After a flood or other substantial water event, flood insurance policy holders are often surprised to learn what is covered by their flood policy – and more surprisingly, what is NOT covered under their flood insurance policy. As I have written about before, flood insurance is totally separate from homeowners insurance, and both provide
Why is the Mortgage Company’s Name on My Insurance Check?
Policyholders are often shocked to learn that the loss settlement check they receive from the insurance company is payable not only to the policyholder, but to their mortgage company as well. Homeowners insurance policies are broken down into several types of coverage – whether for the building, personal property, liability, alternative living expense, or
Is Flood Damage Covered Under My Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?
Most people believe that when they buy homeowner’s or commercial property insurance that they will be covered for any damage that may occur to their property. Unfortunately, as many people have painfully learned during recent flooding events, the normal policy of homeowner’s property insurance does NOT provide coverage for damage caused by “rising water” or
Florida Gators Win Without Even Playing!
The University of Florida Gators were scheduled to play football against the University of Idaho Vandals on August 30, 2014 in what was to be the Gators season home opener in Gainesville, Florida. The football game was initially scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m., but due to heavy rains and lightning, the start of the
Switching to a Cheaper Property Insurance Company? Better Think Twice.
Over the past few months, many Citizens Property Insurance policy holders received a notification that, unless they opted out within a certain time frame, their property insurance would be automatically transferred out of Citizens and into one of several small start-up insurance companies. These newly formed property insurance carriers have been nick-named “take-out” companies because
NEWSFLASH – Exploding Corpses Not Covered By Homeowner’s Insurance!
Yes, dear reader, the above title is correct. A Florida Appellate Court actually had to rule that your homeowner’s insurance is not responsible to pay for damage caused by the “sudden explosion” of someone’s body. If you don’t believe me, you can read the actual opinion here.
Per the facts of the case, Ms.
Tornado and Flood Damage in Florida – What to Do After the Storm
Over the last few days, Central Florida has been pounded by torrential rain, tornadoes and high winds. These damaging windstorms and tornados were especially violent in Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. These thunder storms caused flooding in Shore Acres, wind damage in Siesta Key, and claimed the lives of two people in Duette.
Wind Mitigation Credits – Save Money on Homeowner’s Insurance
It may come as a surprise to many homeowners, but you may be able to substantially reduce your homeowner’s property insurance premiums by just looking through the provisions of your policy. Specifically, most homeowner’s insurance policies set forth numerous premium “credits” for which you can qualify based upon the age and condition of your home.
Sinkhole Insurance No Help for Pasco Homeowner – Thanks for Nothing!
Yesterday, a large sinkhole opened up in the driveway of a Pasco County homeowner. I attached a picture of the sinkhole – which I’m sure was quite a surprise to the homeowner when she began to back out of her garage yesterday morning! The question now arises – would this issue be covered under your
Automobile Insurance Shell Game – The House Always Wins!
During the 2012 Florida Legislative Session, insurance company lobbyists pushed for the passage of HB 119, which greatly overhauled the Personal Injury Protection portion of your automobile insurance policy. As part of their sales pitch, proponents of this bill stated that the passage of this Bill would GREATLY REDUCE the cost of automobile insurance in