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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!

How to Choose Commercial Insurance in Florida

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What Types of Commercial Insurance Are Available in Florida?

A few commercial insurance types are available in Florida, including the following.

  1. Property insurance
  2. Liability insurance
  3. Workers’ compensation insurance
  4. Automobile insurance

How Much Does Commercial Insurance Cost in Florida?

The cost of commercial insurance in Florida will vary, and premium costs depend on the type and amount of coverage you need.

For example, property insurance rates will be based on the replacement value of your property. In contrast, liability insurance rates will be based on the amount of coverage you need and the type of business you operate.

Consequences of Not Having Commercial Insurance in Florida

Suppose you do not have the proper amount of commercial insurance in Florida.

Without commercial insurance to protect your business, you could be held liable for damages or injuries on your property.

Additionally, your business could be sued and forced to pay expensive legal fees. In some cases, your business could even be forced to shut down!

How to Choose Commercial Insurance in Florida

The first step to choosing the best commercial insurance is determining your needed coverage.

Talk to a knowledgeable commercial insurance agency at Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL, to learn about the insurance options for your business. Expert insurance agents at Karla Salmon Insurance can provide you with a commercial insurance quote that best suits your needs and budget.

The next steps are to review your policy options and choose your commercial insurance premiums, coverages, and policy add-ons. Once you’ve completed all the necessary steps and your premium payment, your insurance agent can officially activate your commercial insurance policy in Florida!

Get Commercial Insurance in Oviedo, FL

Contact a licensed commercial insurance agent at Karla Salmon Insurance for a free quote!

Three Tips to Keep Your Home Safe From Vandalism and Theft

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It’s crucial to ensure that your Oviedo, FL home is protected from burglary and vandalism. While crime rates may decrease in certain areas, that doesn’t mean you should become complacent with home security. Here are three simple tips from Karla Salmon Insurance that can help keep your home safe from vandals and thieves.

Install an alarm system

An alarm system helps protect your home from vandalism and theft by alerting you to an intrusion. You can do this through motion sensors, door/window contact sensors, glass break detectors, and other types of sensors. When the alarm is triggered, an alarm will sound, a notification will be sent to you, and in some cases, the police will be alerted. This gives you the time to take action and prevent or reduce the damage caused by vandalism and theft.

Use outdoor lighting

Outdoor lighting can deter would-be vandals and thieves by making it more difficult for them to hide in the shadows and remain undetected. Additionally, outdoor lighting can make it easier to identify suspicious activity, allowing homeowners to call the police if they see something out of the ordinary. Finally, outdoor lighting can provide an additional layer of security by providing visibility to areas around the home that may be susceptible to break-ins.

Secure doors and windows

Securing doors and windows can help protect a home from vandalism and theft by making it more difficult for intruders to access the house. The use of deadbolts, keyed locks, or other security measures on the doors and windows makes it harder for an intruder to enter the home, reducing the likelihood of a break-in. Additionally, visible security measures can deter potential criminals, who may move on to an easier target if they see that your home is secure.

Karla Salmon Insurance is a locally owned and operated insurance provider serving Oviedo, FL. We are dedicated to ensuring that our clients feel secure with their home insurance coverage. We understand the importance of having reliable insurance protection, and we strive to provide outstanding service and competitive rates. Contact us today!

Towing the Line

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If you wear your seat belt, you may survive an auto accident without even a scratch. The same might not be said about your car. After insurance is exchanged and the police have taken reports, there’s still the genuine problem of getting a no longer viable vehicle off the street. In Florida, that can cost anywhere from $75 to $125, depending on the distance towed. If it’s only somewhere between five and ten miles, it’s $50 minimum. Who gets the bad news? 

Roadside Assistance

If you add roadside assistance coverage to your auto insurance, this may cover towing expenses. This is if your car breaks down on the road due to mechanical failure, out of gas, a nail in the tire, etc. If you need towing due to another driver’s mistake, they may have to pay for your towing through their liability insurance. Keep in mind that Florida is an At-Fault state. Also, remember to check your policy and hold on to those receipts. 

Making Roadside Assistance Work for You

You could call the tow company, pay upfront, hold onto the receipt and let your insurer reimburse you later. Or you could call your insurer and let them make the towing arrangements for you. Remember, there may be a limit to your insurer’s willingness to pay. If your problem is a dead battery or being out of gas, your insurer may make arrangements for you to get what you need to have your car moving on its own again rather than call the tow truck. If you have an electric vehicle, the roadside assistance coverage may cover a tow to a charging station. Please read the whole thing to find out what you can get before you need it. 

Karla Salmon Insurance Serving Oviedo, FL 

If you feel like you need your insurance policy explained, Karla Salmon Insurance will help you understand everything clearly. 

Is Auto Insurance About Compliance Only?

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You have probably invested in car insurance because it’s mandatory. For instance, Florida requires all motorists to invest in property damage liability and personal injury protection. But should you invest in car insurance because your state requires it? Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL differs. Car insurance is more than just compliance. Here are the reasons.

State-required car insurance isn’t adequate.

Your mandatory car insurance is just a minimum. For instance, Florida only requires $10,000 each for PIP and property liability insurance. When faced with significant accidents, these amounts can only go far in protecting you.

We often advise our clients to increase the limits of the state minimums. For example, we advise clients to consider combined property damage and bodily injury liability coverage of above $300,000. If you need higher liability coverage, we recommend investing in umbrella insurance.

Similarly, a requirement of $10,000 for PIP is just too low, given the high cost of healthcare in the US. We usually advise you on the appropriate PIP amount after evaluating your health insurance coverage. We can advise you on balancing the two policies for optimal benefits.

Basic insurance doesn’t cover you.

In most cases, mandatory car insurance only protects third parties but not you and your vehicle. Considering that, it’s advisable to opt for optional car insurance policies. If you want to protect your vehicle from risks like fire and collisions, invest in comprehensive and collision policies. These insurance policies repair or replace your car when lost or damaged by a covered peril.

Car insurance in Florida

There are enough reasons to purchase more than the state-required car insurance. All-rounded car insurance gives you optimal protection and peace of mind throughout your car ownership. Want to buy car insurance in Oviedo, FL? Please get in touch with Karla Salmon Insurance for affordable car insurance.

 

Hurricane Damage Covered by Home Insurance

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Karla Salmon Insurance serves the city of Oviedo, FL with the home insurance it needs to protect the typical American’s most significant investment – their home. In Florida, hurricanes frequently make landfall, damaging homes.

More than just coastal homes incur damage. The rains and winds of a hurricane damage inland homes, too.

Covered: Wind Damage

Your home insurance covers some of this damage. If high winds damage your home, your home insurance covers the damage.

Uncovered: Rising Water Flood

If the rain causes water levels to rise and your home floods, your home insurance does not cover that. Only a flood policy covers that.

Covered: Wind Damage Caused Flooding

However, if winds damage your roof and rainwater enters the home through the wind damage, your home policy does cover that water damage.

Covered: Hail Damage

Hail from the thunderstorms that spawn from a hurricane, the home policy covers. Also, if the hail breaks windows or damages the roof, the home policy does cover the ensuing water damage.

Covered: Mold or Mildew Caused by Roof Damage

If the water that enters the home from above causes mold or mildew, then the home coverage pays for it. Only flood insurance covers if mold or mildew develops because of a rising water flood.

Contact Us

As you can tell, a fine line exists between what home insurance covers from a hurricane and what it does not. Your best line of defense against paying out of pocket for hurricane damage remains proper insurance.

Meet with an agent from Karla Salmon Insurance to learn how best to protect your home from hurricane damage in Oviedo, FL. Let our agency help you determine which policies, riders, and endorsements will best protect your Florida home. When a hurricane hits, ensure your insurance covers the damage to protect your financial security.

Commercial Insurance Tips for New Business Owners

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Starting a new business is hard work. There are so many things to think about – from the products or services you offer, to the branding and marketing, to the day-to-day operations of your company. And that’s just the beginning. One thing that can be easy to forget in this excitement is ensuring your business is adequately insured. Commercial insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing that you and your company are protected in case of an accident or unexpected event. This post will give you tips on what to look for when purchasing commercial insurance for your new business. Keep reading for more information.

1. Consider the Risks of Your Business

Start by assessing the risks associated with your business. For example, what are the chances of someone being injured on your property? Do you have any equipment or inventory that could be damaged or stolen? Are you providing a service that could result in a lawsuit? Once you’ve identified the risks, you can start looking for policies covering those potential problems.

2. Consider the Size and Scope of Your Business

Another factor to consider when choosing commercial insurance is the size and scope of your business. If you’re a small business with just a few employees, you may not need the same level of coverage as a larger company. On the other hand, if you have a lot of employees or operate in multiple states, you’ll need to ensure your policy covers those risks.

3. Shop Around for the Best Policy

Once you know what you need, it’s time to start shopping around for the best policy. There are a lot of insurance companies out there, so take your time and compare different policies. Ensure you understand what each one covers and how much it will cost. You should also check out the company’s financial stability to make sure they’ll be able to pay out if you need to make a claim.

4. Read the Policy Carefully

Once you’ve found a policy that looks like a good fit, take the time to read it carefully. Make sure you understand all of the coverages and exclusions. You don’t want to be caught off guard if something happens and your policy doesn’t cover it.

5. Review Your Policy Regularly

Your business will change over time, so regularly reviewing your commercial insurance policy is essential. Please ensure the coverage is still appropriate for your business and update it as needed.

Get Commercial Insurance in Oviedo, FL

These are just a few tips to help you start commercial insurance for your new business. For more information or a quote, contact Karla Salmon Insurance today. We’ll be happy to help you find the right policy for your business.