Florida Insurance Reviews

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Florida Insurance

With literally thousands of auto insurance companies offering coverage to motorists in the state of Florida, it is no wonder that drivers may feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to purchasing a policy. A large company and a small agency operation both have their pluses and minuses. By utilizing insurance reviews, you will be able to make a well informed decision that will protect you, your loved ones and your property in case of a collision.

When in the market for insurance, a large company may seem like the best option for many drivers. Many have service centers that are open twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. This allows for anyone at virtually any time and place to call and make a claim. This is done through a 1-800 number and the company’s customer service center. Besides the convenience of the customer service availability, reviews normally stress the pros of siding with a large insurance company as bigger discounts, more money to pay out for claims and services that can be accessed through a home computer.

For those seeking a more personal face-to-face experience, opting to purchase insurance through a small agency could provide this as opposed to a big faceless corporation. Often called “regionals”, a small auto insurance company is at less risk for financial cataclysmic losses that large corporations are more exposed to. Small-scale operations typically tend to work a harder at keeping their reputation in good standing, which is another benefit to siding with one of these companies. Other pros emphasized in reviews include quick turnaround time for sending out agents for claims and caution when entering new markets, which allows for better underwriting of policies.

Reviews of insurance companies are never without a negative side. The bigger corporations that offer coverage to the majority of motorists on the road generally face their biggest challenge of timeliness. Because they serve a larger amount of people, the time it takes to receive, process and handle claims is substantially more than a smaller business. Companies that service larger areas are also at risk for greater catastrophic occurrences like natural disasters that can bleed financial reserves dry. While customer service representatives may be available around the clock, the quality you may receive could leave you frustrated if you do need to make a claim.

The cons to siding with a smaller agency, while different in comparison to a big corporation, are still there. When a region-wide disaster hits, the business could be financially strapped when it comes to paying out for claims. Often found in negative reviews of smaller companies is the option of policy management through the use of the internet. Many “mom and pop” operations are unable to set up websites comparable to those put in place by bigger agencies.

While reviews are a wonderful source to utilize when looking to purchase an auto coverage policy, auto insurance companies typically operate on a case-by-case basis. There are many factors involved with auto insurance like your credit rating, marital status and driving record. It is advised that you take the time to not only read reviews but also review your own insurance policy on a regular basis. This allows you to receive the best possible insurance rates for your driving habits.

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Insurance Options for Florida Small Business

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Florida Insurance

Contrary to popular belief, there are insurance options for small businesses. For those companies that have a smaller amount of employees, there are small business insurance plans. Regardless of the size of a company, there is always the threat of something unforeseen happening. These types of threats could come in the form of burglary, product liabilities, or nature itself. It is vital that you have protected yourself from these types of threats to your livelihood. There are insurance plans that can cover you from the above mentioned threats, as well as others. The following information outlines some of the types of insurance that your business should have, regardless of its size.

Property protection is one of the greatest forms of insurance that a small business should carry. There are any number of losses that you could be susceptible to, including fires, floods, an earthquake, and sometimes, theft can be covered, as well. If you own the building that you occupy, you are required by law to carry this coverage. If, on the other hand, you rent your business space, your landlord is responsible for offering you this coverage.

Liability coverage is another coverage that is just as vital. This type of coverage ensures that, should one of your products or services injure a buyer or client, it will be covered. This is known as product liability insurance. Also, should someone become injured due to something such as a slip and fall within or on your premises, you are covered for this, as well, if you possess general liability coverage.

Unknown to many, there is also business insurance that covers loss of income due to having to close temporarily. This can be in case of a fire in your building or some other natural disaster. Victims of floods and other acts of nature protected when they have no control over the disaster that caused them to experience an interruption to their normal business routine.

Umbrella insurance covers typical things that your average insurance does not, such as if you experience a theft, but your coverage only pays a portion of your losses, the umbrella insurance becomes effective and will take care of the portion that your normal insurance does not. This can also cover such things as extra liability or worker’s compensation.

Small businesses, just the same as the larger corporations, like to be able to offer their employees health benefits. Sometimes this is not possible, as the premiums are too high for the number of employees that they have. If you shop around, you will find that there are indeed companies that offer small business health insurance, regardless of the number of employees of the company.

By shopping diligently, you are certain to find the type of insurance and the rate of premium that is right for you. Simply be sure to note that the coverage that you ultimately choose insures all of your assets and employees effectively and efficiently. Always be sure to understand your policy before signing.

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Selecting a Florida Life Insurance Policy

Posted on April 7, 2012 by Florida Insurance

Buying and talking about life insurance can be difficult for some people. No-one wants to think about not being around with their family, or losing a partner. But the reality of life is that it can happen and a family can be left without a breadwinner to support them if the worst happens to you or a member of your family.

When looking at a life insurance policy there are a few tips to consider to make the process a little simpler and to also get the best premium and policy for you.

  • Firstly do not lie or exaggerate on your life insurance policy! You need your life insurance to pay out quickly without any hassles should the worst happen. At such a distressing time you will not want your family to be in a legal wrangle over insurance payouts and protection. If you have a medical or pre-existing condition you must disclose this information at the time of application. Also should your circumstances change you need to update your policy with your provider.
  • Work out adequate cover. Look at your salary and your mortgage payments and expenses. What is the amount your family will need to be able to be supported? You want your family to not have to worry about meeting the mortgage payments and paying the bills should the worst happen.
  • There are two main types of life insurance. Whole life and Term life. Whole life policy will be more expensive but this covers you for your whole life and pays out quickly with little or no issues. Term life is a cheaper premium but the downside it has a limited payout term of between 15-30 years. Once the term expires the policy is nil and void and no money is paid out. You will need to start again with another policy and receive no money back or investment.
  • Talk it through with your partner. It’s not the easiest talk to have but they will be grateful that you are taking responsibility to look after the family you leave behind. If you talk to someone and have your partner involved it can be a joint decision where both of you feel safe in the knowledge of having adequate protection

Speak to your insurance provider about life insurance options and the best policy for you and your family. Make sure you read and fully understand your policy of what will and won’t be paid out. If you have any questions your insurance provider will be more than happy to answer them for you.

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Insuring Novice Drivers in Florida

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Florida Insurance

For those individuals whom have just received a license to be able to drive, there are specific insurance policies tailored to fit their exact needs. These policies cover such things as damage due to an accident and injuries, if any are caused. Because this insurance is created with the novice driver in mind, premiums are normally much higher. This can depend on many various factors, one of which is the age of the individual obtaining the insurance.

This does not mean there are no discounts for novice drivers. This only means that you will have to hunt for better discounts, as they are available. Only sign the insurance paper and pay your first premium when you are absolutely sure that you have found the best insurance for your situation.

Obviously, safety and the amount of risk involved are major factors that an insurance company will take into consideration when calculating the amount of an individual’s premium. New drivers are normally teenagers that have just been granted the right to drive. Because they lack years of driving experience, they are considered at higher risk of filing a claim, and therefore their premiums may be higher. It is important that novice drivers are educated about the responsibility of driving, as any offenses, even minor, can cause insurance premiums to skyrocket.

To best prepare for driving in the real world, parents can send their teenagers to proper driving instruction schools and also to safe driving classes. This type of preparation can lead to a safe driver discount. There are many things, such as these, that can be done to ensure a lower premium for a novice driver.

If the novice driver is a good student in school, this can also be applied as a discount at many reputable agencies. For those maintaining a B or above, discounts can range as high as 25% off the original premium. Knowing that there are many different discounts available for novice drivers can really help you to keep your novice driver’s insurance premium’s low.

Another such discount is by simply adding the new driver onto an existing policy, such as a parent would add on their newly driving child. This ensures that both parent and child have a lower overall premium to pay.

One thing to keep in mind throughout all of this is that the final say in the price of the premium will belong to the agent, and they can base their decision heavily on the make and model of the car being driven. It is best to get a student driver an older vehicle that has safety features installed.

Cars that are older are much more difficult to drive fast. This puts the insurance company at a much lesser risk. If they feel there is no risk of a claim, the insurance premium will again be lower.

Most teens and new drivers want to have the best of the best; but, driving an older vehicle for a while will allow them to save up for a nicer car in the future.

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A Quick Glance At The Big Four Businesses For Short Term Health Insurance In Florida

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Florida Insurance

The key advantage of short term health insurance is that you’re keeping your financial future, safe, in case you get sick.

There are several reasons that you may choose short term health insurance at some stage of your life. But you have to be careful. Short term health insurance offers limited benefits and coverage. Another thing is that this plan type can’t be renewed. If injuries or illnesses do occur and your health plan expires, they may not be covered under a new health insurance policy.

According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the top four Accident & Health writers in Florida, year ending 2009, include:

  1. Blue Cross & Blue Shield
  2. Humana Medical Plan
  3. United Healthcare
  4. Aetna Health

This is according to premiums. The health.usnews.com website confirms this data and the rankings are still the same, earlier this year.

So let’s examine why. What are the differences?

Blue Cross & Blue Shield

According to the Blue Cross & Blue Shield website, “BCBS companies are improving quality of healthcare while controlling costs via Blue Distinction®, a national designation program that recognizes medical facilities demonstrating expertise in delivering quality specialty care.”

Blue Cross & Blue Shield has also launched a “Blue National Doctor & Hospital Finder App for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch”, which allows the user to search for healthcare providers, nationally.

The “AskBlue” tool on the Blue Cross & Blue Shield website promises “a personalized summary of the kind of insurance plan that matches your needs and pocketbook” with plenty of options along the way including contacting a sales rep at any stage and obtaining the quote with or without sound.

At the end of the quoting process, “AskBlue” recommends a plan which the customer will confirm and finalize if they want to go ahead with that plan… by ringing the phone number provided. The website is clear and intuitive to use.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield offer short term health insurance with their “SelecTEMP® PPO” plan. You decide on the time frame – anywhere between one to six months and budget – including length of coverage and a deductible amount, i.e., a fixed amount that you are required to pay before health care benefits begin.

Humana Medical Plan

I had a weird experience when trying to get onto the Humana website and finally accessed their details through www.healthplanone.com. However this seemed flawed as well.

United Healthcare

The third in the rankings, the United Healthcare website is informative with content-rich options for whatever situation you happen to be in: unemployed, individual, family; and who you are: an employer, broker or physician.

United Healthcare even offer another website, myhc.com within their website – a “One-Stop Site for Health and Wellness”.

With the Golden Rule® Short Term Medical plan, you can drop your insurance at any time without penalty. Other flexible benefits include: a range of deductibles, payment options and length of coverage – one to four months.

Aetna Health

Aetna Health is the third largest health insurance company in America. This is reflected in their broad range of health insurance products. Their site is content-rich with a lot of helpful user options.

Aetna Health doesn’t distinguish between short and long term plans. They simply offer flexibility in length of coverage as well as in Aetna’s other options – in all their individual insurance plans.

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Auto Insurance Company Ratings

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Florida Insurance

There are several criteria by which automobile insurance companies can be rated. These can include financial strength of the company, customer service, the cost of premiums and claims processing.

One of the most important factors to consider is the financial strength of the company. When a company is financially strong, it is a stable carrier that ensures that all claims will be honored. An unstable company may be on the verge of bankruptcy and therefore may not be able to pay its claims. Another factor to consider is the ability of the company to provide all the coverage that is mandated by the state. In Florida, minimum coverage is $10,000 for personal injury protection, and $10,000 for property damage liability. Additional coverage might include bodily injury liability and compensation for the insured’s vehicle in case of an at-fault accident. When looking at coverage, it is important that these minimums are included as well as any other options that may include a replacement car for when a vehicle is being repaired after an accident or coverage for younger drivers. It is also important that whatever coverage is chosen, that the price for the coverage is reasonable and affordable. Companies can charge different rates for the same level of coverage, sometimes based on the claims history of the vehicle.

One last factor to consider when rating an automobile insurance company is customer service. How quickly a company responds to and how well a company handles a claim are important issues to consider. Being involved in an automobile accident can sufficiently disrupt your life so you want an insurance company that is prompt, pleasant and easy to deal with.

Geico is one of the better automobile insurance companies in Florida. The company’s roots began in the 1930s during the Great Depression, focusing on federal employees and certain categories of enlisted officers. Since it was purchased in 1996, the company has expanded its offerings and product lines and now serves the general public. Quotes can easily found online and policies set up within minutes. A.M. Best rates Geico an A++.

Progressive is another top-rated automobile insurance company in Florida with a rating of A+ from A.M .Best. With its beginnings in 1956, Progressive has always offered innovative services such as being the first to allow customers to pay premiums in installments and to offer drive-in claims service as well as 24 by 7 online claims service. Policies can be purchased from the company either online, by phone or through independent insurance agents.

Another top-rated company for automobile insurance in Florida is Esurance. The company was founded in 1998 and took its business online the following year, becoming one of the top names in online auto insurance by offering convenience, affordable rates and high quality customer service. At the height of the dot-com era, it grew from serving only four states to 30 today and expanded its technological offerings to provide online insurance shopping and an overall experience with automobile insurance that is user-friendly and hassle-free.

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Guaranteed Elderly Life Insurance

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Florida Insurance

As comedian Bob Hope once famously quipped, “You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake”. But the reality of aging is no laughing matter. Those of you in your “mature years” know how tough it can be to get going in the mornings, let alone manage those niggling medical conditions that don’t seem to go away.

You might also be worrying about how your loved ones will manage any financial burdens that may result from your death, or the fact that you might outlive your current term life insurance policy. By the year 2030, it’s predicted that the senior population (over 65s) will represent almost 20 percent of the American population. In Florida, one of the nation’s most populated states, the figure is projected to be much higher at 26 percent.

You might also be fretting over the fact that you don’t have life insurance at all. While some people are able to wrangle traditional life insurance after they turn 55, it’s not easy. Seniors are simply seen as a higher risk based on their age and health (or lack thereof).

The good news is that while older folk can struggle to get insurance coverage, there are alternatives. One of these is guaranteed life insurance. As the name suggests, if you are aged between 50 and 85 (in most states), you are guaranteed to be accepted. Few or no questions are asked about your health and there is no medical exam. You’ll qualify regardless of what shape you’re in or your lifestyle choices.

Guaranteed life insurance is a whole life policy, which means your coverage is permanent, your premiums are fixed and you’ll have lifelong coverage as long as you keep up the policy payments. This differs from term life insurance, which while more affordable, expires after a specified period. People can be left without cover at a vulnerable time in their lives if they haven’t got a substantial nest egg set aside.

Because insurance companies offering guaranteed life insurance are taking on bigger financial risks, they underwrite some of their risk by imposing higher premiums. So if you’re a senior in relatively good health, you might want to try other options as the last thing you need is your premium costs to outweigh the amount your loved ones will receive upon your death.

Underwriting also occurs as coverage on a guaranteed life insurance policy is limited to a modest “face value”, with payouts not exceeding $20,000. These payouts are usually specifically to cover funeral costs. Another feature of guaranteed life insurance is “graded benefits”, which means that the death benefit may not be paid out in full if you die within the first two years (accidental death being a possible exception).

As guaranteed life insurance policies vary from state to state, and from company to company, it pays to explore all your options before jumping in. Now what was Bob Hope saying?

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New Drivers

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Florida Insurance

Florida prides itself in being one of the few states who are actively working to reduce the number of teen car crashes and deaths each year. Florida State had one of the highest teen young driver accidents before introducing the Graduate Driver License scheme (GDL) for all teen drivers. In 2009 statistics showed that there were almost 30,000 auto crashes involving teens and sadly 153 lost their lives.

There is still more education and training to be done to ensure our teens are safe on Florida’s roads and highways. There are several tests, practical driving hours and regulations all young drivers need to adhere to in Florida to keep our younger generations and other Florida residents safe and unharmed.

Once a teenager reaches 15 they can apply and pass the driver’s education course. This educates young drivers on road safety, signs, dangers and risks on the roads. Once the driver’s education course has been passed successfully the young driver then needs to rack up 50 hours of supervised driving which includes a 10-hour portion of night time driving.

Once achieving this level of practical driving a teen driver can then apply for a learner’s license which must be held for one year. For the entirety of the year the driver cannot drive alone and must be supervised at all times. There are also curfew restrictions with 16-year-olds off the roads between 11pm and 6am whilst 17-year-olds need to be off the roads between 1am and 5am. There is one exception and that is if the driver needs to get to or from work but the driver must be accompanied by a supervisor at all times. At no time must there be any reading of alcohol this is a very tight zero tolerance rule.

Misbehaving and not following the rules can impact your driving record heavily. Not following the restrictions or understanding the limits of your license may mean a delay in gaining your learners or unrestricted license, points, suspension and even in some cases loss of license.

It’s a rush of excitement when you first learn to drive and the thrill of finally getting your independence can be overwhelming. Just remember that the average car weighs about 5,000 pounds. Times that weight by the speed you drive and you can really cause some damage if you aren’t driving safe, alert and fully insured.

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A Home Owner & Tenant’s Guide To Renter’s Insurance In Florida

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Florida Insurance

2009 US Census Bureau statistics show that Florida enjoys a 70% home ownership rate, slightly above the national average of 66%. According to the American Community Survey, between January 2005 and December 2009, 30% of occupied housing units were rented which equates to 2.14 million renters in Florida.

The majority of renters in Florida do not carry renter’s insurance. However, this type of insurance is relatively inexpensive, with an average policy being under $200. The tenant has the option of paying monthly installments or the total dollar amount annually.

Aside from the cost of the policy, there are really no negatives to obtaining renter’s insurance if you’re a tenant. Renter’s insurance covers three major areas: your personal property, damage to your rented property by you or a visitor/worker as well as injury to other persons that are visiting your rented property.

Personal Property

To make renter’s insurance worthwhile, take an accurate inventory of all your possessions in your rented house or unit. Estimate the cost and replacement value of each item, and then total this up. You can go too far with this process, so a rough estimate of each item or the category of items should be adequate. For example, you’re not going to price every clothing item that you own, that would simply take too long! In this case, estimate a total dollar amount for your wardrobe or a total dollar amount of what you will need to start over again.

Engrave all your electronic, computer hardware items and trade tools with a unique identifier in the case of theft. According to the idiotsguides.com website: “Most police departments have engraving pens available free of charge through their community liaison offices; they will also be able to help you determine a unique identifier that will help them identify your property.”

Damage To Your Rented Property

Renter’s insurance will cover damages to your rented property within reason. If you or a visitor accidentally chips a wall by moving a large and heavy item, for example, your insurance policy will pay the landowner for the damage. However, as a tenant, your philosophy should always be to be careful and treat your property with respect at all times.

If anyone other than a visitor damages your property, for example, a worker or trades-person, check with that person if they have any type of insurance cover for this event, as it will save you claiming and perhaps paying a penalty for the claim. It’s also a good idea to double-check with the property owner if their policy covers this event.

Visitors & Workers To Your Rented Property

Renter’s insurance can also protect you against legal and medical costs that may be incurred as a result of accidental injury to either a visitor or worker.

Again, check with the worker or trades-person and/or property owner if they have insurance to cover this event.

Please note this article is simply a generic guide to renter’s insurance. The next step is to compare insurance companies and their specific renter’s insurance policies to see what they will or will not cover and to select a policy to suit your personal situation.

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Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements In The State Of Florida

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Florida Insurance

Auto insurance is mandatory if you are registering a vehicle in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Mandatory auto insurance applies to all motor vehicles with four wheels or more. Auto insurance in Florida includes minimum coverage of $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL).

The Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law “requires you to maintain PIP/PDL insurance continuously throughout the licensing and registration period,” according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

If you have a vehicle in Florida for more than 90 days during a 365-day period you must purchase a PIP and PDL auto insurance policy. The 90 days do not have to be consecutive.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP is also known as Florida No Fault insurance and covers you, regardless of who is at fault. PIP also covers your child, members of your household and passengers who don’t have this insurance which will be most likely if they don’t own a vehicle.

If passengers do have their own PIP and are injured, they are covered under their own insurance policy. PIP also protects you while not only in another person’s vehicle, but also if are in a motor vehicle crash as a pedestrian or cyclist.

Property Damage Liability (PDL)

PDL covers damages to other people’s property in a motor vehicle crash if you or your family members were responsible for the event.

Auto insurance in Florida with the minimum coverage must also be “issued through a Florida agent with an insurance company licensed to sell in Florida,” according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Most insurance companies are licensed to sell auto insurance policies in Florida and have agents in this state. Therefore, you can probably stay with your existing insurance company when you register a vehicle in Florida.

According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the top four personal automobile writers in Florida, year ending 2009, include:

  1. State Farm Mutual – they claim to offer “more discounts to more drivers than any other insurance company,” according to their website.
  2. Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO) General – is the third largest private auto insurance provider in America.
  3. Progressive American – Available 24 hours and 7 days a week, Progressive American offer a fast, fair and better service.
  4. AllState Property & Casualty – they claim to save you money and reduce your stress levels. I had to laugh when I spotted the following on their website: “Accident Forgiveness – Had an accident? Well, it happens. Even if the accident is your fault, we can help keep your rates from going up.” And that’s not all they offer. Get a safe driving bonus if you don’t have an accident in six months! The bonus is 5% off your premium.

This is according to premiums.

In summary, this is only a brief overview of Florida auto insurance. The next step is to compare insurance companies and their specific auto insurance policies to see what they will or will not cover and to select a policy to suit your personal situation.

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