Commercial Truck Insurance

Protect your business in three easy steps

 

A business is only as safe as the tools it uses. One of the best tools a business can use to protect its assets is commercial auto insurance. 

Understanding insurance can be tricky. One of the first steps toward making an informed decision is to understand coverage and service options. Here are three easy steps to help figure out your commercial auto insurance needs:

1. Choose an insurer with the right combination of price and service. Insurance isn’t just about price. It’s about service, too. How are claims handled? How long will it take to get your vehicle back on the road? Can you get questions answered outside of business hours or online? Know the answers to these questions. Your time is money. 

2. Research your policy options. Having the right coverage is important. A standard commercial auto policy generally includes coverage for: 

•injuries or damage that you cause;

•your driver’s injuries;

•injuries and damages caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers; and

 

•damage to or theft of your vehicle(s).

 

When it comes to damage that you cause, you may be required to purchase certain limits based on who you work for. For instance, if you work for certain home builders, you may be required to carry $1 million in liability limits. Consider how much you are willing to pay out of pocket if your liability in an accident is more than your policy limits. 

3. Know how the policy is priced. You can control your insurance costs. To get the best rates, run motor vehicle reports on potential drivers. If you let your insurance lapse, you’ll probably pay more for your next policy. Ask about discounts, including paid-in-full and renewal discounts.

 

Just like your customers rely on your professional skills, call a professional independent insurance agent who will be in your corner, researching and recommending the best options.

“Commercial auto insurance is complicated, but it is vital to protecting your livelihood,” says Bill Kampf with The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, one of the largest commercial auto insurers in the country.

 

For more information about commercial auto insurance, visit www.lehnandvogt.com

Lehn & Vogt Insurance

2980 S McCall Rd

Suite E

Englewood, FL 34224

941-698-8877

 

Health Care Policy and Marketplace Review: The Eye Popping 2016 Obamacare Rate Increases Are ...

Health Care Policy and Marketplace Review: The Eye Popping 2016 Obamacare Rate Increases Are ...: The Big Rate Increases Are Coming a Year Early The Obama administration has posted the 2016 rate increases in excess of 10% that the Obam...

Halloween Safety Tips

Cyber Crime: The Top Threat to Our National Security and What You Need to Know

Cyber Crime: The Top Threat to Our National Security and What You Need to Know

HMOs Versus PPOs: Understanding Your Options In Health Insurance

 

 

HMOs Versus PPOs: Understanding Your Options In Health Insurance

Choosing the right insurance for you and your family can be a difficult decision, and the terminology used in policies, especially in the health insurance market, can make the options available even more complicated. If you are considering health insurance options, understanding the difference between HMOs and PPOs can help make the choice easier and clearer. This article will help you understand the difference between these two popular health insurance options and determine which is best for you.

HMOs

HMOs, or Health Maintenance Organizations, are prepaid health plans that offer comprehensive medical coverage in exchange for a monthly premium. The care you receive is limited to healthcare providers and institutions that have an agreement with the HMO you select, and so this limits where you can receive healthcare and from whom, except in the case of an emergency. These types of plans usually also include a small co-payment for most expenses such as doctor's visits or hospitals stays, and depending on the type of coverage you select it may or may not include prescription drugs. The costs associated with HMOs are usually more predictable than other options.

PPOs

PPOs, or Preferred Provider Organizations, are more of a subscription type healthcare option than a comprehensive medical plan. This type of coverage gives you a discounted rate for healthcare from the specific providers associated with your PPO, and they act as a middle man between you, the insured, and the healthcare provider. In general these plans offer more flexibility in coverage, as you do not need a Primary Healthcare Provider, and you can see doctors out of network and still receive coverage, though at a higher premium. Most PPOs have higher annual deductibles and larger co-payments.

There are definitely benefits to both types of health insurance plans. Consider your options carefully and choose what makes sense for you and your family.

www.lehnandvogt.com

 

Lehn & Vogt Insurance and Financial Group

2980 S McCall Rd Suite E

Englewood , FL 34224

 

Auto-Home-Health-Flood-Boat-Medicare Plans-Retirement

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

 

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

Figuring out how much life insurance you need to carry can be confusing. It really depends on a few factors, and there are a few simple methods you can use to determine how much you should carry. At the most basic, there is a minimum amount of life insurance you should carry if you want those left behind to avoid a struggle. Beyond that, you really can't have too much insurance, so add more as you can afford it. But remember, the younger you are when you take out your policy, the more affordable it will be.

Who Will Be Left Behind?

Who will be left behind when you pass away is one of the biggest considerations as to how much life insurance you need. If you are married but have no children, and your spouse has a good source of income, you might not need as much insurance as someone who is the main breadwinner. Each child you add to the mix means more insurance you will need to ensure they are cared for if you are gone. You also need to consider whether you want to provide for college educations for your children or if you are simply aiming to meet their basic needs.

Your Annual Income

How much you make every year is a good starting point to determine how much your family will actually need to survive without you. If you are the sold earner in the family, then you know that your income is enough to keep the family at the current lifestyle they are used to. Many agents recommend that you provide at least 5 times your annual income in life insurance, which provides your family with approximately 5 years of income to recover and find a new source of funds.

Mortgage Protection Coverage

Will your family be able to pay the mortgage on your home after you are gone? If you don't want them to lose their home, providing enough life insurance to pay off the mortgage is a good idea. This is often recommended on top of the annual income you will provide to your family.

Life Insurance Calculators

There are a number of excellent life insurance calculators available online, and your insurance agent can also provide this service. With a small amount of information regarding your finances and income, these calculators make it easy to determine just how much insurance you should take out. Remember that while life insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense, your family's future may depend on it. Make sure you have enough so that you will be prepared for an unexpected tragedy.

 

www.lehnandvogt.com

 

Lehn & Vogt Insurance

2980 S McCall Rd Suite E

Englewood, FL 34224

 

Recent Rains Cause the Lack of Flood Insurance to Hit Close to Home

Recent Rains Cause the Lack of Flood Insurance to Hit Close to Home

by Toni Logan  

• 
  

Even If You Don’t Live in a Flood Zone, All of Florida is Flood-Prone.
Florida's recent torrential rains and the flooding they caused are a stark reminder that it's not just hurricanes that can wreak havoc here in the Sunshine State.
Every Florida homeowner is one unrelenting rain storm away from a flood damaged home, whether they live near the coast or further inland (and no matter where you live in Florida, you’re no more than 60 miles away from the beach).
Did you know? Floridians filed more than twice as many flood claims with the National Flood Insurance Program in 2014 than Alabama, the second highest state on the list, and received more than twice as much in claim payments: $117,861,100 vs. $52,668,831 accordingly. (Share this)
Standard Florida home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by floods. But many homeowners are unaware that they need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy until the water recedes and they call their home insurance carrier – and by then, it's too late.
Only about two million of Florida’s nine million homeowners currently have a flood insurance policy. If you’re one of those currently using the “I’ll take my chances” method to prepare for flood damage, consider these facts, courtesy of floodsmart.gov:

• Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States
• From 2010 to 2014, the cost of the average flood claim was nearly $42,000
• From 2005 to 2014, total flood insurance claims averaged more than $3.5 billion per year
• In 2014, the average flood insurance policy premium was about $700 per year

Any water that enters your home from the ground is defined as a flood. Floods can be caused by a torrential downfall, a waterway (even a creek, ditch or levee) overflowing its banks, or any type of inundation or oversaturation. You don't have to live in a high risk area, such as near the coast, to be vulnerable. In fact, more than 20 percent of flood claims each year are filed by homeowners outside of high risk areas.
You might be wondering: What's the difference between water damage and flood damage? Your Florida home insurance policy covers the accidental and sudden discharge of water into your home. If a pipe from your washing machine or dishwasher bursts, your policy covers the resulting damage to your flooring and furniture. The key distinction between water damage and flood damage is how the water arrives. If it accumulates and travels over the ground, it's a flood. (Share this) 
Any water that enters your home from the ground is defined as a flood. Floods can be caused by a torrential downfall, a waterway (even a creek, ditch or levee) overflowing its banks, or any type of inundation or oversaturation. You don't have to live in a high risk area, such as near the coast, to be vulnerable. In fact, more than 20 percent of flood claims each year are filed by homeowners outside of high risk areas.
You might be wondering: What's the difference between water damage and flood damage?
Your Florida home insurance policy covers the accidental and sudden discharge of water into your home. If a pipe from your washing machine or dishwasher bursts, your policy covers the resulting damage to your flooring and furniture. The key distinction between water damage and flood damage is how the water arrives. If it accumulates and travels over the ground, it's a flood. (Share this)
Lehn & Vogt Insurance has partnered with the nation's largest flood insurance provider, Wright Flood to provide federal flood insurance to Florida homeowners. Wright Flood is an industry leader known for exceptional claims response, flood insurance expertise and commitment at the time of flood loss.
Important to know: It takes 30 days for federal flood insurance to take effect, so make sure to discuss this important coverage with your agent before the next storm.

 
Lehn & Vogt Insurance proudly represents  American Integrity Insurance.

 

Business Interruption Coverage

 

66% of Small Businesses Lack Business Interruption Coverage

Nearly 75 percent of small businesses say they don’t have a disaster recovery plan in place. For companies with fewer than 50 employees, just one in five – or 18 percent – have one, according to a new Nationwide-sponsored survey.

Those low numbers also reflect a lack of relevant insurance coverage, with 66 percent of respondents not having business interruption insurance.

A word from our sponsor:

Nationwide commissioned the survey from Harris Interactive, which polled 500 U.S small business owners online in June with fewer than 300 employees. Mark Pizzi, president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Direct and Member Solutions, said that small businesses’ lack of planning in terms of disaster recovery is unfortunate and potentially quite costly.

“Small businesses are least likely to have disaster recovery insurance. And yet they are the ones most affected by a disaster. That’s why it’s essential for small businesses to have a disaster recovery plan,” Pizzi said.

Among the small business owner survey findings:

• More than half of respondents said it would take them at least three months to recover from a disaster.
• 38 percent – more than a third – of small business owners believe it isn’t important for their businesses to have a disaster recovery plan.
• 26 percent – one in four – said that they believed there was a slim chance that a natural disaster would occur in their area.
• 37 percent said climate change and El Nino made it less likely that natural disasters would impact their business.
• 69 percent said they have an evacuation plan at home.
• For businesses without a disaster recovery plan, 34 percent said it was a low priority.
• If a disaster hit, 44 percent said they don’t have access to generators if disaster hit.

Shared Via Insurance Journal

For more information on business interruption coverage contact

info@lehnandvogt.com

Choosing Your Life Insurance Beneficiaries

Choosing Your Life Insurance Policy Beneficiaries: Making Sure All Your Loved Ones Are Covered

Choosing the beneficiaries for your life insurance policy is one of the most important decisions you will make.  Life insurance is, after all, meant to protect your family and loved ones.  While your immediate family may seem to be the obvious choice as your life insurance beneficiary, there may be other people and organizations which rely on you that you do not want to forget.  Here are some of the most common-and commonly forgotten-life insurance beneficiaries you need to consider, and tips on how to decide how much you should allocate to each.

Beneficiaries

Children And Spouse-For most of us these are the beneficiaries to whom most of our funds will go.  It is important to ensure that you choose a policy that will not only cover their daily expenses, such as any outstanding debts and mortgage payments, but also future expenses such as tuition fees for your children and a retirement fund for your spouse.

Parents-If your parents rely on you for help with expenses such as medical fees, prescriptions, or other living expenses, it is important that you leave a portion of the coverage to them.  This will give you-and them-the peace of mind of knowing they will be covered.

Other Family And Friends -Whether it be siblings, nieces or nephews, or other close friends who rely on you for various expenses, ensuring that they are covered is important.

Business Partners Or Employees-If you own a business or are involved in any business ventures with other individuals, making sure that their interests are protected is important.  It is also important that you have the necessary protections in place for any employees you may have to ensure they are not put in a difficult financial situation.

Charities And Organizations-If you offer financial support to any charities, organizations, or groups that rely on your support, making sure that it continues after you are gone is an important part of taking care of your responsibility in estate planning.  An easy plan is to allocate an amount similar to that you currently provide over several years.

For more information on life insurance and beneficiaries

visit www.lehnandvogt.com or call 941-698-8877

Lehn & Vogt Insurance

2980 S McCall Rd Suite E

Englewood, FL 34224

High-Tech Home Security and Theft Prevention | Smart Home Technology

High-Tech Home Security and Theft Prevention | Smart Home Technology

Do you need Home Insurance as a renter?

 

 

Do You Need Home Insurance As A Renter?

Think home insurance is just for homeowners? Protecting your personal property and ensuring costs are covered should fire or flood destroy your rental property is not only smart, but in most cases your legal responsibility. So what kind of insurance do you need as a rental tenant and what should you be sure you have covered to protect your belongings?

What Does Renter's Insurance Cover?

Depending on where you purchase your renter's insurance, the types of claims that will be covered can vary. In general, renter's Insurance coverage is similar to that of homeowner's insurance in that it covers natural disaster and acts of nature, vandalism and theft, and fire. In most cases this also includes personal liability, meaning that you are covered even if you are the cause of the damage, and it usually includes not only the property itself, but the contents as well. The extent of the coverage can vary from minimum legal coverage to comprehensive coverage, depending on your personal situation and needs. Since the minimum coverage required in each state or area can vary, you will need to contact your insurance agent to learn the situation in your area. They can also help you find a policy that is right for your situation and budget.

What Does Renter's Insurance Cost?

Like most insurance policies, the more comprehensive the policy, the most costly it will be, but overall, renter's insurance is usually a very affordable type of insurance. In most cases it will cost you less than $20 a month for an apartment and $35 a month for a house.  One option that will always make homeowner's or renter's insurance more affordable is to combine it with another type of insurance, usually car insurance. Most insurance companies have these types of combined policies available, and since these are two types of insurance that you are required to have anyway, combining them to save money is a great idea for making insurance more affordable.

Contact an Lehn & Vogt Insurance!

9416988877

www.lehnandvogt.com

 

 

Is It Too Early/Late to Buy Life Insurance?

Is It Too Early/Late to Buy Life Insurance?

 

 

 

 

How much is your life worth? 

Contact  Jeff Vogt for a  life insurance review

2980 S McCall Rd

Englewood, FL 34224

941-698-8877

www.lehnandvogt.com

 

Are You Ready for Hurricane Season? | Florida Is My Home blog

Are You Ready for Hurricane Season? | Florida Is My Home blog

How to Read Homeowners Insurance Declarations Page | A Guide to Understanding Your Policy

How to Read Homeowners Insurance Declarations Page | A Guide to Understanding Your Policy

Why Boat Insurance Is Just As Important As Car Insurance

April 9, 2015

inShare

With warm weather most of the year, Florida is the #1 boating state in the U.S. Unfortunately, many boaters cancel their coverage once their loan is paid off and coverage is no longer required.

Often boating enthusiasts think they don’t need any additional protection on the water, especially if they are experienced and have a safe track record on the water.
The truth is that boat insurance is just as important as car insurance, and you may be arguably more at risk on the water due to the number of uninsured boaters. No matter how experienced or cautious you are, you can’t protect yourself against careless or inexperienced boaters or the wrath of nature.
If you have a car accident that isn’t your fault, you would turn to the other driver’s insurance policy to provide coverage.  If there is any dispute regarding that coverage, you can always fall back on your own automobile insurance to cover damages.  Although everyone is required to carry car insurance, this is not the case on the water. Not having watercraft coverage could leave you with an inoperable boat and a large repair bill.
If your boat is damaged, you know right away that the most at risk is the cost of replacing the boat in the case of a total loss, or significantly less if it is only in a partial loss.  However, consider what happens if a guest slips and falls aboard the boat, is injured while fishing or water skiing, or collides with another boat and injures a passenger.  Without watercraft insurance, you would be responsible for medical bills and personal liability in amounts much greater than the boat’s value. This is reason enough to maintain at least a liability boat insurance policy.
There are a bounty of losses and accidents that can happen on the water. If you wouldn’t drive your car without having automobile insurance, then you shouldn’t navigate on the water without boat insurance.  The relatively low cost of this coverage is a small price to pay for peace of mind to protect your family’s interests.
Before you set sail this spring, check out our “Alphabet of Boating Tips” infographic for a quick refresher. 

Shared via Tower Hill Insurance

5 Tips to Prevent Identity Theft Through Social Media | Florida is My Home Blog

5 Tips to Prevent Identity Theft Through Social Media | Florida is My Home Blog

The Truth about Thunderstorms in Florida

The Truth about Thunderstorms in Florida

Assignment of Benefits Form

https://www.thig.com/learning-center/insurance-basics/video-assignment-of-benefits/

In the event of claim. Never sign an Assignment of Benefits Form.  IF you do you may be signing over your rights to the claim. Please consult with your agent or claims adjuster.

Video Courtesy of Tower Hill Insurance Group

www.lehninsurance.com
www.lehnandvogt.com

Lehn and Vogt Insurance
2980 S McCall Rd Suite E
Englewood, FL 34224

Auto-Home-Life-Flood-Business-Property

Keeping your Home Cool

In a few weeks it will be time again to turn on your air conditioning — if you haven’t already.

Consider installing a programmable thermostat, so the temperature is most comfortable when someone’s home rather than cooling an empty house. Step-by-step instructions for installing a programmable thermostat are posted on ConsumerReports.org, and a how-to video is posted on ThisOldHouse.com.
As the temperature rises outside, does your home keep the hot air out and the cool air in? Check to be sure your windows and doors are well sealed to help keep the AC inside. Most local utility companies offer free home energy assessments and recommendations for making your home more energy efficient, and lowering your electric bill.
Shared from Tower Hill Insurance Group
www.lehnandvogt.com

You Know You're a Floridian When... | Florida Is My Home Blog

You Know You're a Floridian When... | Florida Is My Home Blog

NEW SARASOTA COUNTY FLOOD MAPS

By this time next year thousands of homes in Sarasota County will be moved into high risk flood zones.  Whether we agree or disagree with the new FEMA ruling it wont stop the inevitable.
What can you as a realtor do to help educate new home buyers?

All of Florida is in a Flood Zone.   Flood hazard areas identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map are identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). SFHA are defined as the area that will be inundated by the flood event having a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The 1-percent annual chance flood is also referred to as the base flood or 100-year flood. SFHAs are labeled as Zone A, AO, AE, V, and  VE.  Homes in these zones with mortgages are required to have flood insurance.

 Moderate flood hazard areas, labeled Zone B or Zone X (shaded) are also shown on the FIRM, and are the areas between the limits of the base flood and the 0.2-percent-annual-chance (or 500-year) flood. The areas of minimal flood hazard, which are the areas outside the SFHA and higher than the elevation of the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood, are labeled Zone C or Zone X (unshaded). Homes in these low to moderate risk areas with mortgages are not required to purchase flood insurance.  Although flood insurance is available at a reduced price.


Just because a portion of a property is in the new flood high risk zone does not necessarily mean it will require flood insurance. Per FEMA rules if the flood zone does not actual touch the home it is not in the flood zone. Thousands of so called affected properties in Sarasota County that are being moved into the zone are actually in two zones.  Low risk and high risk.  If you follow the link for the New Sarasota Maps
(https://ags2.scgov.net/sarcoflood/) you will notice most of the new zones follow creeks, lakes and drainage ditches. Most properties do have a shaded green area touching the actual land mass but not the home.

What does a property owner do if the bank  is requiring flood insurance?
Borrowers who have reason to dispute the flood hazard determination presented by a lender may request, jointly with the lender, that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) review that determination. FEMA will make its determination within 45 days of receipt of all necessary data. If the request for review is related to a loan and the loan closing occurs before the end of the 45-day response time, the purchase of flood insurance is required. If it is determined through the review process that the structure is not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), and if the lender waives the flood insurance purchase requirement, a full premium refund can be obtained if no claim on the policy has been made.

The Flood Hazard Determination Review process does not consider the elevation of the structure above the flood level. It considers only the location of the structure relative to the SFHA shown on the effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
Information on how to submit a request is found below.

If you have questions about whether or not a home will require flood insurance or the cost please email matt@lehnandvogt.com

Lehn & Vogt Insurance
2980 S McCall Rd
Englewood, FL 34224

FEMA Flood Rate Increase/Secondary Home Surcharge

 

New flood insurance premiums to rise higher than expected

 When their policies renew on or after April 1, homeowners with federal flood insurance will begin paying new fees and rates that are higher than some coastal advocates expected.

Come April 1, the National Flood Insurance Program will implement reforms required by the Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed into law in March 2014.

The act repealed or modified some aspects of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, which eliminated flood insurance subsidies for homes built before flood maps, causing premiums to soar for many homeowners. While Biggert-Waters allowed rates to increase as much as 25 percent annually, the affordability act capped the increase to between 15 and 18 percent for most policies.

As part of that law, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will issue updated flood insurance rates and other charges for new and existing policies beginning April 1.

FEMA detailed the changes in a bulletin released last fall.

That cap includes the Reserve Fund Fee, which Biggert-Waters created as a way to cover premium shortfalls. Calculated as a percentage of the total premium cost, the Reserve Fund Fee assessment will increase 10 percent for most policies.

But when the Federal Policy Fee and the affordability act surcharge are factored in, policies could jump substantially more. Mandatory insurance premiums for properties in the high-risk AE zone, for example, could grow as much as 23 percent with the fees.

The surcharge for primary homes will be $25; for secondary and multifamily homes and businesses, the surcharge is $250..

The new law is a tradeoff, as it will help make the program financially sound while easing the impact on older homes that have suffered severe flood losses – known as pre-FIRM Severe Repetitive Loss properties.

Renewals will be subject to a 25 percent renewal cap as well as a higher affordability act surcharge of $250.  Premiums will surely increase for pre-FIRM SRL renewals, but they won’t lose grandfathering or subsidized rates.

 Lehn & Vogt Insurance  

2980 S McCall RD Suite E
Englewood, FL 34224
www.lehnandvogt.com

Florida Home Safety: Burglar-Proof Your Garage

Florida Home Safety: Burglar-Proof Your Garage

As scary as this scenario sounds, it’s not the most common way thieves enter a homeowner’s garage. Usually, they simply walk in – albeit uninvited – to an unlocked or raised garage door. Consider these nine simple tips to help prevent intruders from entering your garage and home:

1. Do not leave your garage door open, even if you are home.
2. Install motion sensor lights above your garage door.
3. Lock the entry door between the garage and your home.
4. If you will be away for a few days, unplug an automatic garage door to make it more difficult for a thief to enter.
5. Frost or block garage windows.
6. Consider installing an automatic system that will close a garage door that has inadvertently been left open for a period of time.
7. Install a peephole in the door between your house and garage in order to see what’s going on if you hear a strange noise, rather than having to open the door to investigate.
8. Keep your car doors locked, even in the garage. Take your garage door opener in the house with you, or lock it in the glove compartment of your car.
9. Secure any valuables kept in your garage and try to keep them out of sight when the door is open.

www.lehnandvogt.com
Lehn & Vogt Insurance
2980 S McCall Rd
Suite E
Englewood, FL 34224

Sinkhole Insurance Vs Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse

Florida homeowner insurance restricts us from several coverage features.  One that can be quite confusing to several homeowners is the difference between  "Sinkhole" and "Catastrophic Ground Collapse". 
 Most homeowners polices in Florida exclude coverage for "sinkhole activity" however they provide you with the opportunity to request and endorse your policy to include such coverage for additional premium.   
 However, All Florida homeowners policies do include coverage for "catastrophic ground collapse" which is defined below: 
Catastrophic ground cover collapse” is defined as “geological activity that results in all of the following:
 
 1). The abrupt collapse of the ground cover;  
 2). A depression in the ground cover clearly visible to the naked eye;  
 3). Structural damage to the building including the foundation; and
 
 4). The insured structure being condemned and ordered to be vacated by the government agency authorized by law to issue such an order for that structure.” 
This means that if your home is damaged by sinkhole activity, but does not meet all four criteria for catastrophic ground cover collapse – for instance, you may have foundation cracks, but the home is still livable – your insurance may not pay for the damage if you do not have sinkhole coverage  
 If you wish to request to include "sinkhole activity" you must contact your agent and/or insurance company to request a sinkhole inspection usually with in 45 days of the effective date.  There is a small fee for this inspection, typically less than $225.00 and the insurance company will usually split the cost.  However there is not a guarantee that coverage will be extended. You must receive a favorable inspection.                       
 
 

Do you have enough Life Insurance?

realLIFEstories | Life Insurance | Melissa Wandall - Keeping His Spirit ...

Buying Insurance In Englewood Florida

 

Buying Insurance

Everything You Need to Know

The best thing to do in order to ensure you have purchased the right insurance is to first determine your risks. Then, as you follow along on this website, you’ll learn how to make the informed decisions that will help you purchase exactly the coverage you need – not too much, not too little.

Let’s get started…

What is Insurance and
Why Do I Need it?

In simple terms, “risk” is exposure to loss. Risk Management is the act of managing your personal potential for loss and what that loss will cost you. One way of managing risk is to purchase insurance. Insurance is the act of transferring your risk to someone else that will cover some or all of your losses for a fee called a “premium.”
The reason we buy insurance is either because we want to make sure we’re protected if something happens, or because the bank requires us to as a condition or requirement of our loan – or both. The key is to make sure you have chosen the right insurance company – and that you purchase the right policy for the right price.
In regard to homeowners insurance, there are actually nine major risks to be concerned about, and we invite you to have fun while learning about them at Meet The Risks.

Choosing an Insurance Partner

What is an insurance company rating and why does it matter?

Insurance companies are evaluated by several different bureaus based on financial stability, longevity and the way companies perform. The ratings are an important factor in choosing your insurer. Bankers is proud to say that, as of 2009, we maintain a “B+” rating with A.M. Best – the most highly respected bureau providing insurance ratings.

That said, it’s also important to note that, while ratings are significant, they are no guarantee. A significant number of “A‐rated” insurance companies folded after some of the bigger-named storms hit Florida and Louisiana over the past few years. Please view these ratings as a useful evaluation tool, but not your only criterion when choosing an insurance company.
What is often even more important than a carrier rating is a catastrophe “rating”–especially if you live in coastal states like Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina. Bankers has weathered an impressive 25+ catastrophes and offers exceptional customer service and claims response time. Imagine the risk of choosing a new insurance company that has never even handled a catastrophe. Knowledge like this is priceless to you. Your insurance company should have years of experience when it comes to catastrophe management. You want a carrier that has “been there and done that” and will be there for you during what can be one of the most frightening times of your life.

Reprinted from Bankers Insurance

by Matt Lehn
Lehn & Vogt Insurance
2980 S McCall Rd
Englewood, FL 34224
www.lehnandvogt.com

Protect Yourself with Flood Insurance
Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. From 2008 to 2012, the average residential flood claim amounted to more than $30,000. Flood insurance is the best way to protect yourself from devastating financial loss.
Flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters, condo owners/renters, and commercial owners/renters. Costs vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers and the property's flood risk.
All policy forms provide coverage for buildings and contents. However, you might want to discuss insuring personal property with your agent, since contents coverage is optional. Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before your policy goes into effect. That means now is the best time to buy flood insurance.

Flood insurance is available to everyone, from high-risk areas to moderate-to-low risk ones.
Learn More

There are many flood policies available for renters, including contents-only flood insurance.
Learn More

If you rent or own a condominium unit, you may want to look at both building coverage and contents coverage.
Learn More

Policy rates are based on many factors, including flood risk, amount of coverage and elevation.
Learn More

Flood insurance covers property damage and personal items, but it’s always smart to know what’s covered.
Learn More

Learn the essentials to flood insurance, including what it covers, what it protects and who it protects.
Learn More

A lot of things determine what policy is best for your business, so if you have questions, now's the time to ask.
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PRIMARY RESIDENCE DISCLAIMER

For flood insurance rating purposes, a primary residence is a building that will be lived in by the insured or the insured's spouse for at least 80 percent of the 365 days following the policy effective date. If the building will be lived in for less than 80 percent of the policy year, it is considered to be a non-primary residence.

• Rate your risk
• Estimate your premiums
• Find an agent

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State:State/TerritoryAKALARASAZCACOCTDCDEFLGAGUHIIAIDILINKSKYLAMAMDMEMIMNMOMPMSMTNCNDNENHNJNMNVNYOHOKORPAPRRISCSDTNTXUTVAVIVTWAWIWVWY

Zip code:

Residential?Yes No

Primary Residence Non-Primary Residence

Flood Risks Nationwide

Flood Risks Nationwide
Many people think that if they do not live near a river or the coast, they are not in danger of flooding, giving them a false sense of security. Floods are the number one natural disaster in the United States and high-risk flood areas are not the only ones that can flood: more than 20 percent of flood insurance claims come from areas mapped outside high-risk areas.

Flash floods, inland flooding, and seasonal storms affect every region of the country, wiping out homes and businesses. People need to know that they can take steps to protect their financial security before disaster strikes. However, many residents and businesses are unaware that they qualify for flood insurance or that policies are more affordable than they may think.

What is a Flood?
Flood insurance covers direct physical loss caused by "flood." In simple terms, a flood is an excess of water on land that is normally dry. The National Flood Insurance Program's definition of a flood is "a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from:

* Overflow of inland or tidal waters;
* Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;
* Mudflow (a river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas); or
* Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above." 


Flood Risks
Floods can happen anywhere and at anytime. While some causes are obvious, such as hurricanes and snow melt, many are not. 

Heavy Rains: Cresting rivers, backed-up storm drains, or saturated ground can cause significant floods. Heavy rains can contribute to flash floods, which are the number one weather-related killer in the United States. A flash flood is a rapid flooding of low-lying areas in less than six hours. Heavy rains also increase the chance of mudflows, rivers of liquid, and flowing mud.

To learn more about your risk for flooding and how to prepare for floods, visit FloodSmart.gov/floodrisks or www.lehninsurance.com

Realtor's and Flood Insurance

Help Protect Your Customer’s New Home
What to Know and Say About Flood Risk and Flood Insurance
Buying a new home can be confusing, which is why potential buyers rely on you, their Realtor,
to help them protect their financial investment. Flood risk and flood insurance are important
topics that homebuyers should consider early in the home buying process.
Understanding Flood Risks
What you should know.
• Floods can happen anywhere, at any time.
• A floodplain, or Special Flood Hazard Area, is land at a high risk of a major flood.
• This area is also called a 100-year flood zone. The term can be misleading. It
does not mean that a flood will occur only once every 100 years. Rather the area
has a 1 percent or greater chance of a major flood occurring in any given year.
• On average, properties in a Special Flood Hazard Area have a 1 in 4 chance
of experiencing a flood during the lifetime of a 30–year mortgage.
• You can access flood maps in a number of ways:
 – Contact a community official
 – Visit msc.fema.gov
 – Call 1-800-358-9616
Flood Insurance Basics
What you should know.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program enables homeowners, business
owners and renters in participating communities to purchase federally
backed flood insurance.
• Federally backed flood insurance is available to communities that adopt
and enforce floodplain management standards to reduce flood damage.
• Flood insurance is sold and serviced by approximately 90 private insurance
companies in more than 21,800 communities nationwide. No matter which
company is used, the price for a given level of coverage remains the same.
• Your customer can purchase flood insurance for both the building and its
contents. Flood insurance covers residential buildings up to $250,000 and
non-residential up to $500,000. Contents coverage can be purchased up
to $100,000 for residential buildings and $500,000 for non-residential.
• The typical 30-day waiting period for flood insurance coverage to become
effective is waived at the closing of a loan or if there has been a change
to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
• Flood insurance in excess of the $250,000 federal limit may be available
through other insurance companies.
• Residents in non-participating communities can purchase flood insurance
from private insurers.
What you should say.
> Anywhere it can rain, it can flood.
It is important to know your
property’s flood risk and your
insurance options.
> Most homeowners insurance
doesn’t cover floods.
> Damage from flooding affects
thousands of homes every year —
and it can be costly.
> Even if you aren’t required to
purchase flood insurance, it
could be a good option because
your home could still be at risk
for flooding.
What you should say.
> T alk to your insurance agent about
your flood insurance options and
how your flood insurance premium
might be different from the seller’s.
> Flood insurance usually is available
from the agent who sells your
homeowners policy.
> Visit FloodSmart.gov or call
1-800-427-2419 to find
an agent and learn how to
prepare for floods

Garage Sales Dos and Dont's

Garage Sales Dos & Don’ts…

December 19, 2014

inShare

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to clean out what you no longer use and have a garage sale, be sure to take these helpful Dos and Don’ts into consideration.

That’s it — the last holiday gift is unwrapped and there is no place to store it! If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to clean out what you no longer use and have a garage sale, be sure to take these helpful Dos and Don’ts into consideration.

DO

• Some shoppers show up very early, so be sure to lock garage and exterior doors before the sale starts.
• Price items individually or group them together by price. Write “FIRM” on the price sticker if it is not negotiable.
• Keep valuable or fragile items close to your home or the space you have designated as the “check out” area, to keep an eye on them.
• Shoppers will want to test out electric items, so have an extension cord handy. (But keep it taped down for safety, to help avoid trips and falls.)
• After you’ve completed the setup, step back and look the area over to be sure pathways are clear and trip hazards eliminated.

DON’T

• Do not use a cash box if you do not have one person designated as a cashier. Use an apron with pockets or a tool belt to keep change and bills separate.
• For safety, pets and young children should not be in the yard during your sale.
• Unless you already know the shopper, it is not wise to allow them in your home to use the bathroom, get a drink of water or test out an electronic item.

If you have some items that did not sell, be sure to donate them to a non-profit and ask for a receipt. Most donations qualify for a tax deduction in the calendar year that you file your taxes.  However, if you are holding onto items because you have frequent yard sales be aware that your homeowners policy excludes liability claims that arise out of, or in connection with, a business.

Do you have so many sales that it is a profit-making venture?  Check with your agent to see if purchasing a separate business liability policy would be a good way to put this concern to rest. The Insurance Information Institute provides guidelines for determining the coverage you need.

Reprinted from Tower Hill Insurance

For more info contact www.lehninsurance.com