How To Determine The Amount Of Home Insurance You Need

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Purchasing home insurance is important for any homeowner, whether they are financing or own the home outright. The best way to protect that investment is to have the right level of home insurance coverage in place. The goal is to avoid gaps in coverage and to have a policy value that will reflect the appropriate replacement cost of the home.

Home Insurance Coverage Calculations

The best way to find the policy value a homeowner needs to be completely protected is to work with an insurance agent with plenty of experience assisting clients. They will need to know the value of the home in questions, including any additional structure on the property. Additionally, they will also need an accurate assessment of all of the contents and may advise the owner to save receipts and any appraisals that may be relevant in case there is a claim at a later date. Having all of the information handy will help expedite the claims process and prevent issues with the provider. Once a number is reached, the insurance agent will suggest a policy amount that will accurately reflect the value of the property as a whole. There are a couple of different types of home insurance to choose from, which they can help you understand more clearly during the shopping process. 

Let An Agent Assist You

One of the best ways to protect yourself when it comes to purchasing insurance is to be educated. An insurance agent can help you learn about the terms and conditions and provide you with relevant information and need to know fine print included in the policy language. Anyone who is living in the Oviedo, FL area can rely on the agents at Karla Salmon Insurance to guide them in the right direction and assist before, during, and after the policy purchase. 

Call or stop by Karla Salmon Insurance, serving the Oviedo, FL area today to schedule an appointment with an agent or to ask questions about policy options. 

Benefits of Commercial Insurance for New and Growing Businesses

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Getting commercial insurance is an important step in establishing a new business and protecting a growing one. The funds that it provides following a disaster can make the difference between a quick recovery and struggling as a business. One thing that sets commercial insurance apart from other policies is that it can be tailored to fit the specific needs of a business. This is beneficial for both new and growing businesses in the Oviedo, FL area. At Karla Salmon Insurance, our agents want to make sure that you have the coverage that your business needs to grow. 

Each part of the initial package will cover specific areas of the business. For instance, property insurance covers any buildings the business owns but it also protects the building’s contents including inventory, office equipment, and materials. Liability insurance protects your business if a guest is injured on the business property due to negligence or by a product or service the business provides. Additional liability coverage is available for professional corporations such as physicians and attorneys. Worker’s compensation covers employees if they are injured on the job. Another option is business continuity coverage that supports businesses recovering from a disaster that doesn’t allow them to operate. If your business has a corporate fleet, it can be covered with commercial auto insurance. 

Commercial insurance allows new and growing businesses with many opportunities to protect themselves. At Karla Salmon Insurance, our agents work with businesses in the Oviedo, FL area to ensure that they have the coverage that they need to protect their growing business. Basic information can be explored on our website but when you are ready, contact us.  You’ve worked hard to bring a new idea to the marketplace.  Make sure that it is protected so that it can grow. Call us today!

Do All Oviedo Homeowners Need Home Insurance?

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Home insurance may sometimes feel like a universal thing. After all, why would someone own something as valuable as property and then choose not to protect it? But the reality may be more complicated than this, and it’s something that you should be aware of if you’re interested in protecting your resale value. If you live in Oviedo, FL, Karla Salmon Insurance is here to give you more information about whether it’s required or not. 

The Standard Laws 

If your home is financed through a lender, then you’re typically required to carry a certain amount of coverage. This is the lender’s why of ensuring that they don’t lose out on their investment. If you live in an HOA, there may also be rules about having coverage that all homeowners are required to follow. This is the development’s way of keeping everyone’s home values protected so the development can remain desirable. It can also help safeguard against community-wide incidents (e.g., a fire that spreads from home to home). 

Understanding Home Insurance 

Unlike a car in most states, there is no requirement for home insurance if the owner owns the property free and clear in Oviedo, FL. And this is something that all homeowners need to take into consideration. Because other people’s homes do affect the overall valuation of your block. And if people aren’t taking care of them, neglect can ultimately impact your home’s value. 

For the most part, you can rest assured that people have home insurance to protect their investment in your neighborhood. However, it helps to know about the potential outliers just in case. If you’re concerned about keeping up your coverage, give Karla Salmon Insurance a call today to learn more about how different kinds of policies work to protect you.  

How Long Will It take for my Insurance Company to Process My Claim After an Accident?

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Accidents can occur at any time and are definitely not on the list of fun things to deal with. In Oviedo, FL, if you are involved in an accident, you need to call your agent at Karla Salmon Insurance as soon as possible. An agent will walk you through the claims process and try to move things along as quickly as possible. By providing the agent with the information they need, the process will go much faster.

After an Accident

As soon as an accident occurs, you need to call your insurance agent. They will be able to tell you what information you will need and will instruct you on what photographs to take so that you can accurately document the scene and the various types of damage.

Filing a Claim

Once you have finished with the police, you will be able to go to your insurance company and file a claim. You will need to have the other driver’s information, both personal contact information and insurance. You may also be required to obtain a copy of the police report and any citations that were issued.

Completing the Process

In most cases, processing your claim will go rather fast. Some cases are resolved in less than a week, while others may take two to three weeks to complete. 

Remain in close contact with your agent during the claims process. At Karla Salmon Insurance, residents of Oviedo, FL can rest assured that their claim will be handled as expeditiously as possible. Call your agent today if you have questions about your claim or if there is anything that you need to be doing while it is being processed. 

Commercial Insurance and the Things You Need to Consider

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When you are looking to start a company, opening one up in the Oviedo, FL area is a great option. Those that start a company in Oviedo will find that the local market provides a wide range of benefits, including a great local economy and various other incentives. When you are going to start a company in this area, it is smart to acquire a commercial insurance policy. There are many reasons why commercial insurance is a necessity for businesses in this area.

Ensures Assets are Protected

One reason why you need to get commercial insurance is that it ensures that your assets are protected. Any small business will need seed capital to buy inventory and equipment. If you are a growing firm, losing these assets to theft, vandalism, or another form of damage would be devastating. When you have commercial insurance, it will ensure that your assets are all properly protected. 

Provides Coverage for Liability

Additionally, commercial insurance will also ensure that you are covered for liability. If you start a company, you need to remember that there is always a risk that you could be sued. Due to this continued risk, having liability commercial insurance is a necessity. This will ensure that you have protection if you are sued. 

If you would like to start a business in the Oviedo, FL area, you need to make sure that you get commercial insurance. Once you are ready to start shopping for insurance for your company, you should reach out to the team at Karla Salmon Insurance. The insurance team at Karla Salmon Insurance knows all of the risks that exist for small business owners. They can help you to mitigate these risks by finding you commercial coverage that best fits your company’s needs. 

Protect Your Home From Burglary

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Homeowners in the Oviedo, FL area are smart to protect their homes from burglary. Follow these helpful tips from the team at Karla Salmon Insurance and keep your family home safe! We are here to address any questions or concerns that you may have about home insurance and protecting your family! The right insurance policy is another way to protect your home and family. Contact us today to learn more about the available options.

Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe from Burglars

  • Install motion detection lights — light is an effective tool for deterring unwanted visitors to your house.
  • Trim all branches away from your windows — don’t give burglars a way inside!
  • Keep all shrubbery neat and trimmed — thick shrubs can provide cover for a would-be burglar, make sure to keep your landscaping tidy and well-lit.
  • Install a burglar alarm — when you have an alarm system that’s connected to your area’s first responders, you give your family another level of protection.
  • Use light timers when you will be away from home for an extended period of time — a dark house is often an attractive target. By keeping your house lit when you aren’t home you can help to repel robbers.
  • Review your homeowner’s policy — make sure that you have the protection you need before you need it! The right policy provides the peace of mind and protection that your family needs to stay safe. 

If you are in the greater Oviedo, FL area and have questions about your home insurance, contact the team at Karla Salmon Insurance today! We are here to help you protect your home, and will be at your side should your home fall victim to burglary. Let us help you ensure that you have the protection you need.

Home insurance endorsements that you may need

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Before you can consider what home insurance endorsements that you need, you have to understand precisely what an endorsement is and which ones are offered. An insurance endorsement is an amendment that is added to a policy that changes specific coverage on the policy. They are sometimes called riders. In order to have a specific endorsement, you may need to change companies, which is why if you live in or near Oviedo, FL, talking to Karla Salmon Insurance is a good idea.  

Some common endorsements include 

  • Animal liability
  • Mold 
  • Flood
  • Hurricane
  • Jewelry 
  • Sinkholes

Some of these endorsements are for things that are very common in Florida. Some home policies cover hurricane damage. Others require an endorsement. It is up to you to read your policy carefully and to discuss specific coverage with your agent. Mold, flood, and sinkholes are all too common and need to be covered in order to have peace of mind. 

If you have more than a piece or two of jewelry, the jewelry endorsement is a must. Typically if you have an engagement ring, that is about the extent of the coverage your policy has. Be sure to get an appraisal for your jewelry and submit it with the endorsement. 

Pets are a significant liability, and some animals are not covered and can’t be covered by an endorsement. If you are a pet owner, you need to check with your insurance company to determine if your breed is among those that can be covered. 

You can only decide the endorsements you need for your Florida home, but if you live in or near Oviedo, FL, Karla Salmon Insurance can help you to make this critical decision. Give us a call or stop by our office and let us make sure that you have all the coverage you need.

Benefits of Getting Auto Insurance in Florida

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Oviedo, FL is an excellent place for people to live as it has a great local economy and other local benefits. If you do live in this area of Florida, it is vital that you get auto insurance. There are several benefits that you will receive when you have a car insurance policy in place. 

Liability Coverage

One of the best benefits that come when you get car insurance is that you will receive liability insurance coverage. Even if you think you are a perfect and safe driver, there is always a chance that you could be at fault in a car accident whenever you take your car out on the road. Due to this continued risk, you need to make sure that you always have auto insurance in place. The liability component will protect you in the event you are found to be at fault for an accident that results in damage.

Protects Property

Beyond having the liability coverage, you also need to make sure that your valued asset is covered as well. A car is a critical asset that requires a significant investment to buy. Due to this, you always need to make sure that you get a full insurance policy in place whenever you buy a car. This insurance will protect you from a variety of situations that could result in a loss. 

If you are going to buy a car in Florida, you need to make sure that you have auto insurance at all times. When you are looking for a policy in the Oviedo, FL area, you should make sure that you call the Karla Salmon Insurance Agency. When you do this, the team at Karla Salmon Insurance will help you to figure out what your best insurance options are. This will make sure that you get the best coverage possible. Contact our office for more information.

What Your Teen Should Know About Auto Insurance

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Getting a driver’s license is a huge milestone for any teenager. It can also be a time of worry for parents. Karla Salmon Insurance is dedicated to helping our Oviedo, FL families navigate the exciting, and sometimes scary, world of auto insurance for teens. Here we have created a shortlist of important insurance facts every teen driver should know.

Insurance Is Required By Law

Every vehicle you drive in Florida must meet the minimum legal insurance requirement. This means you have to have at least personal injury protection and property damage liability on your car insurance policy. If you cannot show proof of insurance, then you could face conviction, fines, and have your license suspended for violating the law. 

Stay Safe

Florida is a Zero Tolerance state for driving under the influence as a minor. If you are caught driving drunk under the age of 21 you will have your license suspended. Reckless driving (such as causing property damage or texting while driving) also has long-lasting consequences for your driving record. These dangerous activities can have a negative impact on your standing with your insurance provider. Not only could you risk losing your insurance or license, but you are also endangering your life and those around you.

Responsible Driving Is Rewarding

Being a smart, conscientious driver is not only safe, but it’s also rewarding, too. Many communities in and around Oviedo, FL offer special recognition for teen drivers that practice good driving habits. Look into your local chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) for fun and educational driver safety instruction. Taking a driver training course, keeping up good grades, and obeying underage traffic curfews all look fantastic on your record for insurance.

For more teen driver insurance information please contact Karla Salmon Insurance today!

Three Things to Remember When Changing Home Insurance Policies

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It’s great that you own a home in Oviedo, FL. Having a place to call your own is a special part of life, but it comes with a few extra responsibilities. One of those is home insurance. Some people find the perfect policy and never have to switch, but for many others, adjusting policies is an inevitable part of life. If you’re in that second group, keep in mind these tips from Karla Salmon Insurance.

Notify Your Mortgage Lender

If your home is still under mortgage, it’s vital to notify your lender that you’re changing insurance policies. There are several reasons for this. The collateral on home loans is the home itself. Every lender is going to want to vet your new insurance policy. Unexpected changes to your insurance policies could look like a lapse in coverage. If they aren’t adequately informed of a switch before it happens, it could end up costing you a lot of extra money you weren’t planning to spend.

Avoid Coverage Gaps

While some switches appear as coverage gaps, other switches can include them. It’s vital to make sure that you will have nonstop coverage. Even a single day between policies is enough to incur hefty fees for any house still under a mortgage. Lenders have special insurance policies that cover gaps like this. Those policies aren’t cheap, and there’s a good chance your mortgage contract makes you responsible for covering that cost.

Understand the Payments

The last thing to remember is that homeowner’s policies are significant. There are plenty of reasons to make a switch, but it’s not like going to a new shop for an oil change. These policies scale to the value of your home, and new policies will often want upfront payment. Altogether, the switch can leave you with a single month where your out of pocket costs are a little higher than normal. It helps to budget accordingly.

If you want to be sure you’re getting a great deal for your home, a conversation with your agent can go a long way. Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL has the resources you need to make informed decisions and find the right policy.