Three Reasons Getting Homeowners Insurance Makes Sense

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Insurance can provide peace of mind and protection if you’re a homeowner. Still, many reasons exist to get homeowners insurance from All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School. As your Palm Coast, FL insurance company, we proudly serve our customers with homeowners insurance they can count on. Below are three reasons to get homeowners insurance for your house. 

1. Homeowners Insurance Is Required If You’re Getting a Mortgage

If you’re buying a home with a mortgage, your lender will require you to get homeowners insurance before the loan will be funded. If your homeowner’s insurance drops for any period, your lender may start charging you for insurance at a much higher rate than you were paying the private lender. In other words, there’s no way to avoid homeowners insurance if you have a home loan. 

2. Homeowners Insurance Protects Your Investment

If a covered event occurs that damages your home, your homeowner’s insurance will provide coverage that can help repair your home. If your home is completely destroyed, this may mean the difference between having a home and finding somewhere else to live. 

3. You’ll Have Peace of Mind With Homeowners Insurance

Would you be able to rebuild your home if something happened to it? If not, homeowners insurance can provide you with the peace of mind you need to feel safe with your investment. For example, if a fire damages your home, your homeowner’s insurance would help pay for the repairs. Your insurance policy could provide financial protection if a tree fell on your roof. 

To learn more about homeowners insurance in the Palm Coast, FL area, call All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School today. 

Your Car in Palm Coast, FL was Totaled, Now What?

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In Palm Coast, FL, when someone says their car was totaled, it means it’s been damaged beyond repair. When true, that means the vehicle has suffered a total loss. Your coverage through All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School or another auto insurance service can help, but only if you have the right coverage to deal with a total loss.

What Is a Total Loss in Florida?

Florida’s law states that if repairing or rebuilding your car exceeds 80% of the cost of replacing it with a similar one, it is considered a total loss. Similarly, if the vehicle has a level of damage that makes it unsafe to drive or irretrievably undrivable, even after potential repairs, it’s a total loss.

What Type of Auto Insurance Covers a Total Loss in Florida?

Comprehensive and collision coverage helps to compensate you for a total loss. If the damage comes from an accident with another vehicle or object, then collision insurance helps to pay for the damage or replacement.

If the damage came from something other than a collision, then comprehensive insurance helps pay for it. Gap insurance can also help if you’re still leasing or financing your car.

What You Should Do If You Think Your Car is a Total Loss in Florida?

If you’re in an accident of any type, make sure you take care of yourself or others involved first. You should start your claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. If you discover that your vehicle is beyond repair, immediately inform your insurance company to handle the situation effectively.

You can still collaborate with your insurer to find a solution, even with inadequate coverage. If you want to learn more about comprehensive, collision, gap, and related auto insurance options in Palm Coast, FL, contact us at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School right now.

Your Car in Palm Coast, FL was Totaled, Now What?

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In Palm Coast, FL, when someone says their car was totaled, it means it’s been damaged beyond repair. When true, that means the vehicle has suffered a total loss. Your coverage through All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School or another auto insurance service can help, but only if you have the right coverage to deal with a total loss.

What Is a Total Loss in Florida?

Florida’s law states that if repairing or rebuilding your car exceeds 80% of the cost of replacing it with a similar one, it is considered a total loss. Similarly, if the vehicle has a level of damage that makes it unsafe to drive or irretrievably undrivable, even after potential repairs, it’s a total loss.

What Type of Auto Insurance Covers a Total Loss in Florida?

Comprehensive and collision coverage helps to compensate you for a total loss. If the damage comes from an accident with another vehicle or object, then collision insurance helps to pay for the damage or replacement.

If the damage came from something other than a collision, then comprehensive insurance helps pay for it. Gap insurance can also help if you’re still leasing or financing your car.

What You Should Do If You Think Your Car is a Total Loss in Florida?

If you’re in an accident of any type, make sure you take care of yourself or others involved first. You should start your claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. If you discover that your vehicle is beyond repair, immediately inform your insurance company to handle the situation effectively.

You can still collaborate with your insurer to find a solution, even with inadequate coverage. If you want to learn more about comprehensive, collision, gap, and related auto insurance options in Palm Coast, FL, contact us at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School right now.

Flooding in Palm Coast, FL: Securing Your Home with the Right Insurance

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The good folks at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School know how many issues unexpected flooding can cause for residents of the Palm Coast, FL region. That’s why we are here to provide local homeowners with all the tools they need to remain protected at all times. To learn more about the most common flood insurance myths and why they are untrue, look closely at this helpful guide.

Only High-Risk Residents Need Flood Insurance

Nothing could be further from the truth, actually. Flooding is indiscriminate, and there is no reason for a Palm Coast, FL homeowner to avoid this reality. It is always wise to assess individual risk, but this does not mean that flood insurance should be neglected entirely. Do not make the mistake of assuming that your flood risk is negligible just because you glanced at a map once or twice.

Flood Insurance Is Not Available In My Region

On the other hand, several potential clients may believe flood insurance is unavailable because their risk level is too high. This is not a real concern, though. If you reside in a high-risk area, you should move as quickly as possible. Flood insurance may need up to 30 days to become valid after purchase, so do not make the mistake of waiting too long.

Flood Insurance Is Already Included In My Homeowners’ Policy

This is also patently false. Your homeowners’ policy is not going to be of use to you if your residence experiences flood damage. Do not make these types of assumptions. A flood insurance policy will always be purchased separately from your homeowners’ policy.

Do you have any additional questions about a potential flood insurance policy? If so, All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School is on hand to assist you. Please take a moment to contact our team of professionals so that we can walk you through each step of the process.

Four coverage options that your home insurance policy should include

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You will want your home insurance policy to include all the types of coverage that you need. Protect your Palm Coast, FL home with a policy from All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School. 

The following are four coverage options that your home insurance policy should include. 

Coverage for personal property

Any home insurance policy should include some coverage for personal property.

You should always add on to the personal property coverage offered in a basic policy. Increasing your personal property coverage maximums is especially important if you own particularly valuable jewelry or electronic equipment. 

Coverage for liability expenses

You should also add on to the liability coverage that your home insurance policy offers. As a homeowner, you could face a lawsuit if an accident happens on your property. Adding extra liability coverage helps ensure that you’re prepared for this possibility. 

Coverage for damage caused by sewer and drain backup

Sewer and drain backup can cause extensive damage in a home. Fortunately, home insurance providers typically offer sewer and drain backup coverage. However, you might have to add this type of coverage to your policy as an endorsement since it doesn’t always come with a standard home insurance policy. 

Coverage for outbuildings

If you have outbuildings like a detached garage or shed on your property, you should ensure that these outbuildings are covered. Discuss outbuilding coverage with a home insurance company representative to ensure these structures are covered. 

Do you have questions about your home insurance coverage options in Palm Coast, FL? We’re here to provide the answers you want at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School. Call us now for a quote!

Safe Driving Tips for Long Distance Travels

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Are you planning on taking a long-distance road trip with your family? Whether cruising the Florida coastline or traveling out of state, these driving tips from All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL can help you reach your destination safely.

Plan Your Routes

Plan your routes, fuel stops, rest stops, and driving times in advance to avoid problems with low gas, heavy traffic, or drowsy driving. Take frequent breaks to refresh yourself so you don’t get fatigued or sleepy in the middle of your travels. Keep a map by your side, even if you have GPS, to avoid getting lost.

Rest Before Traveling

Driving long distances can take a toll on your body. Start your journey fresh by getting sufficient sleep the night before you travel.

Stay Alert/Avoid Distractions

Stay alert and focus on your driving. If you plan on listening to music or a podcast, set it up before hitting the road so you don’t have to adjust your stereo or smartphone in the middle of traffic. Set your kids up with snacks and diversions so they don’t distract you on the highway. If your phone rings, let your spouse answer it!

Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks

Have plenty of cold water and healthy snacks within reach, so no one goes hungry on the road. Stay hydrated to avoid getting sick or drowsy.

Obey Speed Signs

Obey the speed limit as much as possible to avoid accidents. Use extra care when driving in rainy weather, around residential areas, or when there’s construction on the road.

Review Your Auto Insurance

Review your auto insurance before taking off on your road trip to ensure you’re protected against any eventuality. For quality auto insurance coverage at affordable costs, contact All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL.

Flood Insurance Coverage: What are Your Options?

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Florida homeowners are well aware of the damage that flooding can cause. Whether you live close to the coastline or inland, there’s a risk of flooding from tropical storms and hurricanes. As standard home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, we recommend you purchase flood insurance. We offer the following flood insurance options at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL.

Options for Flood Coverage

No doubt, your Palm Coast home, and its contents are of great value to you. Both could suffer tremendous losses due to flooding. It doesn’t take much flood water to destroy a home or its contents. Flood insurance provides the financial means to help you recuperate your losses. Flood policies offer two kinds of coverage: building and contents. 

  • Building – Building coverage protects your home structure. It covers foundation walls, flooring, staircases, plumbing and electrical systems, water heaters, kitchen appliances, permanent cabinets, paneling, well water tanks, fuel tanks, and more.  
  • Contents – Contents coverage protects all personal belongings, including clothing, furniture, artwork, electronics, window ACs, kitchenware, rugs, curtains, and other valuables.

Who Can Benefit from Flood Coverage

Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or renter, you can avail yourself of flood insurance’s protection. You can purchase building or contents coverage separately if you only want one or the other or together as a package.  

The amount of coverage you purchase depends on the value of your property. The maximum limit for building coverage, however, is $250,000. The maximum limit of contents coverage is $100,000. Flood coverage can save you from financial ruin if caught in this disaster.

To purchase a flood policy for your Palm Coast, FL home, business, or rental property, contact an All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School agent today.

Creating and storing a home inventory

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If a tornado or a fire hits your home, there may not be much left to inventory. If you have done a home inventory, you will have a list of everything you had at your fingertips. At All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL, we pride ourselves on the level of customer service that we offer. 

Making a home inventory is time-consuming, and you may have been putting it off because of that. It is time well spent and will save you time when you file a claim. You can do a video inventory, but the more detailed you have, the better it will be. Bring your phone to take pictures and a pad and pen and write down everything that you find in whatever room you choose to begin in. 

It would be best to write down everything hanging on your walls, closets, drawers, and cupboards. If there is one, write down the brand, the model, and the serial number. If you have receipts and sales slips for items in your inventory, attach them to the list. If you have expensive items, it is essential to have an appraisal. 

Go through all the rooms in your home. You don’t need to create your inventory all in one day; you can do one room at a time. After the rooms are done, head to the attic and basement. Finally, go to the garage and a shed if you have one. 

Storing your inventory is important. It should be in a safe place, preferably away from your home. Always keep a copy of it online for easy access. 

Give our office a call at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL when you need home insurance. 

Do I Need to have Comprehensive Coverage for my Vehicle?

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Owning a car tends to be a necessity for many in the Palm Coast, FL area. When you are looking to buy a car, it is also vital that you thoroughly evaluate your insurance options. One type of coverage that all people should obtain is comprehensive insurance. There are various reasons why you need to have a fully comprehensive plan when you are looking to protect your vehicle. 

You Want to Protect Asset

One of the reasons you may want to get comprehensive coverage for your vehicle is to protect the asset. If you buy a car today, you will find the cost is significant. If you do not have comprehensive or collision coverage, you could lose the asset entirely if it is stolen or damaged. With this additional insurance, you will have the coverage necessary to replace or repair the vehicle in an instance of a loss.

Meet Loan Requirements

Having a flood insurance plan is also important so you can meet any requirements in your loan agreement. If you are going to finance your Florida vehicle with a loan, your auto lender will want to ensure their collateral is protected. This can be done by requiring all borrowers to carry a full collision and comprehensive plan throughout the term of the loan. 

The right auto insurance plan is important for those in the Palm Coast, FL area. When trying to build your next plan, call our team at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School. Our professionals at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School can help you evaluate your options and needs to determine if having fully comprehensive insurance support is right for your situation. 

Don’t Let a Flash Flood Wipe Out Your Finances – Get Flood Insurance in Florida!

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Surrounded by water on three sides, Florida is definitely no stranger to floods. But did you know that Florida is one of the most flood-prone states in the entire country?

It’s not too late to contact All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School and get a flood insurance quote in Palm Coast, FL!

Don’t Get Caught in the Rain – Get Flood Insurance in Florida! 

Protect your home or condo with flood insurance from flash floods or water damage from tropical storms and hurricanes.

Your finances might be underwater without the right coverage during an unexpected natural disaster. 

How Does Flood Insurance Protect Me?

Most flood insurance policies cover damage to your home and property caused by flash floods and floods caused by natural disasters in Florida. 

Talk to an agent to learn more about how you and your family can get flood insurance coverage under the US National Flood Insurance Program. 

Why You Need Flood Insurance in Florida

Heavy rains from hurricanes, tropical storms, and frequent thunderstorms can quickly cause millions of dollars in property damage. Residents with flood insurance policies protect themselves from the devastating financial effects of not having Florida flood insurance can cause when the flood gates open. 

Flash floods and raging surges from hurricanes can quickly ravage the contents of your home and destroy your personal belongings. Without the financial protections offered by flood insurance, you might get left out in the rain. 

Get Flood Insurance in Florida

Protect your home and finances from the devastating effects of Florida floods. Contact a licensed insurance agent at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School and get a free quote for flood insurance in Palm Coast, FL today!