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Express Insurance

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

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How to Understand Your Home Insurance Policy

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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?

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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?

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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.   

Can your landlord require you to have renters insurance?

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A landlord can require you to have renters insurance to rent an apartment or condo, but there is no law in Florida saying you have to have renters insurance. It is legal though, for a landlord to make renters insurance a requirement for renting an apartment, so in essence yes, a landlord can require you to have renters insurance. You might be able to find a renter willing to rent without it. The Express Insurance agency of Longwood, Florida reminds you, however, that renters insurance is very cheap and it is a good idea to have such a policy. Renters insurance is cheap, and you may adjust the price by adjusting the deductible and the amount of liability coverage you wish to have.

Usually, the requirement is for liability overage if nothing else. If your apartment is destroyed by fire and you are determined to be at fault, the interior could be rebuilt for the owner, for instance.  Renters insurance covers a lot more than the liability. It also covers your possessions. Many people do not realize that the landlord’s fire insurance policy does not cover the possessions of those renting. Renters insurance can also provide you with a place to stay if your apartment is damaged to the point of not being livable until it is repaired.

Contact Express Insurance of Longwood, FL to get the renters insurance you need. Reach them by phone or visit their website where you can get information about insurance and prices. You may also visit in person.  It is important to also keep records of your possessions, receipts, and photos if possible, to show that you had the possessions.  In addition to fire insurance, there is also insurance against theft, storm damage, and other accidents. 

Is Condo Insurance Different From Homeowner’s Insurance?

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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.

 

4 Things You Should Do Before You Select A Commercial Insurance Policy

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Your business is your source of livelihood. As such, you need to protect it from the many financial liabilities it may be subject to. You protect your business by purchasing the right commercial insurance policy.

However, you need to make sure your commercial policy will adequately and affordably protect your company’s needs.  The following are four things you need to do before purchasing a commercial insurance policy for the best results:

Find out what the legal requirements are

Commercial insurance is not necessarily an optional thing. You may need commercial insurance according to the rules of your local government.

Some types of commercial insurance you are probably required to have legally include general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance, and commercial auto insurance.

Familiarize yourself with the most common types of commercial insurance

There are numerous types of commercial insurance to consider. In addition to general liability, workers comp, and commercial auto, you may need any one of the following additional types to protect company assets:

  • Property 
  • Professional Liability
  • Employment Practices Liability
  • Errors and Omissions

Compare quotes from different providers

It’s important to shop around. Different insurance providers will offer more competitive rates than others. Also, different insurance providers may specialize in insuring different types of business.

Make sure you do some exploring and avoid getting a quote or information from only one insurance provider.

Work premium payments into your company budget

Your commercial insurance policy premiums are going to be an added business expense. This means you need to work the costs into financial projections to make sure premiums don’t put you in the red.

If you need assistance purchasing business insurance in Longwood, FL, contact us at Express Insurance to learn more about the policies we provide.

Are Pets Covered Under My Home Insurance Policy?

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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.

3 Driving Tips to Help Avoid Auto Accidents

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Regardless of how safe of a driver you are, there is always a risk of an accident. There are millions upon millions of drivers in the United States and there are about 6-million car accidents each year. Fortunately, many accidents in Longwood, FL are simply small fender benders that do not result in injury; however, about one in every thirteen accidents does become a fatality. With just a little preparedness and safety habits, you can begin to avoid the risk of accidents. Here are just 3 tips to help you avoid car accidents.

Always Check the Rearview Mirror When Coming to a Stop

Whether you are driving in heavy traffic with a lot of stopping and going or you are slowing down for a traffic signal or stop sign, always check your rearview mirror before coming to a full stop. Leave at least 4 car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you when checking your mirror. One of the most common causes of rear-end collisions is due to drivers not paying attention or slow reactions to the vehicle in front of them. By being aware of the driver behind you, you may have the opportunity to swerve out of the lane and avoid a rear-end collision, but always be sure it is safe to swerve over before doing so.

Avoid Right Lanes in Merge Areas

The right lane is typically meant for slower moving traffic; however, it is also the lane that is generally used for merging traffic. As drivers are merging onto a road, they often look ahead of them, to their side and behind them-this is a lot of distraction. If you are in the right lane while other drivers are merging into traffic, you may be at risk of getting rid by a merging vehicle. So, try to avoid right lanes at these times by moving over to the left, and then you can safely move back to the right lane after passing the merge.

Be Aware of Blind Spots

Properly adjusting the side mirrors and the rear-view mirror helps you have a good view of the area behind you but doesn’t always allow you to see everything. To avoid an accident due to a blind spot (an area not visible in the mirrors), you should turn your head and look directly into the lanes that are beside of you. Also keep in mind that other drivers also have blind spots, especially large equipment vehicles and semi-trucks, so be aware of those around you and their driving as well.

In many situations, an accident can be avoided by simply being aware of your surroundings and acting accordingly. Keep in mind that not only are auto accidents dangerous, but they may also increase your auto insurance policy. Avoiding accidents is the best way for you to stay safe and keep your premiums at a minimum.

Residents of Longwood, FL interested in reviewing their current auto insurance policy or upgrading their policy should contact Express Insurance.

Why You Should Get Umbrella Insurance

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All people need to make sure that they are properly covered by insurance. Most people are aware that they need to get adequate home and auto insurance. However, there are other types of insurance that Longwood, FL area residents need to consider as well. One very important type of insurance that should also be considered is umbrella insurance. There are several reasons why getting umbrella insurance is a great option for you.

Gives Coverage For Additional Risks

One of the main reasons why you should get umbrella insurance is that it will provide you with coverage for risks that are not covered by your other policies. Your home and auto policies will provide you with a good amount of liability insurance. However, there are a lot of specific situations in which you will not receive coverage. For example, if you are sued for libel or slander, you will not receive coverage under your base home insurance policy. However, this would be covered by umbrella insurance.

Gives Additional Coverage

Another reason to consider getting an umbrella insurance policy is that it will provide you with additional insurance coverage. One of the biggest concerns that people have with their base liability policies is that it may not provide enough coverage for extreme situations. However, if you are looking to bridge that gap, you can do so by purchasing an umbrella insurance policy that will give you additional liability coverage.

If you think that getting umbrella insurance would be a good idea, contacting the Express Insurance company could be a great first step. When people in the Longwood, FL area meet with Express Insurance they will receive more insight into the benefits of umbrella insurance and they will be able to better determine what type of policy and coverage levels they should get.

 

Will condo insurance cover my roommate’s things?

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Living in a condo in Longwood, FL is a great way to experience the great location and sunny weather without having the additional responsibilities of someone in a house who has to take care of other property duties. Roommates can share expenses and help in other ways. Sometimes bad things happen, even in the best of circumstances, and you want to make sure you can recover from a setback. 

Hopefully, you already have an insurance policy to protect your condo in the event of a fire or theft. The policy you obtained through Express Insurance will help you when you experience an unforeseen circumstance. It will cover your property, including appliances, furniture, and personal possessions. 

An insurance policy is basically a contract. Your own policy has your name and information and is a contract between you and the insurance company. You provide your insurance premiums to the insurance company, and they help by providing coverage when you have a loss. Anyone who is not a party is not protected by it. Even your children will be listed on your contract so they can be protected. 

Your roommate, unless he or she is on the policy by name, is not a party and will receive no coverage. That means if there is a fire or theft, the property is not covered. If someone sues your roommate for an incident at the condo, the insurance company will not provide legal counsel or help to pay damages. And if the property becomes unlivable for whatever reason, the insurance will not assist your roommate in finding a temporary place to stay. 

If you have a roommate in your Longwood, FL condo, make sure they have the protection they need. Call  Express Insurance today for a free quote.