Are Outbuildings Covered By My Homeowners Insurance in Florida?

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At Karla Salmon Insurance, we get a lot of questions about homeowners insurance from property owners in the Winter Springs and Oviedo, FL areas. The more our areas grow, the more questions increase in numbers and scope. Some of these questions involve outbuildings on a property. Here are some of the more frequent questions and answers.

What is an Outbuilding?

An outbuilding is a structure located on a property but separate from the main building. Examples include sheds, storage units, an unattached garage, and fencing.

Does my Homeowners Insurance Cover These Outbuildings?

The short answer is "probably". Many policies cover these structures to mirror the coverage of the main structure. However, outbuildings may not be covered for damage caused by lack of maintenance, pests, or insect damage. They may also be uncovered due to damage from flooding if a separate flood insurance policy is not in place on the main structure.

Are There Limits to Coverage of Outbuildings

Outbuilding coverage is generally tied to the overall limits of the primary homeowners’ insurance policy. This may include limits on the coverage of an outbuilding’s contents.

If you own a home in the Winter Springs and Oviedo, FL areas, you are in the midst of explosive growth. This includes massive commercial and residential developments. Home values are rapidly increasing, meaning you can quickly outgrow your homeowners’ insurance. Karla Salmon Insurance can review your present home insurance policy and provide a price quote. If you are unsure about your homeowner insurance and its coverage and limits, reach out to Karla Salmon Insurance, which serves Winter Springs, Geneva, Sanford, and Oviedo, FL.

Must Have Auto Insurance Coverages for Oviedo, FL Drivers

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If you live in Oviedo, the last thing on your mind while cruising down Orlando’s suburban roads is getting in an automobile accident. Auto accidents cause thousands of dollars in property damages and personal injuries and even lead to lawsuit filings in legal liability claims. 

Protect yourself and the passengers in your vehicle with the best auto insurance coverages available for your situation. 

Insurance pros at Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL can talk to you about must-have coverages for local area drivers. 

Must-Have Auto Insurance Coverage for Oviedo, FL Drivers 

  • Bodily Injury Liability: This mandatory liability insurance coverage helps to cover the costs of medical expenses for injured drivers if you’re at fault for a car accident. 
  • Property Damage Liability: Most drivers don’t ever expect to damage someone else’s property while driving on palm tree-lined Florida roads, but it can happen. Adequate liability insurance can help cover the costs. 
  • Collision Coverage: Collision coverage isn’t mandatory, but it is highly recommended for Florida drivers who want to have fewer out-of-pocket expenses for the repair or replacement of their vehicle when it’s been in an accident. 
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive insurance coverage offers a total insurance solution that includes protections for collisions, weather-related incidents, and non-collision-related incidents like vandalism or theft. 
  • Roadside Assistance: Adding roadside assistance to an automobile insurance policy can save policyholders time and money spent waiting for emergency roadside assistance on the side of Florida’s blistering hot roads. 
  • Rental Car Reimbursement: Talk to licensed insurance agents to learn about rental car reimbursement if you’re stuck without your car for a while because of accident-related car repairs. 

Please don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your four-wheeled investments. Contact Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL, and get an auto insurance quote today! 

Ridesharing and Auto Insurance: What Drivers Need to Know

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Ridesharing services, like Uber and Lyft, have transformed how we commute. Whether you’re a full-time rideshare driver or occasionally offer rides to supplement your income, understanding the auto insurance implications is crucial. Here at Karla Salmon Insurance, providing auto insurance to customers in the greater Oviedo, FL region, we want to help you learn what rideshare drivers need to know about auto insurance.

Personal Auto Insurance

Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover commercial activities like ridesharing. Your coverage may be denied if you’re involved in an accident while driving for a rideshare company and only have personal insurance.

Rideshare Company Coverage

Rideshare companies typically provide insurance coverage while you’re actively driving for them. However, these policies often have coverage gaps, such as when you’re waiting for a ride request or driving without a passenger. It’s essential to understand when the rideshare company’s insurance applies.

Gap Insurance

Some insurance companies offer rideshare or gap insurance to bridge the coverage gaps. This additional coverage can protect you when using your vehicle for personal use but still has the potential for ride-share-related incidents.

If you’re a rideshare driver, don’t overlook the importance of proper auto insurance coverage. Review your personal policy, understand your rideshare company’s coverage, and consider adding gap insurance if necessary. Being informed and adequately insured will provide peace of mind as you navigate the roads as a rideshare driver, ensuring you’re protected in case of unexpected events. If you’re a rideshare driver and unsure if your auto insurance policy covers you, or you’re looking for a new policy in the greater Oviedo, FL region, reach out to the team at Karla Salmon Insurance to get help finding the perfect policy today. 

Does Home Insurance Cover My Valuables If They Were Stolen Outside of the Home?

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At Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL, we help homeowners cover their houses and the valuables inside their homes. When your most prized possessions are stolen, figuring out whether you can pay for their replacement can be stressful. While each policy specifies terms and limits, we can offer general guidance and hop around the topic of stolen belongings below.

Does Home Insurance Cover Stolen Belongings Outside the House?

Although break-ins threaten homeowners, valuable possessions are at risk of theft outside the home. Many home insurance policies provide coverage for valuables even if they’re stolen off the premises of the primary dwelling. For example, if you find yourself traveling and notice that a thief snagged your luggage, you might be able to file a claim and cover the costs of replacing the stolen items through your insurance policy. Of course, limits and policy terms apply to this situation. Even if you can’t be reimbursed for the entirety of the costs of the stolen items, this can help ease the financial burden after this devastating event happens. 

If your home insurance policy wouldn’t usually cover an item, or you’ve reached your limits, then it’s doubtful it would be covered if it’s stolen outside the home. If an item was in an area outside the house already covered by your home insurance policy, such as the garage or deck, it should still be covered. For special items like collectibles, you may want to get an insurance policy that specifically covers those valuables, so they’re covered inside and outside the home.

To protect your valuables, speak with an agent at Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL, today!

How commercial insurance can help save your small business

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All businesses have to deal with risk to stay in business. This is of particular importance to small businesses, which are more vulnerable. Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL, is an independent insurance agency that provides an experienced team of insurance professionals to help to answer any questions you may have about commercial insurance. 

Commercial property insurance

Commercial property insurance is particularly vital for small businesses. If your business is destroyed or damaged, you may not have what you need to continue to do business. Commercial insurance can help to replace the things you need to do business. Depending on your type of business, it could mean pipes and tools for a plumber, racks, display cases, a cash register for a store, machinery for a factory or office equipment, and records for an accountant. 

Commercial liability insurance

Being sued is one of the biggest dangers that all businesses face. If you don’t have commercial liability insurance, the cost of a judgment against you and the ensuing legal fees could force you to close your doors forever. It is not worth the risk when commercial insurance is easy to get and affordable. 

Business interruption insurance

Any business will struggle if its source of income is shut off. Small businesses are more vulnerable than large ones to temporary closures. The obligations that your business has are not going to stop just because you have no income. If your business is closed by a covered hazard, business interruption insurance will allow you to pay your bills, rent, payroll, and even salary yourself. 

Contact Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL to discuss the commercial insurance your small business could benefit from. Please stop by our office or call us for a no-obligation quote. 

Why basic auto insurance may not be the right choice

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Basic auto insurance is the insurance that is required by the state you live in. Florida is a no-fault state requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL). You must have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP and a minimum of $10,000 in PDL. This helps to take care of others who suffer damage to their vehicle due to an accident you are found to be at fault. It also covers your injuries. 

When choosing auto coverage, you can count on Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL to offer the assistance and customer service you require. 

Basic auto coverage may be okay if you have no assets and a vehicle with very little value, but you will need more for everyone else. 

Liability coverage

Liability insurance protects you from legal action that may be taken against you due to an auto accident. It pays not only for the judgment but for legal fees as well. 

Collision

When your vehicle is damaged, in an accident, by a hit and run, or in a one-vehicle accident, this insurance will pay to have your car repaired or replaced after the deductible is paid. 

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage covers most other types of damage your vehicle can sustain. Things like hail, strong winds, floods, vandalism, and theft. It also includes glass coverage which will replace your windshield if it is damaged. 

Gap coverage

Gap insurance covers the dollar amount between the amount of your car loan and the value the insurance company gives to your vehicle. 

At Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL, we will be here to help when you need us. Give us a call or stop by our office. 

Tips for making your home a safer place

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Safety in the home is an essential aspect of homeownership. Making your home safe from danger inside and out is vital to your personal safety and security. At Karla Salmon Insurance Oviedo, FL, our insurance experts are here to answer your questions and put your mind at rest about your home insurance coverage. 

Security

You should feel safe when you are at home. If you have been thinking about getting a home security system, now is the time actually to do it. Many systems are DIY projects that can be accomplished in a short time without needing any help. By adding cameras to the exterior of your home and motion-activated lights, you can always know who might be approaching your home. You should always use your door and window locks. They are free and are a deterrent. 

Storm shutters and hurricane-proof windows

Florida is twice as likely to be hit by a hurricane than any other hurricane-prone state. Florida residents need to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane. By having storm shutters and shatterproof glass, you can limit some potential damage. If you are in an area prone to hurricanes, having a generator is necessary.  

Clear clutter

Clutter is a significant danger to both your personal safety and the safety of your home. Clutter is a fire hazard to your home and a trip and fall hazard to you. Keep all walkways and stairs clear and well-lit. Don’t keep anything that is potentially flammable in an area that is not air-conditioned. It gets very hot in the summer in Florida. 

When you need assistance with your home insurance, give our office a call or stop by the office for a no-obligation quote at Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL.

Why is Commercial Insurance Important?

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The commercial insurance agents at Karla Salmon Insurance serving the Oviedo, FL area are touting the importance of commercial insurance for business owners. This type of insurance will help protect your business, which is also your livelihood, so this is an essential type of insurance to have in place.

Any Florida company that uses vehicles for business purposes must have commercial vehicle insurance, whether it’s the owner’s personal vehicle or a fleet of vehicles owned by the business.

Commercial Auto Liability

In Florida, commercial insurance is not required, but commercial auto liability insurance must be in place for any vehicles used for business purposes. This includes not only vehicles that have been purchased solely for business use but also any personal vehicles that are used for business. This will help protect your business if you or an employee of your company is involved in an accident.

Commercial Liability Insurance Coverage

Professional commercial liability insurance coverage is not required in Florida, but it is an excellent type of policy to have in place. Also referred to as errors and omissions insurance, this type of insurance can protect you against the cost and the lawsuit that is filed against you for work you’ve done for a client or customer that was not satisfactory. This type of insurance can also assist you in covering the costs of medical bills and possibly lost wages if a customer or visitor to your business is injured on your property.

Commercial Property Insurance

To help you recover any inventory that is lost due to vandalism, a burglary, a natural disaster, or even a fire, you should have commercial property insurance in place.

Contact Karla Salmon Insurance

The agents at Karla Salmon Insurance serving the Oviedo, FL area have the experience and knowledge needed to create the best possible commercial insurance policy for you and your business. Call today to get your policy started!

Why Are Certain Dog Breeds Precluded From Home Insurance Policies?

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Here at Karla Salmon Insurance, providing residents in Oviedo, FL with home insurance, two of the questions that we are asked are why certain dog breeds are precluded from home insurance policies and what happens if you have one of these dog breeds despite them being precluded from your home insurance policy. Read on to find out the answers to these questions. 

Why Are Certain Dog Breeds Precluded From Home Insurance Policies?

Certain home insurance companies preclude certain breeds of dogs because certain breeds of dogs are more likely to bite people and cause injuries. Home insurance companies keep data and then mull over that date to find out what breeds have bitten individuals and lead to home insurance claims being filed. Based on that information, companies have decided to preclude these breeds of dogs from home insurance policies or increase the price of your policy based on the breed of dog you own because they are considered high-risk. 

What Happens If You Have a Dog Breed That Is Precluded From Your Home Insurance Policy? 

If your home insurance policy precludes a breed of dog from your policy, it does not mean that you cannot own that type of dog. You can still own the dog. However, if your dog happens to bite someone or cause injury to someone, your home insurance policy will not cover the costs associated with that event. You will be personally responsible for any costs, including medical care. 

Here at Karla Salmon Insurance, serving the greater Oviedo, FL area, we want to match homeowners up with the right insurance policy for their needs. Some companies do preclude specific breeds of dogs, while other companies may offer insurance with no breed exclusions. We can help you find the insurance plan that fits your family’s needs. Call us today to get started. 

Protect Your Ride With the Right Auto Insurance Policy

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As a car owner, you know that your vehicle is an investment. But it can be challenging to determine which auto insurance policy is right for you. After all, so many different policies with various coverage options are available. To ensure your car is adequately protected, you must understand what coverage you need and how much it will cost. Here are some of the options Karla Salmon Insurance can offer for Oviedo, FL residents.

Liability Coverage 

All states require drivers to have liability coverage, which protects other people if they are responsible for an accident. Liability coverage includes two types of coverage: bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Bodily injury covers medical expenses for people injured in an accident that was your fault. Property damage covers any repairs needed for property affected by an accident (e.g., another vehicle or a building). 

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage helps pay for repairs if you are involved in an accident with another driver or object (e.g., a tree or telephone pole). This type of coverage also pays for damages caused by flipping or rolling over your vehicle during an accident—something that’s not covered by liability coverage. 

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by something other than a collision, such as theft, weather-related events (e.g., hail damage), or vandalism (e.g., broken windows). This type of coverage also pays if your car is stolen or damaged while parked on the street or in a parking lot—something else not covered by liability insurance. 

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects if you’re involved in an accident with someone who does not have sufficient insurance to cover all damages incurred during the accident—or no insurance at all! This policy also covers lost wages due to accidental injuries and medical bills resulting from an uninsured driver’s negligence. 

If you’re looking for reliable auto insurance policies in Oviedo, FL, contact Karla Salmon Insurance today!