Is Builders & Vacant Risk Insurance Mandatory in Florida?

If you look everywhere in Florida, there is always an upcoming building. While the Sunshine State is exploding with constructions, ever thought about insurance to protect all these projects? Builder’s insurance from McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL protects buildings when undergoing renovations or under construction. On the other hand, we also provide vacant risk insurance to cover your home if left vacant for a certain period.

Are builders and vacant risk insurance mandatory?

Builder’s risk insurance protects your building against damage or loss from perils like lightning, theft, fire, vandalism, and so on. Most of the time, the contractor buys the insurance policy but confirms from the contract agreement as it usually states who should purchase the coverage. Typically, builder’s insurance doesn’t cover liabilities. Liabilities are either covered by general liability coverage or home insurance, in case it’s a home being constructed.

Some local authorities may need proof of the builder’s risk insurance before issuing construction permits. Also, the county or state governments may need this insurance policy as proof that you comply with the building code.

On the other hand, vacant risk insurance isn’t mandatory in Florida. However, it would help if you have it when your home is unoccupied for a certain period. Why? Home insurance doesn’t provide coverage against losses and damages that occur to your home during this time.

Who needs builder’s risk insurance?

Anyone interested in the building requires a builder’s risk insurance policy. Some people who may need this insurance include:

  • Homeowners/property owners
  • Architects /engineers
  • Contractors
  • Subcontractors
  • Lenders

Want to invest in builders & vacant risk insurance in Pembroke Pines, FL? Getting an insurance agent that offers these policies can be frustrating, but this is no longer the case because McCormick Insurance Inc. has got you covered. Contact us today for affordable coverage.

Florida Inland Marine Insurance Guide: Critical Terms Explained

Florida inland marine insurance is a kind of insurance that you can get as boat insurance for your marine life. The terms, however, can seem very confusing.

At McCormick Insurance Inc., we want Pembroke Pines, FL boat owners to have the most thorough policy for their boat insurance. We want you to understand what the terms mean as well. 

Learn more about Florida inland marine insurance here.

Type of Policy

There are a number of kinds of marine insurance that you can get. For Florida boat insurance, you can get hull insurance or liability insurance.

Hull insurance will protect the hull of your boat and any damage that could be caused to it by weather or collision.

Liability insurance will cover any liabilities that you incur as a result of an accident or event for which you are at fault or held liable. 

You are not required to get both kinds of insurance. A policy that only provides liability will cover you in the event of a disaster for which you are ultimately held financially responsible. 

Add-Ons to Florida Inland Marine Insurance

There are a number of elements to any boat insurance policy that you can add to create a more thorough policy.

Navigational limits are a common feature of every marine insurance plan. This term defines where you can and can not operate your marine vessel under marine or maritime law. You can have this amended to include extended navigational limits so that you can take your boat farther than your policy provides.

The layup period specified in your marine inland insurance policy specifies what months you can and can not operate your boat. You may not want this in Florida, but you may choose to dock your boat during certain months of the year if you are not using it. The time frame between November and April is the most common layup period.

Get a Quote

If you have not purchased marine inland insurance before, the terms can feel confusing. They are easier to understand than you think. At McCormick Insurance Inc., we want Pembroke Pines, FL boat owners to feel confident with their boat insurance policy. Call us for a quote today.

Boat insurance: What you should know

Florida is a state filled with water, so, of course, many people take advantage of this. From surfing to fishing, there is fun stuff to do for everyone in the water. That’s why many people in Florida own boats. Boats are an excellent way of life, whether you live on your own boat or use it for recreational purposes. 

Let us take the hassle out of any inconveniences that may happen to your boat, and get boat insurance that will help you in many situations, and let you solely enjoy your boat. McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL offers boat insurance quotes, and we can compare several quotes alongside you today. 

The why

You might wonder why you need boat insurance at all. An obvious reason is, of course, if your boat breaks or gets damaged. These are indeed two very good reasons to consider boat insurance, but there’s a ton more reason this is quite an important investment, an investment at a low cost at that.

For example, did you know you could be liable for someone else’s medical and/or repair costs if your boat hits someone else’s? 

What else

Other reasons you might consider boat insurance should be similar to why you get insurance for your home. What if someone breaks into your boat and steals valuable items you have got hidden away in it? Or what if your guest trips on your boat and decides to sue you? All great reasons to consider getting boat insurance today.

If you want to look at boat insurance policies with us, you can give us a call on McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL.

What Insurance Add-Ons Are Best for Your RV?

When you buy an RV, insurance might not be the first thing you think about. However, it should be one of your priorities. In addition to meeting minimum insurance requirements, you should also consider add-on policies that provide more protection.

McCormick Insurance Inc. serves Pembroke Pines, FL, ensuring you have all the tools you need to have a fun and safe time with your RV. These are some insurance add-ons you should consider.

Roadside Assistance

When you have an RV, a lot can happen. When you are on the road, you may want the protection of being able to have gas delivery or a tire change on demand. Roadside assistance can prevent a breakdown from stopping your trip.

Personal Effects Replacement

If you are in an accident or somebody breaks into your RV, some of your personal items could become damaged. Some policies may replace your personal belongings, like clothes, jewelry, or appliances.

Total Loss Replacement

There are many cases in which total loss replacement is necessary. A replacement can help you cover damage to your RV if something serious happens that totals it.

Full-Timer’s Insurance

Some people like to live in their RVs. If you use your RV for more than half of the year, you might consider getting this add-on policy to provide more protection. This can help cover not only your RV but also the area surrounding it so that you can have liability and property protection.

Get RV Add-On Insurance

McCormick Insurance Inc. provides many RV owners in Pembroke Pines, FL with insurance add-ons that help them travel and live safely. Contact an insurance professional to learn more about your add-on options.

How Much Umbrella Insurance Do You Need?

Umbrella insurance is used to protect you, above and beyond what your other insurance policies offer. If you get sued, you may have a lot to lose (if you have a lot of assets). However, you could also be held accountable for someone that has an accident on your property. If someone slips and falls, you could be held liable. If your dog bit someone, you are going to be responsible for paying their expenses. 

Even better, your umbrella insurance will follow you wherever you go. If you get hurt on vacation, it will cover those expenses? Get in an accident while touring the country? Your umbrella insurance will be there for you. 

So, how much umbrella insurance do you need? 

The best way to answer this is to determine what your worth is. Look at your assets. What does your home cost? What about your vehicles? Don’t forget about your savings and retirement accounts. All of that can quickly add up! 

If you are worth one million dollars, that is the minimum amount of umbrella insurance that you need. Umbrella insurance goes up by the millions, so you may need two or three million in umbrella insurance, depending on your worth. 

If your assets are less than one million, you may not need any umbrella insurance. However, you should talk to an insurance company just to make sure. You don’t want to lose any of your assets due to an accident. 

If you want to make sure that you are protected (and you live in Pembroke Pines, FL), you need to contact McCormick Insurance Inc. We will be glad to sit down and discuss your needs to come up with a plan that fits within your budget. 

Is Flood Insurance Mandatory in Florida?

Floods are the most devastating and unpredictable as they can strike in areas where rain is rare. If you are a Pembroke Pines, FL resident, it’s paramount to buy flood insurance to avert suffering from massive financial loss. Since flooding is unpredictable, it requires one to develop a contingency plan. Statistics show that about 20% of all flood insurance claims in Florida culminate from low to moderate risk areas. Regrettably, many Pembroke Pines, FL residents only think about flood insurance when the unexpected strikes. Contact our agents at McCormick Insurance Inc.; they will assist you in getting outstanding flood insurance suiting your needs and budget, irrespective of where you reside.

Is flood insurance mandatory in Florida?

Flood insurance isn’t required for every home in Florida. Nonetheless, if your property is situated in flood-prone areas, you might need to buy coverage as a condition of your outstanding mortgage. Even if you live in low-risk areas, it’s prudent to buy flood insurance since 20% of more claims arise from low-risk regions. Since standard home insurance policies don’t cater to flood-associated losses, all Floridians should guard their dwellings with splendid separate flood insurance. It’s vital to get flood insurance among the following coverage options.

Building property coverage: This coverage safeguards the house itself. It covers the physical structure and its:

  • Window blinds
  • Furnace and water heaters 
  • Plumbing and electric systems
  • Refrigerators and dishwashers
  • Permanently installed carpets
  • Foundation

Personal property coverage: It covers personal belongings(contents)in the building. It covers:

  • Portable appliances
  • Clothing
  • Furniture
  •  Electronics
  •  Curtains
  •  Freezers and foods inside them

Do you own a house in Pembroke Pines, FL? It’s wise to consider getting flood insurance before the next storm hits. Flood insurance could salvage you from devastating losses and avert you from carrying the burden of rebuilding or repairing your house after flood damage. Would you mind not hesitating to get in touch with our agents at McCormick Insurance Inc. to get a customized quote on flood insurance?

Life Insurance Coverage Options

While no one likes to think of death and what will happen to their loved ones when they die, there is a certain feeling of peace of mind in knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of when you leave this world. One of the ways to achieve that type of peace of mind is through obtaining good, solid life insurance and the staff at McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL knows and can explain the different types of life insurance policies that are available to you.

If you have a basic life insurance policy through your employer, chances are that it will just be about enough to cover your funeral and burial expenses. It will not leave much for your loved ones, if any at all, to pay off other bills or to replace your income or retirement plan. You will want to have a plan in place that will pay off your debts and even pay the monthly mortgage payments or utility bills for your family. They will already be grieving over losing you and having the correct life insurance policy in place will help them through a very stressful time.

Types of Life Insurance Policies

There are several types of life insurance policies that you can choose from and here is a detailed list of the three of the most common types.

Term Life Insurance

This type of life insurance is only paid out if the person who purchased the policy dies during the term that the policy is in effect. You get to decide the length of the term, along with your insurance agent, which can range from one year to decades. The downside to this one is that once the term ends, you have to renew it or you simply do not have it any longer.

Universal Life Insurance

The most popular choice when it comes to life insurance is the universal life insurance policy because it has a type of savings account piece to it and is a permanent life insurance policy instead of a term policy. You can actually borrow from this type of policy while you are still alive to pay off bills or your home mortgage ahead of time for your family. When you pass away, the beneficiaries of the policy that you have chosen will receive the death benefit that is left over.   

Whole Life Insurance

Whole life is sometimes referred to as permanent insurance and will pay a death benefit when you die. There are three major types of whole life insurance, including traditional, variable universal, and universal life, and different versions to pick from.

To get your policy started right away, and the peace of mind that comes with it, contact the life insurance agents at McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL to get your policy started today.

Who is covered by my home insurance?

For most homeowners in Pembroke Pines, FL, home insurance is critical coverage that helps protect their investment.  The all-around policy is designed to protect every aspect of your home, but does it really cover everyone living with you? To avoid confusion and misinformation, McCormick Insurance Inc. decided to create this post to help you understand better who is covered in your home insurance policy.

You

As a homeowner, you can be sued or held liable for many things, whether you are at fault or not. Your home insurance can help cover most lawsuits, such as a neighbor suing you for water damage that entered their home from your overflowing swimming pool.  You can also be held liable when a guest’s child gets injured after tripping on your slippery floor.

Family members

Your family members, including children, parents, cousins, and other relatives who live with you, are covered. Be sure to write all their names when purchasing the policy to avoid claim rejection. Home insurance covers lawsuits and property damage your family members cause to other people.

Pets

Your pets are part of your family and, therefore, part of your home insurance policy. However, not all pets are covered. The most commonly covered pets in Pembroke Pines, FL are dogs and cats. So, if you’re keeping other types of pets, be sure to ask whether they will be covered or whether you’ll need separate pet insurance.

Guests and other people

Your friends, neighbors, and anyone that visits your home can be compensated if accidentally injured while at your home. The policy pays medical expenses and legal fees in case you’re sued.  For instance, if you hold a party and one of your friends drinks too much, and they end up causing a road accident while driving, your insurance policy can help pay for the damage or injuries on their behalf.

Remember, the policy doesn’t cover intentional acts. For more information, quotes and queries, be sure to call McCormick Insurance Inc. today.

How does auto insurance in Florida protect someone?

Many people in the Pembroke Pines, FL area will find that owning a car is a good idea. With a vehicle, you will be able to get around the city and surrounding areas more efficiently. If you decide to purchase a car when you are here, you also need to get the right insurance for it. This type of coverage can protect someone in several ways. 

Mitigate Liability Risk

A reason to have an auto insurance plan in this area of Florida is so you can mitigate your liability risk. If you decide to drive a car when you are in this area of the state, there is going to be a chance that you cause damage in an accident. As damages can be significant, finding a way to offset this risk is important. A liability insurance plan can help you do this as it will give coverage if you do cause damages. 

Protect Vehicle

You also will want to have this coverage to protect your vehicle. If you buy any type of vehicle, you will want to ensure it can last for a long time. With proper insurance, you will get the coverage needed to repair to replace your vehicle if you incur a loss from theft, vehicle accident damage, or other forms of loss. 

Owning a vehicle in the Pembroke Pines, FL area continues to be a good idea and can make life much more convenient. As you are looking for a car in this part of Florida, you should also make sure that you speak with someone that will help you build a new insurance plan. The team with McCormick Insurance Inc. can give any support you need to build your next policy. McCormick Insurance Inc. takes a personalized approach to ensure you select the right plan based on your situation. 

Florida Motorcycle Requirements for New Residents

New Pembroke Pines, FL residents have 30 days to update their vehicle’s registration when moving from out of state. Additionally, bikers must change over their motorcycle insurance to their new Florida residence. There are specific steps new Florida residents must take when registering and insuring their motorcycles. The experts at McCormick Insurance Inc. know moving is a busy time and are ready to help new residents with insurance coverage. 

Here are some requirements for new Florida residents with motorcycles:

Motorcycle Registration

All new Florida residents have 30 days to transfer their out-of-state registration to Florida. Registration, plates, driver’s license (with motorcycle endorsements), and titling for the vehicle must be taken care of and updated with your new address. New residents must update and transfer everything in person at a local DMV office. 

Motorcycle Insurance

Insurance coverage varies from state to state, and when moving to Florida, your motorcycle insurance also needs updating. Contact your insurance agent to change your motorcycle insurance coverage to the state of Florida, which is required for all licensed drivers to carry with them.

Florida bikers must carry the following insurance coverage: 

  • Bodily injury liability: $10,000 per person
  • Bodily injury liability: $20,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability: $10,000
  • Medical payment coverage: $10,000

Additional Coverage Options

As with auto insurance policies, you can customize your motorcycle insurance based on your coverage needs. Additionally, coverage options include collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance, and gap insurance. 

You only have 30 days to change over your registration after moving to Florida. So, it is recommended you do not wait to update your motorcycle registration and insurance after moving to Pembroke Pines, FL. For assistance getting everything you need, call the experts at McCormick Insurance Inc. today.