Before you take to the road in your RV for summertime family fun, run through a safety checklist so you can spend more time making memories and less time panicking in an emergency.

Vehicle Maintenance

Check all of your fluids, examine the air pressure in the tires, drive the RV around town while running errands a few days before to see how it runs, and make sure there are no odd bangs, squeaks, or grinding. If you notice anything odd or simply aren’t sure if it’s running fine, take the RV into a trusted mechanic for a thorough check-up.

First Aid Gear

A basic first aid kit is a must-have for every vehicle. The Red Cross offers excellent advice for building a kit, or you can purchase a pre-packaged one. If you already have one, take a peek inside to see if anything has gone missing as first aid kits are frequently raided.

Emergency Kit

You never know when a blown tire or fried engine will leave you stranded down a road with no help coming anytime soon. In addition to your first aid kit, an emergency kit can make the difference that lets you survive an unforeseen catastrophe. The Red Cross emergency kit is a good starting point, but you’ll want to add in supplies for the RV, such as oil, as well.

Registration and Insurance Coverage

The last thing you want on your vacation is racking up traffic fines and repair bills. Since RVs get infrequent use, your registration may have expired since the last time you drove it, so be sure to examine your tags. The final item on the safety checklist is the insurance you’ll need to keep your bank account safe from the damage of an accident on the road. If you need to renew your coverage, expand from a basic liability package to comprehensive coverage, or are just looking for better value, contact McCormick Insurance Inc. for a quote on recreational vehicle coverage.

There are many different kinds of insurance policies that cover a multitude of things. The types of insurance that many people consider typically include auto insurance, homeowners insurance, and life insurance. However, most people do not think about an umbrella insurance policy. This is the kind of policy that people tend to think they need only if they are rich but that is not always the case. Use these steps to figure out if you could use an umbrella policy.

• Are you a well known person in the community or a leader of some sort? If you are, then you may want to consider an umbrella insurance policy so that you can better protect yourself from potential lawsuits. People are attracted to people of power and some of those people do not have good intentions. If you are in the spotlight in your community, this is a great way to protect yourself from these types of things.
• Do you need more protection than a typical auto or homeowners insurance policy can offer? There are maximum amounts of coverage associated with both of these types of insurance policies and if your assets are valued at a higher amount than the coverage allowed, you may want an umbrella insurance policy to cover the difference.
• Do you have retirement accounts set up with large sums of money in them? The fact is that you probably do and you should protect these as well. You have more to keep safe than you think and an umbrella insurance policy is the perfect way to protect all of your assets, even the ones you may not consider protecting with a separate policy.

For more information about umbrella insurance policies or to see about getting a quote for one, contact McCormick Insurance Inc. serving Pembroke Pines, Fl., today!

 

For some people in Pembroke Pines, FL their motorcycle insurance premium is a major expense.  Of course, it’s also something that you don’t want to cut back on.  A good motorcycle insurance policy can protect you and your other passengers in the event of an accident, but only if you have the right kind of coverage.  Rather than cut back on your level of coverage, try these strategies to save on your premiums.

1. Shop around.  If you think you’re paying too much in premiums, call the agents at McCormick Insurance Inc.  They have years of experience in finding discounts so that you can get a motorcycle insurance policy that fits into your budget.
2. Ask about how to qualify for discounts.  Sometimes simple things, such as housing your motorcycle in a garage at night, can qualify you for significant savings on your premiums.  Also ask about safety and security features that you have or could easily have installed.  Sometimes just wearing a helmet can help to reduce your premium
3. Consider a higher premium.  While this will require you to have more money in savings, it might be a good idea if you’re able to do a lot of smaller work on your bike.  If you can make small repairs yourself, then you just need to rely on insurance for the big stuff.
4. Combine your policy with your auto policy.  If you can combine these policies together, you may be able to qualify for some large discounts.
5. Be careful.  A clean driving record is the best way to save money on your motorcycle insurance.  If you’ve made some mistakes, be careful going forward.  After a few months, you’ll start to see your premiums drop.

Umbrella insurance is necessary for a number of people in Pembroke Pines, Florida and you may need it and not even know what it is. Below are some more details about what umbrella insurance is, why you might need it and how much it costs. If you do decide to set up an umbrella insurance policy, there are a lot of different options out there but a local broker is probably best, like McCormick Insurance Inc. who serves the great Pembroke Pines area and offers competitive rates.

WHAT IS UMBRELLA INSURANCE?

Umbrella insurance is basically a back-up insurance policy to your other insurance policies if you coverage isn’t sufficient, as well as a policy that fills gaps in your existing policies. For example, if you are in a car accident and sued by the other person for injuries and your car insurance doesn’t cover what they are suing you for, you can trigger your umbrella policy if you have it to cover the difference. These umbrella policies also protect against libel and slander lawsuits, which most insurance policies out there do not.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Umbrella insurance costs about $200 a month per one million dollars of coverage, which may seem like a lot of protection but isn’t depending on the lawsuit or the damages reported. For another $100, you can usually obtain another one million dollars of liability insurance for your umbrella policy.

WHO NEEDS IT?

Anyone who thinks they may be vulnerable to a larger lawsuit due to an accident that may occur in the future. It really all depends on the type of life you lead and who you are before you should pull the trigger on setting up an umbrella insurance policy. Make sure your monthly payment is worth the coverage.

Pembroke Pines, Florida is a beautiful community in the Miami area and arguably the ideal place to own and ride a motorcycle. It will get great gas mileage, keep you from being stuck in traffic and also help you to truly enjoy the perfect Miami tropical air while living in paradise.  So it’s also important to protect your motorcycle and since Miami is a pretty big city, there is a better chance that someone could try and steal it. Below are some tips for preventing motorcycle theft in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

KEEP IT HIDDEN

Don’t leave your bike out in the open on a major street that people drive or walk by on a regular basis. That will make it a target over time. Instead, park it in a garage, put a cover over it or park it in an area that’s somewhat out of the regular public view.  It’s surprisingly easy to do this when you look for places that people won’t notice as easily and motorcycles are relatively small and can fit in a number of hard to access places.

LOCK IT UP

Like with a bicycle, having a lock on a tire will make it difficult if not impossible for a thief to steal it. U locks on the wheel of a motorcycle are almost impossible to pick and will usually require a blowtorch for a few minutes to successfully melt it away, especially without damaging the wheel and tire of the motorcycle itself. Because of this, just seeing a lock or anchor on the tire of a motorcycle will dissuade an interested thief from stealing it.

INSTALL A TRACKING SYSTEM

Installing a GPS tracking system will make it much easier for police to recover the motorcycle, at least before it goes into a chop shop. While this won’t prevent theft necessarily, it will make the chances of finding it better and make your insurance cheaper. And on that note, it’s critical to have an insurance policy for your motorcycle that covers you if it is stolen. Check out policies from McCormick Insurance Inc. who serves the Pembroke Pines area for insurance against theft on your motorcycle.

Pembroke Pines, FL definitely sees its fair share of storms, but many people may not realize that standard insurance policies don’t cover floods. See 5 reasons why you need to look at your policy, and ensure you have some type of protection against the cloud cover. 

1. A Little Goes a Long Way

Even small amounts of water have a tendency to spread out when it comes to your home. A little seepage can cause whole areas to be destroyed. This not only decreases the value of your home, but also can make it difficult to live in. 

2. Repair Costs 

If you do decide to fix the damage, it could be more expensive than you think. Thousands of dollars are spent on flood damage each year. Instead of pulling out your credit card then, try adding the policy coverage now. 

3. Peace of Mind 

Do you really want to be checking each weather report, hoping the next storm doesn’t cause any flood damage to your home? One strong benefit to buying insurance is knowing you have an entity fighting in your corner to get your home back. 

4. Assistance in an Emergency 

If you need to evacuate your home for any reason, you need somewhere to go and a plan in place for how to get back to your home. Flood insurance can help bridge that problem for you. 

5. Partnering Up 

The right insurance company knows what’s important to you, and they make it a point to deliver on their promises. McCormick Insurance Inc. is here to give you personalized service and start insuring what’s yours. Floods are inevitable, but fear and worry don’t have to be when it comes to fixing the problem. Give us a call for a quote. 

One of the most popular home improvement projects are kitchen renovations. It is also one of the most expensive. You should know how the renovations would affect your insurance premiums before getting started. Consider getting in touch with McCormick Insurance Inc. and ask the agents how your new kitchen remodel will impact your insurance rates.

1. Kitchen Countertops – Improving your countertops can be an expensive endeavor. Choose your countertop wisely. There are many distinctive types and each may affect your home insurance differently. In addition to the popular granite, laminate, and wood surfaces, there are also quartz, solid surface, stainless steel, copper, and eco-friendly countertops available.
2. New Appliances – You do not have to upgrade all of your appliances at one time. This could be costly and eat into your budget. Start with the oldest ones and eventually replace them all. Stainless steel appliances are a valued commodity and can increase the resale value of your home.
3. Cabinet Refacing – Renewing your cabinets may not affect your insurance premiums a great deal, but it is important to understand your options if it does. Adding wood veneers, plastic laminates, or rigid thermofoils could make a significant difference. Ask your McCormick Insurance Inc. agents in Pembroke Pines, Florida for more details.
4. Backsplash – One of the least expensive things you can do is add a decorative backsplash to the kitchen. They are easy to install yourself, but if you have a contractor make sure that he or she is fully licensed in case of accidents.

All of these kitchen renovations could add value to your home. They also may cause you to increase your insurance coverage to cover the new value of your home. Call the agents at McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL to discuss your options.

When a person goes shopping for insurance in Pembroke Pines, it’s imperative to keep in mind that there are various agents who can help with finding the best policies. Whether it be a homeowners policy or coverage for antique vehicle, having the right plan is paramount to protecting your valuable assets. With an independent agent on your side, you can take comfort in knowing that you are being covered by the best policies available. Here’s a closer look at a few reasons to go through an independent agent in Pembroke Pines. 

Regular reviews enhance your coverage

When was the last time your insurance agent called you and told you that a better policy was available at a more affordable price? Probably never, especially if you go through an agency that is constricted by providing coverage through a single insurance brand. With an independent agent, though, you can have peace of mind in knowing that this person will constantly be on the lookout for policies that provide you with optimal coverage at the most affordable price. 

Greater levels of customer service

When you go to make a claim, there is only one thing you have in mind — you want it to be processed quickly. With an independent agent on your side, you can rest assured that the claim will be processed not only quickly but in the best manner to provide you with the most compensation possible. This allows you to rest easy at night knowing you have the best coverage possible. 

For more info on buying the best insurance through an independent agent, contact McCormick Insurance Inc. today. 

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.