Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Theft

There is nothing more saddening than to discover your motorcycle has been stolen. The good news is there are several easy and inexpensive ways to prevent motorcycle theft. If you value your motorcycle and want to do all you can to protect it in Pembroke Pines, FL, here are a few easy, inexpensive ways to prevent motorcycle theft.

Park Smart

You can significantly reduce the risk of motorcycle theft by simply choosing a good parking space. Keep in mind that thieves seek out dark, unsecured locations, so one of the best places to park is next to a street lamp or outside of your window. Parking within a group of motorcycles will also help to prevent theft, so whenever possible, park close to other bikes. If you park in your garage, make sure to close the door and keep the bike away from windows where it is visible.

Lock and Cover

Most motorcycles come with a steering lock and/or an ignition lock, so the easiest way to avoid theft is to utilize these. Whether you are parked in your driveway or in front of the local police station-always lock your bike. A motorcycle cover is also helpful in preventing theft. This is because a thief will typically go for an item that is easy to see as well as easy to get to and removing a cover may take longer than they want to spend on stealing the item.

For additional security, consider installing a tracking device and/or an alarm system on your motorcycle. A tracking device may not prevent the bike from being stolen, but it will allow you to locate the bike and alert the police about its location much quicker.

Residents in and around the Pembroke Pines, FL interested in reviewing the current motorcycle insurance or upgrading their policy should contact McCormick Insurance Inc.

How to Choose Inland Marine Insurance

When you’re looking for inland marine insurance in Pembroke Pines FL, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. No matter what kind of property you transport, you need an insurance carrier who understands the circumstances behind your shipments and transportation methods. Keep these tips in mind from McCormick Insurance Inc. before you settle on a policy. 

Versatility 

Whether you work with bailees or straight property transfer, an inland marine insurer needs to be versatile enough to cover it all. Whether the property is in transit or being held by a third party, you need to be sure it’s protected at all times. Not all policies cover every event in the process, leaving company owners shocked and dismayed when they actually have to reach out for help. From a dropped box to a well-timed robbery, there’s a lot that can go wrong when you’re trying to keep your original lot intact.

Ready to Help

When you’re looking for insurance, you’re ultimately looking for a company who will help your own company survive any upcoming storms. Finding the right policy is the best way to protect your livelihood, which means you can’t leave it up to chance. McCormick Insurance Inc. understands the value of offering service you can count on, which is why we’re always there for you when you need help. Whether trying to find the right policy or settling the final details on a claim, it’s our privilege to give you the advice and service you need. 

If you have any questions about how our inland marine insurance can help you, give us a call today. Our staff serves the people of Pembroke Pines FL who are looking for inland marine insurance that will work for them. 

Does RV Insurance Cover Appliances?

One of the most expensive investments you can have in your life is an RV. An RV isn’t just a vehicle, it can also be a temporary home. You can travel the country or take family vacations on the weekends. However you choose to use your RV, you want to make sure that you have it protected with high-quality RV insurance. You may have questions about RV insurance such as does it cover the appliances inside of the RV if there is an accident or theft. 

Are Appliances Covered?

The type and limits of coverage for RVs can vary greatly. Before you decide on a policy to protect it, it is important to ask your insurance agent about the conditions relating to the appliances inside the RV. Some policies will cover them and some won’t. You may, however, be covered by the appliance’s warranty, so you can check with the manufacturer about the warranty conditions and this may eliminate the need for policy coverage. 

Finding The Right RV Coverage

One of the best ways to protect yourself from financial losses is to have the right insurance from a good insurance agency. RVs are a large investment and should be protected by a comprehensive, quality insurance policy. Work with an established insurance agency that takes customer service seriously. A great company for residents in and around the Pembroke Pines, FL area is McCormick Insurance Inc.  They have knowledgeable representatives who can give you in-depth details about insurance products and policies to help you get exactly what you need.

If you are in the market for RV insurance, you should call or stop by the office of McCormick Insurance Inc. They proudly provide RV insurance to the Pembroke Pines, FL area and would love to work with you to help you find the coverage you need for your investment. 

How to Keep Your Boat in Peak Condition

Purchasing a boat is a worthwhile investment, especially if you live in Pembroke Pines, FL. As such, keeping it in peak condition should be among your top priorities. Here are some tips for keeping your boat in peak condition;

Wash and maintain its exterior and interior
As the boat is continually used on salt water, it is predisposed to corrosion. Wash its exterior with a soft-bristle brush that has a long handle so that you clean every inch. Waxing it after the final rinse maintains its shine and gloss. Keep its interior clean by getting rid of debris and unsightly stains.    

Keep its mechanisms working perfectly
Just like a car, a boat needs regular servicing to keep it in optimal working condition. Ensure that you change the oil either every year or after every 100 hours of use. Use the marine-grade oil only. Check the propellor regularly as its damage could lead to leaks from the gear case.

Cover it during the winter
Many boats breakdown as a result of exposure to the harsh winter conditions. Thoroughly clean your boat, and lubricate all the plugs. Remove the battery and store it in a dry place and regularly change the oil to avoid corrosion. Fully cover your boat in readiness for winter and store it according to the manufacturer’s directives.

Have it insured
Just like you would not dare to move around in an uninsured car, you should not go boating in an uninsured boat. A boat insurance policy will help repair your boat in case of accidents. Insurance firms such as McCormick Insurance Inc. a provision for a replacement should the boat be irreparably damaged.

Are you in need of getting an insurance policy for your boat? McCormick Insurance Inc. has been writing boat insurance in Pembroke Pines, FL area for years now. Our coverage options are tailor made to match your specific boat insurance needs. Contact us today for more information.  

Auto Insurance Myths

Auto insurance is something every need, but there are a lot of myths surrounding the issues in Pembroke Pines, FL. One of the best ways to get the information you need is by speaking with an agent at McCormick Insurance Inc., but some of the common myths are dispelled below.

Myth 1: Insurance on red cars costs more.

Many insurance companies won’t even consider the color of the car, and instead, your rate is based on a combination of things like make, model, age, body type, driving record and driver age.

Myth 2: If you drive a sports car, you pay more.

Just like with red cars, there are a number of factors that determine rates, and demographics play a role. If the average age of a certain sports car is higher, then insurance rates won’t be as high for that particular model.

Myth 3: Insurance will pay if the car is totaled.

Insurance companies will pay fair market value on the car. This is usually less than the balance of the car and the owner is responsible for the difference. In order to be fully covered, speak with an agent about GAP coverage.

Myth 4: Auto insurance will cover you if the car is stolen or vandalized.

You won’t be covered if your car is stolen or damaged unless your policy includes comprehensive coverage. Bare bones policies don’t require this coverage and it’s something that needs to be added to pay for damages that are not part of an accident.

Myth 5: You will have coverage for a rental car.

Just like comprehensive coverage, rental car reimbursement is not automatically included and should be added if you think this will be necessary. There are limits to the coverage, so know how many days you get the rental car and how much insurance will pay.

Contact McCormick Insurance Inc. serving Pembroke Pines, FL to get a quote for auto insurance and get your questions answered.  

The Need for Commercial Insurance for Home-Based Businesses

Many clever entrepreneurs start a home-based business to increase income, while at the same time reduce the risk of capital investment needed to start a new enterprise. Using a spare room in a house for business efforts is usually less expensive than renting out an office space for the same operations.

Surprisingly, a study by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America found that 40% of business owners operating a home-based business falsely believe that they are adequately insured. Contrary to this popular misconception, usually regular homeowner’s insurance does not cover business uses of a home or part of a home. Regular home insurance may only provide limited or no coverage for equipment.

A common, yet surprising, example of this concern is that when a person rents out a room in a home to a third-party, the items in the room are usually not covered by the homeowner’s insurance policy. The reason this happens is renting a room means that the function of room changes from personal use to commercial use.

Having a home-based business is similar. Even if you do not pay rent for the room(s) used; each room’s function changes from personal use to commercial use.

Considerations for Home-Based Businesses

Many home-based businesses operate as consultants and freelancers. When in-person client contact is minimal, the insurance requirements for a home-based business are modest.

Foot-Traffic

One thing to consider, when you consult with your insurance agent at McCormick Insurance Inc., serving Pembroke Pines, FL, and the surrounding area, is the amount of foot-traffic of clients or customers coming to the home. If people come to the home they need to be protected by insurance from accidents that might occur.

Equipment and Vehicles

Additionally, you will want coverage for any business equipment used in the home-based business. Moreover, if you use a personal vehicle for business purposes, there are special insurance requirements for your vehicle in order to have adequate coverage.

Work Down Outside of the Home

If some portion of the work is done in the home and another portion is done outside of the home, consider a business owner’s insurance policy. It can take those different types of work into account.

Consult with your insurance agent at McCormick Insurance Inc., serving Pembroke Pines, FL to be sure you have adequate insurance coverage for your home-based business.

What Does Auto Insurance Actually Cover?

Auto insurance is more than just a driving requirement in Florida, it’s also a layer of liability protection and financial support that can help you get past an accident. Coverage features, threshold, and rules vary between policies, making it important to understand what’s available with auto insurance. Knowing your options is key for protecting yourself and for peace-of-mind.  

The state of Florida requires all drivers to carry basic economic loss benefits and automobile liability coverage. This type of policy is known as personal injury protection. Under this basic policy, you and members of your household can receive payments for medical bills, replacement services and lost wages. While these costs are paid no matter who is at fault, the payouts are limited and may not cover the total damage caused by the accident.

Additional policy options increase payout limits for liability coverage, which helps pay for injuries and property damage considered to be your fault. Other options include underinsured coverage, which pays for medical expenses caused by the other driver, and uninsured coverage, which helps pay for medical expenses when the other motorist is at fault and is not insured. Speaking with an insurance specialist at McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL will help you explore additional protection, including collision and comprehensive coverage.

For additional information on auto insurance and coverage options in Pembroke Pines, FL, please contact McCormick Insurance Inc. today. Knowing what your auto policy covers is critical, because you don’t want any surprises right after you’ve been in an accident. The right amount of coverage can mitigate financial risks and make recovering from an auto accident more manageable.

Should You Keep Your Home Insurance Once Your Mortgage Is Paid?

If you financed your home, you are aware that you must maintain home insurance while you are paying off your loan. However, many people are unclear about the specifics of their coverage and the protection a home insurance policy offers. After you pay for your home, you may be wondering if you need to carry homeowners’ insurance. 

Should You Keep Your Home Insurance?

Paying off your mortgage is quite an accomplishment. It means less financial burden and a chance to breathe a little easier. Some may be tempted to free up additional money by canceling their insurance policy. This is a potentially disastrous choice because your homeowners’ insurance protects you from financial losses due to covered events such as fire or theft. You home insurance gives you a layer of protection to help you safeguard from potential losses that could create a devastating loss.

Get The Right Protection

Once of the most important decisions you make as a homeowner is selecting your homeowners’ insurance policy. Not all policies are the same and you must choose an option that fits your individual needs and lifestyle. Reputable insurance providers such as McCormick Insurance Inc. serves the citizens in and around Pembroke Pines, FL. They can sit down with you one on one and outline the fine print and answer any questions you have before you make a decision.

Don’t talk chances with your financial future once your mortgage is paid off. Make sure you continue your coverage with a provider that serves Pembroke Pines, FL and the surrounding areas with quality insurance products that protect you from loss. Call or stop by McCormick Insurance Inc. today and safeguard your financial future.

Talking To Your Kids About Life Insurance

Attention Rochester MN residents: now is the time to talk to your adult children about life insurance. An agent at Safechoice Insurance Agency can give you a variety of tips on how to make the conversation flow smoothly. Talking to your children about what you’d like to have happen after you pass away is not easy, but it’s necessary. Having this difficult conversation now can save your children heartache and stress after you’re gone. Use these simple tips to make the conversation easier. 

– Plan ahead. Let your kids know that it’s important for you to discuss your final wishes, and set a time and place that the conversation will happen. Know that your kids might try to reschedule a few times- that’s ok. Just let them know that the topic needs to be discussed. 

– Stress to your adult children that you’re having this conversation in order to make their lives easier, not more difficult. Let them know that the last thing you would want is for them to be financially burdened after you die. 

– Be open to questions and various emotions that may come up. Just like you wouldn’t want your children to tell you how to feel, you can’t tell them how to feel either. They may feel nervous, sad, or even angry at having to face the thought at that at some point, you will pass away. Give them a safe space to feel these emotions, and press forward with the conversation regardless. 

If you need life insurance coverage, it’s important to talk to a qualified agent to ensure that you and your family are protected. If you’re in the Rochester MN area, call Safechoice Insurance Agency today to learn about your life insurance options. 

What to Know about Auto Insurance for Your Teen Driver

Once your teen reaches driving age, you may be worried about your insurance rates going up. While adding a teen driver to the policy can cause rates to go up a bit, there are things you can do to avoid drastic hikes.

The reason it costs more to insure new drivers is that they are more dangerous on the road, and the riskier people are, the higher insurance rates they have to pay. In order to save some money on auto insurance for your teen in Pembroke Pines, FL, speak with an agent at McCormick Insurance Inc..

You have to insure your teen driver. Let your insurance company know when they receive their learner’s permit, even though they aren’t typically listed on the policy until they receive their license. There are some cars that are cheaper to insure, so if your household has more than one car, have your teen driver assigned to the specific one that is the least expensive to insure. If your child is getting their own car, look at the IIHS website for cars that have lower insurance rates. Four-door sedans and crossovers are usually good options.

There may be discounts with your teen driver, just as there are with adults with good driving records. They may be a good student discount for those that receive at least a B average, and your teen may be able to take a driver’s education course for a cheaper rate. If your teen is at college and not driving the car regularly, speak with an agent about getting a break on insurance. Bundling home and auto insurance can still help you save money with a teen driver.

Contact an agent at McCormick Insurance Inc. serving Pembroke Pines, FL to get a quote for adding your teen on your auto insurance.