pool or if there’s a fire in a common lounge or media room, you are not liable, and neither if the coverage for your personal unit.

However, there’s one extra perk of the condo association’s master policy: it may have some overlap with your own personal condo coverage. Not all master policies are created equal, but in many cases, your association’s coverage may be responsible for any structural portions of your home, such as the floors and walls.

2. Condo Insurance Covers Personal Liability For Your Guests

Do you often have guests visit you at your condo?

If you owned a traditional detached home, you and your home insurance provider would be responsible if your guest got injured or had an accident at your home.

Similarly, your condo coverage offers the same type of liability for your guests. On top of that, your association’s master policy may cover your guests when they visit areas of your condo outside of your unit. Your own individual condo policy may cover your guests outside of the unit as well, depending on the tier of coverage you purchase.

3. Your Policy May Cover Condo Association Assessment Fees

This last perk does not come with most standard insurance policies, but it can be covered under a customized policy. If your condo association requires you to shoulder the costs of any damage to or maintenance to the common area of your condo along with your neighbors, your personal condo policy can take care of those costs for you.

This is very beneficial, as condo association assessment fees can add up, especially if your building is rather old or is undergoing a lot of regular maintenance.

Are You Ready To Purchase Your Condo Insurance For Your New Home?

Now that you’re moving into your new condo, it’s time to explore a personal condo insurance policy that is especially tailored to your needs. Contact Express Insurance for a custom quote today, so that you can start enjoying your new life in Longwood, FL.

Common Misconceptions About Commercial Insurance

Misconceptions about commercial insurance can make it difficult for small business owners to get the coverage they need. By separating fact from fiction, your Express Insurance agent in Longwood, FL can pave the way for you to select the right policy for your budding enterprise. Here are five misconceptions to watch out for when buying commercial insurance.

1. Small, start-up businesses don’t need insurance protection.

If your business has a building, business equipment or inventory, you need commercial insurance to protect these investments. Without insurance protection, you risk financial ruin in the event of a disaster.

2. Home businesses are protected by home insurance.  

Home insurance protects your home and personal belongings, not business equipment or inventory. If you’re running a home business, talk to your Express Insurance agent about a business owner’s policy for property and liability coverage to protect your business assets.

3. Liability insurance also covers your employees.

Commercial liability insurance covers the cost of accidental injuries or property damage sustained by customers when on your business property. This protection doesn’t extend to employees. Workers comp insurance covers employees for injuries on the job.  

4. Commercial property insurance covers damage caused by flooding.  

Commercial property insurance covers water damage due to leaky or burst pipes, not flooding. To get protection against floods, you need flood insurance.  Flood insurance covers damage caused by overflowing rivers, heavy rains, storm surge, broken dams and similar flood issues.  

5. Small businesses never get sued; therefore, they don’t need cyber liability insurance.   

Any business can get sued. If your business stores customer data online and a breach in security causes personal data to get into the wrong hands, your business could be sued for damages. Cyber liability insurance covers you against such lawsuits to protect your business assets.   

For quality commercial insurance coverage at affordable costs, contact Express Insurance, Longwood, FL.

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.

Who’s Protected by Your Auto Insurance?

Naturally, licensed drivers who are members of your household or are listed on your policy are covered by your auto insurance. But what about friends who may ask to borrow your car from time to time or visiting relatives who want to use your ride to visit local sights? If you’re not sure if these individuals are covered by your policy, talk to your Express Insurance agent in Longwood, FL. We’ll help you determine what drivers have protection under your auto insurance and what kind of protection they’ll receive.  

Friends

Friends who are not members of your household won’t normally be listed on your auto insurance policy. They can, however, receive protection under your coverage if you’ve given them permission to drive your car, assuming, of course, that they have a valid drivers license. If your friend has an accident and is found at fault, your insurer will pay for damages in accordance with the coverage of your policy.  You may, however, see a rise in your premium as a result. It’s best to be selective in who you allow driving your vehicle.  

Visiting Relatives

Visiting relatives are also covered under your auto insurance if they have valid drivers licenses and you give them permission to drive your car. Before loaning out your vehicle, it’s good to verify that your relative has a valid drivers’ license. You’d also do well to limit the use of your vehicle to people who drive responsibly as this will reduce the risk of accidents.   

Anyone who "borrows" your car without your permission will not be covered by your auto insurance, regardless of whether they are a friend or relative. 

To learn more about how auto insurance works, coverage options, and costs, talk to an Express Insurance agent in Longwood, FL. 

Does Umbrella Insurance Attach to Every Type of Insurance?

Does Umbrella Insurance Attach to Every Type of Insurance?

The short answer is yes – Umbrella insurance attaches to every type of insurance. When you make the decision to have a comprehensive conversation with your insurance agent you will learn that standard insurance policies have limits of protection.

There are either monetary limits or situational limits. Some insurance policies offer a certain amount of financial recuperation notwithstanding the amount of liability that may be incurred. 

Some standard insurance policies are limited by the situation or actual event that brought on the liability. The type of event that occurs may not be covered by a standard policy.

Open Your Umbrella Insurance Policy For More Comprehensive Protection

Umbrella insurance answers the call for those uncovered matters. Your insurance agent will inform you how you can attach an umbrella policy to your home insurance, auto insurance, commercial policy, renters policy, or just about any insurance product you can imagine. Basically, an umbrella policy is used as an extension device to cover liability that goes beyond the scope of a standard policy. It is of the utmost importance to speak with an experienced professional regarding your individual needs. 

Express Your Way to being Rest assured  

The agents and professional staffers at Express Insurance in Longwood FL will clearly outline how umbrella insurance can assist you in protecting your professional and personal lifestyle. We are located in Longwood FL 32779.  Stop at our office today or call to learn about umbrella insurance or one of the other insurance products (auto, home, commercial, condo, renters) we specialize in. Finding out the most about a particular type of insurance is a sound decision before you may need to use the insurance product.