Tag: gainesville

Condo Insurance and Loss Assessments

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If you own a condo, there is a portion that is yours, which might be connected to a neighbor who also owns a portion, such as a shared wall, and there are also "common areas" shared by all owners. You probably have a condominium owners association (COA) and pay monthly dues for the maintenance and upkeep of the common areas.  Your COA is likely responsible for the master insurance policy for the entire property, which may also be the insurance coverage for the project owners.

If this sounds complicated, it is. However, it is vital that you understand what protection you have under your condo insurance and the master insurance policy for the entire complex, the policy limits, and who is responsible when something goes horribly wrong.

To learn more about your condo insurance, you can conduct a regular condo insurance review with the help of one of our agents at Peninsula Underwriters Insurance Agency, serving Gainesville, FL. 

What is a "Loss Assessment"?

A loss assessment may come as a terrible surprise to a condo owner after a disaster. It is the cost associated with common area damages that are not covered by insurance. Consider what happens when a building is completely destroyed, and the master insurance policy has a limit that is less than the cost to rebuild the common areas. The condo owners get a bill for their share of the shortfall.

These circumstances may be a financial disaster for you, unless you have loss-assessment coverage, which is usually a "rider" on your condo insurance policy, offering extra protection.

The Value of a Condo Insurance Review

Some people do not bother to read their insurance policies until after a disaster. That is usually a big mistake. A wiser strategy than leaving such things to chance is to have one of our agents at Peninsula Underwriters Insurance Agency, serving Gainesville, FL, go through the details of your condo insurance with you. Contact us today for your condo insurance review.

Does Home Insurance Cover Electrical Work?

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Most homes in Gainesville, FL contain a wide range of valuable electrical equipment, such as wiring, outlets, light fixtures, switches and circuit breaker panels. Many homeowners eventually need to repair or replace some of these devices. Before you call an electrician to schedule professional electrical work, it’s important to know if your home insurance will cover this project.

What’s Covered?

This kind of insurance generally protects your electrical system when a covered incident damages it. Most home policies cover several different events, including fire, lightning, vandalism and explosions. They don’t insure against earthquakes or flooding. Likewise, insurance won’t cover regular updates or improvements, such as replacing fuses with modern circuit breakers. Only a sudden, unexpected event can be covered.

In some cases, home insurance will cover damage caused by power surges. You might also be able to make a claim if an electrical outage results in the loss of refrigerated or frozen food. On the other hand, gradual decay over time doesn’t qualify. Keep in mind that some electrical issues may be covered by equipment, surge protector or home warranties.

Outdated Wiring

Some insurers refuse to cover homes with certain types of antiquated electrical systems. This can be an issue with aluminum and especially knob-and-tube wiring. It’s harder to qualify for insurance because this equipment may increase the risk of fire and/or electric shocks. Updates can help you obtain coverage, but an insurer won’t cover the electrical work involved in this process.

If you’re looking for a policy that can reliably protect electrical equipment and the rest of your home, Peninsula Underwriters Insurance Agency can help. We provide conventional home and mobile home insurance to residents of the Gainesville, FL area. Our independent agency helps homeowners compare different options and find an appropriate solution.

Is There a Minimum Amount in Assets Required Before You Can Purchase Umbrella Insurance?

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There are many types of insurance to consider, and each has its own specific focus. If you have heard about umbrella insurance and would like to know what it can do for you, our agents at Peninsula Underwriters Insurance Agency are standing by.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance works like its name implies: as a layer of protection. The coverage is not required in Florida, but it is recommended for anyone with significant assets. Coverage can also step in for the insured if a claim is filed against them for libel or slander. 

Be Prepared With Umbrella Coverage in Gainesville, FL

When you have homeowners or auto insurance, each policy has a limit. If you are subject to a situation resulting in property damage or bodily injury where the limits of either policy are reached, an umbrella policy will make payments up to its limits. The additional coverage helps to protect your personal assets.

Who Should Have Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is especially beneficial if you have significant assets. A policy can help protect assets like your savings, future earnings, and others.

Homes with a swimming pool or other types of play equipment where a visitor could be injured are good candidates for an umbrella, as they are high-risk activities. And if you have pets, such as a dog that could bite a visitor, that’s a risk as well.

If you own rental property, umbrella insurance adds protection against tenant accidents when your landlord insurance policy limits are reached.

Contact Us

If you have questions about purchasing umbrella insurance to cover your Gainesville, FL, assets, speak with one of our agents at Peninsula Underwriters Insurance Agency for more in-depth information.

Have You Reviewed Your Mobile Home Insurance Recently?

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If you haven’t reviewed your mobile home insurance in the last year, now is the time! Mobile home insurance is a policy designed to help repair or rebuild your mobile home if a covered event occurs.

If your policy hasn’t been updated recently, it may be insufficient to cover all the repairs or replacements needed to make your home livable again. At Peninsula Underwriters Insurance Agency, serving Gainesville, FL, we’re here to help you review your policy to ensure your mobile home insurance meets your current needs.

Why Should You Review Your Mobile Home Insurance?

Costs change over time, and home upgrades can affect the amount you might need to spend to repair your mobile home. Regularly reviewing your mobile home insurance helps ensure your policy will be sufficient to cover all expenses after a covered disaster occurs.

How Can You Review Your Mobile Home Insurance?

To review your mobile home insurance policy, start by contacting your insurance agent at Peninsula Underwriters Insurance Agency. Our insurance professionals can provide you with the most recent copy of your policy, allowing you to see your coverage levels. Your agent can also answer any questions you have, helping you understand what to consider as you review your mobile home insurance.

What Should You Do If You Need to Update Your Mobile Home Insurance?

If you need to update your mobile home insurance policy, the professionals at Peninsula Underwriters Insurance Agency, serving Gainesville, can assist you. We’ll help you determine what changes need to be made to ensure you have adequate coverage in case of a disaster. Call today to speak with one of our insurance professionals.

How Social Media Can Get You Sued—And How Umbrella Insurance Protects You

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Social media has become an integral part of everyday life, from sharing opinions and commenting on news to posting reviews. However, many people are unaware that a single post, tweet, or comment could potentially lead to a lawsuit. At Peninsula Underwriters Insurance Agency in Gainesville, FL, we’ve seen how online interactions can escalate into expensive legal disputes. Thankfully, umbrella insurance can offer additional protection when things go awry.

When Social Media Becomes a Legal Concern

Defamation lawsuits pose one of the most significant risks associated with social media use. If you post something negative about a person or business that is deemed false and damaging, you could be sued for libel. Even sharing or reposting harmful content from someone else can put you at risk. What might seem like an innocent comment or joke could be interpreted as defamatory, leading to legal action.

Accusations of cyberbullying are another concern. An online argument might seem harmless, but you could face serious consequences if someone claims they suffered emotional distress due to your words. Additionally, privacy violations—such as sharing someone’s private messages, photos, or personal details without consent—can also result in lawsuits.

The Role of Umbrella Insurance

Most people assume their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance will cover personal liability claims, but standard policies often have limits. Legal costs can accumulate quickly if you’re sued for defamation, invasion of privacy, or another social media-related issue. Umbrella insurance covers legal fees, settlements, and damages when those limits are exceeded.

Peninsula Underwriters Insurance Agency in Gainesville, FL, can assist if you’re seeking reassurance in the digital age. Contact us today to learn how umbrella insurance can protect you from unexpected legal issues.