Motorhomes vs. Campers, What’s The Difference?

As beautiful as St. Augustine, FL may be, sometimes you just want to head out for a trip in the wild. If you’re considering buying something for those long camping trips, you may be wondering what the difference is between a motorhome and a camper.

What it really comes down to, as far as the law is concerned, and as far as an insurer like Tim Huber insurance is concerned, is the engine.

If you pull it, it’s a trailer, and you don’t need to insure it unless you want to.

If it has a motor in it, it’s a motorhome. It’s really as simple as that.

Which One Is Right For You?

If you’re just looking for something you won’t have to insure, there you go. But of course, there’s a lot more that goes into the decision than that. One major point to consider here is the size of the camper.

A camper is going to be somewhat restricted in terms of size. It needs to be small enough that you can pull it with a standard-sized vehicle, which means that it’s not going to be as roomy as some of the larger RVs available. This might not be a big deal if you travel light, but if you’re hoping for a full bathroom-and-kitchen setup, you might be somewhat limited. You’ll also want to consider that motorhomes are built to pull all that extra weight, your car might not be.

If you’ve selected a vehicle to spend your summers away from St. Augustine, FL in, Tim Huber Insurance can get you set up with a policy to protect your motorhome and everything in it. Give them a call and see what they have for you.

What Kind Of Home Insurance Do I Need?

At Tim Huber Insurance in St. Augustine, FL, we don’t just offer insurance policies to our clients, we also make them understand every detail. Home insurance is one of the most confusing types of insurance and that is because there are so many factors to consider when choosing your home insurance coverage.

One of the most frequently asked insurance questions is what kind of home insurance do I need? The best and the most honest answer to the question is “it depends on a lot of factors”. In fact, you and your next-door neighbor living in the same kind of apartment do not have to purchase the same home insurance policy.

So, we can only guide you. The best person to decide the most suitable kind of home insurance policy for you and your family is you. However, we will point you in the right direction by telling you the important things to consider.

Understand what is covered in every policy and what is not covered. For instance, when you are living in a condo, you don’t have to choose a policy that covers a garden and patio when you don’t have one. The additional coverage will raise the cost of your insurance. So, why should you pay for what you are not enjoying?

It is also necessary to ask for the special limits in every policy and know the items that are limited. You should also ask for the list of perils covered by every home insurance policy. It is a common practice for insurance companies to list out what a certain policy covers and they will also list out what the policy doesn’t cover. There’ll always be certain perils that are not mentioned on both sides. Take the time to find out where these perils belong (are they covered or not?).

For more information about home insurance, you can schedule an appointment with us at Tim Huber Insurance in St. Augustine, FL. We will be glad to inform you and help you make a great home insurance choice. 

Commercial Insurance for Home-Based Businesses

Many aspiring entrepreneurs make a wise decision to run a business from their home, or in their garage, to keep their business overhead costs low when they first get started. Right after making such a very good decision to save money by not renting office space, the majority of them then make a huge mistake.

Over 60 % of home-based business owners do not have commercial insurance. Why is this a huge mistake? They rely on their homeowner’s insurance policy and this extremely dangerous. Homeowner’s policies do not cover any commercial operations at all. If you check your home insurance policy, you will likely find a specific exclusion that says it does not cover any commercial activities.

Imagine this nightmare scenario. The equipment that you use for a home-based business has a short circuit. The electrical short starts a fire. Your house burns to the ground. Since this was caused by equipment used for your business, you may lose everything!

Be one of the smart ones who start a home-based business with proper commercial insurance for it. Consult with your agent at Tim Huber Insurance, serving the St. Augustine, FL area, to get a comprehensive commercial insurance review and a quote. You may be surprised how reasonable it is to protect yourself and your business. It is certainly unwise not to protect yourself with adequate insurance.

The basics of commercial insurance include worker’s compensation if you have any employees, commercial liability insurance, and property/casualty insurance. You will also need commercial vehicle insurance if you use any vehicles in your business.

Call your agent at Tim Huber Insurance in St. Augustine, FL to discuss the types of commercial insurance that are appropriate for your new home-based business. Then you can sleep well at night knowing your business and your home are both protected properly.

Does your vehicle qualify for classic car insurance?

Most people understand that as soon as you drive a new vehicle off the dealership’s lot, it begins to depreciate in value but classic cars actually appreciate in value over time which means your insurance coverage will be different.

People who embark on becoming classic or antique vehicle owners understand they will not be driving these vehicles on a daily basis. You will need a specialized insurance policy for your classic car and here is a roundup of the information you need to know while seeking an insurance policy.

Check Eligibility

To qualify as a classic car, your vehicle must meet some criteria, including the fact that it must be between 10 and 24 years-old. It must also have a historical interest, such as it is a sports car, hot rod, or muscle car.

To qualify as an antique vehicle, it must be 25 years old or older with the same type of historical interest as classic cars must possess.

Limit the Use

Your vehicle must be used only on a very limited basis, such as driving or hauling it to a classic car show.

Restore and Preserve

Your vehicle must be restored and preserved to its original condition or in the process of undergoing the restoration process. Some insurance agents may reject your vehicle for coverage if it is not in top-notch condition and being maintained properly.

Proper Storage

Your insurance policy will probably require that your classic or antique car be stored properly inside an enclosed building.

Understand Your Policy

Understanding your policy is imperative to ensure your investment in a classic or antique car is protected. Your policy will cover liability, collision, comprehension, and medical payments. You can always request increased coverage options if you so choose.

Call Your Agent

The insurance agents at Tim Huber Insurance in St. Augustine, FL are ready to assist you in obtaining the proper coverage for your classic car and can answer any questions you may have. Call today for more information.

Do Tourist Attractions Need Umbrella Insurance?

Anyone who owns a business knows to have liability insurance is crucial, however, there can be instances where liability insurance alone isn’t enough to cover a scenario where there are injuries or accidents causing substantial damages to occur. In these cases, having umbrella insurance can offer great protection. 

Owning a Tourist Attraction has Risks

Anywhere there is a tourist attraction, there are people coming to visit. This creates a potentially hazardous situation for the owners of the site, which is why purchasing a comprehensive liability and umbrella policy will create a blanket of protection to help with any potential legal expenses. If there are a large number of visitors to any site or business, umbrella insurance is a must. If this type of coverage isn’t in place, consult with a professional insurance agent to begin finding policy options to fit current and future needs. 

Get Help Finding Insurance

Although it is possible to get coverage without assistance, it isn’t recommended because there are many things to understand about a policy that the average person won’t understand. That can lead to situations where the policyholder can run into trouble. To avoid these types of situations, work with an agent who can explain the fine print and basic terms and conditions so there is a clear picture of the coverage that will be in place. Those who live in the St. Augustine, FL area, can count on the agents at Tim Huber Insurance to guide them through this process. 

Get the coverage necessary to have peace of mind if you own a tourist attraction. Call or stop by the office of Tim Huber Insurance, serving the residents of St. Augustine, FL, today to get more information about coverage options. 

What Should I Do After A Flood?

Flooding is unfortunately a hazard familiar with St. Augustine, FL residents. After the waters recede, it’s difficult to know how to recover. We at Tim Huber Insurance want to make sure our readers get the best start to their flood recovery efforts with these tips provided by the American Red Cross. 

Stay Informed

If you live in an evacuated area, do not return until you’re told it’s safe. Local news and weather radio stations will often carry updates about when evacuated areas are safe to enter. Take time to let loved ones know you are safe. Inform your insurance company as early as possible to begin the claims process.

Return Safely

Inspect the outside of your home and property for any unsound structures. When in doubt, don’t risk entering. If you notice downed power lines avoid stepping in any water and report them to your power company. Don’t use any electric or gas appliances until they’re inspected.

Clean Up Smartly

Be cautious about where you put your feet and hands; dangerous insects and animals will often hide out inside after a flood. Wearing rubber gloves and boots can help prevent accidental injuries from broken glass and furniture. You should throw away any food that has come in contact with floodwater and don’t drink from the tap. As you clean, take pictures and document any damage for your insurance claim.

Take Care of Yourself

It’s too easy to ignore your emotional well-being when faced with a crisis. Make sure you and your loved ones take breaks to decompress. Reach out to disaster recovery services to assist yourself and others, especially those who have disabilities or lack transportation. 

Floods are always stressful, but flood insurance can provide a little more peace of mind. If you live in the St. Augustine, FL area, let Tim Huber Insurance make sure you’re prepared.

Do I Need Insurance for My Condo? If so, Why?

Although a condo isn’t a stand-alone residence, you’re still required to carry condo insurance if you don’t own your condo unit outright. Generally, a mortgage company will require you to carry insurance as a way of protecting their financial investment in your condo in the event that something happens to your unit. However, if you own your condo, you may not be required to carry condo insurance. However, it’s a good idea to know the difference between homeowners’ insurance and condo insurance.

Condo Insurance 

Condo insurance only covers the actual unit and not the exterior halls or structure. Some policies may also cover installed structures like granite countertops and wood floors. You’ll need to purchase insurance on both the contents of your condo and the structure itself. Condo insurance will also cover three main areas: medical payments, loss of use, and personal liability. The exterior areas or common areas of the condo or usually covered by the condo owners association. These areas are usually maintained through monthly fees that owners pay to the Condominium Association. However, each condo association will have different rules and as a result, cover different things. A Tim Huber Insurance representative can answer many questions for St. Augustine, FL residents regarding condo insurance and condo owner’s associations. 

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance covers the house as well as any other personal property. This includes sheds, garages, and any other property attached to the home. In addition, homeowners’ insurance also covers property that can’t be used or lived in as a result of some circumstance or event as well as medical payments. It also covers personal liability.
 
The Similarities…

Although a condo differs from a conventional residential home, you are still legally required to carry condo insurance if you don’t own it. Condo insurance covers the interior components of your unit only, whereas homeowner’s insurance covers the external areas of a conventional home as well. 
 

Choosing Your Life Insurance Beneficiary

Choosing Your Life Insurance Beneficiary

Choosing a life insurance policy can be complicated enough, and choosing a beneficiary can be even harder. At Tim Huber Insurance, serving St. Augustine, FL, we’re here to help you understand your life insurance policy, and how it can help those you care about after you’re gone. Check out these tips for choosing your beneficiary:

– Think about the purpose of your insurance policy. If your goal is to provide for your family, your spouse or an adult child may be the best option. If your goal is to give to charity, a trusted member of the charity’s board of trustees may be a good choice. 

– Update your beneficiary regularly. As your life and circumstances change, you may also change who you’d like your estate to go to in the event of your passing. For example, if you’re married and name your spouse your beneficiary, but they pass away, you need to name a new beneficiary. 

– Understand your options when it comes to choosing a beneficiary. You are able to name more than one person. 

– Name a secondary beneficiary. In the event that your primary beneficiary passes away or refuses to accept the money, it will be up to a court to decide where your money goes. Having a secondary beneficiary takes care of this problem. 

Call Tim Huber Insurance, Serving St. Augustine, FL

If you’re ready to start protecting your assets and your loved ones with a life insurance policy, we’re here to help. Call Tim Huber Insurance, serving St. Augustine, FL, or stop into one of our offices to chat with an agent about how we can help with your life insurance needs. 

The Basics on Annuities: Are They Right for You?

If you are reaching retirement age, annuities may be a good tool to guarantee an income for the rest of your life. Annuities are contracts made between you and an insurance company rather than through an investment company. 

Simplified Retirement Income

Annuities can be a simple way to turn over a sum of money to get a steady income every month, depending on your contract, in exchange. They are especially helpful for people who are retired and no longer work. There are different annuities such as variable, fixed and more. It is good to understand the basics of annuities with a financial planner assisting you. Once you have a contract set up it is easy to collect income every month for the rest of your life. Many retirees enjoy the simplicity of it and it can be beneficial well into your retirement years.

Annuities Help Those Who Need Them

If you are wealthy and have a good deal of money saved, you may not need annuities. Also, if your Social Security and other assets are substantial enough, annuities may not be something to look into. If you are in good health however, annuities can be a way to have an income into old age and also to help spouses and heirs. It is advisable to consult with financial advisors. Understanding charges, fees, and conditions can get confusing and it is a best practice to have trained professionals that can guide you through it.

If you are shopping around for a carrier and need help understanding if annuities are right for you, contact Tim Huber Insurance of St. Augustine, FL to speak with one of our representatives. We can help you make the most of your retirement financial planning and help walk you through all the complex details of annuities. Give us a call to set up an appointment today.

Preparing Your Home for a Hurricane

When a hurricane is approaching in St. Augustine, FL, there are some things you want to do to prepare your home.

Stormguard the Home: Take steps to fortify the home against downpours and nasty winds. Clean out cutters and make a plan to move outdoor furniture. Depending on how much time you have to prepare, you may also want to strap down the roof, make window covers or storm shutters, caulk around windows and doors, and test drains and sump pumps.

Safety-Proof Landscaping: Plants and landscaping can be vulnerable during a hurricane. Trim trees and shrubs to reduce the chances of windblown limbs. Tie down small trees and shrubs to prevent them from uprooting. When it’s time to replace gravel drives or paths, consider replacing them with bark since windblown gravel can damage the structure.

Review Insurance Coverage: If a hurricane is already coming your way, it can be too late to change insurance coverage so just review the coverage you have. Home insurance policies can vary so if you have questions, speak with an agent at Tim Huber Insurance. Once a storm has passed, be sure to start preparing for the next one and have the right coverage. Remember that home insurance won’t cover any flooding and you may need to purchase a separate wind policy.

Inventory Your Home: Document the contents of the home both inside and out. The best way to do this is with photos and videos. If you do have to make an insurance claim after a storm then you want evidence to support the claim. Another option would be to create an inventory of possessions that also includes the appraised value for expensive items. Store this along with other important documents somewhere safe from the storm.

Contact Tim Huber Insurance serving St. Augustine, FL to get a quote on home insurance.