3 Tips for Buying Homeowner’s Insurance in Oviedo FL

Home insurance is an easy and affordable way to protect your property. In fact, this asset is so valuable, it needs to be insured in order for the bank to give you a mortgage. Home insurance comes into play when you need to file a claim, such as a liability claim, or a claim for something like fire or theft. If you want to purchase home insurance for your property, read the following three tips to help you get started. 

1. Work with a Reputable Agent

The first thing you need to do to get on the right track in the home insurance buying process is to contact a reputable insurance agent. This individual will ask you a few questions to determine what you need to be covered and the amount you need to cover it. He or she is available to answer all your questions and concerns while you evaluate quotes. If you want to save time and be successful in the process, reach out to a reputable agent at Karla Salmon Insurance. 

2. Compare Many Quotes

No two insurance policies are exactly the same. For this reason, it’s important to compare more than one homeowner’s insurance policy before making a choice. The recommendation, according to Karla Salmon Insurance, is to compare three or more homeowner’s insurance quotes. 

3. Bundle Your Policies

What other insurance policies do you have? Do you have an auto insurance policy? Life? If so, bundle your new homeowner’s insurance policy with your existing policies to save on your premiums. 

To learn more about buying a home insurance policy in Oviedo, FL, you need to contact a reputable agent. Start by calling our team today. 

Do You Need Theft Protection for Your Vehicle in Oviedo?

Theft protection for your vehicle is usually optional if you own it outright, but not everyone realizes this. Many owners will call their insurance company in the case of a stolen auto, even if it’s not actually covered under their policy. If you’re in Oviedo, FL and want to learn more about how theft works, Karla Salmon Insurance wants you to know more. 

Facts and Considerations 

There are a number of anti-theft devices available for drivers today. There are devices out there that will lock your steering wheel or the gas pedal. Or they’ll track down the car using a GPS if someone happens to take it. You might very well choose to rely on this if you have the option. 

But there’s a reason why you’re required to have full coverage on your vehicle if you finance it in any way, and that’s because these strategies aren’t always a reliable way to keep thieves at bay. Whether you forget to use a device or it malfunctions, there’s just too much chance there to take. Having the right auto insurance coverage is the best way to keep yourself protected from theft, as it ensures you get what you need in case there’s no recovering the vehicle. 

Taking Action Today 

Karla Salmon Insurance is here to discuss options with you. Whether you live, work, or visit areas that are more likely to experience car theft, we want to ensure that you feel comfortable going wherever you need to go (and parking wherever you need to park too). If you’re in Oviedo, FL, we can make your auto insurance policy everything it needs to be and more. We look forward to giving you the personalized advice you need to make smart decisions. 

Auto insurance tips for new drivers in Oviedo, FL

New car ownership comes with endless freedom and possibility. That is why it comes with a bit of practical advice–with great driving comes insurance responsibilities. At Karla Salmon Insurance, we always recommend buying enough auto insurance to make sure you do not find yourself in the wrong hands of the law.

Remember, you are supposed to carry a minimum auto insurance coverage for your vehicle in Oviedo, FL. Here are a few tips to help you when you are out to buy new insurance for your car.

Have a budget

While price should never come first when it comes to your safety, a budget helps you determine where to focus. There are cheaper coverages offered by small insurance agencies, which will not be useful to you in the event of a fatal accident. The amount you spend on your premiums determines the amount you will receive as compensation.

Evaluate your insurance needs

You have a life to live after insurance, so make sure all needs are considered when creating a budget. Are you getting married soon? Do you have children in college in the coming years or teenagers who will need to use your car when going somewhere? If that is the case, you can always speak to your insurance expert in Oviedo, FL, to advise you accordingly.

Research your options

Different insurance providers have different ways of calculating insurance premiums.  For this reason, they have to consider various factors such as your address, the model of the car, year of manufacture, your driving records, and many other factors to come up with a solid rate. That doesn’t mean you go for the lowest. Learn what is covered and the limits offered before making a final decision.

As you enjoy being in the driver’s seat, remember to follow the rules and regulations to stay safe. For more information about auto insurance, feel free to contact Karla Salmon Insurance, and we will be happy to help.

Customizing Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Your home may be your castle, but it requires an insurance policy that covers the moat, too. You could purchase a standard HO policy, but you need to customize it to cover the things that make your home a castle. This requires add-ons and riders that your agent at Karla Salmon Insurance of Oviedo, FL can explain further.

The typical HO policy includes property damage coverage from falling objects, fire, hail, lightning, water damage from plumbing, smoke, windstorms, theft, vandalism, HVAC, and damage caused by the weight of snow, sleet, and ice. Personal property also receives protection. Many policies also cover debris removal, plus per diem when you must stay in a hotel or apartment while your home gets repaired. The policy provides liability coverage for lawsuits and financial claims brought by those who were injured accidentally on the property.

You might need to add-on to your policy. One common add-on, sump pump overflow, and water backup coverage that reimburses you for the cleanup and restoration if your sump pump fails and the sewer backs up or overflows into your basement.

You can add to roof coverage including hail and wind damage. Discuss with your agent whether you need it covered for replacement cost or actual cash value. The former pays for a new roof as it costs today, but the latter pays you what the roof on the house was worth when the storm hit. In other words, the depreciated value.

Matching siding coverage covers the cost of replacing all the siding on the house if the siding on the house no longer gets manufactured. The standard HO policy covers only the damaged bits. This add-on lets you put on all-over siding so it continues to match.

You need the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage to protect your home from a flood. Even home not in a flood plain remain at risk for flooding. In an area prone to earthquakes, you need separate coverage for it. The add-on applies to the house, garage, personal property, other structures such as a workshop or shed plus driveways, fences, and sidewalks. 

Most standard policies provide about 10 percent of the value of the home as other structures coverage. You can add to this so your swimming pool or detached office building receives the coverage it needs.

Home renovation insurance covers when you remodel your home. It covers the ongoing work as well as the construction materials, damage, and potential for foundation collapse. Those who work from home may need home-based business coverage to insure their business property as well as cover perils causing a business-interruption and liability. One of the new types of coverage is identity theft coverage. You can bundle this into your home policy to protect your identity and the costs involved with reputation rebuilding.

Call or email Karla Salmon Insurance serving the Oviedo, FL area. We can help you obtain the home policy you need, customized to protect your home.

What Does Commercial Insurance Cover?

If you’re a business owner in Oviedo, FL, then you may be familiar with the term commercial insurance. Commercial insurance, or business insurance, covers your business and helps keep it safe in the worst-case scenario. Learn more about what commercial insurance covers, why you should have it, and how Karla Salmon Insurance can help you protect your business. 

What Is Covered with Commercial Insurance?

To help keep your business protected, here are some common areas in which commercial insurance provides coverage: 

  • Property Damage: In the case that any damage is sustained to your business’s property, which includes the building, equipment, or anything else owned by the business, the damage would be covered by commercial insurance. 
  • Liability: If any damage was done to the property of another business, person, or entity, and you are at fault, then you would be covered with commercial insurance. 
  • Worker’s Compensation: This is one of the more common areas of commercial insurance. In the case that an employee was injured while on the job or on the property, then that employee would be covered under worker’s compensation. 

Thes are just some of the areas in which commercial insurance provides coverage. To find out more ways you and your business can be covered, visit Karla Salmon Insurance. 

Why Have Commercial Insurance?

If you have a business, then you should absolutely have commercial insurance to keep your business protected. Your equipment, property, and employees are all vital to keeping your business running successfully. You need to be sure they are protected not only for their sake but for the sake of your business. 

Get Covered with Karla Salmon Insurance

To help you keep your business secure, contact Karla Salmon Insurance. Their office is located in Oviedo, FL, and they accept appointments or consultations over the phone. Visit Karla Salmon Insurance to help you get the commercial insurance coverage you need to keep your business safe.  

Auto Insurance for Oviedo, FL Residents

Have you recently relocated to Florida? Did you just purchase your first car? Are you considering upgrading your auto insurance policy? Then you’ve come to the right place! The agents at Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL have decades of experience in the insurance industry combined. They are happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process of purchasing an auto insurance policy. When you choose Karla Salmon Insurance, you will get exceptional customer service from professionals who are truly passionate about their job and exceeding clients’ expectations.

Is auto insurance mandatory in Florida?

Yes, it is. Every state has its own rules and regulations regarding auto insurance, and Florida is no exception. Florida state law requires that anyone driving a motor vehicle possess a minimum of both Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL). The coverage provided by PIP and PDL policies is limited. Therefore, it is a good idea to consider purchasing additional coverage. The friendly and knowledgeable agents at Karla Salmon Insurance are happy to go over these options with you. They will make sure that you get auto insurance that meets not only the requirements set forth by the state of Florida but your personal needs, too!

What else should I consider when purchasing an auto insurance policy?

Florida is considered a “no-fault” state, which means that in the event of an accident, each individual is covered by his or her own insurance policy. Additional auto insurance policies to consider are underinsured/uninsured drivers, collision, medical, and roadside assistance. Contact the agents at Karla Salmon Insurance for more details or with any questions.

So, what are you waiting for? Call or stop by Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL today!

How To Determine The Amount Of Home Insurance You Need

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

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?

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?

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.