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Florida Insurance Blog

HOA and Condo Insurance: What You Need to Know

The idea of getting both HOA and condo insurance in Panama City Beach, FL seems redundant. But the truth is, they are two different animals. Most HOA insurance policies protect the condo building and its common areas.  They don’t protect your personal items. You need condo insurance to cover the gaps.

The Differences Between Condo and HOA Insurance

Both types of insurance coverage have their benefits. But, when they work together, they accomplish more. That’s why it’s important to know the difference between the two. For instance, there are two basic types of HOA insurance:

  • Studs-out coverage: This is the basic HOA policy discussed earlier. It covers the outside of the building and areas like the roof, elevator, lobby, and pool.
  • All-in coverage: This coverage has the same coverage as studs-out coverage but with a little extra. It also covers the walls, floors, ceilings, cabinets, and lighting fixtures in the condo.

Condo insurance, on the other hand, goes a little deeper. It typically covers:

  • Personal property: Your furniture, clothing, electronics, and other personal items
  • Dwelling: The inside of your condo, like the walls, floors, ceilings, etc.
  • Liability: The damage that happens if someone gets hurt in your condo. It also covers you if you accidentally damage someone else’s stuff.  
  • Loss of use: This involves the additional living expenses you accumulate if you have to move out temporarily.

As you can see, condo and HOA insurance are two halves of the same coin. They work together to give you the best coverage possible. To get the right condo insurance coverage, you must:

Check your HOA insurance policy to see what it does and doesn’t protect

  • Read your policy carefully to get a good understanding of the terms, conditions, etc.
  • Ask one of our trustworthy agents at Hall Insurance in Panama City Beach, FL any questions you have.

Hall Insurance Is Here To Help

Bridging your coverage gap with condo insurance is a smart way to protect both your condo and belongings from unexpected events. Call us to learn more about how our agents at Hall Insurance can help you bridge your coverage gap.

What Happens if I’m Sued After Causing a Wreck?

If you’re ever involved in a car accident in Panama City Beach, FL and are pretty sure it was your fault, you will undoubtedly be stressed. If the other driver or pedestrian you hit was seriously injured, then your insurance may be maxed out. What does that mean? It means that the victim may opt to sue you for the remaining costs of their medical bills. So, what exactly happens if you’re sued after causing a wreck?

You Will Be Required to Go to Court

If you’re sued after causing a car wreck, you will be required to go to court. Be sure to inform your insurance company, who will provide an attorney to represent you. If you don’t wish to be represented by the assigned attorney, you can always hire your own. You will go to court, the victim will plead their case, and any possible witnesses will testify.

You May Be Ordered to Pay Additional Money Out of Pocket

You will be allowed to defend yourself and have your own witnesses testify on your behalf if there are any available. Once all testimony has been heard and the judge is ready to make a ruling, you should prepare yourself, as you could be ordered to pay additional money out of pocket. Your insurance company, whether it’s Hall Insurance or another agency, will only pay a certain amount to the victim, according to your plan, and you will be required to pay any excess. 

Hall Insurance Is Here For You

Being sued because of a car accident will undoubtedly cause a great deal of turmoil. However, the right insurance company will provide you with adequate legal counsel who can keep any out-of-pocket costs to a minimum. If you’re in Panama City Beach, FL, we at Hall Insurance would be glad to have you as a client. We treat all our customers with the same stellar service and are ready to extend that same service to you. Contact us today.  

Do I Need Commercial Car Insurance When I Drive My Personal Vehicle for Work?

At Hall Insurance, we help you determine whether you need commercial car insurance for the personal vehicle you use on the job. We serve the greater Panama City Beach, FL community, and we are experts who know that that decision can be complicated. 

If you use your personal vehicle just to drive to and from work, you’re okay with a personal auto policy. But under most circumstances, when you use your personal vehicle while on the clock, you need a commercial auto policy.

Policies for Employers and Employees

As an employer who drives your own personal vehicle, talk to us about insurance that does not only protect your vehicle in the event of a collision. There may be a policy to protect your business assets if you or an employee is in an accident while driving a personal vehicle. As an employee, do not assume that if your employer has commercial auto insurance you are covered. 

Why Learn More About Commercial Car Insurance

Florida law mandates that all who have a commercial vehicle policy also have personal injury protection. This coverage pays for medical bills or funeral expenses due to injury or death if someone else is injured in an accident when you are the driver.

Be Specific About How You Use Your Vehicle

For us to know what coverage you need, we ask detailed questions about how you as an employee or an employer use your personal or business vehicle. Failure to let your insurer know exactly how you use your vehicle when you purchase insurance could result in any claims not being paid.

We Are Here To Help

Hall Insurance competently serves clients in and around Panama City Beach, FL. Reach out to us for your commercial insurance needs.

My bike was stolen! Will home insurance reimburse me?

Our team at Hall Insurance hates thieves! Unfortunately, even those neighborhoods in Panama City Beach, FL and its nearby areas with good security fall victim to property theft from time to time. This includes bike theft as even bikes locked up or considered secure in a locked fenced-in area can be stolen. The good news is that if your bike is stolen, your home insurance may step in to help recover the costs. The following is a look at what you’ll need to know about your home insurance policy to see what and how much they can help in the event of a stolen bike:

Understanding the Terms of a Home Insurance Policy for Bike Theft

Most importantly, if your bike is stolen from your property, the very first thing you need to do is to call the non-emergency police number and have an officer come out to file a police report. Having a police report in hand about your stolen bike makes it easier to claim your bike should you find it trying to be re-sold at a pawn shop, used bike store, or by an individual online. Most insurers will also require a police report in order to start the claim process on a stolen item.

Other things to look at when filing a claim with your home insurance company for a stolen bike are:

  • Personal property coverage. This is the specific type of coverage that will be used to reimburse you for a stolen bike. Some policies will only reimburse stolen property that was stolen from the home or a locked garage. 
  • Proof of ownership and value. When filing a claim, you’ll likely need to show a picture of you with the bike or a receipt listing you as the owner. This receipt will also be used to determine the value of the bike.

Learn More About Home Insurance

For more information about what is and isn’t typically covered by your Panama City Beach, FL or other Florida neighborhood home insurance policy, give our team at Hall Insurance a call!

What You May Not Know About Condominium Insurance

Insurance can be a bit confusing at times. It is why having a team like Hall Insurance on your side is so valuable. This includes those who may own a condominium in the Panama City Beach, FL area. Our professionals can help protect your investment and provide critical liability coverage should a visitor get injured while on your property.

Condominium insurance, however, does have its share of misperceptions.

Here are a few things you may not know about condo insurance:

Association Insurance is Not Enough

Sure, your HOA is likely to have insurance, but this is only designed to cover common areas and exterior structures. You will need your own condo insurance to cover your furniture, valuables, and personal belongings as well as the interior of your unit.

You Are Responsible From the Walls and Inward

Condo insurance will cover your investment from the walls and inward. This includes mechanicals, appliances, and personal belongings.

It Offers Protection from Liability Claims

Should a visitor, contractor, or delivery person slip and fall or otherwise become injured while on your property, the liability coverage of condo insurance can help cover legal fees and damages.

You May Be Able to Purchase Assessment Insurance

Associations can sometimes levy large assessments to cover major repairs, like ones needed after storm damage. Add-on association assessment insurance may be available to help protect you from these unexpected costs.

We Can Help!

There are differences between home insurance, renter’s insurance, and condo insurance. Hall Insurance is serving the Panama City Beach, FL area and can help you understand the nuances. Contact us today for a review and quote on protecting your condominium investment.

Safe driving tips for new drivers

Safe driving skills are important for new drivers to learn here in the Panama City Beach, FL area, as they set the foundation for how they will operate a vehicle in the future. As such, there are some tips from us at Hall Insurance that all new drivers should keep in mind when they are first getting behind the wheel. 

First and foremost, new drivers should always obey traffic laws and speed limits. This is essential for staying safe on the road and avoiding potential citations or accidents. It’s also important to remain aware of one’s surroundings at all times so that a driver can react quickly if necessary. This includes being mindful of other vehicles and pedestrians, as well as keeping an eye out for animals or other obstacles in the road. 

It’s also important to make sure that your car is properly maintained before getting on the road. New drivers should inspect their tires regularly, be sure to check their brakes and oil levels often and ensure that all fluid levels are topped off when needed. By taking these simple steps, new drivers can help prevent potentially dangerous situations while driving, such as engine failure or tire blowouts. 

Finally, it’s essential for new drivers to practice patience while driving. This can include allowing extra time for stops and turns, leaving room between cars to avoid rear-end collisions and being mindful of aggressive or reckless drivers on the road. 

Reach Out To Us

By following these safe driving tips for new drivers, you can help ensure a smooth transition into becoming a confident driver on the roads! For more tips, give us at Hall Insurance a call today. We are proud to serve the Panama City Beach, FL area.

How Does Commercial Insurance Relate To Certain Properties?

On your way to work, have you ever wondered if that hospital over there has insurance? They certainly ask for yours, don’t they? How about that farm? Is the land insured or just the buildings? You’re pretty sure they’re all covered by some type of insurance, but what type? Hall Insurance in Panama City Beach, FL is happy to help.

Insurance Coverage For Commercial Properties

Commercial insurance relates to buildings and land that serve a commercial purpose. This could include hospitals, office buildings, retail stores, Sam’s Club, warehouses on the river, doctor offices, hotels, farms, and apartment buildings to name just a few. What else does commercial insurance do?

What About The Grass Upon Which A Business Sits?

Earthquakes and floods aren’t rare. They are infrequent enough, though, that insurance companies ask for flood insurance as well as earthquake insurance for your business. 

Hurricanes, on the other hand, are regularly scheduled, so to speak. There’s a warning when one is approaching an area. There are things to do that help protect a building in a hurricane, quite unlike flooding or an earthquake. Thus, most commercial insurance covers hurricane damage. 

Are Empty, Dilapidated Buildings Insured?

Empty warehouses, barns, shopping strip buildings, and other seemingly abandoned structures stand empty for many reasons such as financing. However, they, too, are susceptible to fire, theft, flooding, and other destructive events. Commercial insurance is a good idea if the owners don’t want to lose their money.

Does Commercial Insurance Deal With Mold Or Dry Rot?

Mold can be caused by leaking pipes. Dry rot, fungus, and mold are generally covered only if it’s caused by a circumstance described in the policy. 

Reach Out To Us!

Hall Insurance wants your Panama City Beach, FL commercial property to be well protected. Come in and talk to us or call about commercial insurance. We’re glad to help.

Tips to make your house more energy efficient

Making your Panama City Beach, FL area home energy efficient can be an intimidating task, but it can also be rewarding when you start saving on your energy bills.

Here are some tips from us at Hall Insurance to make your house more energy efficient: 

1. Get a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit is the first step in making your home more efficient. An auditor will come to your house and give you recommendations on how to make it more energy-efficient. 

2. Install Insulation

Proper insulation is key in keeping your home comfortable year-round and reducing the amount of energy you use for heating and cooling. 

3. Replace Old Appliances with Energy-Efficient Models

Replacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient models can drastically reduce the amount of electricity and water used in homes. 

4. Utilize Natural Light

 Take advantage of natural light whenever possible by installing skylights or windows that face south for maximum solar gain throughout the day. 

5. Upgrade Your Lighting

Switching out incandescent bulbs with LED lights or CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) is an easy way to reduce electricity usage while still providing adequate lighting throughout your home. 

Reach Out To Us

By following these simple tips, you can make a big difference in how much energy you use each month and save money at the same time! For more energy-saving tips or to explore a homeowner’s policy that meets both your needs and your budget, give us a call at Hall Insurance today. We are proud to serve the Panama City Beach, FL area, and we’ll be glad to assist you. So don’t wait, call today!

The top exclusions condo owners should be aware of under their condo insurance.

If you are a condo owner in the Panama City Beach, FL area, you must understand what is covered by your insurance policy and what might be excluded. The agents at Hall Insurance have compiled a list of the most common exclusions in condo insurance policies. 

Condo Coverage Exclusions

Luxury items 

While your policy will cover your personal property, there may be an exclusion or small limits for items considered luxuries such as jewelry, fine art, or electronics. So, checking your policy to see if you have coverage for luxury items is essential. If not, you can often add coverage or take out a separate policy for those items. 

Floods and Earthquakes

A condo insurance policy will not cover claims due to a flood or earthquake. However, with events like floods and earthquakes becoming increasingly common, condo owners should consider taking out separate policies. 

Vacant condo 

If you do not occupy your condo full-time, it is essential to see if your policy covers you when it is vacant. It is common for insurers to exclude coverage if you do not occupy the condo for more than 30 days. So, if you are away from your condo for more than 30 days, please let your carrier know to ensure you have coverage. 

Failure to maintain 

One of the most important things you can do as a condo owner is to ensure you regularly maintain your home’s condition. If you suffer a loss due to failure to keep your condo maintained, your insurance carrier may not provide coverage. For example, if you do not repair an active leak and mold starts to grow, your claim may be denied. 

Any Questions? We Are Here To Help!

If you’d like to learn more about condo insurance coverage, you can contact an expert at Hall Insurance today. We proudly serve the Panama City Beach, FL area. 

Quick Auto Insurance Stats and Facts

Curious about auto insurance? Like automobiles, auto insurance is a relatively new concept but has had a huge impact on society. We’ll cover some of the basic stats and facts but if you have any questions, contact Hall Insurance, serving Panama City Beach, FL and other areas nearby.

The Earliest Known Insurance Plans

The oldest known insurance plan in the world was issued in 1347 in Genoa, modern-day Italy. Of course, cars weren’t being insured, but instead maritime shipments.

America’s First Auto Insurance Plan

The first auto insurance plan was offered by Traveler’s Insurance Company in 1897 to Gilbert J. Loomis and was issued in Dayton, Ohio.

Over 200 Million Americans Have Access to Car Insurance

IBISWorld reports that roughly 215 million Americans are covered by car insurance. This represents the bulk of the American adult population. The auto insurance industry is believed to be worth $300 billion.

Nearly 300 Million Cars Are On The Road

It’s estimated that roughly 290 million cars are on the road in the United States. The average age of a car is about 12 years. 

Car Accidents Are Sadly Common

Unfortunately, roughly 6 million car accidents occur each year. Thankfully, many of these accidents won’t result in extensive property damage or serious injuries. “Fender benders” are common. Still, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in more than 35,000 fatalities per year.

New Cars Are Getting More Expensive

As of 2022, a new car costs an average of roughly $48,000. Over the years, many vehicles have gotten bigger and are now packed with more technology than ever before. This has resulted in increasing prices. Used cars have also gotten more expensive over time, costing roughly $30,000, on average, in 2022.

Want to learn more about auto insurance?

Get in touch with Hall Insurance, serving Panama City Beach, FL.

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