Why would someone want flood insurance in Florida?

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The Palm Coast, FL area continues to be a popular place for anyone to visit or live in during the year. If you are going to move to this area of Florida and buy a property, you will want to know that your important asset continues to be properly protected with insurance. A great way that you can protect your home is through a flood insurance policy. There are a few different reasons why someone would want to get flood insurance coverage here. 

Insurance Protects Property

A key reason that you will want flood insurance in this area of Florida is that it can protect your home. Flood damage is a risk that all people need to consider and protect against. For many in this area, the protection received through a home insurance plan is limited. When you get a full flood insurance policy, you will get the protection needed to properly cover your home. 

Insurance is Often Required

You should also want to get flood insurance because it is often a requirement. Those that are in Palm Coast could be obligated to carry flood insurance if they are in a flood zone. Most mortgage lenders will only provide financing in these situations if their client continues to carry a full flood insurance policy. 

In the Palm Coast, FL area, getting proper insurance for your home is important. For many, this includes getting flood insurance. If you are wondering about your flood insurance needs, you should speak with All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School. The insurance team with All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School understands how important the coverage is. They can then evaluate your situation and help you build a plan that will give the proper coverage for your situation. 

Importance of Having a Home Inventory

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If you own a home, it’s to your advantage to create a home inventory of your belongings. A home inventory is a list of all the items you own along with a brief description of each, photos of high-end goods, and receipts verifying their value. In the event of theft or loss, you’ll have an accurate record of your goods to make it easier to file a claim. At All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School, we recommend that all our Palm Coast, FL customers have an up-to-date home inventory. Here’s what a home inventory can do for you:

Helps You Purchase Accurate Insurance Coverage

Having an updated list of all your possessions will enable you to purchase accurate property insurance to protect your valuables. It also ensures you don’t forget important items that may be stored out of sight. The right insurance coverage will make it easier for you to recuperate your losses in the event of a disaster. 

Facilitates Claims Process

A home inventory can facilitate the claims process. In the event of a disaster, you can refer to your inventory for an accurate account of what was lost. This can be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to do by memory alone. A home inventory can act as proof of ownership to your insurance agent to ensure you’re fully compensated for your loss. It also helps speed up the claims process.

Substantiates Financial Losses

A well-documented home inventory can be used to help substantiate your loss after a major disaster. It can be extremely useful if you need to apply for financial assistance after a catastrophe or if you want to get a break on your taxes.

To learn more about home inventories or to purchase quality home insurance for your Palm Coast, FL home, contact All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School.   

What does flood insurance cover

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Floods are an all too common occurrence these days. You don’t have to live along the banks of the Mississippi River or in coastal areas to be in danger. If you are a homeowner who believes your home is protected from flood damage by your home insurance, you are in for a shock. Home insurance does not cover floods. At All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL, we understand the damage floods can cause to homes in Florida and we aim to provide the best service and insurance products available. 

The National Flood Insurance Program is offered by FEMA through a network of carriers. It is sold in two parts, building and contents. You can purchase one or both, it is up to you. The price is fixed by the government depending on your risk level so you can choose any carrier that offers flood insurance and the price will be the same. Your community must participate in the NFIP in order for you to be eligible. 

Building

The building coverage covers the physical structure of the home. This includes the walls, roof, foundation, detached garage, and staircases. Anything that is permanently attached to the home is covered by this part of the insurance, built-in bookcases, kitchen cabinets, and appliances like the stove, refrigerator, and built-in dishwasher. It also includes the major systems in the house, the electrical, the heating and cooling, and the plumbing. Coverage is capped at $250,000. 

Contents 

This includes all your personal items, clothes,  smaller appliances, washer and dryer, furniture portable air conditioners or heaters, freezer, and the food in it. The cap on personal property is $100,000. 

At All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL, we are happy to help you to get flood insurance to protect you home. You can call us at our office or stop by for a free quote. 

4 Tips to Use When Getting Home Insurance

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When you are about to purchase a house, one of the things you need to think about is homeowner’s insurance. There are some considerations to keep in mind. A company such as All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School can help with this if you’re in the Palm Coast, FL area.

How Much Coverage?

Talk to your agent about how much coverage is best for your interest. Your lender may want you to get a policy that is at least the amount of your mortgage on your home. This does affect how much you pay.

Replacement or Actual Cash Value

You can decide if you want to insure your house and belongings for replacement cost or the actual cash value. With replacement cost, it’s the amount that you would need to pay in order to rebuild or replace your house. It also covers damage repair with materials that are of a similar type and quality.  Actual cash value is the amount that you’d need for replacement and repairs after depreciation is factored in.

Know What an Agent Does

An independent agent assists you with getting insurance coverage from one of the companies it works with. You don’t have to go with the insurance company that your lender suggests so you can "shop around" for the best policies to meet your needs by talking to your agent.

Read Everything Carefully

All home insurance policies are legal contracts. It describes your rights and responsibilities in detail as well as those of the insurance company. As soon as you buy your insurance and get your policy document, read it completely, and have a solid understanding of the language of it. Ask questions if you’re not sure about any terms or if something doesn’t reflect what you thought you were getting.

When you visit All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School of Palm Beach, FL, and beyond, you can be confident that the agents are knowledgeable and do their work well. Reach out with your questions today.

What Type of Car Insurance Is Best For My Needs?

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Residents who live in Palm Coast, FL can rely on the agents of All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School to provide them with sound advice when it comes to choosing the right type of car insurance policy for your needs. There are multiple policies that provide varying degrees of coverage depending on what your exact needs are.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage protects you from all types of loss including collision, theft, personal injury, and property damage. Individuals who have leases or loans attached to their vehicles are often required by their lenders to carry this type of insurance to ensure they are paid off if the car is involved in an accident. Some people may choose to carry comprehensive insurance on their vehicle after it’s paid off to ensure they are compensated for its loss if it is totaled.

Collision and PL/PD

Collision and PL/PD insurance offer minimal coverage that is limited to damage that is incurred during a collision. While PL/PD also covers personal injury expenses for other individuals who were involved in the accident. Collision will cover the cost of your vehicles’ damage as well as that of the other driver. PL/PD, on the other hand, will only pay for the damages and injuries to the other driver and their property.

The agents of All Counties Insurance Agency &Traffic School can explain the benefits and limitations of all types of car insurance. Residents who live in the Palm Coast, FL area should call and talk to a licensed agent at their earliest convenience. This way they can enjoy the latest information possible when it comes to available coverage and eligibility requirements. Call today and get the information you need!

Why should someone get flood insurance?

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Buying a home in the Palm Coast, FL area is a great idea for many people. If you are going to purchase a home in this area of Florida, it is very important that you carefully consider all of your insurance needs. One form of insurance that many people here need is flood insurance. There are several reasons why someone should get flood insurance here. 

Required by Mortgage Lender

One reason that someone should get a flood insurance policy is that it can be required by a mortgage lender. If you have a home that is located in a flood zone, there is a good chance that your mortgage lender will require that you maintain flood insurance. In many situations, they will need you to escrow payments on a monthly basis to ensure you stay current. 

Provides Valuable Coverage

Those that are concerned about flood damage in their area should get coverage simply for the protection it provides. If there is ever a bad flood in your area, it could be devastating for your home. To ensure that you are properly covered for this risk and potential damage, you should make sure that you get a full flood insurance policy. 

If you are looking for flood insurance in the Palm Coast, FL area, you should call All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School to discuss your needs. Picking a flood insurance policy is never easy but the team at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School can make it easier for you. When you speak with the team here, you are going to learn a lot more about how flood insurance can protect you and your home. They can then help you choose a policy that gives you the right coverage and peace of mind. 

Do I need home insurance in Palm Coast?

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As you are looking for a new place to live, the Palm Coast, FL area can be a great option. If you move here, you can enjoy the great weather and local amenities. For those that are going to purchase a home here, getting the right home insurance is vital as it could be a necessity for many buyers. 

Required by Association

One reason that you may need to have home insurance in the Palm Coast area is that a home association could require it. If you live in a home association, the other members will want to ensure you are able to repair your home or pay for any damages that you or your property create. One of the best ways to do this is by making sure that all owners in the community carry a full home insurance policy.

Required by Lender

You are also likely going to need to get a home insurance policy if your mortgage lender requires it. Most of the time, a mortgage lender will require that you have one year of insurance paid upfront when you close on a home. Going forward, they will require that you escrow for future payments monthly. Doing this helps to ensure you do not have a lapse in insurance, which protects their collateral.

Anyone that is looking for home insurance in the Palm Coast, FL area should contact All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School to discuss their insurance needs. The team at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School can help you better understand all of your options when it comes to protecting your home. We can then help you find a policy that ensures you are fully protected. 

How to stay up-to date with your auto insurance while on vacation

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There is so much to think about when going on a holiday, especially with regards to your insured assets. It is normal to feel overwhelmed and wonder whether it is a good idea to notify your insurance company of your trips or not. Fortunately, you don’t need to. At All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School, we understand that people travel a lot in Palm Coast, FL, and across the world. However, it is always prudent to let your auto insurance know that you will be away for more than 30 days.

Can I suspend my auto insurance?

Of course. If you are going to be away for a more extended period let’s say more than three months or are not sure how long you will be away, you can always agree with your insurance provider to suspend or lower your rates depending on whether you will use the car or not. It is essential to inform your provider early before your bills are late. If you are leaving with your vehicle, you will also need to inform your provider.

When should you cancel your policy?

Since all the 50 states require you to carry minimum liability coverage, you may face a few challenges when trying to cancel your policy. Instead of withdrawing it, your insurance provider may request that you suspend or slash your costs. You also have the option of removing yourself from the policy and letting another member take over while you are away. This is the best option if you have other people being left behind.

Auto insurance concept is complex. Making assumptions can mislead you into making the wrong decisions. If you live in or around Palm Coast, FL, feel free to visit us at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School, and we will be happy to share more information with you.

How Do You Ensure You Have The Right Amount Of Flood Insurance?

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Several different types of insurance are meant to protect a home or personal property. One particular type is part of a national government program to protect homeowners from damages related to flooding in a variety of scenarios. Flood insurance can be the layer of coverage to allow you to pick up the pieces and get back to normal when nature takes a turn for the worse.

Flood Insurance Protection

Flood insurance will cover structural damages to the covered items listed on the policy, which can include personal items as well. Before buying flood insurance, it’s essential to know precisely what level of coverage you need. To properly make a selection, work with a licensed insurance agent who knows the ins and outs of flood insurance policies. They can explain critical details that you need to be aware of before signing the policy. 

Agents are There to Help

Flood insurance is a unique type of insurance coverage that has many terms and conditions to be aware of before you make a purchase. Your insurance agent can explain all of the fine print and important points of interest so you can be a more educated buyer. Anyone who is currently searching for flood insurance in the Palm Coast, FL area can rely on All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School to provide them with the coverage and guidance they need to get the right protection for their situation.

Get the assistance you need to get essential flood insurance to protect your home and property. Call or stop by the office of All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School today for more details and to schedule a consultation. Residents of Palm Coast, FL can get the peace of mind they need with flood insurance coverage. 

What happens if your home insurance policy lapses?

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Your home insurance plan is essential when you want to protect your personal finances in Palm Coast, FL. Such is the reason why you should make sure that your premiums are paid on time to ensure that there are no lapses in coverage. You should call the agents at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School immediately if your home insurance plan has been canceled or is at risk of lapsing. 

What does a lapse in insurance mean?

Lapses in home insurance are instances where there is no coverage. The most common reason for gaps in indemnity protection is because of missed payments. 

Many insurance providers offer grace periods that homeowners can lean on if they happen to run late on making monthly premium payments. Those who go beyond the grace period generally forfeit their policy’s coverage and are fully responsible for any losses during the time that they are uninsured. 

What happens when a home insurance policy lapses?

You are at risk of paying higher rates when you let your home insurance plan lapse. Data shows that those who maintain their indemnity policies are less likely to file claims for losses. Meanwhile, those who have several gaps in insurance are generally regarded as high-risk customers. 

Those with lenders are also at risk of having the mortgage company purchase coverage on their behalf. This type of insurance is not meant to protect your assets but rather to guard the lender from significant financial loss in the instance of your home being damaged beyond repair. You will pay the highest premiums for home insurance chosen by the lender. 

Do not let your home insurance fall behind!

The financial responsibility of incidents that occur while you are uninsured completely rests on your shoulders. Do not let your home indemnity plan in Palm Coast, FL lapse! Instead, call the agents at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School to learn about your available options.