Author: agentinsure

3 Reasons To Have Home Liability Coverage

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When you live in Pembroke Pines, Florida, it’s important to have a homeowner’s insurance policy. Liability coverage is common within a policy – and you want to make sure it is coverage you have in place to cover various incidents.

Whether it’s a dog bite, a slip and fall, or something else, there are three good reasons for the coverage.

Medical Bills

Medical bills may be covered if a visitor to your home is injured. You don’t want to be the one to pay for these out of pocket, so home liability coverage will likely take care of the expenses on your part. If they have health insurance, you could be held liable – and this is a great way to save the money from being your financial responsibility.

Legal Costs

There could be legal costs associated with someone getting hurt on your property. If there’s an accident in your home, someone could sue you. This is going to require a lawyer. Whether you are found responsible for the damages or not, the home liability coverage is likely going to take care of your legal costs so you don’t go broke in the process.

Wages

If someone is injured sufficiently enough, they may be out of work. These lost wages could become your problem. The good thing about liability coverage is that it may prevent you from paying these wages.

You never know when someone could be injured and to what extent. When you have the right limits on your liability coverage, it can cover pain and suffering, medical bills, legal costs, wages, and more.

Contact us at McCormick Insurance Inc. today to speak to an agent who can help you find the right home insurance policy for you. Our agents look forward to finding comprehensive policies at affordable rates in Florida.

 

 

Prep Your Car For The Fall Months

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Many people make the assumption that they don’t need to do anything differently during the fall months than they do any other time of the year, especially in Florida. It’s not going to get very cold, and you’ll probably never experience ice or snow. However, there are a few things that you can do in order to prep appropriately.

An important thing is to check on your tires. As the temperatures outside fluctuate, the tire pressure can change. If the tires are too soft or too hard, it is going to result in problems with the way your car handles and potentially lead to a blown tire as well.

This is also a good time to have your brakes checked. You want to make sure that the rotors, drums, and brake linings are all checked. Especially if you are going to be driving outside of the state, you want to make sure that your brakes are capable of handling all of the different road conditions.

Comfort is an important thing to focus on as well. Defrost and heating unit within your car is going to be used during the fall and winter months. Bringing your car into a local mechanic to have the HVAC system inspected can be worthwhile. This way, if there are problems, they can be fixed right away.

It doesn’t matter whether you live in Florida or not. You want to make sure you are taking care of your car, and prepping for the fall is an important part of car ownership.

Call us at McCormick Insurance Inc. today. We can help you find a great auto insurance policy in Pembroke Pines, Florida for the fall as well as all year long. We can answer questions you may have about auto insurance and get quotes from multiple insurance companies, as well.

 

3 Ways to Save on Gas During a Road Trip

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At McCormick Insurance Inc., we help people save money on their auto expenses. We primarily help drivers find affordable auto insurance, but occasionally we pick up tips for saving on other auto expenses. For instance, here are three ways you can save on gas when taking a road trip.

Save Gas During a Road Trip

When taking a road trip, one of the main expenses you’ll have is your fuel costs. Therefore, saving on the amount of gas you use during your trip could significantly reduce the total cost of your adventure. To spend less at the pump, try the following:

  • make sure your tires are properly inflated
  • drive the speed limit
  • plan any trips to major cities around rush hour

These first two suggestions will help you improve your fuel economy, and the third will reduce the amount of time you spend sitting in traffic.

Save on Auto Insurance

If you haven’t reviewed your auto insurance policy, you may also be able to reduce your insurance premiums. Lowering how much you pay for auto insurance will save you money while you’re on the road and after you return home.

If you own a car in Pembroke Pines, FL and would like to see whether you can reduce your auto insurance premiums, give us at McCormick Insurance Inc. a call or send us an email. Our auto insurance agents would be glad to pull up a few quotes on auto insurance for you, so you can see how they compare to your current policy. In many cases, our independent insurance agents are able to find drivers policies with lower premiums.

If you’re planning a road trip, don’t wait until you get back to contact our agents. Get in touch with them today, and you could be saving on your auto insurance before you get on the highway.

 

Do You Have Roomates? 3 Renters Insurance Tips

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Having a roommate can be a great way to save money and keep household costs to a minimum. However, making sure you have the appropriate level of renter’s insurance coverage is also important. Here are three tips to consider.

Tip #1: Make Sure You Talk to Your Agent

Talking to your agent is important when you have a roommate. This discussion should take place fairly soon after moving in together, as your policy does not automatically cover your friend’s belongings unless certain guidelines are met. Find out whether or not your renter’s insurance carrier requires you to each have your own policy or allows to add your roommate’s name to your current coverage.

Tip #2: Decide Whether or Not to Have Separate Policies

The decision to have separate policies or be on the same one together is also important. While sharing coverage does allow you to split premium costs, there are some drawbacks. If you or your roommate have a falling out or one moves away, it can be difficult if you have a sudden claim as both of your names will be on the reimbursement check. Sharing coverage also means that you are responsible for splitting the payment to replace your stuff. This can get very messy if the two of you are not on the same page, which is why many roommates just opt to have individual renter’s insurance policies.

Tip #3: Understand That Intentional Acts Aren’t Covered

Another important tip to remember regarding roommates and renter’s insurance is that intentional acts aren’t usually covered. This means that if you end up with a nightmare of a roommate who damages or steals your stuff, your policy most likely won’t pay for reimbursement.

Do you have questions regarding renter’s insurance? Please contact our team of professionals at McCormick Insurance Inc. for more information.

4 Great Perks of Hosting a Garage Sale

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Do you have tons of items you are considering getting rid of, but aren’t sure where to start? Have a yard sale! Here are four perks of hosting a garage sale.

#1: Get Rid of Clutter

Let’s talk about the obvious first. Having a garage sale helps you eliminate the clutter that’s been piling up in your home. Clothes that no longer fit, toys that your children no longer play with, or home decorations that no longer suit your taste are all great candidates for putting up for sale. Gather items by going from room to room with a box and determining what you want to get rid of. Another option is to keep a few boxes handy that you add items to throughout the year.

#2: Earn Extra Cash

Another benefit of hosting a yard sale is that you can earn extra cash. Set a goal ahead of time and know what it will take to reach that goal. Some examples are a special outing for the family, a vacation, or even the supplies needed to tackle a home improvement project. Many parents even sell their children’s old clothing and toys to help redecorate their bedrooms.

#3: Teach Your Kids About Business

One more perk of hosting a yard sale is that it teaches your children about business. Have them help you tag items, set prices, and collect money. Garage sales are also a great time to setup a lemonade stand or other snack venture.

#4: Meet Your Neighbors

Finally, hosting a garage sale means you get to meet your neighbors. Perhaps a new family has moved in that has a similar taste in home goods or that you simply haven’t had a chance to chat with yet. By having a sale, you get to meet and connect with those who live nearby.

One important thing to consider before you host a garage sale is whether or not you have adequate home insurance coverage. Anytime you have visitors in your home or on your property, you run the risk of a liability claim due to injury or a fall. In addition, by having your garage door open, you also increase the chances of a possible theft. For more information or a policy review, please contact our team at McCormick Insurance Inc.

 

3 Important Facts to Know About Renters Insurance

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Every year, thousands of people move into a new apartment, condo, or rental home in our area. However, few realize the importance of taking out a renters insurance policy.

If you are one of these renters and are on the fence about purchasing coverage, here are three important facts to consider.

Renters Insurance Fact #1: Your Policy Includes Liability Coverage

One overlooked fact about renters insurance coverage is that most standard policies include a provision for liability coverage. This means that if a guest becomes injured while visiting your home or as a direct result of your actions, your renters insurance policy would help pay for their medical bills and any associated legal fees if you are sued. In certain circumstances, pet bites are also covered under this section of your policy. Liability coverage is important to have, as it protects your financial well being if an unfortunate event occurs.

Renters Insurance Fact #2: Your Belongings Are Covered Anywhere in the World

Most people understand that a renters insurance policy covers their personal belongings while inside their home or apartment. However, this type of coverage goes far beyond by protecting your items anywhere in the world. This means that if you are traveling and something is stolen from your luggage, you have coverage. It also means that if you accidentally leave your cell phone, laptop, or other item in your vehicle and it is stolen, you are also covered. This extension of coverage is especially important for those who go on vacation often or travel for work.

Renters Insurance Fact #3: You Might Get a Discount for Having Coverage

Another important fact to consider about renters insurance is that you might get a discount for having coverage. Many insurance carriers offer a special incentive for having a renters policy with the same company as your auto policy. And some Florida landlords and apartment complexes even give tenants a percentage off of their rent for having renters insurance. Of course, whether or not you qualify for these discounts is determined by your exact situation.

While these three facts are definitely important benefits, there is much more to what renters insurance entails. For more information or to receive a no-obligation quote, please contact our team at McCormick Insurance Inc. today.

Don’t Let the Weather in Pembroke Pines, FL Shorten Your Vehicle’s Life Span

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The summer can be rough on vehicles, especially in Pembroke Pines, FL. If you have a car and live in the area, make sure to take care of it this summer. Properly caring for a car during Florida’s hot months is easy, but it requires a little forethought about maintenance and emergencies.

Protect Your Car from the Elements

The sun, wind, and rain all pose a threat to your car, and Pembroke Pines sees plenty of each every year. Your can protect your car from the elements by:

  • using a sunshade when you park to keep your car’s interior from fading
  • painting over rust spots so that rain doesn’t cause more corrosion
  • having a safe place to park your car if a hurricane comes

These are all simple things, but they may make a big difference in your car’s life span.

Insure Your Car Before a Hurricane Hits

In addition to taking care of your car, you should also take some time to make sure it’s properly insured. Specifically, you should check whether your auto insurance policy would cover damage caused by a hurricane. Even with a safe place to park your car, no vehicle in Florida is completely free of any risk when high winds come through.

We at McCormick Insurance Inc. can help you find an auto insurance policy that properly insures you against the risk of a hurricane. We have independent insurance agents who are familiar with the risks that drivers in Pembroke Pines, FL face and understand what coverages provide the best protection against those risks. They can help you find an affordable policy that provides the protection you need by comparing auto insurance offerings from every insurer in the state. To speak with an agent, give our office a call.

 

Hurricane and Flood Insurance in Pembroke Pines, FL

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For the last 15 years, Pembroke Pines has gown rapidly. There have been a multitude of buyers and sellers. Some are buying their first home, and others might be buying their third. One thing they all have in common is the necessity of home insurance that covers their residence and insures the loss of the home iteslf, its contents and liability for injury on the premises. If your home is destroyed or rendered inhabitable by a covered risk, most home insurers will also cover your additional housing expenses until such time as your home is either repaired or rebuilt.

A loss of the home would be a major insurance claim. In that context, the most common coverage is known as extended replacement coverage. This is probably sufficient to rebuild or replace your home as it usually tops out at about 125 percent of your home’s appraised value. We can also put an inflation addendum on your coverage so that inflation doesn’t absorb your coverage.

We also recommend that Pembroke Pines, FL home insurance cover hurricanes. Because we’re independent insurance agents and tied in with multiple insurance companies, we expect to match you up with choices of top quality rated insurers for hurricane coverage. Remember that hurricane coverage doesn’t ordinarily cover flooding though. That could cause more damage to your home and contents than the hurricane itself. You’ll need specific coverage for this too.

Hurricanes are natural disasters. They’re inevitable here in South Florida and when disaster strikes, you’ll be pleased that you had the foresight to have covered hurricanes and flooding. You can get an online quote here on our website, you call us, or just stop in. You’ll get honest, objective, and unbiased information from us. We’ll be happy to take the time to talk with you.

 

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How Term Insurance Can Protect Investment Property Owners

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Many people find purchasing investment properties in Florida an attractive option in creating revenue streams. Some out of state residents will purchase a property here to build equity and potentially move into it. Others may rent it seasonally and become a “snow bird”. Still others buy investment properties to expand their financial portfolio.

Term life insurance can play an important role in protecting those involved in buying investment properties. It can provide a significant amount of coverage at a low cost-per-thousand price. Term insurance covers the life of the insured for a specific period of time. In the instance of investment properties, it can be taken out for the period of the mortgage. In fact, to save even more, investors can purchase decreasing term insurance. The amount of decreasing term insurance coverage gets less as the years pass to coincide with the lower balance owed on the mortgage.

If you are an investment property owner in the Pembroke Pines, FL area, we invite you to contact us at McCormick Insurance. We are an independent insurance agency that can get quotes from multiple insurance carriers. In the case of term insurance, we can find a large amount of protection for a very affordable price. Contact us and let’s discuss your investments and how we may better help you protect them.

Let us demonstrate the power of working with an independent insurance agency by visiting our website. There you can get an online quote for your homeowners or auto insurance. Answer a few questions and our independent agents will get to work. We may be able to save you money, improve your coverage, or possibly both! Contact us soon and get the coverage you deserve at a price you can afford.

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Five Life Insurance Basics Everyone Should Know

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Five Life Insurance Basics Everyone Should Know

As interesting as it would be to know a lot about everything, most of us have to pick and choose our interests. For those of us at McCormick Insurance Inc., we have chosen to make loss prevention products a big part of our lives. We have undergone the training necessary to get properly licensed in the various forms of insurance we make available to our clients and potential clients. We understand that many may consider insurance a less than stimulating conversation starter, but here are five life insurance basics everyone should know.

  1. Buy life insurance when you are young and healthy. The biggest factors affecting life insurance prices are your age and health. Buying it when you are young and healthy may seem contrary, but it is the smartest time to purchase it.
  2. There are two basic forms of life insurance. The two are Term life insurance, that covers an insured for a specific period or term, and Whole life insurance which covers the insured as long as premiums are paid.
  3. Whole life insurance builds value, term life insurance does not. Term life coverage is generally less expensive but expires after its term is over. Whole life builds value as you make payments over the years, value that you can tap into.
  4. Make sure someone knows about your life insurance coverage. An unclaimed policy doesn’t help the people it was intended to help.
  5. Compare to get the best rates. Rates can vary widely from provider to provider. Comparing is the one way to ensure you are getting the best value.

If you live in the Pembroke Pines, FL area we invite you to compare using McCormick Insurance. We are an independent agency that can do the work for you. We can scour the rates of multiple companies to find your best rates. Visit us online or contact us. Knowing the basics can go a long way in better protecting your family.

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