SWFL Insurance

First, does your Association provide a Master Flood Policy through the RCBAP, Residential Condominium Building Association Policy administered by FEMA? The RCBAP limits the flood coverage that can be purchased by the Association up to $250,000.coverage limit per condo unit in the building. This program requires the Assoc. flood insurance to be purchased at a limit equal to 80% or greater of replacement value of the building in order to avoid a “Co Insurance” loss penalty at time of a claim. The RCBAP policy covers all building items regardless of who installed them. This is broader than the coverage required by the Florida Condominium Statute. The Condominium Owners Policy form HO6 in Florida does not provide any Flood coverage. The Loss Assessment coverage within the HO6 will not respond to a flood loss to Association property. The only way that a unit owner can cover a Loss Assessment for a direct flood loss to Association owned buildings is to purchase an individual flood policy with building coverage from National Flood Insurance Program. The Building Coverage Limit will double as the Loss Assessment coverage limit. There is no deductible for a covered Loss Assessment claim. This Individual Flood Policy will also typically provide Loss Assessment coverage for the following: When the RCBAP has been written for a coverage limit of at least 80% but less than 100% of replacement value. Assessments due to there being NO RCBAP coverage at all. Assessment for damage to a non covered building. This is not a complete analysis of this issue, but it points out some very important considerations for the Condo Owner….. Find out what Flood Insurance is in place for your Association property. Question whether coverage limits are at 100% of replacement value? You can read more at Condo Owners Flood Insurance. Questions…Call SWFL Insurance Agency, Inc. at 239-265-9577 or email us at info@swflagency.com

Your first thought is…what is an LSV? A Low Speed Vehicle is defined as a four wheeled electric or gas vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 mph, but less than 25 mph. Many LSV vehicles start out as golf carts and are converted. The easiest way to tell the difference between a golf cart and an LSV is to look at Registration Numbers. A Golf Cart will have a Serial Number while an LSV will have a 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number. If you happen to own an LSV and think you have it insured under your Homeowners Policy…..you are not properly insured. The State of Florida requires the LSV to be insured under a Personal Auto Policy. Without the proper coverage on file with the DMV, they will cancel your driver’s license. A low speed vehicle may operate on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less. The vehicle can also cross intersecting roadways where the speed is greater than 35 mph. An LSV must be registered with the Florida DMV and have a valid license plate and registration. An LSV must be insured. Florida law requires PIP or No-Fault coverage and Property Damage Liability at a minimum. We strongly recommend Bodily Injury (BI), Uninsured Motorist (UM), and Medical Payments (MedPay) coverages. Any low speed vehicle must be equipped with standard safety equipment. NHTSA requires these components: headlights, taillights, stoplights, front and rear turn signals, reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, safety belts, and vehicle identification numbers. Significantly, NHTSA does not require LSVs to have airbags, or other safety features beyond seatbelts since they are intended for low risk driving. You must have a valid drivers license in Florida to operate an LSV……This is not your 12 year old. Florida DMV has an informational brochure ….Low Speed Vehicles . SWFL Insurance Agency, Inc. has a carrier that will cover your LSV. Call us at 239-265-9577.

Well that depends…..Most insurance companies writing in Florida either exclude “Screen Enclosures” for loss due to a Hurricane; exclude “screen enclosures” and carports for all perils; or provide a minimal coverage limit. Typically, “Hurricane Coverage” for screen enclosures can be added by endorsement up to a maximum limit of between $50,000 and $75,000, dependent on the company. Screen enclosures or pool cages are typically structures that have an aluminum frame structure with screen walls and screen roof or aluminum pan roof. Screen wall porches or lanais where the roof is constructed of the same material as the primary residence are typically included in the Dwelling Coverage A of the Homeowners Policy. Discuss fully with your agent. Make no assumptions. Note that many policies totally exclude any type of loss to structures that have screen walls on more than one side, are open to the weather and the roof construction is not like that of the primary dwelling. So…. this is the screen room and carport with aluminum “pan” roofs and screen walls whether attached to dwelling or not. There is typically no ability to add these structures by endorsement other than the Hurricane coverage. The catch here is that the “Hurricane Coverage ” for screen enclosures and carports permanently attached to the dwelling is typically provided for the “aluminum framing only”. This would mean that no coverage is provided for the screen material, nor for the cost to remove and replace the screen material. IMPORTANT: If you have screens or a screen enclosure, you should discuss the details with your insurance agent to determine what is insured. Coverage language varies greatly from company to company. The “hurricane coverage” for screen enclosures can be “pricey”, so request a quote. Call SWFL Insurance Agency, Inc. at 239-265-9577 for all of your Personal and Business Insurance Needs.

In Florida, many times homes and condos are sold with a boat dock deeded with the property purchase. Many times the boat dock is not directly connected to the “residence premises. In these cases, the owner should be concerned about the “property exposure” and the “liability insurance”. Typically, docks are covered for property damage under Coverage B of the Homeowners and Condo Owners Policy. Coverage B is for “other structures on the residence premises”. When the dock is attached to the residence premises, it is covered under Coverage B. When the dock is not attached, it should be added by endorsement, Coverage B-Off premises or Specific Structures Away From the Premises. “The dock will not be covered for Hurricane or Flood damage” But it would be covered for Other Perils stated in policy for Coverage B-Other Premises Structures. In any case, be careful of values for docks. Coverage B has a limit of 10% of the home insured value. In some cases, this may not be adequate.. For a home insured for $300,000. , the dock and other structures would be insured for $ 30,000. Discuss boathouses, davits, and values with your insurance agent. Your Homeowner or Condo Owner Liability Coverage should extend to your deeded dock, however, in the case of the “off premises dock”, we recommend that you include the following wording in the declarations page of your policy. Wording such as “1234 Main Street, Anytown, Florida including boat dock deeded to insured” . Again discuss with your agent. Be very careful if you rent your dock to others. There is no way to cover this liability exposure under the Homeowners or Condo Owners Policy, it becomes a Commercial insurance exposure that is very difficult to insure. You will probably be self insuring the exposure…Not a good idea. Questions…Call SWFL Insurance Agency, Inc., “Your Insurance Answer People” 800.829.5270 info@swflagency.com

The 56-year-old insured pulled forward out of her driveway, making a left turn into the path of a motorcycle, which was coming out of a curve. The operator of the motorcycle applied his brakes and “laid it down,” but struck the quarter panel of the insured’s vehicle. The insured was cited for traffic violations. The motorcycle passenger (wife of the motorcycle operator), died at the scene. She is survived by her husband, four children (ages 7 to 15), her parents, grandparents and several siblings. The motorcycle operator suffered a fractured finger and abrasions and had a valid “bystander’s claim” under state law. The Personal Umbrella Policy contributed $640,000, above the primary policies. This is areal life claim situation. Remember Liability Insurance is really about Wealth Protection. Do not let something like this happen to you. Call SWFL Insurance Agency at 239-265-9577 for an Umbrella proposal.

Realtors…Excellent talking point with your clients! Mechanical Breakdown Coverage is an endorsement to the Homeowner’s Policy that will repair or replace property for costly losses due to mechanical or electrical breakdown. Your standard Homeowners policy will not typically cover these losses. Not every Homeowners Insurance company offers this endorsement. Typical coverage…… Coverage up to $50,000. per occurrence and up to $100,000. per year Covers up to $10,000. for the cost of expenses to expedite repairs Covers up to $10,000. To replace damaged refrigerated food and prescriptions Provides additional living expenses if home is uninhabitable Allows up to $10,000. for pollutant clean up. Items covered, but not limited to….. HVAC Systems, compressors Television / Media Systems Computers Fans Deep well pumps Home Security Systems Garage Door Openers Electrical Panels Washers / Driers Refrigerators / Freezers Ranges / Ovens Sound Sytems Pool and Spa Equipment Hot Water Heaters Lawn Tractors Deductible per occurrence: $500. Exclusions: rust, corrosion, deterioration, wear and tear Pays for like kind and quality, no depreciation Annual Premium: $50. Realtors.….This is an excellent subject to discuss with new Homeowners. Let us review your policy and provide a competitive Homeowners Insurance Proposal that includes this valuable Mechanical Breakdown Coverage. Call SWFL Insurance Agency at 239-265-9577 or visit www.SWFLAgency.com.

Will your homeowners insurance cover you when… Your business equipment is stolen out of your vehicle?……………….NO! You accidentally knock over the display next to you at an exhibition or show?…………NO! Your groceries spill onto your inventory in your trunk? …………………NO! A power surge damages your computer and fax machine? ……………NO! Someone steals your cash box?…………………………………………….NO! Most homeowners and renters policies do not cover liability or damage to property from business activities. Our Home Business Insurance Policy provides coverage for as little as $150 per year! Protect your home-based business! You’re not home free with most homeowners policies. Imagine having your inventory or equipment stolen or damaged. Typical homeowners insurance does not cover this type of loss for people who run a small, side business out of their home. We are pleased to offer the perfect coverage for your in-home business: Home Business Insurance Policy. Features Include: Liability limits up to $1 million Satisfies most event or show liability requirements Business property protection up to $100,000 (with $250 deductible) Electronic data processing coverage Loss of income coverage Premiums starting as low as $150 annually* Call or email SWFL Insurance Agency today for a quote. 239-265-9577 info@swflagency.com

Moving to a new apartment is a bit exhausting. However, once everything is unpacked and put away, the fun part begins. Most apartments have rather drab kitchens, intentionally made in a neutral style, with muted tones. This is so as not to offend anyone’s tastes and make the apartments as rentable as possible. The problem is that these kitchens are boring. The way to remedy this situation is do a kitchen makeover in a creative style that shows some flair and good taste. Here are some low cost ways to do a kitchen makeover: Add metal shelving to display nice-looking items and have them close at hand for use Line interior drawers and shelves with attractive liners Use drawer organizers Use a hanging rack or wall-mounted rack for pots and pans Change drawer pulls and cabinets handles (save the old ones to re-install when moving) Use removable stick-on tiles to cover ugly floors or use a decorative throw rug Removable stick-on tiles make a good temporary backsplash and can be used on walls as well Add a bowl of fresh fruit and some flowers in a beautiful vase Bake some bread or a cake, sit back, have some soothing tea, and enjoy the new look and smells achieved by your kitchen makeover. Connect America Insurance Agency advises renters to protect their personal property from loss or damage by getting renters insurance coverage. Property owners have insurance that covers the building, but rarely does it cover the contents of the apartments. That insurance coverage is the responsibility of the tenants. It is easy to get renters insurance. There is a convenient online system to compare quotes, which takes only a few minutes. If you prefer, talk to one of the nice people at our agency. We will be delighted to help you. Welcome to the neighborhood!

The beginning of the year is a great time to make sure that your home is as safe as possible. One of the best ways to do that is to ensure that your home is ready for any potential disasters. There are some great ways to prepare your home for potential emergencies. Follow these tips to make sure your home is as safe as possible. Ensure access to emergency lighting in every room. In the case of an emergency, you want to make sure that you have access to a light source. In every room in your home, you should have battery operated flashlights or lanterns. This is a safe way to add light to a room in the case of a power outage. Be sure to put some extra batteries in a safe place in case you need them as well. Install a fire extinguisher on every floor and in the kitchen. You never know when you will need to use a fire extinguisher so it is smart to have one on every floor of your home so it can be reached quickly. Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarm on every floor. It is best to have these near the bedrooms so that no matter the time, everyone will hear the alarms and will be able to get out in time. Keep an emergency first aid kit in the home. This can come in handy in a multitude of emergencies. Keep this well stocked and easy to access. Keep extra food and water available. You will want at least 3 days worth of supplies and food that you can eat without the use of electricity. Be sure that you have an adequate home insurance policy. If you do not, contact Connect America Insurance Agency for a home insurance quote.

Accidents are why people have homeowners and auto insurance, but often claims can exceed the coverage limits of these policies. So if you aren’t protected by a Personal Umbrella Policy, you could be putting your house and financial assets at risk. One of the best ways to understand the need for a personal umbrella is to review actual claims examples. It is very clear that an incident arising from just normal daily activities can expose all of us to the potential for a large claims law suit. Boating fun quickly turns serious** The claim arises out of a boating accident. The policyholders are the owners of a speedboat, which is considered a “family” boat and made available to other members of the family for recreational use. Several family members were camping at a lake near the policyholders’ residence. One of the policyholders allowed them to use the boat during their stay. The policyholders’ 15-year-old grandson was allowed to take three other family members (all minors) out on the lake to go tubing. The 10-year-old claimant had just finished tubing. The tube and tow rope were placed in the stern of the boat and the claimant was sitting next to them. The conditions on the lake suddenly became very choppy and windy. The claimant was ejected from the rear of the boat along with the tube and the tow rope. The tow rope wrapped around the claimant’s neck, causing a significant injury. The occupants of the boat recovered the claimant and headed for the dock, flagging down the sheriff’s patrol boat on the way. The claimant lost consciousness and the deputy had to administer CPR several times. She was airlifted to the hospital. The claimant suffered an injury to her neck, trachea, esophagus as well as a fracture of the second cervical vertebrae. She was on a ventilator for 96 hours and in ICU for almost one month. Later, she developed serious complications to her pancreas, colon and gall bladder and suffers from ongoing extreme hoarseness with continued troubles with her breathing. The RLI Personal Umbrella Policy contributed $700,000 on top of the primary coverage limits of $300,000. A real life claim as related by RLI Insurance on their website www.rlicorp.com.** Call SWFL Insurance Agency at 239-265-9577 for a premium proposal for an Umbrella Liability Policy.