What types of things does farm insurance cover?

Farm insurance is a complex hybrid type of insurance. Farms are businesses but they are also homes in most cases. All the different parts need to be protected. The insurance that you need to protect your farm should be tailored to your particular needs and having an independent insurance agent that understands the risks farmers face every day is vital. At Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. in Pinecrest, FL, our roots go back 70 years. We believe in exceeding the expectations of our clients and work with them to create a customized insurance solution for their needs. 

Home insurance

You have a home on your farm and it needs to be covered the same way that any home is covered. You will have property insurance, content coverage, and liability protection. The property protection covers a detached building like a shed or garage and your lawn and trees, but only plants that are not grown for commercial purposes. 

Farm insurance

Farm insurance covers personal property that is directly related to the farming you do. This includes:

Machinery

  • Tractors
  • Combines
  • Hay rakers
  • Planters
  • Other equipment specific to your farm

If you have a farm truck, it is possible that you will be able to bundle a commercial auto insurance policy into your farm policy, 

Livestock

Livestock is covered against basic perils under a standard farm policy. You have the option to add more extensive coverage that covers many more things that could happen to your livestock. Horses require additional coverage from standard farm animals. 

Farm Products

Feed, grain and similar products are covered while they are being stored, not in the field.

Farm Liability

Liability is standard on all farm policies and covers the same types of things that commercial liability would cover, including legal fees. 

Contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. in Pinecrest, FL for help with your farm insurance needs. 

What To Know About Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is a contract between you and the insurer, who agrees to pay for certain losses in exchange for your promise to pay premiums. The purpose is to protect other people who might be harmed by your automobile. It also protects you if someone else sues you because of an accident that was your fault.

It also covers the costs of defending you in a lawsuit. When you are involved in an accident and it’s your fault, the other driver can sue you. If they win, the court awards damages to make them "whole" (that is, to put them in as good a financial position as they were before the accident). Your auto insurance policy covers your liability for these damages up to the policy’s limits.

Liability Coverage

When you’re talking about car insurance, liability coverage describes the amount that an insurer will payout in the event of an accident. This coverage is typically divided into two categories: bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury coverage pays for the medical expenses resulting from an accident, while property damage covers the cost of damage to other people’s property.

Local laws require drivers to carry at least some liability coverage, and the state minimums will usually only be enough to meet this requirement. If you need more protection, it’s usually a smart idea to look for higher limits.

Additional coverage options include:

  • Underinsured motorist coverage: This optional policy will help you cover any damages if the other driver’s insurance doesn’t pay up.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage: This type of policy can protect you if the accident was caused by a driver who has no insurance.
  • Collision coverage: Claims covered under collision insurance are for physical damage to your car caused by an accident.
  • Comprehensive coverage: This type of insurance will pay for damages that cannot be attributed to a specific event, like if someone steals your car.

A good auto insurance policy will help cover the costs of getting you back on the road if your car is damaged or stolen. It also offers financial protection in case you’re ever liable for an accident that causes injury to another party.

If you are looking for auto insurance in Pinecrest, FL, Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. offers a variety of policies. Contact us today to learn more about them and what auto insurance can do for you.

How to assess your home insurance needs

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.

Flood Insurance FAQs

Did you know that your home insurance doesn’t cover your Pinecrest, FL home against flood damage? For this reason, you need flood insurance from Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. for optimal protection. But what is flood insurance? What does it cover? If you need answers to these questions, read through our FAQs section below. 

What does flood insurance cover?

When you buy flood insurance Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. covers the below: 

Structure of your home: Did you know that a one-inch rise in water level can cause damage to up to $25,000? Floods can cause unspeakable damage to your structure. As such, you need flood insurance to cover your structure’s walls, floor, roof, and other fixed appliances.

Contents: Flood insurance covers not only the physical structure of your property but also its contents. Assets such as the following are protected: 

  • Cabinets
  • Applies
  • Carpet and flooring
  • Heating and air conditioning unit
  • Electrical and plumbing system

 Is flood insurance mandatory?

No law in Florida requires flood insurance. However, private and government-backed mortgage lenders will deny you a mortgage when you fail to obtain flood insurance if you live in high-risk flood areas. 

What are flood insurance exclusions?

Your flood insurance coverage will not cover the following:

  • Additional living expenses that you may incur as your home is undergoing repairs. These are covered under home insurance. 
  • Damage caused by earth movement, even where floods are the cause.
  • Moisture, mold, or mildew damages that the homeowner could have prevented.
  • Loss of income in case of a business.

Since floods can strike anywhere, whether you live in low-risk or high-risk flood areas, you need flood insurance for protection and peace of mind. Please don’t wait to face the consequences when it’s too late. Instead, connect with Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. in Pinecrest, FL for an affordable flood insurance quote.  

How Much Home Insurance Do I Need?

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. 

Should Florida Business Owners Add Workers Compensation Insurance For Their Remote Employees?

Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. serves the Pinecrest, FL community, as well as the surrounding areas. We offer our clients custom insurance policies to help them prepare for any situation. Accidents can happen when you least expect them. That’s why we are committed to helping you find the coverage you need.

Is Workers Compensation Essential For Remote Employees?

Your Pinecrest, FL business is one of your most significant investments. In order for your business to thrive, you need great employees. Worker’s compensation insurance allows you to take care of your employees. The policy covers your employees if they are injured in the workplace. You are also protecting your business by making sure that your employees will not pursue legal action against you. Worker’s compensation insurance protects your employees by covering their medical treatment and rehabilitation. Having a strong workers’ compensation insurance policy can help you attract top talent.

If your employees perform remote work on a regular basis, you should add worker’s compensation insurance. Regardless of where your employee is working, if they are injured performing tasks related to the job, they are covered. If your employees are working from home or outside the traditional work environment, make sure that they are in a safe space. If your employees are working in an unfit remote environment, you may still be held liable. Worker’s compensation insurance is important because it reduces potential risks against your business while also helping you take care of your workforce.

Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about workers comp insurance.

Why should I get workers comp insurance in Florida?

The Pinecrest, FL area has continued to be a great place to own a business. When you are going to start a business in this area of the state, you need to ensure that you get the right insurance for it. A type of insurance that all businesses should consider getting is workers comp insurance. There are several reasons why you should get this coverage here.

Protection for Employees

A key reason that you need to get a workers comp insurance plan is that it can provide protection for your employees. If someone is injured while they are at work you will want to ensure that they have the protection needed. With a workers comp insurance plan, they can get the coverage that can offset all related expenses including missed wages and medical bills. This coverage offers great protection for both the employees and the business.

Legal Requirement

For a business in Florida, having a workers comp insurance plan is also often a requirement. It is well known how much value a worker’s comp insurance plan can provide to someone. To ensure that employees all over the state are properly protected, businesses that have a certain amount of employees are required to carry this coverage at all times. 

A company that operates in the Pinecrest, FL area needs to make sure that they get proper insurance protection. When you are going to purchase a workers comp plan here, it is important that you speak with someone that understands this type of coverage. The team at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. can help you build and choose a plan that is ideal for your situation. Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. is able to do this by assessing your business risks and building a plan accordingly. 

Does my Pinecrest business need workers comp insurance?

Owning a business in the Pinecrest, FL area is a great option. If you are going to start a business here, there are a lot of important decisions that need to be made. One important choice will come when you need to pick a business insurance plan. One type of coverage that you need to get is workers comp insurance. There are a few reasons why you need this coverage. 

Coverage Protects Employees

The main reason that you should obtain workers comp insurance for your business is that it can protect your employees. A good employee is the most valuable resource a company can have. Due to this, it is important that you protect them as well as you can. With a workers comp insurance plan, your team members will receive appropriate compensation if they are injured while working. 

Coverage is Required by Law

You will also want to get a workers comp insurance plan for your business here because it is required by state law. Similar to other states, Florida makes it required for many businesses to get a workers comp insurance plan as it provides protection for employees. The specific requirements vary based on your industry and the number of employees that you employ. It is important to know your specific requirements and to follow them. Those that do not comply could be penalized.

When you want to start a business in the Pinecrest, FL area, it is important to get proper insurance. One type of coverage you may need is workers comp insurance. The team at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. can explain to you the benefits of this coverage and determine if it is needed in your situation. Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. can then help you build a policy that is right for your business. 

Who Needs Boat Insurance in Pinecrest, FL?

If you live in the city of Pinecrest, FL, you might be wondering about different types of insurance, such as boat insurance. If you want to know more about boat insurance, you should consider the expertise of an insurance agency such as Hamilton Fox & Company Inc.

It might be somewhat confusing to think about whether or not you should get boat insurance. The truth is that boat insurance is not a requirement in Florida, but this does not mean that you should forget all about it. If you end up having a mishap that results in damages to your boat and does not have boat insurance, you will likely have to incur great costs to replace it. Most of the time, homeowners insurance is not going to cover your boat or any medical bills that could need to be paid if anyone happens to be injured by your boat while it is operating or in storage.

Essentially, if you know that you would have to struggle to repair or replace your boat with out-of-pocket costs, you are in need of boat insurance. Boat insurance can cover a variety of events, such as damage that is caused by a collision, property damage to another watercraft or bodily harm to another person for which you are at fault, stolen or damaged equipment on your boat, towing of disabled watercraft, and other types of damage that could occur (in storage, in transit, or in the water).

If you reside in Pinecrest, FL, you should feel free to contact the professionals at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. for information about boat insurance. They will be able to answer any questions that you might have and tell you what type of policy you should look for when you are in need of boat insurance.

Why Florida Restaurant Owners Should Consider Umbrella Insurance

Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. serves the Pinecrest, FL community, as well as the surrounding areas, through offering residents insurance coverage. For over 50 years, we have established long-lasting relationships with our clients. We proudly serve the community as an independent agency.

How Umbrella Insurance Covers Restaurants

Umbrella insurance is supplemental coverage that offers another layer of protection besides your traditional insurance policies. As a restaurant owner in the Pinecrest, FL community, you face multiple challenges involving the day to day operations of your business. Umbrella insurance can assist your business in multiple ways.

The primary cause for concern as a restaurant owner is a potential liability dispute. Liability coverage protects you if someone gets injured while visiting your restaurant. However, you have to plan for worst-case scenarios such as someone breaking a bone in a slip and fall accident or spoiled food causing one of your customers to get sick. These are potentially serious liability disputes. Umbrella insurance adds another layer of protection as you deal with the dispute.

Umbrella insurance also protects you if you are involved in a dispute with one of your employees. You may find yourself in a serious liability dispute due to one of your employees suffering a serious injury in the workplace. Perhaps you have to deal with allegations of wrongful termination or discrimination. These are serious issues that could potentially derail the long term future of your business. However, umbrella insurance will cover you during the process.

If you serve liquor at your restaurant, umbrella insurance is especially important. Your business may be held liable for any damages caused by a customer who was intoxicated due to you serving them alcohol. Umbrella insurance will help you cover your business from possibly suffering huge losses.

Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. Will Help You Prepare For The Unexpected

Visit our website today to learn more information about umbrella insurance.