What are the benefits of getting farm insurance?

The farming and agriculture industry continues to be extremely important as it helps to ensure that people all over the world are able to gain access to healthy food. At the same time, those that own farms in the Pinecrest, FL area also own large businesses that could be quite valuable. If you are in the agriculture industry, it is important to protect your farm with proper insurance. There are several benefits that come when you get a full farm insurance policy. 

Liability Protection

If you are an owner of a farm, you are going to be taking on a lot of different liability risks. This could include risks that someone could be injured while they are on your farm or if a product you sell causes an injury or illness to another party. Since the damages associated with this risk could be serious, you will want to make sure that you are properly covered at all times with a farm insurance policy. 

Coverage for Assets

Another reason that you should get farm insurance is that it will give you coverage for your farm’s assets. A farm owner is going to invest a lot in different assets that are needed to build and operate the business. To ensure that these assets are protected, you will need to get farm insurance as it will give you a certain level of coverage for your business assets.

There are a lot of reasons that you should get a farm insurance policy. When you are looking for this insurance, you should reach out to the team at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. The team at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. can help farm owners all over the Pinecrest, FL area get into insurance policies that protect themselves and their investments. 

Why should I get auto insurance in Florida?

In the Pinecrest, FL area, people will have plenty of access to a lot of local amenities. In order to get around quickly and efficiently, you will need to own a car. When you are looking for a car, you should also spend time thinking about your insurance needs. There are several reasons why someone here should get an auto insurance policy. 

Provides Coverage for Vehicle

One reason that you should get auto insurance in Florida is that it can protect your vehicle. Any vehicle will require you to spend money on the purchase, maintenance, and service. To protect this investment, you need to protect your car with insurance. A full collision and comprehensive insurance policy can provide you with the coverage you need to mitigate the risk of theft or accident damage.

Coverage for Liability Risk

Another risk that you should mitigate is the risk of liability. Those that drive a car are going to frequently take on the risk that they could cause damage in an accident. If this occurs, you will need to pay for the associated damages. Fortunately, you can offset this risk if you are able to get an insurance policy. Auto insurance will include a certain level of auto liability protection that can provide you with ample coverage. 

Having auto insurance in the Pinecrest, FL area is clearly a very important responsibility. If you are looking for a new insurance policy here, you need to make sure you choose the right policy that meets your needs. As you are looking for a new policy, you should call Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. When you speak with Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. you can learn a lot more about what your options are and how you can best mitigate your personal risks. 

How to Create a Safer Home Environment

Home insurance from Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. will protect your Pinecrest, FL home from outside elements that can damage your dwelling or belongings. By improving home safety, you reduce the risk of accidents from within. Here are a few ways to make your home a safer place to live.

Declutter

Clutter not only looks bad, it increases your risk of accidents. If you have clutter in your hallway or stairs, get rid of it today. You’ll augment your living space and create a safer home environment for you and your family.

Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Make sure your Pinecrest FL home has working smoke detectors in the kitchen and hallways, upstairs and downstairs, as well as a carbon monoxide alarm. Check these regularly to ensure they’re working properly to protect you against fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.  

Upgrade Window and Door Locks

Check the locks on windows and exterior doors to ensure they’re still functioning. If not, upgrade them to enhance home security. Install deadbolt locks on exterior doors as an extra precaution against theft and intrusion.

Store Medications in Safe Location

If you have children in the home, store your medications in a locked cabinet, out of sight and out of mind. Little ones can be very curious. You don’t want your children getting into your prescription drugs, either on purpose or by accident.

Improve Home Ventilation

Poor ventilation can lower air quality in your home, making you more susceptible to respiratory illnesses. To improve ventilation, install ceiling fans, and open windows whenever possible. Good ventilation will keep moisture and mold at bay to prevent health problems.  

Measures that improve safety and security in your home could help lower your home insurance costs. To learn more about home insurance for your Pinecrest, FL home, contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. today.

How Does Flood Insurance Work?

Flood insurance is the type of coverage, the purpose of which is to protect your home, your personal belongings, and financial wellbeing in case if your house is damaged by water. Flooding remains one of the most common natural disasters in the United States, which makes flood insurance so important to have. On average, a flood can cause up to $25,000 worth of damage.

The way flood insurance works is similar to your auto or home insurance. If the flood occurred and caused the damage, you need to document everything, file a flood insurance claim, and let a licensed adjuster have a look at the damage in order to process the claim you filed. Once everything is done, your insurance company will give you a check for the damages and you will be able to use it to repair the house and restore whatever was damaged or destroyed. 

It is also important to know that standard home insurance does not cover flood damages. Therefore, even if you have your homeowners’ insurance already, you still need to purchase flood insurance separately to protect your home from a flood. 

There are two ways to purchase food insurance – either through The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through one of the private insurance companies of your choice. Even though it is not required to have flood insurance in Florida, it is still highly recommended to get one because the entire state of Florida is in a flood zone. 

If you are a resident of the Sunshine State and you are looking for a reliable insurance agency to purchase flood insurance, Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. serving Pinecrest, FL is ready to assist you. Whether you live in Pinecrest, FL or any other surrounding town, give Hamilton Fox & Company Inc a call today to discuss how you can protect your home and belongings from unpredictable flood events. 

Home Insurance Coverage Specifics for Pinecrest, FL Homeowners

As a homeowner, it’s essential to have a homeowner’s insurance policy. Mishaps and emergencies can occur at any time, and it’s best to be prepared. Here are the facts you need to know about the coverage specifics for home insurance in Pinecrest, FL.

As the owner of the policy, you determine the coverage amounts for:

  • Dwelling
  • Medical payments
  • Liability

Choosing Your Deductible

Your deductible is the amount of funds you will pay out-of-pocket before your insurance provides coverage. Some deductible amounts are based on a certain percentage of your home’s value while other deductibles are based on dollar amounts. Home insurance deductibles apply to damages your home or belongings sustain. These deductibles cannot be applied if you are being sued or an individual is injured in your home and files a medical claim against you.

Getting Adequate Coverage

When you’re considering getting home insurance, think about your home’s replacement cost. The replacement cost of your home is the number of funds you would need to rebuild your home if it is damaged or destroyed. Make sure you are considering the correct replacement cost and not the market value of the home. The replacement cost of your home is better to consider than the market value of the home because replacement cost provides more protection. In most situations, the cost of rebuilding the home is more than its market value.

Dwelling coverage is a part of insuring your home. Use your home’s total repair cost as the dwelling coverage limit. There are different online calculators that will help you with determining costs. It may be in your best interest to hire an appraiser to give you a definite answer on the replacement cost of your home.

Here at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., we provide Pinecrest, FL residents with reliable home insurance, including, auto, home, commercial, and other insurance types. We know the importance of home insurance, and we are here to help meet your needs for an excellent insurance option. Contact us today to learn about our insurance solutions and how we can help.

Smart Tips for Creating a Safe Business Environment

When you own a business in Pinecrest, FL, you’re responsible for the safety and security of your employees. Depending on the nature of your business, you’ll need to put measures in place to create a safe working environment. These tips from Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. can help you get started.

Encourage Awareness

Promote safety awareness amongst your workforce to motivate them to be safety-minded. Encourage them to report hazardous conditions or situations that can lead to accidents. Take prompt action to correct these situations to create a safer work environment.

Make Contingency Plans for Disasters

Develop a plan for what to do in the event of a disaster. Designate emergency exits for employees and mark them accordingly. Conduct quarterly or bi-annual drills for vacating your business in the event of a disaster so everyone knows what to do in a crisis.

Uphold Health Standards

Educate your workers on health, safety, and cleanliness and encourage them to uphold these standards to prevent sickness and accidents.

Maintain Business Building and Workspace

Inspect your business environment periodically to see if there are upgrades that need to be made to improve safety. Clear walkways of clutter, add rubber padding to stairs, and make sure stairs have secure, slip-proof railings. 

Support Policies on Sexual Harassment

Make sure employees are aware of policies concerning sexual harassment and ensure your HR department is upholding these policies. Encourage an atmosphere of courtesy and respect in the workplace to create a safe, positive environment.

Protect Your Pinecrest, FL Business with Commercial Insurance Coverage

Talk to your Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. agent about commercial insurance to protect your Pinecrest, FL business against theft, accidents, and disaster damage. Commercial coverage protects your business assets so you can have the confidence to invest in its growth and expansion. 

Who Has to Carry Workers Comp Insurance?

If you’re looking for a worker’s comp insurance policy and have questions call the friendly agents at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., in Pinecrest, FL.

Worker’s comp insurance is designed to help workers who get injured or become sick because of their job or workplace. The insurance pays for worker’s medical bills and a portion of their lost wages, vocational rehab, in the event of death the funeral and burial costs are also covered. Sometimes workers comp cases end up being settled with a lump sum of money. If it appears or if it does go on for a long time (years) a settlement will be offered by the insurance company who represents and holds the policy for the employer.

Small Business and Workers Comp

If a small business is also an independent business and the only person working at the business is the owner worker’s comp insurance is not needed. If the small business has a co-owner in cases that a  policy is needed specifically if one person’s name appears on all the businesses document. If the business has one employee or 300 workers comp is needed.

Large Businesses and Workers Comp

All large businesses that employ at least one person must have worker’s comp insurance. The amount of money an employee must pay for each employee far out weights the amount of money it would cost to pay out of pocket if a worker got injured or sick on or because of the job.

Except in the States of Alabama and Missouri, businesses aren’t required to have workers comp unless they have five employees. Unless it is a construction business then regardless of the number of employees the insurance is necessary.

If you need a worker’s comp insurance policy call Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. in Pinecrest, FL call today to set up an appointment.

How to Talk to Your Employees About Workers’ Compensation

No matter the size of your business, you likely want to provide some kind of security for your employees in the event they become injured or sick from conducting their job activities. It can be tricky to figure out how you should discuss these matters with people who work for you. Here are a few tips on how to do so accurately and with compassion.

Workers’ Compensation in Pinecrest, FL

In the state of Florida, all businesses with four or more employees must offer worker’s compensation. All construction companies are required to provide this insurance to all of their employees, even if they’re contractors. Make sure to tell your employees that the laws only cover those illnesses and injuries that arise during the course of employment, though it doesn’t have to occur in the workplace. This includes when they’re running errands for the company, at a work social function, or traveling for business. If any of this is confusing and you want clarification to be able to give your employees all the facts, we can help at Hamilton Fox & Company Inc.

The Complexities for Workers’ Comp Claims

There are a variety of injuries and illnesses that are covered by workers’ compensation which includes the following:

  • Occupational diseases occurring as a result of the conditions in the workplace (i.e. cancer and lung disease from being exposed to toxic chemicals)
  • Cumulative trauma from repetitive stress or strain injuries from conducting the same physical tasks repeatedly
You may bring this up to a new employee if they ask about workers’ compensation, and it’s also necessary to give him or her a document that explains the workers’ compensation benefits that are in place.
 
Be Professional and Helpful
 
At Hamilton Fox & Company Inc., we strive to explain insurance policies and benefits in a way that is accessible for everyone to understand. This way, you can take it back to your Pinecrest, FL area employees and reduce stress.

 

 

Boat Insurance for residents in Florida

Boat Insurance provides coverage in an event of damage or loss to your boat. Most types of watercraft are covered under this policy, however; do check with your local Florida licensed insurance agency if your specific watercraft is covered or not. Typically, personal watercraft, kayaks or canoes are not covered in boat insurance policies.

A boat insurance policy should provide for property damage and bodily injury liability. This covers you in the event of damage caused by you to someone else, their boat or property. Collision damage covers for repair or replacement of your boat and comprehensively provides for compensation for non-collision related incidents such theft of vandalism. Additional coverage options such as on the spot assistance, oil spills or medical payments can be also be added to the primary boat insurance policy. Most policies come with a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance policy kicks in.

Most marinas require you to have boat insurance for you to use their docks. Similarly, if you are financing your boat, the lender will require you to have boat insurance. The passengers of your boat are also covered under the liability portion of the insurance policy. The type of boat you have, your age, location, gender, previous history and more will all contribute to the boat insurance premium rate you are offered. An experienced insurance agency such as Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. serving Pinecrest, FL can guide you with boat insurance. Their agents are experienced in all the requirements and guidelines for boat insurance in the state of Florida. The best way to get in touch is to give them a call. The phone number for the Pinecrest, FL office for Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. is available on their website. The agent will be glad to assist you.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

According to Hamilton Fox & Company Inc. in Pinecrest, FL, umbrella insurance gives extra coverage when your policy does not cover a particular situation or when your insurance plan has hit its limit. Imagine how it feels when your insurance provider declines your claim. 

Umbrella insurance provides a safety net in such a situation. The question is, what exactly does umbrella insurance cover? Umbrella insurance covers personal liability, lawsuits, damage to property, and injuries to a third party.

Personal liability

The policy covers personal liability for which the existing plan does not cover, especially in a situation where you are not directly at fault. A good example is a situation where your friend knocks down someone in your car. Most auto insurance policies will not cover the damages caused by someone else. Even though you were not the one who drove the vehicle, it is your car. So, you’ll be held liable. Umbrella insurance can be of help here.

Lawsuits

Umbrella insurance does not cover all lawsuits, but it covers the ones for false detention, wrongful imprisonment, wrongful arrest, slander, libel, or malicious prosecution. It means that if someone sues you for any of the crimes listed above and relevant insurance policy cannot cover it, and umbrella insurance will kick in. 

Third-party injuries

If you cause someone’s injury, you should foot the hospital bill and also compensate the person. But, what if your current insurance policy cannot handle it? You’ll fall back to your umbrella insurance.

Damage to property

The policy can also help in the situation when you damage other people’s property. A good example is when you mistakenly run your car into a stationary vehicle out of impatience and negligence. Your umbrella policy can help in the situation. 

How the insurance works is a little complex, you may need further clarification from your insurance provider. So, if you need further explanation, contact Hamilton Fox & Company Inc.in Pinecrest, FL.