Letting Someone Borrow Your Car? What You Need To Know About auto Insurance Coverage

Did you know that if you let a friend or relative borrow your car, that might affect your auto insurance?

If you have car insurance coverage through Karla Salmon Insurance or any other agency, you are responsible for that coverage. If you aren’t behind the wheel of your car, and neither is someone who shares your policy, you may have to deal with unfavorable consequences whether your car is driven in Oviedo, FL or elsewhere.

Auto Insurance Follows The Car

Don’t let your friend talk you into letting him or her borrow your car by telling you that their car coverage will protect them in case of an accident. If your car is being driven, you are the responsible party. Generally, car insurance coverage is tied to the vehicle, not to the individual who is the policyholder.

If the person borrowing your car is a family member who is explicitly covered by your insurance policy (for instance, your spouse), then there’s nothing to worry about. However, your friend cannot be protected by his or her own policy while driving your car; it’s your insurance that remains in effect.

When your Friend Is At Fault In An Accident

If your friend drives your car and the trip goes smoothly, you are both lucky; your car coverage is not impacted. However, if the uninsured driver causes a car accident with your vehicle, your insurance must pay for both your car’s damages and for the other driver’s accident-related costs.

Though you may not need to pay out of pocket, you may see the impact in the form of a premium raise. Your insurance provider may also change your coverage limits. Of course, if you incur any fees directly resulting from the accident, you can sue the person who borrowed your car in order to force them to pay for the damages. However, your auto insurance impact will last for at least a year or longer.

When The Other Driver Is At Fault

That being said, if the uninsured driver of your collides with another car and the accident is deemed the other party’s fault, your insurance is not responsible. in that case, the other party’s insurance pays for the damages to your car, and may even take care of any medical expenses your uninsured driver may endure.

However, if during the car accident report release and subsequent investigation, your car insurer finds out that in fact, you weren’t the person driving your vehicle, your premiums may hit an all-time high anyway.

Ready To Purchase Your Coverage?

If you need to expand your coverage to include any currently uninsured drivers, you can visit Karla Salmon Insurance anytime. We serve old and new customers alike in the Oviedo, FL area.

Is Commercial Insurance a Necessity?

At Karla Salmon Insurance, we have had to talk many Oviedo, FL businesses into purchasing commercial insurance for their business. Many don’t quite understand why these policies are so essential but appreciate buying them once they make the purchase. 

Commercial Insurance is a Wise Investment

Commercial insurance – while not a legal requirement – is typically an excellent idea for most businesses. These policies provide a myriad of benefits. First of all, they help to provide you with financial help in lawsuits and other problematic situations. This coverage helps to keep your money and your investment safe from loss. 

Secondly, commercial insurance is designed to not only protect your investment but keep your company running as well. These benefits are critical if something causes your business to shut down. Without this help, you’ll find yourself without income and struggling to stay afloat and may even trigger bankruptcy.

Policy Types to Purchase 

Commercial insurance comes in many different policy types. The first type you’ll want is a general liability, which helps to protect you from lawsuits if somebody is injured as a result of your business operation. Auto policies are also a great idea if you own company vehicles. 

Other types of policies to consider include life insurance, disability insurance, and workers’ compensation. These all help to keep your employees safe and protect you from their lawsuits. And business interruption insurance pays you if a disaster makes your business impossible to run and you lose profits.

How to Find Great Policies

If you live in Oviedo, FL and you need commercial insurance, please contact us at Karla Salmon Insurance. Our experts have years of experience helping people like you and will work hard to ensure that you get the high-quality policy that your business needs to stay protected. 

5 Things You Didn’t Know Your Home Insurance Could Do

The insurance on your Oviedo, FL home protects you from a number of likely threats. The payouts from these policies ensure you can always rebuild or relocate after a major disaster. However, there are other things your policy from Karla Salmon Insurance can do that protect your personal wealth and make life a little easier.

  • When your home needs big repairs, living through the inconvenience of construction can make your life miserable. Some home policies include payment for temporary lodgings due to covered events. Instead of suffering through a mess or paying out of pocket for temporary accommodations, you can enjoy comfortable surroundings at no additional costs.
  • Long power outages can ruin your family’s food supply. When a fluctuation leaves you without refrigeration, your homeowner’s policy could help you restock. Some contracts include coverage for power events that leave your kitchen full of rotten food.
  • Even in the afterlife, your homeowner’s insurance could still be working hard for you. Some policies cover gravestones as well. If the site falls victim to vandals or covered environmental events, the policy helps pay for replacements and repairs.
  • Did your home entertainment plans get derailed by a natural disaster? Your homeowner’s policy might contain a clause that allows you to claim damages for big events on your property that are spoiled by certain circumstances.
  • Your homeowner’s liability insurance has a further reach than your physical property. Any legal actions brought against you that relate to your property can qualify for an insurance payout. These funds help you afford lawyers, court fees, and legal judgments.

Every homeowner’s insurance policy is unique. Talk to the experts at Karla Salmon Insurance for advice on customizing your Oviedo, FL policies to fit your preferences, resources, and circumstances.

Will Commercial Insurance Cover My Commercial Vehicles?

When it comes to commercial insurance, many business owners may think that their commercial vehicles are automatically covered. Many of them may think that their commercial vehicles will be covered under their personal vehicle insurance. However, either one of these scenarios is not true. And it will be a very unpleasant surprise if you get into an accident in a business ride.

Having said this, it’s imperative to get commercial insurance for vehicles.  Regardless if your business included deliveries, rideshare drivers, chauffeurs, or other, you need commercial vehicle insurance for cars/trucks you use for your business. 

Commercial vehicle insurance covers the property inside the vehicle as well from theft or damage.  Also, local laws dictate the minimum amount required for commercial auto insurance. So, if you stay anywhere in Florida, for instance, there may be laws relating to commercial vehicles than in a different climate like Washington, D.C.  

So, if you stay in Oviedo, FL or other places in that state, you will need an insurance company that specializes in commercial auto insurance for that state. Karla Salmon Insurance is the one to turn to.  Located in Oviedo, FL, Karla Salmon Insurance has several years of experience in this industry. They are highly trained and licensed with tons of years of experience. They also have  So, if you stay in Oviedo FL, or other places in that state, you will need an insurance company that specializes in commercial auto insurance for that state. Karla Salmon Insurance is the one to turn to.  Located in Oviedo, FL, Karla Salmon Insurance has several years of experience in this industry. They are highly trained and licensed with tons of years of experience. They also have  

Home Insurance Myths

Home insurance in Oviedo, FL can seem complicated and there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding policies.

Home Insurance Is a Waste of Money

Your home is a huge investment and home insurance helps give you a safety net to protect that investment. While it may seem like a lot of money, having the right home insurance can be a huge saver if there is a loss, such as from burglary, fire, or a hailstorm.

All Belongings Are Covered

Home insurance does protect your personal belongings, but it is important to know there are limits. You have to read your insurance policy with Karla Salmon Insurance carefully to see what is covered. You may need additional coverage for certain valuables, such as jewelry.

Home Insurance Will Replace Property Like New

It will depend on your coverage. The actual cash value will mean that you will get reimbursed for the value of your belongings at the time they are lost. This means depreciation will be taken into account and you may not get enough to replace your belongings at today’s prices.

Flooding Will Be Covered

Many homeowners don’t realize until it’s too late that flooding isn’t covered by home insurance. You will need a separate flood insurance policy in order to have coverage for flooding.

Termites Are Covered

Termites can be very destructive and can cause a lot of damage, but they aren’t covered by home insurance. You will have to pay for extermination and any repairs from the damage. It’s important to have regular inspections so you can fix the issue before you have a full-blown infestation.

A Home-Based Business Is Covered

It’s likely that business equipment won’t be protected and you will need business insurance so that liability and equipment are covered. Depending on the equipment you need covered, you may be able to add an endorsement to your policy, but check with an agent.

Contact Karla Salmon Insurance, serving Oviedo, FL, to get a quote on home insurance. 

Auto Insurance is For Everyone To Know About

Auto insurance is something everyone should know about when purchasing a car. You will want to have a policy ready and be prepared to get your new vehicle insured. Most car dealerships are aware of the process to assist you through the purchase with coverage from your insurance company. The vehicle purchasers should also know the requirements for getting insurance lined up with the exciting new buy. A simple call to Karla Salmon Insurance can guide you through the process for auto insurance. Serving Oviedo, FL, the agents can make it easier to get insurance and fill you in on the state requirements.

Everyone should know about auto insurance with the possibility of accidents occurring at any moment on the road. Being prepared to contact an experienced insurance company can make planning even better. By working with an insurance agent, you can learn more about what a policy will cover, what stipulations you must follow, and how often you should review your coverage. This information is helpful as you work with a dealership or private seller for the new purchase. Insurance for a vehicle should be comforting as buyers are preparing for their choice of a new car. Depending on the vehicle, it may be suggested to carry more than the minimum amount of coverage required by the state. Certain vehicles hold more value than others and this could cause repair and replacement issues with the minimum amount required.

Obtaining a quote for auto insurance can be a simple process. Insurance is for everyone to know about and our excellent staff is ready to build the relationships to make everything easier. Oviedo, FL is a popular location for many commuters. Karla Salmon Insurance is prepared to answer your questions and provide the quality customer service of an experienced insurance company. Being prepared either before or during the purchase of the new vehicle is a smart plan and auto insurance is able to be a simple part of it all.

Does My Commercial Policy Cover Hurricane Damage?

Business owners in Florida need commercial insurance to protect their business from different types of financial loss, including liability and theft. While commercial insurance covers many things, one thing it won’t cover is hurricane damage. Hurricane and flood damage are separate policies that must be added. The agents at Karla Salmon Insurance work with business owners in Oviedo, FL when it comes to making sure their business is fully protected.

Commercial Policies

Commercial insurance policies are written to protect businesses from various types of loss. This can include liability that results from injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents, product defects/malfunctions, theft, and vandalism, just to name a few. These types of policies normally do not cover weather-related damages or damages sustained by sewer malfunctions. Those damages are normally covered through a protection plan from the local utility company.

Hurricane Coverage

Florida is a state known for hurricanes and strong storms. Insurance companies offer hurricane and flood insurance to businesses in addition to the regular commercial policies that can be purchased. In most cases, hurricane and flood insurance policies are sold separately from one another. Hurricanes are known for high winds, excessive precipitation, floods, and storm surges. The types of damages caused by this type of event can be extensive, requiring massive renovations and, in some cases, complete re-builds.

At Karla Salmon Insurance, the agents can explain the different types of policies and which ones will offer the most benefits to your business. If you live in the vicinity of Oviedo, FL, call and schedule an appointment today to find out about the different policies that are available to protect your business.

Does Home Insurance Cover Guests?

Home insurance covers a great deal and helps to keep your home safe in the event that you have to do major repairs, or your home is destroyed. That being said, it also covers things that you may not think are all that common and that you may not be aware. For those that live in the Oviedo, FL area and want to know more about home insurance, the agents with Karla Salmon Insurance can help.

What does it cover?

Home insurance covers a great deal. Many people, however, are not aware that home insurance also covers guests. This means that people you have invited to your home, either for an extended time or just for a few hours, are included on your home policy. The coverage for guests does have some regulation, however. You cannot merely state that your guest got injured at your home because they were jumping off the roof and expected your home insurance to cover it.

For home insurance to cover guests, if there is an injury, it must be no fault of the guest or the homeowners. If it is proven that the injury was due to negligence, it falls on the homeowner to help pay the bills that are not on the insurance. You can always speak with an agent to find out just what your insurance covers so that you can determine what is and is not going to be covered on your policy should something happen. It is always best to speak with an agent if you have any doubts or concerns.

For those that live in the Oviedo, FL area, the agents with Karla Salmon Insurance can help you determine what policy you need and what is covered on your policy for you and guests.

Car Insurance Terms You Should Know

When shopping for car insurance in Oviedo, FL with an agent at Karla Salmon Insurance, there can be a lot of terms to learn. Knowing these terms can help you better understand your policy and your coverage so that you can stay protected.

  • Deductible: This is the money that you pay out of pocket before the insurance covers the remainder of the claim. Car insurance deductibles can range between $0 and $1,500.
  • Premium: This is the money you pay to the insurance company, so it will pay out claims and provide coverage. This can be paid monthly, every six months, or yearly. Sometimes the premium can also be called the rate. Deductible and premium are connected. A lower deductible usually means a higher premium.
  • Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage will protect you if you cause an accident that results in injuries or death to someone. This helps fund legal defenses and covers the judgments against you.
  • Collision Coverage: This is a type of insurance that will pay if your car is damaged due to an accident. You aren’t required by law to have this insurance, and it’s optional coverage.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: This protects you if something other than an accident damages your car. These events can include theft, animals striking the vehicle, broken windows, natural disasters, storms, or vandalism.
  • At Fault: This is a pretty straightforward term that will describe the party responsible for the accident. For most cases, the driver that is at fault will have to pay for the majority of damages.
  • Liability Limits: Each policy will set a limit on the amount of money that it will pay for injuries and damages. You can raise limits, but this usually means a rise in premiums.
  • Rider: This can also be called an endorsement, and it’s an agreement that is attached to the policy that either decreases or increases the benefits that are typically covered under that policy.

Contact Karla Salmon Insurance, serving Oviedo, FL, to get a quote on auto insurance. 

 

What Will a Commercial Liability Policy Not Cover?

A commercial liability policy is a great general policy to have for your business in Oviedo, FL, but there are some things it won’t cover. An agent at Karla Salmon Insurance can help you put together a commercial liability policy that will cover many of your business risks, so you have well rounded coverage.

  • Workplace Injuries: General liability will not cover employees who are injured in the workplace. Instead, these injuries will need to be claimed under workers compensation coverage.
  • Damage to Your Own Property: Your liability policy will cover costs if you damage someone else’s property, but it won’t cover any damage to your own property. Instead, you would need a commercial property policy.
  • Intentional Damage: If any damage were done on purpose, or with malicious intent, it would not be covered under this policy.
  • Damage to Client Property in Your Care: If you have customer property that is in your care, your liability policy will not cover any damages. You may need other property coverage or policies to have this type of protection.
  • Professional Mistakes: Any mistakes that are the fault of your business are not covered under this policy. For example, if your company misprints 1,000 books, your general liability won’t include a reimbursement. However, there could be some other policies that will cover these types of claims. In addition to mistakes, this policy won’t cover any errors in services. If a marketing company is consulting with a small business and the small business loses customers after launching a campaign, then this type of claim against the marketing company won’t be covered.
  • Damages to Company Vehicles: If your business has company vehicles, you will need a commercial auto policy. Any damages that occur won’t be covered under a commercial liability policy.

Contact Karla Salmon Insurance, serving Oviedo, FL, to get a quote on commercial insurance.