Author: agentinsure

What are the Minimum Insurance Requirements for Residents Who Live in Pembroke Pines, FL

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Residents who live in Pembroke Pines, FL can find out the minimum insurance requirements for their vehicles from the knowledgeable of McCormick Insurance Inc. Having the amount of insurance required by law protects both you and your property from damage and liability. Even residents who only live in the state of Florida for only half a year must have insurance coverage that either meets or exceeds the state’s minimum requirements. If you have questions about whether or not you are legally covered in Florida, talk to a reputable insurance agent. 

According to Florida state law, the minimum coverage for auto insurance includes personal injury protection for $10,000 and property damage liability of at least $10,000. When an individual has been convicted of certain traffic offenses or has been involved in accidents involving certain factors, such as drugs or alcohol, the Department of Motor Vehicles may require the person to add bodily injury liability coverage to their policy. While this protects the insured’s property, it also protects the property of others as well as any bodily injury that may be caused in the event of an accident.

The agents of McCormick Insurance Inc. offer their services to the residents of Pembroke Pines, FL. It is important to make sure that your vehicles are at least covered by the minimum amount of insurance on your vehicle. Without the right amount of insurance, you can be fined by the courts if you are involved in an auto accident. It is important to make sure both you and your property are full protected according to the laws of the state of Florida. 

Practical Tips to Reducing the Cost of Your Home Insurance Premium

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Reducing home insurance costs provides consumers with extra funds to spend on personal wants or needs. Here are a few practical ways homeowners in Pembroke Pines, FL can save on home insurance prices without compromising their coverage.

Get Rid of Redundant Coverage

Carefully review your policy to see if it covers items you no longer have or need. If your policy covers an old storage or garden shed that’s not being used, you can save money by eliminating this structure and its coverage. You could also drop coverage on land to reduce insurance costs. By personalizing your policy with McCormick Insurance Inc. you ensure you have coverage for the most important aspects of your home and save money on your insurance premium.

Bundle Policies

If you own more than one home or vehicle, you can bundle your policies with the same insurance company to save on insurance costs.  

Improve Home Security

Installing extra security features such as alarm system, security cameras, smoke detectors, dead bolts, etc. could qualify you for a discount on your home insurance premium. By talking to your insurance agent, you can get a better idea of what security and safety features make you eligible for reduced prices on your homeowner’s insurance.

Make Home Improvements    

Home improvements that enhance home safety such as upgrading electrical and plumbing systems, installing storm shutters and fortifying your home’s roof can help lower insurance costs. Improving the safety and security of your home is an investment that has long-term benefits in the form of reduced costs for home insurance.    

Before making changes to your home or policy, discuss your options with McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL. Your McCormick Insurance agent can give you greater insight into a personalized home insurance package that’s within your financial means.  

McCormick Insurance Inc. Helps Drivers in the Pembroke Pines, FL Area with Secure Auto Insurance

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The State of Florida has mandated that everyone who operates a motor vehicle has insurance. Public safety has made car insurance a trending requirement to drive nationwide. But coverage minimums tend to be low and may not be enough if a major accident occurs. That’s why at McCormick Insurance Inc. our professionals are committed to helping members of the Pembroke Pines, FL, community design a policy that meets your needs. Our professionals will work closely with you to avoid many of the pitfalls that come with being underinsured.

Minimum Coverage

Many people take out the minimum liability insurance in order to meet the state’s requirement. The minimum coverage is only $10,000 per person for injury in Florida. Property damage coverage is also very low at $10,000. When you consider the high cost of health care, loss of life and the price of a new car, it’s quite possible that a minimum policy could fall far short. That could leave you with paying a large sum out of pocket for a new car or strapped with tremendous medical bills.

Uninsured Motorist

Drivers are not required by law to have uninsured motorist coverage. After all, everyone is supposed to have a policy. Unfortunately, sometimes policies lapse and not everyone conducts themselves responsibly. Although each policy holder looks to their own insurance first in Florida, sometimes negligent drivers need to be held accountable for things like permanent injuries. If they don’t have coverage or enough coverage, having your own added protections may be a better route than a costly and time-consuming lawsuit.

Creating a suitable auto insurance policy or upgrading and existing one means considering your individual needs. At McCormick Insurance Inc. we work hard to provide members of the Pembroke Pines, FL community with secure auto insurance. We are available to help you protect yourself against potential losses.

McCormick Insurance Inc. Helps Pembroke Pines, FL Residents Avoid Being Underinsured

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Mortgage lenders usually insist that you have a homeowners policy in place to protect the bank’s investment. While the State of Florida doesn’t make people carry insurance, it’s wise for every homeowner to have protection. But understanding how much and what type of policy can be complicated. At McCormick Insurance Inc., our professionals are available to help members of the Pembroke Pines, FL community select a policy that meets your needs. We’ll work to answer your questions and help you avoid being underinsured.

Replacement Costs

It’s a common error for homeowners to associate the value of their homes with replacement costs. That happens because properties can depreciate in some ways and the home market fluctuates. In Florida, policies are supposed to be based on replacement costs. But arriving at a comprehensive figure can be difficult.

The average home replacement cost can run about $150 per square foot. And while you may be able to rebuild a home at that price, it won’t likely include any high-end detail or specialized materials. That number also doesn’t necessarily account for razing, removing debris or recent changes in building code compliance.

The basic point is that replacement costs are fluid and it’s important that you revisit and update your policy on a regular basis.

Flood and Natural Catastrophe Insurance

We’re all well aware that Florida has endured its share of hurricanes, floods, and natural disasters. What many homeowners often overlook the fact that most policies do not cover flooding and other devastating losses. It’s imperative that you have appropriate, additional coverage in the event of a loss. The last thing you want is to be hit with the major cost of flood damage remediation.

At McCormick Insurance Inc., we are committed to serving the good people of Pembroke Pines, FL. Our insurance professionals are available to create a policy or update an existing one that provides you with secure coverage.

 

5 Tips to protect Your Car Against Theft

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No one wants to have their car stolen. Unfortunately, car thefts happen in Pembroke Pines, FL every day. Here are 5 tips McCormick Insurance Inc. recommends to help protect your car from theft.

Don’t leave valuables visible.

The best practice is not to leave valuables in the car at all, however, this isn’t always avoidable. If you must leave valuables in your car, it’s wise not to leave them where they can be seen from the outside.  Secure valuables in the trunk at home before leaving for your destination.

Don’t keep spare keys in the car.

Newer cars often have anti-theft systems in place that make it difficult to steal your car without the keys. If you leave the key in the car, you only make it easier for robbers to drive away with your vehicle.

Always lock your doors.

This seems like an obvious one, but it can be easy to forget when you’re in a rush. If you use a remote to lock your car doors, always confirm that your car actually responded to lock request.

Use safety features like alarms.

Car alarms may seem less popular than they were in previous years, but they still prove to be an effective deterrent today. Having an alarm system could save you from being a quick target.

Park in well-lit, populated areas. Park where there is a good amount of foot traffic and near location entrances. Park near security cameras and if you park at night, be sure to park in an open and well-lit area.

Following these tips can be a good start to keeping your vehicle safe in Pembroke Pines, FL. In the event you are a victim of an auto theft, contact your personal McCormick Insurance Inc. agent as soon as possible. If you are not covered by McCormick, contact a McCormick Insurance Inc. agent today to see what options are available to you.

Getting More From Your Home Insurance in Pembroke Pines

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Your home insurance doesn’t have to be another expense that takes a chunk out of your wallet. It can be the very thing that saves your wallet when your back is against the wall. If you remember this when times are good, you won’t have to kick yourself when events take a turn for the worst. McCormick Insurance Inc. serves the people of Pembroke Pines, FL, and can give you a few tips to consider when it comes to getting more. 

The Facts of Home Insurance 

Policies have varying applications of coverage, and many homeowners aren’t sure when it can help and when it can’t. This is a sure-fire way to end up on the wrong side of the fence if a criminal breaks into your home, you’re sued by the mailman for an errant branch left in the yard or if a major storm destroys your new granite countertops. The majority of people will assume that their possessions will be covered, when in actuality they never made that stipulation. If you haven’t seen your home insurance policy for a few years, it might be time to give someone a call to talk about how much would actually be replaced in the event of an emergency. 

Seeing Insurance Clearly 

If you want to get more from your home insurance, then now is the time to figure out just how and what insurance can do for you.  If you’re looking for more information than can be covered in this blog post, then there are people who can help you. Our agency is poised to help you find the coverage that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle. If you live in Pembroke Pines, FL, then give McCormick Insurance Inc. a call today for more information. 

Does Home Insurance Really Cover Contractors Who Are Injured While Working on My Home?

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If you are looking to hire a contractor to complete work to your home in Pembroke Pines, FL, it is important that you ensure the contractor carries their own insurance. But, even if they do carry insurance, they may still be able to come after you if they are injured on your property. Here is some information you need to know about home insurance and its coverage for contractors.

Injury Liability Coverage

Under most homeowner’s insurance policies is a coverage called injury liability coverage. This coverage covers anyone who is injured while visiting your property, including family members and contractors. The amount of coverage you have varies based on the details of your policy. Pull out your policy and ensure you have enough coverage before you hire a contractor.

Intentional Act Exclusion

While most contractors will be covered if they are injured while working on your home, there is one key exclusion. The intentional act exclusion. If the contractor jumps off a roof and purposely injures themselves, you or your homeowner’s insurance may not be liable. Likewise, if you shake a ladder while a contractor is on it and cause the contractor to fall, your homeowner’s insurance may not offer coverage. As long as the act was an accident, rather than something done on purpose, your homeowner’s insurance will cover it.

If you are beginning a home construction project in the near future, it is always important to read over your home insurance policy and see what is covered and what is not. An insurance agent can help you with any questions you have. If you have any questions about your policy or need a new one before contractors begin work on your home in the greater Pembroke Pines, FL area, call McCormick Insurance Inc. We can help answer your questions, ensure your policy meets your needs and if it doesn’t, find a policy that does.

How Often Should You Evaluate Your Auto Insurance Policy?

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Residents of Pembroke Pines, Florida enjoy beautiful weather and plenty of fun activities year-round. Like most, they enjoy their vehicles. Florida law requires auto insurance coverage for all automobiles, and depending on your vehicle and whether it’s paid off or not, you may be required to carry full-coverage auto insurance.

Aside from your monthly payments, how often do you think of your auto insurance policy? Are you familiar with your level of coverage, and have you checked to ensure you are getting the best deal? It’s a good idea to periodically review your policy to make sure your coverage is still appropriate for your situation. You can sit down with an agent at McCormick Insurance Inc. to determine whether you need to make any changes or not.

How Do You Know It’s Time To Re-evaluate Your Policy?

If you’ve purchased a new vehicle, it’s a great time to completely look into your policy to ensure you are getting the right amount of coverage and to make sure you are getting the best deal. Other situations that warrant another look include:

  • Age. Have you celebrated a birthday? Young people tend to pay higher insurance rates, so if you are getting older you should check your policy, same goes if you have your adult child on your policy.
  • Driving record changes. Have you had tickets or accidents in the past? If they’ve dropped off your record, you may now qualify for lower rates or a good driver discount.
  • If you have moved to a new neighborhood, rates may change as well.

It’s also a good idea to check if your coverage is enough for your needs. You may wish to increase your coverage, or add things like roadside assistance or rental car coverage to help you in case of an emergency. Take time periodically to review your current policy, it can save you money.

Common Myths Regarding Car Insurance

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While most people understand that car insurance is required by law, there are many misconceptions that people have developed over the years. These have largely been perpetuated by the general public and other insurance companies that push these myths for their own gain; however, McCormick Insurance Inc. has been serving the area of Pembroke Pines, FL and wants to dispel these myths in the interest of putting the needs of the clients first. Take a look at some of the myths below.

The most common myth is that any insurance policy with an agent is more expensive than a similar policy without an agent. This is a myth on several levels. First, there are many policies that do not come with an agent that are absolutely more expensive than the same policy with an agent. Second, having an agent actually saves the customer money in many ways. First, an agent will fight on behalf of their client to have their claims paid out and to have their rates lowered. These are extremely valuable assets. In addition, an agent knows the policies that their companies offer. This means that an agent can find a policy that suits the needs of their client without overpaying.

Another common myth is that people think they cannot shop around for other insurance policies while they have an active policy. This isn’t true. People can always talk to other insurance companies and try to get quotes for their insurance without committing to another policy in the process. People can have another policy lined up that will take over once their current policy expires. Don’t wait for a policy to expire before investing in a new one. This lapse in coverage can have serious consequences due to the risk of not having coverage and the fact that car insurance is required by law.

People in the Pembroke Pines, FL area with questions about other common car insurance myths should contact McCormick Insurance Inc. today for more information!

Making Sure You Have the Right Home Insurance in Pembroke Pines, FL

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If you live in Pembroke Pines, FL, you should be aware of the home insurance policies that are in place in the state of Florida. There are many things that you should keep in mind, and you should make sure that you know how home insurance works with respect to your specific situation.

Even though home insurance is not required, it is very beneficial to have it. People can opt out of it and end up regretting it later when an unexpected crisis situation comes up and they have to pay for it out of their pockets. However, if you do choose to have home insurance, you should make sure that you choose the right coverage for you. There are many different packages when it comes to home insurance that is designed to protect your home and your belongings. Each of the packages protect against a certain set of events that could cause damage and cost you money. You should make sure that you choose the one that is actually applicable to you, so that you get the coverage that you need and you are not wasting your money on coverage that is basically unnecessary. Some of the examples of things that can be covered by home insurance packages are theft, wind storms, and fire. Every policy should contain certain basic types of protection though, such as property damage, personal liability, medical payments, and additional living expenses. These are the ones that you need in order to have the basic level of protection so that you can feel safe and secure in terms of finances.

If you have questions about home insurance in the state of Florida, you should feel free to contact the professionals at McCormick Insurance, Inc. The agents of McCormick Insurance, Inc. will be able to tell you everything that you are interested in knowing about home insurance in Pembroke Pines, FL.