Four coverage options that your home insurance policy should include

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

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?

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

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?

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!

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! 

Tips to make your house more energy efficient

When it comes to saving energy and money, making your Palm Coast, FL area house more energy efficient is a great way to start. Here are some tips from us at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School to help you get started: 

  1. Change your lighting: Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs like LEDs and CFLs can save you around 75% in electricity costs compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. 
  2. Install insulation: Proper insulation keeps heated air from escaping in the winter and cool air from leaving during the summer, significantly reducing energy costs.
  3. Upgrade your windows: Installing double- or triple-pane windows can reduce heat loss by up to 25%. 
  4. Use solar power: Go green with solar panels on your roof! Solar power cuts down on the amount of nonrenewable energy you use, resulting in lower electricity bills for years. 
  5. Utilize natural ventilation: Use natural breezes when possible by using ceiling fans or opening windows throughout your house instead of running an AC unit. This will help keep energy costs low while maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home all year round.  
  6. Invest in energy-efficient appliances: From washing machines to refrigerators and dishwashers, upgrading your household appliances with energy-efficient models can help you save money over time. Many of these models also come with special rebates from the government if you upgrade before a certain date! 

Small changes like these can significantly impact the environment and your pocketbook, so don’t hesitate to switch today! Call us at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School today for more tips. We are proud to serve the Palm Coast, FL area.

Do I need auto insurance in Florida?

Those in the Palm Coast, FL area will find that owning a car makes life easier. When you have a vehicle, it can be a lot of fun to drive and allows you to enjoy all that the area has to offer. Once you start looking for a vehicle, it is vital that you get insurance for it. You will need coverage for various reasons.

Meet State Obligations

A reason that all drivers need insurance is so they can meet their state obligations. In Florida, all drivers need to have liability insurance, at least. If you have this coverage, it ensures that you can cover any damage you could cause in a collision. If you do not maintain this coverage, you could face severe penalties, including fines or losing your license. 

Financial Coverage

Auto coverage in Florida is also a good option as it offers valuable financial coverage. If you buy a car, there is a good chance that you will have to make a big investment in it. The best way to protect this investment is with insurance. Getting this coverage will ensure you have the support you need if the car is stolen or in any accident. 

If you are in the Palm Coast, FL area, getting a quality auto insurance plan that meets your needs is a good idea. You can be assured that you will choose the right plan by contacting us at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School. When you call our team at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School, you will receive personalized support and friendly service to ensure you get into the right plan for your situation. 

Do I need flood insurance if I have home insurance?

Regarding protecting your home, standard homeowners insurance typically covers a wide range of risks and damages, such as fire, theft, vandalism, and liability for injuries. There’s one risk that isn’t covered, flood damage. If you live in an area prone to flooding or experience heavy rains regularly, then it’s essential that you invest in additional coverage with flood insurance. At All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School, we specialize in flood insurance in the Palm Coast, FL area.

Flooding is the most common natural disaster throughout the United States — and floods can cause devastating damage to homes, property, and belongings. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize that their current policies don’t cover flooding until after they’ve already suffered costly damages. So purchasing a separate policy specifically for floods is the best way to protect your home.

Even if you don’t live in a flood zone or have never experienced a major flood event, investing in flood insurance is still wise. That’s because floods can occur virtually anywhere and be caused by anything from heavy rains and snowmelt to broken levees, dams, and flash flooding. Furthermore, purchasing flood coverage may even save you money in the long run, as many lenders require it for those who live in high-risk flood zones before they approve mortgages.

Taking steps to purchase a quality flood insurance policy can give you peace of mind knowing that your home is covered no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. For more information about flood insurance and whether or not your house is protected, call All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School today. We proudly serve the Palm Coast, FL area.

Your Home is Your Most Valuable Asset – Protect it With Homeowners’ Insurance

Are you a resident of Palm Coast, FL? Are you thinking of becoming a homeowner? If so, contact the All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School to get information about this vital insurance coverage.

Whenever a mortgage is carried on a property, the insurer requires that homeowners insurance is purchased. Why? They want to ensure that their interests are protected in the event of a total loss. There are no state laws that require homeowners insurance. However, it becomes more complicated when a mortgage is involved.

The main reason to purchase homeowners insurance is to protect your property. The dwelling part of the policy covers such events as vandalism, fires, and certain weather events that will be outlined in the policy.

A homeowners’ insurance policy will not cover some large-scale events. They are:

  • Acts of war
  • Earthquakes
  • Floods
  • Infestations, including termites
  • Mold
  • Nuclear accidents
  • Sewer backup
  • Water damage

Homeowners’ insurance can be purchased without an inspection. Typically, the lender will require an inspection before approval, so the home may not need to have another inspection.

Jewelry, artwork, and collectibles will not be covered. A special rider or floater is a step up from general coverage on a homeowners policy. It may not be the full replacement amount, but the difference between its worth and the coverage amount should be easy to come up with.

So, what does homeowners insurance cover? It will cover the cost if something unexpectedly destroys or damages your home, like a burst pipe, bad storm, theft, wind, hail, lightning, or fire. The insurance company will accept a claim if the policy covers the cause of the damage.

The All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School can provide a no-obligation quote or answer any questions. Contact our team today.