Why does a business in Florida need workers comp insurance?

Being a business owner in the Pinecrest, FL area can be a great way to earn a living. When you start a business, you will want to know that you have appropriate insurance at all times. When looking for insurance here, worker’s comp insurance is one type of coverage. This type of coverage will provide excellent support, which should be considered a necessity for various reasons.

Provide Protection to Employees

One of the reasons you should get a worker’s comp plan for your business is to provide protection for your employees. The primary purpose of this type of coverage is to ensure your employees have the care and support they need if they are injured while working. This can include covering medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. 

Comply with Law

It is also a good idea to have a worker’s comp plan so you can comply with the law. In Florida, all businesses of a specific size are required to get this insurance if they have employees. If this insurance does not cover you, you will violate the law and can face various penalties, which could impact your business reputation. 

As you are looking to build a business in the Pinecrest, FL area, there are many forms of insurance that you will want to get, and talking with our team at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. can be a great way to start the process of obtaining a new policy. When you speak with our team at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., you will receive ideal guidance and support to help you build your next policy. 

How the Age of Your Boat Impacts Boat Insurance

Boats are assets that owners love and hate at the same time. When you are out on an open body of freshwater or out on the ocean, there is nothing like being on a boat. That being said, you need to factor in things such as maintenance, repairs, and insurance. Boat insurance is something you want to consider if you own a boat in Pinecrest, FL, and surrounding areas. The team at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. can help you understand how the age of your boat impacts the insurance.

Boat Insurance and Age Connection

There is a connection between the age of your boat and boat insurance. With boat insurance, every insurance carrier will be different in terms of how the age of the boat impacts things. Some insurance companies will not provide insurance for a boat if it is over 20, 30, and especially 40 years old. It all comes down to their risk appetite.

Factors Outside of Age

There are also going to be other factors outside of age that will have an impact on boat insurance. Some of these factors include the type and usage of the boat. If you have a boat with multiple engines, that insurance risk will be higher than a smaller boat with a single engine. The vessel’s location will also come into play regarding how it impacts the insurance.

Pinecrest, FL boat owners need to consider various variables as they consider boat insurance. The age of your boat will impact things, and the team at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. can help you understand the impact and learn about boat insurance overall.

Who Needs Umbrella Insurance?

Liability coverage is included in most types of insurance, such as homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance, and auto insurance. What do you do if your liability insurance is not enough to pay for claims made against you or your family members? This is where umbrella insurance comes in.

What is umbrella insurance?

Most people who have heard about insurance know what liability insurance is, but what exactly is umbrella insurance? Umbrella insurance is an extra type of liability insurance. If you have a house, car, boat, or other things that require insurance, you most likely have insurance to cover those. 

If you are in an accident caused by something you did and the damages or cost of the claims are higher than your liability insurance, then umbrella insurance steps in to cover the rest of the expenses so that you don’t have to. 

The same applies to home insurance. If something happens on your property to another person and the costs are higher than what your home insurance will cover, then your umbrella insurance helps cover the rest of the costs. There are many more examples, but you get the idea.

Who benefits most from umbrella insurance?

Umbrella insurance sounds like a wise idea, but not everyone needs it. If not everyone needs umbrella insurance, then who is umbrella insurance for? 

Many factors affect whether or not umbrella insurance is right for you. The most decisive factor is your net worth. A helpful rule of thumb is if your net worth is over $500,000, then it might be a smart idea to have umbrella insurance. This is because the more money you have, the more likely you are to end up with a lawsuit.

Contact us

If you want to see if umbrella insurance is right, contact us at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. in Pinecrest, FL. We will be happy to provide more information or give you a quote.

Why is umbrella insurance important?

People who own and drive cars have auto insurance that protects them in case of an accident. People who own houses have homeowner insurance that covers their home, other structures, and personal belongings in the event of a natural disaster or other types of damage or accident. Sometimes these types of insurance are not enough. This is where umbrella insurance comes in.

What is umbrella insurance?

Umbrella insurance is an extra type of liability insurance. Suppose something happens on your property because of your driving or because of your actions, and the costs exceed your base insurance coverage. In that case, umbrella insurance can cover the rest of the expenses.
Umbrella insurance sounds like a wise idea, but it is not suitable for everyone. You might not need umbrella insurance if your base auto or home insurance is enough coverage for your liability risks. If you have a high net worth and things that will put you at a higher risk of a lawsuit, you might want to consider getting umbrella insurance.

Why is umbrella insurance important?

Umbrella insurance is needed because if something happens and the liability costs exceed your base coverage, you could lose a lot financially. If you have umbrella insurance, the costs would then be covered by umbrella insurance instead of being paid out of your pocket.

If you have any of the following things that put you at a higher risk of liability, you might want to consider umbrella insurance.

  • Swimming pool

  • Dogs

  • Boat

  • Trampoline

  • Anything that puts you at a higher risk of a lawsuit

Contact Us

If you are considering whether an umbrella insurance policy is right for you in Pinecrest, FL, stop in or contact us at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc for more information.

Why Every Business Should Invest in Workers Comp Insurance

Imagine how your Pinecrest, FL business would run without employees. Employees are a formidable asset to any given company. Running a business devoid of workers is rough. Since your employees are the most critical component to the survival of your business, you should protect them in every way possible.

You are liable for your worker’s security and safety as an employer. You may be deemed responsible if an employee gets injured or becomes sick while working for your business enterprise. With this in mind, workers’ comp insurance is critical. Ready to protect your employees with worker’s comp insurance? Connect with us at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. to safeguard your most prized asset. Here are the benefits you accrue from worker’s comp insurance.

Compliance with the law

Florida law mandates that any business venture with two or more workers should carry workers’ comp insurance. This policy helps employees who are recuperating from occupational injuries or illnesses. It also guards employers against civil suits filed by injured or ailing employees.

Protects you against lawsuits

Business owners are aware that litigations can have devastating impacts on their businesses. It can drain business finances, time, and energy. Litigation can also negatively impact the business owner’s relationship with the employees, investors, and clients. Workers’ comp insurance is a paramount safety net against lawsuits.

Safeguarding your business finances

Not many business ventures can survive the brunt of work-related injury costs. Regrettably, one substantial work-related injury can cause unbearable financial ruin to your business. Worker’s comp insurance cushions a business owner from the severe financial burden of paying for employees’ medical care, saving you significant finances and loss of productivity.

Protect your employees

Besides abiding by state-mandated requirements, workers’ comp insurance provides additional benefits for your employees and their families. If your worker cannot work after a work-related injury, this policy will cover the cost of wages during the employee’s recovery period. It also covers the medical care of your employee. 

Purchasing workers’ comp insurance in Pinecrest, FL is a wise move to safeguard your employees and business entity. Please call or visit us at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. today to buy an affordable workers’ comp insurance policy.

 

Don’t Put Your Livelihood at Risk – Get Farm insurance Today

Are you an individual who farms for a living? If so, being self-employed requires you to have protection for your farm. Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. is an insurance agency that serves the area in and around Pinecrest, FL. We can protect your farm with the insurance you need in case of a disaster.

Agriculture is among one of the most dangerous industries and impacts society by supporting livelihoods. It provides food, jobs, and raw materials for many products and helps build a strong economy through trade.

Farm workers are at risk for both nonfatal and fatal injuries. The workers are mainly outdoors in harsh conditions providing the fuel, food, and fiber we need. They need to be protected by insurance.

Like standard homeowners insurance coverage, farm insurance will protect your home and its contents. It also provides liability protection for bodily injury, medical expenses, and property damage. Farm insurance will cover any legal fees for a farm-related injury and resulting damage.

While farm insurance provides coverage for your livestock and machinery, it does not cover your crops. Crop insurance protects farmers against financial losses due to unforeseen perils that arise from crop failure or losses beyond their control. This coverage is administered by the USDA Risk Management Agency and offers many different plans for crops and livestock.

If farming is your livelihood of choice, make sure you are protected. Without this coverage, you run the risk of financial devastation. So many things can impact its success. A weather event, insect infestation, or diseased cattle can significantly harm a farmer.

If you live in or near Pinecrest, FL allows the insurance professionals at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. to discuss with you further how you can benefit from this vital protection. Contact them today. You will be glad you did.

Three things to do if your auto is damaged in a hurricane

If you live in the greater Pinecrest, FL area, Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. is here to help you with all of your insurance needs. Hurricane damage is a real threat in our area, and we want to help you be prepared! Give us a call today and find out more.

Three things to do if your auto is damaged in a hurricane

When people think about hurricane damage, they usually focus on damage to their homes. Unfortunately, a hurricane can also damage your vehicle. If you find your car damaged by a hurricane, do these three things immediately!

  1. Get to safety. This is the first and most important thing to do if you are in a damaged car during a hurricane. If you need to leave your vehicle, get to a safe spot as quickly as possible.
  2. Arrange for towing when necessary. Call a tow truck if your vehicle is damaged to the point where it can’t be driven. Be sure to take your damaged vehicle to a repair shop your insurance provider approves.
  3. Call your local insurance agent. Working with a local agent can help you get your auto repaired or replaced with less stress and headaches. They can also help you throughout the claims filing process.

Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage to your home, auto, and property. Be sure to prioritize your safety first!

Call or stop by today!

Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. is here for the Pinecrest, FL community. Consider us a resource for all your insurance questions and call us today and schedule an appointment, or stop by our office to find out more.

Does My Home Insurance Cover Home Repairs?

Florida sees its share of natural disasters. Hurricanes, lightning, and other events can cause damage to your home. Some issues are so severe you can’t address them on your own. So, does your come insurance cover these home repairs?

What Home Insurance Handles

According to the insurance experts at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., your home insurance policy covers damages connected to fire, theft, wind, lightning, and some hurricane damage. The costs it handles depend on two factors. One is your initial selections and deductible limits. The second is what the insurance adjuster determines to be the repair costs.

What Home Insurance Doesn’t Handle

Home insurance policies for Florida homes do not cover repairs for storm-related floods. You must have a flood policy to handle this natural disaster. Mortgage companies don’t approve financing for flood-prone homes without a policy.

On top of this, purchasing hurricane insurance is a good idea if you live near the ocean or a large water tributary. By doing this, you blanket your property to minimize additional costs. 

What You Need To Cover

Whether it’s a home, flood, or hurricane policy, make sure you carry significant coverage to handle the following:

  • Your dwelling
  • Detached units, like a shed, separate garage, or guest bungalow
  • Personal property such as furniture, electronics, and jewelry
  • Living expenses to pay for temporary housing during repairs

You have much to consider when choosing the right policies for you and your family. In most cases, you don’t want to do it by yourself. In the end, it’s better to speak with subject matter experts in the insurance field.

If you’re ready to purchase additional policies, or want to upgrade existing ones, contact representatives at Hamilton Fox & Company for assistance.

Can I get flood insurance if I don’t live in a flood plane?

Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. is here to meet the insurance needs of the residents in Pinecrest, FL, and the surrounding areas. If you have questions about flood insurance, we are here to help. There are many reasons why someone may want flood insurance, even if they don’t live in a flood zone. Give us a call today to discuss this topic!

Obtaining flood insurance in non-flood plane locations

When you live in a flood zone, it will be very apparent that you need flood insurance. Your mortgage provider will likely require that you have such a policy as a condition to close on your house.

But what happens if you live outside of a flood plane? Several benefits come with having a flood insurance policy in place, no matter where you live.

Most homeowners’ policies don’t provide coverage for damage caused by flood waters. This can mean that if a flood damages your house, you will have to come out of pocket to pay for the repairs. No one wants this to happen, which is why many people outside of a flood zone have a supplemental flood insurance policy.

This extra insurance can make a massive difference if your home is damaged because of a flood. Want to find out more? Give us a call today.

Call us today with your flood insurance questions!

Many residents in the Pinecrest, FL area can benefit from having a flood insurance policy in place. The Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. team can answer any of your flood insurance questions. Contact our office or stop by today to find out more. 

What Are the Most Common Home Insurance Claims?

Most home insurance claims fall into two categories: property damage or personal injury. Property damage claims are common, and they can be anything from a hailstorm to a broken water heater. Personal injury claims are less common but can be serious and costly. They might include an injury from a fall on slippery steps or something as simple as a sprained ankle from a tripping hazard. For help, consult Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. in Pinecrest, FL. 

More About the Common Home Claims 

Flooding and lightning strikes are the most common home insurance claims, accounting for about 40 percent of all claims. Water infiltration and freezing pipes are the most common causes of flooding. Falling trees and outdoor property damage cause about one-third of all claims. 

Accidental damage by a guest or family member is the most common cause of falling tree claims. Pets cause everything from allergic reactions to property damage. Children’s unintentional injuries, such as fires, can also become part of the common claims. 

About 20% of claims are due to fire, and 20% are theft or vandalism claims. The remaining claims are split between various causes, such as falling objects, earthquakes, or contractor errors. How do we avoid these claims? Most claims can be avoided by following best practices around your home, especially during high-risk weather events. 

Home insurance policies usually have a clause stating that you are not covered if you are negligent in maintaining or using your property. Tying up loose ends, like unplugging your holiday lights when you’re not using them, can help prevent falling objects from damaging your home or being claimed on your insurance. 

Bottomline

Property damage, such as a fire or water damage from a pipe burst, is the most common type of claim. Ensure you find a policy that fits your needs, and shopping around for a policy is an excellent way to start. Property insurance claims can range from a cracked foundation to a hailstorm that wreaks havoc on your home. The most common property insurance claims can be prevented with upkeep. You also want to be sure you’re filing your claims correctly. For any questions in Pinecrest, FL, contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc.