Inland marine insurance versus marine insurance: know the difference:

Do you know what the difference is between inland marine insurance and marine insurance? Not many people do. McCormick Insurance Inc serving the city of Pembroke Pines, FL is here to help you.

Marine Insurance

Marine insurance is exactly what it sounds like; insurance related to boating and shipping. Marine insurance has been around for centuries. At the most basic level, it is insurance against the loss or damage to watercraft and their cargo. Marine insurance has several subcategories, so if you own, build, or use watercraft in any way, then marine insurance is for you. In Florida, one of the subcategories of marine insurance is inland marine insurance, which is defined differently.

Inland Marine Insurance

The name of this type of insurance is misleading, often making you think of boats. Inland marine insurance is, in fact, the insuring of goods or property in transit excluding boating transportation. Inland marine insurance is a type of property insurance for your business. It can cover many types of transportation as well as liability exposure should something happen to someone else’s property while it is in your care during transportation. It is also a good idea to consider inland marine insurance if you are transporting your own goods or equipment regularly.

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In summary, marine insurance is for you if you are involved with or use watercraft. Inland marine insurance is for you if you are in the business of transporting goods for others or yourself regularly. Contact McCormick Insurance Inc. serving the Pembroke Pines, FL area today. Let us help you get the insurance you need for you, and your business to safeguard your people and your profit.

4 Must-have Coverages in Your Boat Insurance

The boating season is here. As the temperatures creep up, it’s time to get your boat from storage and hit the waters. But whether it’s sailing, picnic, or fishing, you need watercraft insurance from McCormick Insurance Inc. to have a relaxed time in the water. That said, if you own a boat in Pembroke Pines, FL, here are four boat insurance coverages you must consider. 

But before then, you need to distinguish between the actual value and the agreed value when shopping for boat insurance. Here is the difference:

  • Actual value: This value takes into account the depreciation factor when compensating you for your loss. 
  • Agreed value: When looking for compensation for repairs or replacement of your boat, you get the amount agreed upon between you and your insurer. 

Must-have boat insurance coverages

While there are many boat insurance coverages, your policy should have a minimum of the below: 

  • Liability coverage: When you are legally liable for an accident, you could face property damage and bodily injury claims. Without boat insurance, you may have to finance third-party claims from your pocket. 
  • Physical damage coverage: Comprehensive coverage comes in handy when not using your boat. It protects your boat against non-collision risks like theft, vandalism, fire, and certain natural calamities. On the other hand, collision coverage protects your boat against physical damage sustained in a collision.
  • Medical payments coverage: This coverage pays for the medical expenses for you and your passengers when involved in a boating accident. 
  • Uninsured boater coverage: What would happen if you collide with a boater without insurance? If they are deemed liable, you could be faced with uncovered property damage and bodily injury costs. For this reason, you need uninsured watercraft coverage to cushion you against less-responsible boaters.

While boat insurance is broad, having the above coverages is an excellent place to start. If you are unsure what coverages you need in Pembroke Pines, FL, please connect with McCormick Insurance Inc. for guidance. Here, we believe that there exists no one-size-fits-all boat insurance. As such, we provide tailor-made boat insurance to suit your personalized needs.

When do owners in Florida need RV insurance?

The Pembroke Pines, FL area continues to be a fun place to live. One of the advantages of being in this part of the state is having access to many local recreational amenities. A way that you can enjoy the entire area is by investing in an RV. There are a few situations when people here will need to have an RV insurance plan.

When Taking Out a Loan

A situation in which many RV owners need to have a proper RV insurance policy is when they are taking out a loan. With low interest rates, now is a great time to finance the purchase of an RV. While an RV loan can help you get into a great RV, there are responsibilities that go along with it. In many cases, you will be obligated to carry a full RV insurance policy. 

When Driving on a Public Road

As you are looking to drive an RV, it is also important to understand the laws regarding insurance. Any RV owner will be obligated to carry at least a liability RV insurance plan. This coverage is required by state law and ultimately ensures drivers are able to cover damages they could cause during an accident on the road. 

There are a lot of situations when an RV owner will need to have proper insurance for it in the Pembroke Pines, FL area. As you are evaluating all of your insurance needs and options, calling McCormick Insurance Inc. is a good option. There are a lot of choices to make when looking for this coverage and McCormick Insurance Inc. can make it a lot easier for you. They can help you build a plan that will give you and your RV ideal coverage for your situation. 

Reasons You Might Need a Vacant Risk Insurance Policy

Vacant Dwelling and Builders Risk Insurance

This type of insurance is a little lesser known to most people until they understand how useful it is. During remodeling and home construction, builders risk will keep the structure and equipment covered during building. With vacant dwelling insurance, your home will stay protected when you are not occupying it for an extended period.

If you live in Pembroke Pines, FL, contact McCormick Insurance Inc. today to speak with one of our agents. We will be happy to schedule an appointment and discuss a quote for vacant dwellings and the builder’s risk insurance.

Benefits of Vacant Dwelling Insurance

If you have properties that are often unoccupied, being constructed or remodeled, vacant dwellings and builders risk insurance can cover you during events when you are not there. This can offer peace of mind and protection for your valuable investments. Some incidents that may be covered under a vacant dwelling policy:

  • Unexpected Disasters – Your home may have pipes that break leaving you with significant damage while you are away. Staying insured can help cover these types of events.
  • Vandalism and Theft – Thieves and vandals may target properties that have been vacant for some time. For this reason, being insured is a wise choice.
  • Multiple Properties – If you have gaps between residency because of buying and selling property, vacant dwelling insurance can cover you for short periods.

Professional Insurance Agents in Pembroke Pines

The agents at McCormick Insurance Inc. of Pembroke Pines, FL have experience working with vacant dwellings and builders risk insurance. We can help you understand the finer details of your policy and make the most of your vacant dwelling insurance. Contact us for a quote and to speak to one of our representatives today.

How does excess insurance work?

Life can hand you a lot of lemons sometimes, and it is important that you and your business are covered. Sometimes, that coverage is not enough–thankfully, there is excess insurance. At McCormick Insurance Inc., servicing Pembroke Pines, FL, we understand the need for something dependable that goes more than just standard coverage. We can help you explore your coverage options.

Excess insurance is often confused with umbrella insurance coverage. Both of these types of insurance work in conjunction with what you currently have. Excess and umbrella insurance also go beyond your current coverage—just in different ways.

While they are similar, they have some major key differences. Excess insurance just simply extends the limits of what is covered in your current policy. Excess insurance can be purchased at both the personal and commercial level, making it a great option for smaller or mid-size businesses that cannot afford the full extent of umbrella insurance. Life can be unpredictable at times, you want to make sure that everything is covered and that your policy is appropriate for you and your business.

It can be hard to differentiate between umbrella insurance and excess insurance, which can make it hard to find the right policy and coverage for you and your business. By calling a McCormick Insurance Inc. representative, you can cut through all the confusion and dead ends and understand what it means to you. We know that your time is valuable, so it is important to us that you get back to what matters.

The likelihood that you or your business find yourself in a drastic scenario is slim, however, it is never impossible. And in this ever-changing world, it can be comforting to know that you are protected when life throws a hurricane at you. Speaking of hurricanes… excess insurance can come in handy for those nasty Florida storms that can destroy your home or business to a further extent than your current coverage.

Excess insurance works in conjunction with a current policy. It simply has a higher limit to your coverage and kicks in once your primary insurance has been exhausted. Hence the reason it is called excess. Excess insurance does not cover anything outside what is currently covered under the primary policy.

There are many benefits to having excess insurance. It can be a financial lifesaver to many small businesses and personal policyholders. You never know when lightning strikes twice—so it is key to have excess insurance to protect you against the unforeseen events of life.

When it comes to insurance, you do not want to be left short. And that is where excess insurance comes in handy. From covering everything from medical bills to auto repairs to lawyer fees, excess insurance can keep you and your business from going under. Just because it does not increase the scope of your insurance does not mean that excess insurance is not beneficial.

If you currently have an excess insurance policy, it can be helpful to find out the extent of coverage. Your present policy may not cover everything your company needs or wants it to protect in the event of an emergency. If you find that your excess coverage is out of touch with your company or is not a good fit anymore, it may be time to update your policy.

To find out more about the advantages that excess insurance can give you or to find the right policy for you, please contact us at McCormick Insurance Inc., servicing Pembroke Pines, FL. Our agents are here to answer any questions you may have about excess insurance and explore coverage options.

Common Questions About Inland Marine Insurance.

McCormick Insurance Inc. wants to help you protect your business if you have property you have to transport on a regular basis. If you do not already have a great inland marine insurance policy or if you would like to learn more, here are some common questions about this type of insurance. We serve Pembroke Pines, FL and the surrounding areas. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Inland Marine Insurance:  

  • What is inland marine insurance? The name is misleading. Inland marine insurance is technically a type of property insurance for property being transported overland. It is not commercial vehicle insurance. It is for your product or materials that are transported by truck or train or the like, most often by a third party. 
  • Does my business need inland marine insurance? If your business transports items through a freight system then there is risk. The level of risk varies with each situation and unique business. It is likely that the item being transported is worthy of properly insuring with additional insurance to protect your assets. 
  • What is a scenario commonly covered by this insurance? If the semi-moving your property gets into a fender bender that damages your property this coverage may protect you further than their commercial insurance covers. There are many scenarios that would justify this insurance add-on. 

If you live in the area of Pembroke Pines FL contact us at McCormick Insurance Inc. to learn more about Inland Marine and other insurance coverage. We serve the region with quality insurance services for your life, home, vehicle, and business. It may be much more simple to add on insurance for special situations in your business than you expect. 

Is Boat Insurance A Must In Florida?

Boat insurance isn’t required in Florida, but if you are thinking about skipping this coverage, you are putting yourself and your boat in danger. If your boat is financed, your lender may ask you to carry watercraft insurance as long as the loan liability is outstanding. However, whether boat insurance is mandatory or not, you need to purchase one from McCormick Insurance Inc. of Pembroke Pines, FL, to enjoy the below benefits.

Liability protection

Given the popularity of boating activities in Florida, the danger of boating accidents is never far from you. And when an accident happens, and you are at fault, you could be facing significant liability claims for losses and damages caused to third parties. However, you can avoid going this route by securing your boat with insurance.

Boat damage protection

Did you know that Florida is the leading state with the highest number of registered recreational vessels? Given these statistics, boating accidents are a reality for Florida boaters. But because we can’t avoid accidents 100 percent, you need to protect your boat with insurance.

Boats aren’t at risk in the water only. Even when parked in your garage, perils like theft, vandalism, falling objects, and fire can still strike. However, with comprehensive boat insurance, you can relax, knowing your boat is well-covered.

Medical payments coverage

If you live in America, you must be aware of the escalating healthcare costs. When involved in a boating accident, you and your passengers could incur significant medical expenses. Without health insurance, you could be facing a financial crisis. To that end, considering medical payment coverage in your boat insurance is vital.

Depending on add-ons you incorporate in your boat insurance, you can also enjoy:

  • Roadside and emergency assistance
  • Personal property protection
  • Underinsured/uninsured boater protection
  • Mechanical breakdown coverage

Whether it’s a yacht, fishing boat, sailing boat, or personal watercraft, boat insurance protects and gives you peace of mind when enjoying the waters. If you are in Pembroke Pines, FL, and the nearby areas, you can purchase boat insurance from McCormick Insurance Inc. Contact us today for a quote.

Why should I get recreational vehicle insurance?

The Pembroke Pines, FL area can be a fun place to live in or visit. Those that are in this area of Florida will enjoy access to many fun outdoor recreational activities. If you are here, buying your own recreational vehicle will help you to enjoy the area as much as possible. If you do get a recreational vehicle, it is important that you get proper insurance for it. 

Insurance Gives Liability Protection

A reason that all people should get a recreational vehicle insurance plan is that it will offer you valuable liability protection. Whenever you are going to operate your vehicle, there is going to be a chance that you could cause an accident. If this occurs you will have to cover the damages. While this can be a big expense, you can mitigate the risk with a recreational vehicle insurance policy as it will include protection for liability.

Coverage for Vehicle

You will also want to get a recreational vehicle insurance plan because it will protect and cover your vehicle. If you decide to buy a recreational vehicle you will want to be able to enjoy the asset for a long time. If you get a recreational vehicle insurance plan, it will give the coverage needed to repair or replace it if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. 

Owning a recreational vehicle in the Pembroke Pines, FL area can be a good option. If you are looking to purchase a recreational vehicle here, getting the right insurance continues to be very important. When you are looking for a new policy, McCormick Insurance Inc. is a great company to contact. The team with McCormick Insurance Inc. can offer you a lot of support when it comes to building and choosing a policy that is right for your situation. 

How Umbrella Insurance Works

When many people look through your home and auto insurance policies, they find that they have very little liability coverage. When you want more of this overage for those policies, getting umbrella insurance is a great way to do it. If you are interested in umbrella insurance, call us at McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL to talk with an agent about this type of coverage.

Higher Maximum Coverage

If there is an accident in your home or in your insured vehicle, the primary insurance policy on it will pay first. The home or auto policy will pay out up to its maximum. If you don’t have additional liability insurance, that often means that everything over and above the policy’s maximum is up to you to pay yourself. To avoid this kind of financial catastrophe, many people get an umbrella policy to supplement both their auto and home policies. Once the primary policy has maxed, the umbrella policy comes to the rescue, paying up to its maximum, which is far higher than the maximum of the primary policy.

Save Money on Insurance

So, why get an umbrella insurance policy? Why not just increase your liability coverage for your home and auto policies? Because that would be a very expensive prospect. Adding to the coverage of both of these policies may be far more than you’re willing to pay for coverage. Umbrella insurance, however, is known for its affordability. It will have a maximum payout of many times your home and auto policies, and it costs less to get.

Talk to an Agent

To find out more about umbrella insurance policies, contact us at McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL. Make an appointment to talk with an agent about this important coverage and how it can positively affect your financial future. 

How to prepare your home for a flooding event in Pembroke Pines, FL

How to prepare your home for a flooding event in Pembroke Pines, FL

Floods are the most destructive and sometimes most unpredictable as they can happen in regions that rarely see rain. If you live in Pembroke Pines, FL, you probably know how costly the damages can get. Since they are not always predictable, McCormick Insurance Inc. recommends taking steps to prepare if you live in a flood zone area. Here are a few ways you can help keep yourself, your family, and your property safe from floods.

Check with your local council to assess the flood risk

The first and most crucial step is checking whether your home is located in a flood risk area or not. If marked as high risk, your local council will provide you with information such as the expected dates and how you can minimize potential losses. You should also stay alert by monitoring local news and weather reports. If your home is not in a high-risk area, don’t relax. Buy flood insurance and keep yourself updated for emergency alerts.

Make your safety a priority

You will not keep your home and loved ones safe if you are not safe yourself. Create emergency exits in case flooding occurred suddenly. If you live in a mansion with several floors, consider moving most valuables to the upper floors. You also want to check and ensure electricity and water pipes are properly sealed to avoid excess damage.

Buy flood insurance

Homeowners insurance in Pembroke Pines, FL, does not cover floods. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that you get a separate flood insurance policy to protect your home and personal belongings. Your insurance company can help you buy the right coverage based on the value of your home.

Most flooding events are unavoidable, but with a little planning, organization, and taking safety measures, you can get back to your everyday life sooner than expected. Let McCormick Insurance Inc. help you stay safe. Contact us for more information, quotes, or policy discussions.