Should You Ever Deny a Workers Compensation Claim?

Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. helps Pinecrest FL businesses navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation, including the difficult decision of when to deny claims. While most workers should receive compensation for workplace injuries, there are instances where denial is warranted.

Understanding When Compensation Can Be Denied

Ordinarily, employees injured while performing their duties should not be denied workers compensation. However, not all injuries automatically qualify. Here are several circumstances under which denying workers’ compensation is justifiable:

  • Off-the-Clock Injuries: Injuries sustained while the worker is not on the clock, even if they are still on the premises, do not qualify for compensation.
  • Intoxication Injuries: If an investigation reveals the employee was intoxicated at the time of injury, the claim can be denied.
  • Horseplay Injuries: Workers’ compensation does not cover injuries from in-office fights or horseplay.
  • Travel Injuries: Unless job-related, injuries sustained while traveling to or from work do not qualify.
  • Non-Sanctioned Activity Injuries: Injuries from non-approved activities, such as an unauthorized basketball game at lunch, are ineligible.
  • Psychological Injuries: Psychological damage from minor incidents, such as a negative performance review, are not compensable.
  • Criminal Injuries: If an employee gets hurt while committing an illegal act on the job, including fraud, they’re not eligible for compensation.

Contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc.

For support navigating workers’ compensation complexities, contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. Our expert team will ensure your Pinecrest, FL business maintains compliance while adequately protecting your employees’ rights.

Protecting Your Boat in International Waters

How Reliable is Your Boat Insurance in International Waters?

Living in Pinecrest, FL, provides many amenities, including quick access to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a boat owner’s paradise, permitting exciting water trips to Coral Gables or Palmetto Bay. But some daring adventurers venture beyond neighborly shores into international waters. If you’re one, the question of how far your boat insurance extends might cross your mind. Let’s explore this.

Boat Insurance and International Waters

Your boat insurance typically safeguards you within U.S. navigable waters. This means any water body within U.S. borders that can be navigated, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. However, what happens when your seafaring tendencies lead you into the Atlantic Ocean’s international waters?

With Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., your boat insurance can be extended to cover excursions into international waters with an additional rider. Without this specific addition, your boat policy would not protect you in these waters.

Implications of Sailing International Waters Without Adequate Coverage

Without the international waters rider, any accident or mishap would lead to out-of-pocket expenses. What’s more, if you cause an accident, there are potential legal implications, with some countries enacting severe punishments for boating without appropriate insurance.

Reach Out to Hamilton Fox & Company for More Information!

Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. simplifies the process of updating your boat insurance. Reach out to us by phone or email to add international waters coverage to your boat policy. If your boat is anchored in Pinecrest, FL, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started with a quote and discuss your coverage options!

Does Umbrella Insurance Cover Everyone in My Household?

Umbrella insurance protects us when an accident results in liabilities that exceed the limits of our home, auto, or other insurance policies. While umbrella policies cover everyone in the policyholder’s household, the details can be complicated. We recommend discussing your umbrella coverage and needs with an insurance agent such as those on the Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. team serving Pinecrest, FL. 

Covering Household Members

Umbrella insurance kicks in when the liability exceeds the limits of other policies. While uncommon, these situations can result in insurance companies paying substantial amounts to the injured parties. This requires insurance companies to account for everyone covered by your home or auto policies. Like an auto policy that covers all household members with premiums adjusted based on household makeup and vehicles, insurers must adequately account for everyone covered under their umbrella policies. 

That means umbrella policies typically do not cover household members covered under separate policies. Examples include adult children or the policyholder’s parents who live in the house but have their own auto policies. Similarly, a child with a college apartment renters’ policy may not get covered by the umbrella policy. In some situations, the umbrella policy may cover these circumstances, with the premiums adjusted based on the liability limits of the separate policies.

Confirming your policy details with your agent while shopping for insurance and before making a claim is a good idea.

Working With Hamilton Fox & Company Inc.

Each situation is unique, so we recommend reviewing your circumstances with your agent. If you live in or near Pinecrest, FL, call or stop in today at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. Our team can help you with your umbrella and general insurance needs.

Securing Extra Safety: Umbrella Insurance Insights for Pinecrest, FL

Many people already have protection through car insurance, homeowner’s insurance, and other insurance policies. Still, in some cases, those policies may not cover enough when you are liable for an accident. The good news is that at Hamilton Fox & Company, we are happy to offer people in Pinecrest, FL, umbrella insurance, which can cover liability costs that other insurance policies don’t cover.

What’s the Point of Umbrella Insurance?

Serious accidents can lead to significant expenses. For example, if someone trips and falls at your house, they may sue you for the damages they have experienced due to that fall. These types of incidents can lead to huge expenses, and if your existing insurance policies only cover a portion of those expenses, you can be left with payment due that you can’t afford to pay.

Umbrella insurance policies basically hang over your other policies, such as home or car insurance. When you reach limits on those policies, your umbrella insurance can protect you by covering otherwise uncovered costs.

What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?

Umbrella insurance can cover a range of costs that other policies may limit. Some lawsuits, property damage, injuries, personal liability, and other liability situations that are not covered by other policies can be covered by umbrella policies. The exact specifications of what the policy will cover will vary from policy to policy, so you always want to look at the types of liabilities a policy covers.

Who Should Get Umbrella Insurance?

Many people may think they are well covered by existing policies, but there may be huge limits in those policies that could cause much lasting damage without additional coverage. Many people can benefit from an umbrella insurance policy, but people with higher potential liability will especially want to consider this policy. For example, people with dogs, property hazards, trampolines, or swimming pools may have higher risks that could benefit from umbrella coverage.

Cover Yourself for Unexpected Storms

When you have an umbrella ready, unexpected storms are a lot easier to manage. If you’re prepared to get an umbrella policy, Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. will be happy to help you in any way we can. We offer Pinecrest, FL, residents clear, concise information so they can make the best policy decisions for themselves and their families. Contact us to learn more about umbrella insurance and available policies.

Why should a Florida business have a worker’s comp insurance plan?

Businesses throughout the Pinecrest, FL area have continued to be successful over the past few years. While the area can be a great place to grow a business, some risks and responsibilities need to be followed. One factor that needs to be fully considered is your business insurance needs. There are many reasons why a business in this region should have a worker’s compensation insurance plan. 

Protect Employees and Business

Workers’ comp insurance is a top reason because it can protect your employees and your business. A worker’s comp insurance plan is designed to provide compensation to employees who have been hurt while working. This benefits the employee by ensuring they have some security, and it also limits the employer’s liability risks, as the employee should receive some level of compensation following an accident. 

Comply with State Law

A Florida worker’s compensation insurance plan is also essential to comply with state law. All businesses in Florida with a certain number of employees are required to carry this insurance. This requirement is similar to one in many other states. If you do not comply, you can face various forms of penalization in the future. 

A business in the Pinecrest, FL area must have a proper worker’s comp insurance plan. If you are looking for this insurance here, you will find that choosing the right plan can come with complexities. Fortunately, our team with Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. can help. When you call our team at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., you can get all the support you need to create a plan and ensure you remain appropriately covered. 

From Barn to Field: How Farm Insurance Covers Your Livestock and Crops

Farmers and agricultural businesses in the Pinecrest, FL area face unique challenges and risks in their day-to-day operations. To safeguard their investments and livelihoods, many turn to farm insurance. This specialized coverage protects various aspects of agricultural operations, focusing on livestock and crops.

Coverage for Livestock

Raising livestock is fundamental to many farms. However, animals are susceptible to various risks, including illness, accidents, theft, and natural disasters. Farm insurance typically provides coverage for these potential losses.

Farm insurance policies may cover individual animals, herds, or flocks. The types of coverage can vary and may include protection for death due to accidents, disease, or injury, as well as coverage for theft or vandalism.

Safeguarding Your Crops

Crops are the lifeblood of many farms but are also vulnerable to numerous threats. These can include weather events like droughts, floods, hailstorms, pest infestations, and disease outbreaks.

Farm insurance often includes crop insurance, which helps protect farmers from financial losses due to crop damage or failure. Depending on the policy, coverage may apply to specific perils, such as adverse weather conditions, or provide more comprehensive protection.

Customized Policies

Farm insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Policies can be customized to meet the unique needs of each farm. Farmers can work with insurance providers to select the types and levels of coverage that best align with their operations and risks.

Additional Coverages

In addition to livestock and crops, farm insurance can also provide coverage for essential equipment, machinery, and structures on the farm. This ensures that all aspects of the agricultural operation are adequately protected.

Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. Can Help You

At Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., we can help answer questions concerning farm insurance. We serve the Pinecrest, FL area. Contact us today.

Four Ways to Get Quality Auto Insurance

The right auto insurance policy can help you protect yourself and your vehicle, along with other drivers on the road and their vehicles. If you’re in the Pinecrest, FL area and looking for auto coverage, Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. can help. Our agents know the importance of the right auto policy and understand that everyone’s situation is different regarding the type and level of coverage they’re looking for. Here are four ways to get good vehicle coverage.

1. Work With an Agent

Working with an agent helps you get questions answered and gives you insight from a professional who can guide you through the process. That helps with peace of mind and makes it easier to choose a good policy.

2. Compare Coverage Options

You want to take time to compare some coverage options because you need a policy that fits your situation. By looking at coverage from several insurers, you can compare options more easily.

3. Keep Your Policy Updated

Anytime your situation changes (new car, new driver, etc.), you want to review your policy with your agent and ensure you have the best coverage for the future. Changing your vehicle or adding drivers can mean your old policy is not the best fit anymore.

4. Review Your Insurance Every Year

Even if anything doesn’t change every year, it’s a good idea to review your policy with your agent. There may be new options to consider that will better fit your driving habits and vehicle.

Contact us today at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. if you’re in the Pinecrest, FL area and looking for auto insurance. We’re here to help you choose the right policy for your needs to have good coverage and more security on the road.

Where To Set Your Home Insurance Deductible

Homeowner’s insurance protects you from several problems that can happen when you least expect them, like fire, wind, and hail damage, or even if your dog bites someone else on or near your property. 

But most homeowner’s policies have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay before your insurance will pay anything. Here’s where to set your home insurance deductible and how to get quality home insurance in Pinecrest, FL. 

How Much Can You Afford? 

The higher your insurance deductible, the lower your monthly premiums will be. The reverse is also true; the lower your insurance deductible, the higher your monthly premiums. 

Consider how much you can afford each month to keep your home covered and what kind of cash reserves or other resources you have to pay the deductible in case you need to make a covered claim. 

If you can’t afford a $5,000 deductible all at once, you may want to choose a higher monthly cost to get a lower deductible. Otherwise, having insurance is almost moot if you won’t be able to use it when you need it.  

What About Disaster Deductibles? 

Your standard homeowner’s insurance policy should cover most basic claims, fires, and hurricanes. Other disasters like sinkholes and earthquakes, however, require additional coverage to be purchased. Usually, this has a deductible as well. Flood insurance is a separate policy you should consider getting if you live near water or in a flood-prone area. 

Do you need comprehensive home insurance coverage in Pinecrest, FL? The friendly and experienced agents at Hamilton Fox & Company, Inc. serve your area and are available now to answer your important questions. Call today at (800) 263-1947.

Flooding can Happen at Anytime

Severe weather changes have become common in most areas of the country. Flooding can happen to any area and is no longer concerted just in coastal areas. Flood insurance is designed to defray the expensive costs associated with flooding events. At Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. in Pinecrest, FL, we can help you to find the coverage you need against costly flooding losses.

Any Area Can Experience Severe Flooding

People often think flooding occurs primarily in inland areas. Still, residents of inland areas know that flooding can occur anywhere near a river or stream during periods of heavy rain. Florida’s summer hurricanes often produce these rains, and the low-lying regions or areas where the topography has been changed by new development can find themselves experiencing deep water in streets and yards that can even creep into building interiors.

Flood Insurance Offers A Variety of Protections

Policies cover such items as electrical and plumbing systems, drywall replacement, carpeting, water heaters, and staircases. But it will also cover furniture, clothing, electronic equipment, washers, and dryers. Other items may be covered to a certain level. 

Choose Hamilton Fox & Company Inc For Your Flood Insurance Coverage

You may have questions about what is covered or how much coverage you need. Our agents can provide detailed answers that will help you make your decision. Our agency offers home, auto, commercial, boat, and umbrella policies. Contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. in Pinecrest, FL today for a no-obligation quote on insurance that will protect your home against expensive flood damage.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

The knowledgeable and experienced insurance agents at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., serving the Pinecrest, FL area, want to help you protect your home. Your beautiful Florida house may be the most significant investment you will make in your life. This is why you need to have an adequate amount of home insurance to protect the investment you have made in your home. You may be wondering, though, what does home insurance cover? Read on to find out.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

Most home insurance policies provide coverage for the structure of your house and its contents. This means if a fire breaks out or a natural disaster occurs, your house can be rebuilt or repaired with the help of your home insurance policy. This also applies if your home is vandalized or items are stolen in a burglary. This type of insurance will also cover your personal belongings, furniture, appliances, electronics, and other items inside your house that are damaged or destroyed.

You can also obtain a home insurance policy covering other structures on your property. These include sheds, garages, decks, privacy fences, and more.

If you think you may suffer flooding or earthquakes where you live, you can have flood or earthquake insurance added to your home insurance policy.

Contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc.

To design a home insurance policy that is best for you and your loved ones, contact the experienced and trusted home insurance agents at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., serving the Pinecrest, FL area, and get the peace of mind you deserve!