Florida sees its share of natural disasters. Hurricanes, lightning, and other events can cause damage to your home. Some issues are so severe you can’t address them on your own. So, does your come insurance cover these home repairs?

What Home Insurance Handles

According to the insurance experts at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., your home insurance policy covers damages connected to fire, theft, wind, lightning, and some hurricane damage. The costs it handles depend on two factors. One is your initial selections and deductible limits. The second is what the insurance adjuster determines to be the repair costs.

What Home Insurance Doesn’t Handle

Home insurance policies for Florida homes do not cover repairs for storm-related floods. You must have a flood policy to handle this natural disaster. Mortgage companies don’t approve financing for flood-prone homes without a policy.

On top of this, purchasing hurricane insurance is a good idea if you live near the ocean or a large water tributary. By doing this, you blanket your property to minimize additional costs. 

What You Need To Cover

Whether it’s a home, flood, or hurricane policy, make sure you carry significant coverage to handle the following:

• Your dwelling
• Detached units, like a shed, separate garage, or guest bungalow
• Personal property such as furniture, electronics, and jewelry
• Living expenses to pay for temporary housing during repairs

You have much to consider when choosing the right policies for you and your family. In most cases, you don’t want to do it by yourself. In the end, it’s better to speak with subject matter experts in the insurance field.

If you’re ready to purchase additional policies, or want to upgrade existing ones, contact representatives at Hamilton Fox & Company for assistance.

Most home insurance claims fall into two categories: property damage or personal injury. Property damage claims are common, and they can be anything from a hailstorm to a broken water heater. Personal injury claims are less common but can be serious and costly. They might include an injury from a fall on slippery steps or something as simple as a sprained ankle from a tripping hazard. For help, consult Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. in Pinecrest, FL. 

More About the Common Home Claims 

Flooding and lightning strikes are the most common home insurance claims, accounting for about 40 percent of all claims. Water infiltration and freezing pipes are the most common causes of flooding. Falling trees and outdoor property damage cause about one-third of all claims. 

Accidental damage by a guest or family member is the most common cause of falling tree claims. Pets cause everything from allergic reactions to property damage. Children’s unintentional injuries, such as fires, can also become part of the common claims. 

About 20% of claims are due to fire, and 20% are theft or vandalism claims. The remaining claims are split between various causes, such as falling objects, earthquakes, or contractor errors. How do we avoid these claims? Most claims can be avoided by following best practices around your home, especially during high-risk weather events. 

Home insurance policies usually have a clause stating that you are not covered if you are negligent in maintaining or using your property. Tying up loose ends, like unplugging your holiday lights when you’re not using them, can help prevent falling objects from damaging your home or being claimed on your insurance. 

Bottomline

Property damage, such as a fire or water damage from a pipe burst, is the most common type of claim. Ensure you find a policy that fits your needs, and shopping around for a policy is an excellent way to start. Property insurance claims can range from a cracked foundation to a hailstorm that wreaks havoc on your home. The most common property insurance claims can be prevented with upkeep. You also want to be sure you’re filing your claims correctly. For any questions in Pinecrest, FL, contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc.

Whether you’re buying home insurance for the first time or the fifth time in Pinecrest, FL, assessing your needs is a top priority. You want to make sure that your valuable investment and family are covered if a disaster strikes.  At Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. we recommend learning about your policy, limits, terms and coverage before buying a home insurance policy.

So, how do you assess your needs to know how much home insurance to buy? This article explains ways you can check your home insurance needs.

Determine the cost of rebuilding your home

The value of your home keeps changing, which makes it unreliable when determining the actual cost of your home. To know the real value of your home, check the cost of materials, size and labor in your area. A Pinecrest, FL contractor can help you get the estimate.

Calculate the value of your personal belongings

Your home is made up of your personal belongings–the furniture, electronics, appliances, clothes, shoes, curtains and other items. Calculate the value of all items and come up with a figure that you will use when buying a personal belonging coverage.

Do you have costly items?

If you have pricey items in your home, you may want to budget for a separate policy as home insurance does not cover expensive artwork, jewelry, and fur. Be sure to enquire about the items when buying your policy.

Check how much additional living expenses(ALE) you will need

When your home is destroyed and becomes inhabitable, your additional living expenses coverage will pay for your temporary living arrangement. The policy primarily covers hotel stays, meals and other living expenses. If you have a big family, you may want to make sure that your coverage is adequate to meet all their needs.

Your home insurance is the only investment that can protect your home in the event of a disaster. Make sure you are adequately covered. If you need help assessing your needs, feel free to contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. for guidance.

Buying your piece of the American dream can be very stressful. You need to have the right home insurance to protect your dream. But how much home insurance do you need?  If you have an insurance agent you trust you will be able to get the correct amount to be confident of your security. At Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. in Pinecrest, FL, we are committed to providing our clients with personalized service and insurance that is just what they need. 

Home insurance isn’t just one element; it is made up of several elements. Each one needs to be rated separately when deciding how much you need. Start by deciding what your liability comfort level is. You need enough liability insurance to protect your assets in the event you are sued. You may think it is unlikely you will be sued, but that is not the case, it is quite common. If you need extra liability coverage, it may be a good idea to get an umbrella policy that will cover you across all your insurance policies.

When it comes to the value of your home, remember the figure is not the sales value of your home but the amount it would cost to rebuild your home if it was destroyed. If the figure you are given seems low or inappropriate for your neighborhood, don’t be afraid to question the amount with your agent. 

Content is the tricky part. Take a good look at the limits for different types of personal items. Jewelry is one to take note of as are electronics. If the figures don’t make sense with what you have you may need to add a rider to give you the amount of coverage you need. 

Contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. in Pinecrest, FL for all your home insurance needs. 

Home insurance from Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. will protect your Pinecrest, FL home from outside elements that can damage your dwelling or belongings. By improving home safety, you reduce the risk of accidents from within. Here are a few ways to make your home a safer place to live.

Declutter

Clutter not only looks bad, it increases your risk of accidents. If you have clutter in your hallway or stairs, get rid of it today. You’ll augment your living space and create a safer home environment for you and your family.

Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Make sure your Pinecrest FL home has working smoke detectors in the kitchen and hallways, upstairs and downstairs, as well as a carbon monoxide alarm. Check these regularly to ensure they’re working properly to protect you against fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.  

Upgrade Window and Door Locks

Check the locks on windows and exterior doors to ensure they’re still functioning. If not, upgrade them to enhance home security. Install deadbolt locks on exterior doors as an extra precaution against theft and intrusion.

Store Medications in Safe Location

If you have children in the home, store your medications in a locked cabinet, out of sight and out of mind. Little ones can be very curious. You don’t want your children getting into your prescription drugs, either on purpose or by accident.

Improve Home Ventilation

Poor ventilation can lower air quality in your home, making you more susceptible to respiratory illnesses. To improve ventilation, install ceiling fans, and open windows whenever possible. Good ventilation will keep moisture and mold at bay to prevent health problems.  

Measures that improve safety and security in your home could help lower your home insurance costs. To learn more about home insurance for your Pinecrest, FL home, contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. today.

As a homeowner, it’s essential to have a homeowner’s insurance policy. Mishaps and emergencies can occur at any time, and it’s best to be prepared. Here are the facts you need to know about the coverage specifics for home insurance in Pinecrest, FL.

As the owner of the policy, you determine the coverage amounts for:

• Dwelling
• Medical payments
• Liability

Choosing Your Deductible

Your deductible is the amount of funds you will pay out-of-pocket before your insurance provides coverage. Some deductible amounts are based on a certain percentage of your home’s value while other deductibles are based on dollar amounts. Home insurance deductibles apply to damages your home or belongings sustain. These deductibles cannot be applied if you are being sued or an individual is injured in your home and files a medical claim against you.

Getting Adequate Coverage

When you’re considering getting home insurance, think about your home’s replacement cost. The replacement cost of your home is the number of funds you would need to rebuild your home if it is damaged or destroyed. Make sure you are considering the correct replacement cost and not the market value of the home. The replacement cost of your home is better to consider than the market value of the home because replacement cost provides more protection. In most situations, the cost of rebuilding the home is more than its market value.

Dwelling coverage is a part of insuring your home. Use your home’s total repair cost as the dwelling coverage limit. There are different online calculators that will help you with determining costs. It may be in your best interest to hire an appraiser to give you a definite answer on the replacement cost of your home.

Here at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., we provide Pinecrest, FL residents with reliable home insurance, including, auto, home, commercial, and other insurance types. We know the importance of home insurance, and we are here to help meet your needs for an excellent insurance option. Contact us today to learn about our insurance solutions and how we can help.

When you have a home insurance policy, you feel safe and protected. But what does that policy really cover, and how safe is your Pinecrest, FL area home? At Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. we want to help you answer those questions. It’s very important that you have the right insurance coverage, especially in an area where you can be subjected to a weather event such as a hurricane. Most home insurance policies don’t cover hurricanes, and you need to add additional protection in the form of hurricane buydown insurance. If you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require that, in addition to your regular home policy.

So what’s covered on the standard policy? Most things are generally covered. Hurricanes, floods, and some other types of events won’t be on a standard policy. But if you have a fire, a break-in, or other typical homeowner issues, you can expect to have coverage. Just to be safe, and to have peace of mind, you should talk to your agent and make certain what your policy really covers. You don’t want to get caught unaware, especially after you’ve experienced a serious event at your home. It’s much better to know what’s covered and what isn’t before you may need to make a claim.

If you have questions about your Pinecrest, FL area home insurance policy, come talk to us at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. We’ll answer your questions and give you information, so you can make an informed choice about your policy. If you need to change, add, or adjust coverage, we can help you do that, too. Our agents are knowledgeable and trained, so you can get the peace of mind and the security you’re looking for in your home insurance policy when you work with us.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 358,500 house fires occurred on average in the United States during the years 2011 to 2015. On average for each of these years, 2,510 people died, and 12,300 people were injured as a result of these kinds of fires. House fires have resulted in an average damage of $6.7 billion a year.

Are there ways that you can avoid becoming part of these statistics? Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., serving Pinecrest, FL, has a few tips:

• You should never let an open flame be unattended. Open flames include candles, fires in fireplaces inside the house, and barbecue grills and fire pits outside the house. An errant ember can lead to a conflagration that will put you and your family’s lives at risk while possibly destroying your home
• Keep cooking surfaces clean of grease. Grease fires are one of the leading causes of house fires. Try not to leave something cooking on the stove unattended
• Make sure smoke detectors are in every room and a fire extinguisher is readily available. Stopping a small fire before it becomes a big one can prevent your home from being damaged or destroyed
• Be sure your yard is clear of dead leaves and other brush that can prove to be a fire hazard
• If you smoke cigarettes, never smoke in bed, and be sure to douse the spent butts with some water before disposing of them
• Have a plan for evacuating the house in case a fire occurs and gets out of control. Note escape routes and means of exiting the house

If you have any more questions about home insurance, feel free to contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. serving Pinecrest, FL. Our agents can explain the many benefits of having a policy.