Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

May 1, 2023 By W3 Insurance

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

If you’re asking, “Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?” we sincerely hope that you are not already ankle-deep in H2O. Answering the water damage coverage question is nuanced; whether your homeowners insurance will cover water damage depends on a number of factors. Let’s dive in.

What types of water damage are covered by Homeowners Insurance?

From overflowing dishwashers to water damage after a fire, the following items are typically covered by homeowners insurance.

Burst Pipes

Burst pipes and accidental overflow are usually covered. Poor maintenance, however, is usually not covered. Scroll down to the next section to learn more. Water damage from a fire

Extinguishing a blaze demands water to douse the flames. The resulting damage will be covered.

Roof Leakage

Sorry to all those who were looking to get a new house-topper! While repairs needed due to leaks from lack of maintenance or wear and tear are not covered, if the wind removes a portion or all of your roof and lets the rain inside, your home insurance responds, unless you opted to exclude wind coverage.Accidental overflow

Should an appliance or fixture malfunction, you are likely in luck regarding recompense. This is one of those classic “thank goodness I purchased insurance” moments when the damage is an absolute surprise. Be aware that some policies limit or exclude water damage. Check your policy for specific terms and conditions.Mold

When left undetected long enough, mold can pose a significant respiratory hazard. If mold is the result of a covered water damage loss, eradication expenses will be paid. Policy limits for water damage and mold coverage will vary depending on your policy form. This is another important reason to review your policy each year and to speak with your personal insurance advisor if you have questions.Vandalism

The creative list of possibilities in this category is endless. Luckily, your homeowners insurance will most likely cover the damages.

What kinds of Water Damage are Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Now for the not-so-great news: Not all water damage is covered by homeowners insurance. Here are a few items that are not.

Ground seepage

When rain falls to the ground, it doesn’t travel straight down. It moves underground and sometimes resurfaces in low-lying home areas. Damages from ground seepage are not covered by homeowners insurance.

Poorly maintained pipes or roofs

You are held to a certain level of care regarding your home. If those pipes are exceedingly old or the repair work on them is shoddy, your coverage is likely not going to help you.

Water or sewer pipe backup

Avoid this scenario by keeping your pipes in good working order.

Flooding

This comes as a surprise to many, but damage from rising surface water (flooding) will not be covered by homeowners insurance. You can view our article about flood insurance to learn more about how to purchase this very important coverage.

How long does it take for water to do damage?

Depending on the amount of water, severe damage can begin immediately. It can quickly spread across the floor, saturing carpets, staining tiles, and destroying furniture. Water will spread until it is stopped, usually by a wall, which can cause sudden impact to the structure of your home. If water touches appliances and electrical outlets, there are even greater risks.

If things remain wet, within the first 24 hours you may see soaked wood, swollen or bent drywall, peeling wallpaper, disintegrating documents, and tarnishing metal. If left untreated for a second day, surfaces will warp and metal surfaces will begin to corrode. You will likely see damage within walls and insulation.

How quickly does mold grow after water damage?

If water damage is left untreated, mold growth begins within a few days – though it may not become noticeable for 1 to 2 weeks. Mold (and mildew) spreads rapidly, posing health risks long before you realize it’s there. In addition to damage to carpeting, tiles, walls, and furniture, mold can cause unpleasant smells in the home and lead to respiratory and skin problems for you and your family.

Is Flood Insurance worth it in Florida?

A simple adage sums up why flood insurance is always a necessary protection for Floridians: Everyone in the Sunshine State lives in a flood zone. Even if you don’t have a view of the Gulf, you are still susceptible to nature-led flooding.

Florida is also the ultimate destination for hurricanes, and these unwelcome storms bring massive flood potential with them. Furthermore, even inland Floridians experience massive rainfalls. These events can happen anywhere and at any time. Lastly, storm surge and tidal waters can easily flood or even level an entire home. The images of homes with flood water nearly reaching the second floor are hard to forget. The devastation caused by surging ocean water is a very real threat to Floridians. (insert a Hurricane Ian link).

Not Sure if You’re Covered? Ask Your W3 Advisor.

At W3 Insurance, our advisors know protection. Specifically, our team understands the nuances of flood coverage and can direct you to the policy that is right for you. Before the flood, there’s W3. Contact us for a review of your current policy or to elect new coverage.

Homeowners Insurance for Hurricane Damage in Florida

May 1, 2023 By W3 Insurance

Hurricane insurance coverage is as vital to the Florida homeowner as storm shutters that withstand gale-force winds. Those sandbags, batteries, and shutters are must-haves in the emergency preparedness kit, but hurricane insurance coverage alone possesses the power of rebuilding. If the worst happens, and that storm demolishes a home, the right coverage can make all the difference. Here’s what to expect as you consider coverage options:

Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Florida?

It may surprise you to learn that many homeowners policies consider coverage for hurricanes to be standard. However, as a Floridian, keep in mind that a separate windstorm deductible applies to covered losses. When one speaks of ‘hurricane coverage,’ that is actually what they are referring to – the combination of coverages that add up to full protection.

This a la carte coverage aspect means that it is important to talk with an insurance professional before choosing coverage. Whatever policy you select, know that the best options cover both the exterior of the home as well as the contents. That takes into account those valuables you hold dear.

What type of hurricane damage is covered by homeowners insurance?

What happens if a tree pushes a divot through your rooftop or the windows shatter (where were those shutters when you needed them)? Your homeowners insurance should cover the damage. Remember, though, that some areas require extra coverage––whether that be through increased contents coverage or a replacement-cost endorsement for your contents. This provides compensation for your damaged or destroyed possessions with the same, or similarly valued, items.

What kind of hurricane damage does homeowners insurance not cover?

Even though hurricanes often bring flooding along for the trip, homeowners insurance does not cover damage from rising surface water. Mold is also not covered by homeowners insurance unless it was added by endorsement and the result of a covered loss. Excess moisture in the air can cause mold, and this is a very real concern when a hurricane hits.

Does Homeowners Insurance cover flood damage from a hurricane?

Flood insurance is not covered by Homeowners Insurance. Though it might seem counterintuitive, flood insurance is a completely different type of coverage. Living in Florida, with shrinking shorelines and neighborhoods surrounded by water, it’s essential for your total home protection to elect for flood insurance.

If a hurricane results in flooding, those who elected to purchase flood insurance can rest easy knowing their home and property will be protected.

What is the deductible for hurricane damage in Florida?

All insurance companies are required by Florida law to offer a hurricane deductible option of $500, plus options for 2 percent, 5 percent, or 10 percent of the policy’s dwelling or structure limits. This is not the case if the percentage deductible is less than $500.

A single season hurricane deductible applies to personal lines and residential property policies. Commercial residential policies, on the other hand, can have separate deductibles for each hurricane incident rather than single season, if they choose.

Every Florida Home Should Have Flood Insurance

We can’t drive this home enough. Did you know that it doesn’t take a major storm for flooding to occur? Homeowners who state that they don’t need flood insurance because they don’t live in a flood zone miss the mark. In Florida, we know that when it rains, it pours. Heavy Florida showers present a very real flood risk.

Protect yourself. Prepare your home against hurricanes and know what your policy covers. Speak with one of our experienced advisors before that storm system appears on the radar. We will break down the intricacies of insurance and make sure you understand what you’re paying for. We’re here to help you weather the storm.

Wind Mitigation Credits and Your Home

April 27, 2023 By Tina Gonzalez

What Are Wind Mitigation Credits in Florida?

The State of Florida requires insurance companies to offer discounts for protecting your home against damage caused by windstorms. These discounts are known as wind mitigation credits. In order to be eligible for them, a certified inspector needs to perform a wind mitigation inspection of your home.

Unlike some home inspections – such as a four-point inspection – this one is not mandated by your insurance company or your lender: it’s completely optional. However, most wind mitigation inspections result in savings that at least cover the cost of the inspection in the first year, so they’re generally worth pursuing.

It’s important to note that you will never be penalized for not having these safety features.

What Does a Wind Mitigation Inspection Include?

An inspector will come to your home and look for specific factors that would make your home more resilient to a windstorm. Specifically, they will be looking at your roof and openings into your home such as doors and windows. Florida wind mitigation inspectors examine these key safety features:

Roof shape
Roof bracing of gable end
Roof deck attachment
Roof covering
Roof-to-wall connections
Secondary water resistance
Doors
Protection of openings (such as windows and other openings)

These features will be evaluated to determine how wind resilient your home is with its current features. All Florida homes built after 2002 were constructed to certain safety codes that will likely result in a savings to you. If your roof hasn’t been replaced since 2002 but was built after 1974, we still recommend having a wind mitigation inspection. Based on how it was constructed, there are some features of the roof that may still qualify you for discounts.

There are a few cost-effective measures you can take to safeguard your home and reduce your hurricane-wind premium: securing your roof with hurricane clips or wraps, for example, or hurricane protecting all windows, doors and other openings to your home. To qualify for the opening protection credit, all windows and openings must be protected by wind impact resistant glass. This also includes a hurricane-resistant garage door.

How Much Does a Wind Mitigation Inspection Cost?

A wind mitigation report will cost, on average, $75.00-$150.00. However, with minimal wind mitigation features in place, the inspection will pay for itself in the first year. Credits can go up to the maximum savings of 88% off the hurricane/wind premium.

Who Can Perform a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

Only certain Florida-certified construction professionals can perform a wind mitigation inspection. This includes:

Home inspectors who have completed a training course approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)
Building code inspectors
General building or residential contractors
Professional engineers
Professional architects
Any inspector recognized by the insurer as possessing the necessary qualifications

Homeowners cannot perform their own wind mitigation inspections and general roofers can’t either unless they’re also licensed in one of the categories above.

How Long Do Wind Mitigation Credits Last?

The credits continue for the life of the insurance policy in which the inspection report was used to apply credits. However, the inspection report expires after five years, therefore if you change companies after five years of the inspection you will need to obtain a new wind mitigation report to submit to the new insurance carrier.

Please contact your Personal Insurance Advisor at Wallace, Welch & Willingham to discuss wind mitigation credits and find out if you could benefit from the inspection!

The Impact of Hurricane Ian on the Boating Industry

April 14, 2023 By W3 Insurance

When Hurricane Ian made landfall on Caya Costa Island, Florida on September 28, 2022, it unleashed more than just immediate harm to life and property. Well into 2023, the Florida boating industry is still experiencing lasting changes and challenges brought on by the category 4 storm. “Hurricane Ian insurance” is still a top search phrase on Google, and Florida boat owners and property owners alike are left wondering: How can I properly cover my belongings to protect against damages from such a storm?

The marine insurance sector was drastically affected by Hurricane Ian. Winds of over 155 miles per hour damaged many insured vessels. So many claims were filed after the storm that many insurance companies opted to leave the Florida market, cease writing new policies and/or impose new terms, which may impact future boat policy renewals. This leaves boat owners with fewer coverage options today than they had a year ago. In addition, underwriting requirements are now stricter than before, and homeowners insurance in the Sunshine State is following a similar trajectory.

On the marine side, some premiums have skyrocketed. Boats damaged by Hurricane Ian, essentially broken crafts, bobbed in the surf for months after the storm fizzled. Salvage crews worked for weeks to meet immense demand. Not long after, a large number of used boats started to appear on the resale market “as is.”

What does this have to do with you, and how do you navigate the post-Hurricane Ian insurance marketplace? By understanding the impact Ian had – and continues to have – on Florida boating and related sectors, you can find coverage options that are still available for most vessels.

The following snapshot of the post-Ian insurance market will reveal why it’s more difficult today to find a comprehensive policy.

Hurricane Ian and the Insurance Market

The aftershocks of Hurricane Ian range from the tangible (wrecked vessels and property wind damage) to the intangible (premium rate hikes and fewer marine insurers in the marketplace). Damage estimates from the storm are on par with those of Hurricane Katrina in their brutality, significance, and overall price tag.

This affects consumers in myriad ways. Not only is it more difficult now to secure a policy that protects a boat or a home in Florida, but the policies on offer are now significantly more expensive. Florida homeowners insurance, for example, has undergone rate hikes ranging from 6 to 11% or more..

This affects commercial and residential property owners alike who have no choice but to pay the increased costs. After all, you never know when the next hurricane will form over the Atlantic, aimed for the Florida coastline. It’s imperative to elect insurance before a tropical system exists, because once a storm is identified as a threat, insurers historically will not allow the public to purchase insurance for protection. Going even further to protect themselves post-Ian, some insurers now won’t even offer a new policy for protection once a tropical depression is spotted on the radar.

Meanwhile, the coverage that is available should be closely scrutinized. While it’s possible to secure insurance coverage in today’s marketplace for home and marine vehicles in Florida, policies may carry exclusions for wind and named storms. To ensure that you carry the policy that best protects your investment, partner with an insurance advisor who understands the current marketplace and can offer personalized protection.

Hurricane Ian and the boat resale market

Used boat shoppers beware: Hurricane Ian boats with low sticker prices might be lemons – and they also might be uninsurable. Thousands of boats were damaged as Hurricane Ian swept boats from their moorings and devastated even secure-seeming harbors. Many of these crafts received patch jobs and were put up for sale at cheap prices. Before Hurricane Ian, it was sometimes possible to get insurance for repaired boats if they were carefully vetted for seaworthiness. Today, finding coverage is more difficult than ever before. So many damaged crafts have flooded the marketplace that insurers are wary of taking chances on them.

What about insuring property?

As of February 2023, data from the Office of Insurance Regulation indicated that 40% of property claims have either been stalled or rejected. This makes sense: according to reinsurer Swiss Re, Ian is to blame for $112.9 billion in damages. Only Hurricane Katrina has Ian beat when it comes to losses. Now more than ever before, it’s imperative that you work with an experienced insurance advisor to obtain coverage.

Just a single inch of water from flooding can cause costly damage to your home. Here’s what you need to know
about insuring against damages caused by flooding.

Trust a professional who understands the current insurance marketplace and can find you the best coverage for competitive premiums. Today, that’s no easy task. It takes an insurance advisor’s assistance in order to stay up-to-date with sector changes. Secure a solid policy to ensure you have the right coverage.

Has homeowners insurance been specifically affected?

Hurricanes have the ability to peel off roofs, break windows, and bring forth storm surges that destroy even the most sturdy abode. It comes as no surprise that homeowners insurance has been specifically affected by Hurricane Ian. Even homeowners who barely detected a raindrop from Ian can expect to pay much more for homeowners insurance than ever before.

This truism is because of the massive number of claims filed by homeowners who were affected by the storm. Paying out that many claims is bound to have an effect on future rates, as insurance companies are still scrambling to find the funds to make good on their coverage promises. It doesn’t matter, then, if your area of Florida has never had problems from hurricanes. The state is seen as a high coverage risk, from down in Key West up to Pensacola. And homeowners are going to pay the price.

Specific impacts to the marine insurance sector

There’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news is there’s never been a better time to find a used boat. The bad news is that virtually no insurance company is going to insure a sea craft totaled by Ian, no matter how great the restoration job. Before purchasing a used vessel, though, talk with your marine insurance advisor regarding your coverage options. That way, you won’t be stuck out on the water uninsured.

Deductibles are also steadily increasing, even for new vessels. The bottom line is this: understanding your coverage means avoiding unwanted surprises later. There are fewer companies insuring boats now, and most have changed their policies to reflect the ripple effect Ian continues to have on the insurance marketplace.

Shop for marine insurance wisely. Enlist an ally from W3 Insurance.

Is it safe to boat after Hurricane Ian?

The answer to that question depends on where you are. Certain areas are no longer safe. The hurricane dredged certain waterways and swept debris into others. Caution is always the best option when it comes to avoiding potentially changed seas. Hidden debris is best seen on a viewfinder, which is a handy tool to have on board.

Pollutants also linger in the waterways as a result of Ian. Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection received many reports about oil-slicked waters and more. Untreated wastewater was a common complaint. Aerial views of damage caused by the hurricane can be seen here.

To stay safe, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s page before heading out on the water. You’ll be able to see updated waterway data and make an educated decision regarding where to navigate next.

Explore the best coverage and rates for your property

Whether you’re seeking homeowners insurance or marine insurance, it’s possible to find the best coverage and rates that meet your unique needs. No amount of scrolling the Internet is going to give you access to the experienced advice you’ll get from the insurance advisors at W3. Contact our team today to take the guesswork out of insurance coverage and get the protection you need. Whether a hurricane hits Florida next year or waits another 100, the W3 team will provide you with coverage that meets your unique needs.

Is Flood Damage Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

September 17, 2019 By W3 Insurance

Water, water everywhere: Unless you’re lounging on a boat or swimming laps, it’s not a good scenario––especially in your home. Insurance to protect against flooding is a specific coverage election and that’s why the policy is specifically labeled ‘flood insurance.’ So, why do you need it? Reason number one is that water can wreak havoc upon a home, and all are susceptible.

Water Damage from Rising Surface Water

If excess rising surface water makes its way indoors, that means homeowners’ insurance will take care of the damage, right? This is a common misconception. Water damage from rising surface water will not be covered by homeowner’s insurance. Rising surface water constitutes a flood and therefore is covered by flood insurance only.

Forget the part-tsunami, part-tidal wave catastrophic flood image. Just an inch of water inside your home will do major damage. It doesn’t take a dramatic event to douse the savings you’ll need to access to repair that floor, built-in cabinetry, baseboards, etc. Often, water damage from rising surface water comes not from a rush, but a continuous flow.

We all Live in a Flood Zone

You read that correctly: We’re all in this together. The sooner homeowners realize that they, too, live in a flood zone, the sooner they’ll realize purchasing Florida flood insurance is non-negotiable. Sure, some of us are more at risk than others. The house on the shore of Anna Maria Island is, of course, going to be located in a higher potential flood zone than the Pinellas Park bungalow. However, a well-placed storm can do major damage anywhere.

Flood Insurance at a Glance

How do you know what your Florida flood insurance covers? For the quick and comprehensive answer, contact your W3 insurance advisor. Our staff is trained to assess your exact flood insurance needs and suggest the policy that fits. Remember: The question is not whether you need to purchase a flood insurance policy – it’s which policy you should select.

Basic flood insurance is likely going to cover the actual façade of the home. The prior example of permanent flooring damaged due to flood is covered with this type of policy in effect. The architectural integrity of the residence and more are protected as defined in the actual flood policy.

Dwelling and Contents Coverage

Concerned about valuables being damaged because of a flood? Comprehensive Florida flood insurance coverage may be your best election. This ‘upgraded’ coverage means that should the couch be harmed by a flood, you’ll be compensated. Homeowners with valuable possessions such as antiques find these policies to be a vital part of their insurance plan. It’s important to purchase dwelling and contents coverage for flood protection.

Flood insurance is most frequently purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private market company. The insurance company underwriting your home insurance may offer it as an endorsement to your home policy.

While being fully covered is the optimal solution, some flood coverage is better than none at all.

Are You Covered?

If you aren’t sure, it’s time to ask the experts. Our advisors will review your policy at no charge to ensure you are fully covered.

The Importance of a Home Inventory

March 18, 2016 By Michelle McKinley

Spring is in the air! Time to clean, get your home in order and take inventory! Wait… take inventory?

That’s right! How will you ever know what you have to lose if you don’t track it? And really, do any of us know what is in our homes? It’s amazing how quickly all that “stuff” accumulates.

What is a Home Inventory?

A home inventory is a complete list of your belongings. The list should include photos and information on the worth of your contents. If you do not have one now, don’t fret. You are not the only one out there that hasn’t started this process yet. A recent Allstate Insurance survey of Atlanta homeowners found that while than more than 90 percent of homeowners are concerned about protecting their homes, only 41 percent had ever documented or valued their contents. Knowing and cataloging these items can be time-consuming, but may save you a lot of time and frustration later on.

Why It’s Important?

If your home is damaged by a storm or other peril, a printout of all your damaged valuables could be quite useful. Documenting your home inventory in advance can help save time and reduce frustration after a disaster. In the event of a loss, an accurate home inventory can make filing a claim much easier. It is also a great way to discover your true net worth and ensure that you have adequate coverage for your belongings.

Working Smarter – Not Harder

Luckily, technology has come a long way. The “legal pad” inventory is a thing of the past! Home inventory programs now help you organize and track your valuables. Smart phones and advanced programming have made it easier to be organized and prepared. There are many programs and applications available. Here are some top-rated options:

Top Home Inventory Apps:

Know Your Stuff by Insurance Information Institute, Free

MyStuff2 by Rick Maddy Productivity, Free – $4.99

Top Home Inventory Programs:

Delicious Library 3, Mac Program, $25.00

Collectify Home Inventory, PC Program, $30.00

These are just a few of the programs and apps available for purchase or use. Please take the time to find what works best for you and your family.

6 Steps to Reduce Your Risks when Entertaining

November 12, 2015 By Michelle McKinley

Tis’ the season for entertaining! The fall season begins a slew of gatherings with friends and family. Unfortunately, it can also open you up to risks. As a homeowner, you are responsible for anyone on your property, invited or not. Injuries that could be caused due to your negligence will put you and your family at risk. Your homeowners policy does protect you from liability, but only up to a certain dollar amount. Additional insurance can and should be purchased to offer more protection.

Steps To Take To Reduce Risk

Mitigating risk is something we talk about a lot in the insurance industry. It’s important to know your risks and how to reduce them. While accidents do happen, there are certain things you can do to help lessen them. Here are five ways to help your party goes off without a hitch (or claim).

Check your home for possible safety hazards. Before guests arrive, do a walk-through of your entire property and look for potential hazards. Do you have a step on your porch that is hard to see? Consider adding more light in that area to help light the way. Maybe you had left a garden hose out in the yard where a guest taking a short cut might trip. Make sure all tripping hazards are put away. What about guest seating? Do you have a piece of furniture that you’ve been meaning to get fixed? Bring that item to the garage or other out-of-the-way area to ensure that it is not used. As a homeowner, it‘s your responsibility to provide a safe environment for your guests.
Hire a professional bartender to serve alcohol. Professional bartenders are relatively inexpensive and often carry their own liquor liability. They have been trained to spot when someone has had too much to drink. They know when to stop serving and inform the host of concerning situations. Be aware that larger events that will need to have event insurance as homeowners insurance will likely not cover personal liability. Special Events Coverage through your insurance agent. This coverage provides General Liability coverage for events over one day in duration, up to 100 attendees, such as weddings or New Year’s Eve parties at your home.
Offer Taxi or Uber rides for your guests. Serving alcohol opens you to a whole host of liability. Your guests driving home while under the influence is a big no-no. Having the number handy of several taxi or Uber drivers will help keep your guests safe. Consider having everyone put their keys in a bowl and attach a card with the taxi phone number right to their car keys.
Have plenty of food and water available for guests. Staying hydrated throughout the day/night will help your guests more than you think. Stage several areas throughout your home for easy access to non-alcoholic beverages. Water, lemonade, and seasonal hot cider are all good choices.
Check your homeowner’s insurance policy limits and restrictions. Umbrella polices that offer additional coverage/higher limits and special event insurance are the best ways to help mitigate your risk. There are many instances where your homeowners insurance will not cover you at all if an accident occurs because of a party on your premise. It’s important to establish a good relationship with your insurance agent and to verify if additional coverage is needed for a special event.

Please contact your Personal Insurance Advisor if you have any questions about your homeowners policy.

What is a Personal Umbrella Policy?

August 5, 2015 By Michelle McKinley

How protected would you say you are? You have a homeowners insurance policy and an auto insurance policy. That should be it, right? Did you know that the limits on these policies often do not cover you in the event of a lawsuit? Unfortunately, we live in a very litigious society where your assets and future wages are put in danger without adequate liability coverage. An umbrella policy works as a supplemental insurance policy.

A personal insurance umbrella policy pays above your home, auto and other liability policies. A common limit among homeowners policies is $300,000. As you can imagine, if you are found to be liable for an injury to a guest in your home, this amount would hardly scratch the surface. Certain risk factors make you more susceptible to these types of risks. Examples include teenage drivers, owning a swimming pool or entertaining guests frequently. Most standard homeowners policies are insufficient when covering claims from animal attacks or bites, liabilities arising from social media, claims outside the US, recreational vehicles (i.e. golf carts), and rented boats over 50 horsepower, just to name a few. A personal umbrella policy can also help eliminate these gaps in coverage.

To illustrate the importance of this policy, consider this: You have a large pool with a fenced-in enclosure. You go on vacation and leave your property locked. Four teenagers hop your fence. One of them attempts a dive into the pool, breaks his neck, and as a result becomes paralyzed. The judgment for the lawsuit is $1 million. Your homeowners policy has a limit of $300,000 for liability. The remaining $700,000 would be your responsibility to pay if you did not have a personal umbrella policy. If you did not have the funds to cover this, then your assets would be used to pay this judgment.

While this is a simplified example, it helps illustrate that a personal umbrella policy offers a large benefit for a small yearly premium. The policy offers peace-of-mind from knowing you are protected in the event of a claim. Please Contact Us today for a personalized quote.

6 Ways to Protect Your Home During Vacation

May 29, 2015 By Michelle McKinley

A safe home, will leave your vacation worry free.

Florida! The land of vacation destinations! Going on vacation is a great way to relax and take your mind off the daily grind. Don’t let the excitement of an upcoming trip prevent you from securing your home against burglars. Consider the following tips:

Make sure all outdoor lighting works properly. Replace any batteries or bulbs if needed.
Have a friend, family member or neighbor check on the house often and collect mail. Also consider having someone mow your lawn, if necessary.
Place automatic timers on your lights and set them for different times in different rooms. This will give the impression that you are home and doing things in those rooms. Also consider setting a radio to a timer so that thieves are deterred by voices in the home.
Do not leave your valuables such as jewelry, art work or electronics sitting out in plain view. Hide these items in inconspicuous places such as old laundry detergent boxes.
Take a photo inventory of each room of the house before you leave in case there is a loss.
Try not to be too specific when posting about your upcoming trip on social media sites. Exact details will give criminals plenty of information about the perfect time to break in. Resist the urge to “check in” to your vacation destination. Nothing says your not home like a check in from miles away. (This is also a good tip for anytime you are out of the house.)

As always, check to make sure your homeowners insurance coverage is up-to-date before the trip. Contact you W3 advisor if you have any questions about your homeowners insurance.